Mongrel Mob Portraits

Today was to have been a day beginning with a visit to and tour of Victoria University, 3 mini-lectures and a look round a hall of residence.  The day pretty much ran as scheduled time-wise but the enjoyment factor was seriously compromised when we had to deal with students who had broken rules and trust last night.  Whilst I was relieved that none of our students were involved in the more serious events, it made for an unpleasant atmosphere for a while as we sorted and sifted through versions of the truth.  Four students were sent home in the end.

On a much more positive note though, the tour through part of Victoria University was great.  A comment later from a member of the group said that, whilst he had previously been unsure about whether he wanted to go to Uni next year, today had served to cement in him his desire to go - he'd loved the mini-lectures, the atmosphere, the opportunity and the Halls of Residence we'd visisted and was now much clearer in his mind that Uni would be something he'd pursue.  How great is that?!

After lunch we took the students back to our accommodation to change from their uniforms (great relief on their part) then outlined the opportunities for the afternoon.  We took everyone to Te Papa first, though I took a group over to the Wellington City Gallery to see these Mongrel Mob Portraits.  Wow!  Such amazing imagery, such quality, such intensity.  We then headed to Te Papa for a journey through "Gallipoli - The Scale Of Our War".  Some students were moved to tears as they progressed through the exhibit, few (if any) were left unmoved.  Another wow, though for very different reasons.  The sculptures are huge and so incredibly life-like, right down to the pores on hteir skin, hte hairs on their arms and the sweat on their brows.  But more compelling were the stories of the soldiers themseleves and the story of the Gallipoli invasion.  Difficult to summarise in a few sentences so it's probably best that you just go along and experience for your self if you possibly can.

Another great day.