Hello (or Domela) Everyone,

I've settled in very nicely to Mitchell House since arriving last Monday. On arrival we were taken on a tour of the school and the Enrichment Centre so we could get our bearings. It was quite an overwhelming experience - meeting all the staff and being taken into classrooms, but everyone was so welcoming. Our pictures had been stuck up all over the school so that the children could learn our names before our arrival. While we were walking around the school they'd shout "WELCOME ANNA, MICHELLE, KATHRYN AND ZOE". I can honestly say I have never had such a warm introduction to a place.

The following day we were all given our classroom placements for the next two weeks. After that we are going to be starting the rotation of work placements around the school and Enrichment Centre. I was placed in the mainstream school with the Grade 00 (P1s). I have now been working in the class for a week and am loving it. The children are so funny and such fantastic characters. One thing I have learnt from the previous week is: don't trust cuteness. Children aren't stupid, and they will try and manipulate you! From watching the other teachers I've learnt to be a bit stricter with the children. It's not a nice feeling having to raise your voice to a five year old at times, but if you don't have respect then you're not going to get anywhere...

The children here have so much love to give. On my first day they were running up to me and giving me the biggest hugs. By the second day when I walked into class they all ran over and started shouting: "Miss Anna, Miss Anna!! Morning Miss Anna!!" . There is one boy in particular called Lechlabile who is extremely funny. He doesn't even reach up to my hip and yet he manages to cause so much chaos. Walking to lunch is always an event because he's so slow. And it's only because his legs are so short.

Apart from working in the classroom I also have to look after the children in Aftercare (after school club).  There's usually about 40 of them so it's a massive task getting them all registered. It's actually quite an intimidating experience because you're being swarmed on by dozens of five year olds, all shouting their names so they can be registered first. But after that you just sit in the playground and deal with fallouts and bashed limbs. For five hours. It's a long time but it's never dull. You're forever sticking on plasters and dealing with crying children. Some of the kids even offer to give you shoulder massages which is fantastic! And they're not bad at it either.

After our first week of work we decided that at the weekend we would like to see more of Polokwane and its surrounding area. So today (Saturday) we took part in the school hike up the highest mountain in Limpopo. The day was made even more special because we were joined by Lee - the first South African woman to ever conquer Everest. It was a huge privilege to have her walking along side us and the kids and once we reached the top she handed out South African flags to everyone. It was a great experience and a huge achievement for some of the children to get to the top.

At the summit of Iron Crown - the highest mountain in Limpopo

The view from the top of Iron Crown

A group photo with Lee