My school was Niittykumpoo School in Espoo, another city to the west of Helsinki.
This meant I had to ride the public transport system, buses and trains, so Monday was spent locating stations and trying to read timetables tables that are generally all in Finnish.
I approached Tuesday morning with an element of nervousness, as I had no idea where I was heading, and for the life of me, reading the names of each bus stop was a nightmare!
Luckily, I had an app on my ipad that works offline, so I had a general idea of where I had to get off.
One problem with the app however, is that it doesn't know about roadworks etc!
I managed to get off at the correct stop, but the app was now telling me to walk along a freeway and through a large number of earthmoving monsters!!
Luckily I found a pathway under the freeway and after walking up a snowy path, I found the school.
Looks like the soccer pitch is out of action.
They need a goalie with long legs.
The school.
Upon entering the school I was immediately struck by the friendliness of the staff, as they obviously knew that I was coming. Normally they take in larger groups, so I felt very privileged to be granted a single person tour. Everyone would shake my hand, tell me their name and let me know about their role at the school. They were obviously very proud to be here.
A CRT had this class, and the kids were making the most of it!!
Another of the rooms.
Not only do they have to find room to hang their bags, they have all of their coats and pants to hang up as well.
The lunch room. The kids are provided with free lunches every day, and it was beautiful.
A sensory room for kids with special needs.
Soft walls and floor, a very private time out room.
Recess, or 'Siesta' as they call it.
Staff supply their own coffee and tea, but it ends up being a free for all.
With Maija Sinisalo, the lovely Principal who really looked after me.
With Maria, another staff member who had brilliant English, a godsend!!
These kids spend the day answering internal calls and being assistants to the office, a task they get twice a year, and one which they relish.
A smaller soccer pitch, that they also ice skate on.
A cage where they belt around small plastic hockey pucks.
Part of the playground.
A train station is being built next door, big ramifications for this school.
Overall, a great day and a perfect introduction to Finnish schools. Although there were things happening here that to a degree are not in line with what we hear about Finnish schools, there was still so much to take home, especially in regards to Special education, which I am working in this year.
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