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Mr. Halbesma3rd Grade Teacheremail: mhalbesma@scarsdaleschools.orgG’day students, Mums, Dads and Guardians.
My name is Mr. Halbesma (but you can call me Mr H) and I will be your 3rd grade teacher for 2015-2016. I am very excited to be teaching you this year and to be working at Quaker Ridge Elementary. As you have probably guessed from my greeting I am not from The United States. I have travelled with my family all the way from Australia. I am taking part in a one year teacher exchange with Mrs. Johnson who is currently teaching in Australia at Redhead Public School – you might like to GOOGLE it. I’m sure you have lots of questions and I will be more than happy to answer them when the new school year starts, but in the meantime I will tell you a little bit about myself:I was born in a town called Kurri Kurri
I now live in a town called Wangi Wangi
I have taught at a school called Gumly Gumly
And I have lived in Wagga Wagga
I have been a teacher for 12 years
I have two children, Maggie 8 and Eric 6 and my wife’s name is Tania
In Australia we spend a lot of time at the beach, kayaking on Lake Macquarie and I love to ride dirt bikes in the bush
I have never felt snow (do you get snow here?)
My philosophy on teaching is simple – the classroom should be a fun and safe place for the student. I have always taken the approach of making the child feel comfortable by acknowledging their individuality and tapping into their interests. Once they feel accepted and safe then anxiety to take risks and try new things is greatly reduced and they can enjoy the challenges their learning presents.
I look forward to this wonderful opportunity of working with you and your family over the upcoming year. See you on the 2nd September and enjoy the rest of your break!
