New Boy
Synopsis
The only thing harder than Joseph’s first day of school in Ireland was his last day of school in Africa.
Please note, due to licensing agreements, New Boy is viewable in the U.S., and Canada only. Directed by Steph Green, stars Byron Kumbula, Fionn O’Shea, Norma Sheahan, Olutunji Ebun-Cole, Simon O’Driscoll, Sinead Maguire.
Keywords: New Boy, films, Steph Green, relationships, student, teacher and school
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Is it our responsibility to make strangers feel welcome? And how much of that responsibility falls on the shoulders of the stranger himself?
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Comments (8)
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Third graders should be held accountable
As a parent, concerned citizen, and an educator myself, I truly feel that each and every one of those students, that were involved in the plotting of the attack on their teacher should be held accountable for their evil undermined thoughts! I don’t think this matter, should receive a slap on the wrist just because of their ages. If they are doing this in third grade, just think what will arise as they grow older. My suggestion is to send them to a “BOOT CAMP” for at least three weeks to scare them straight. This way, they will have an opportunity to think about what they were about to do. In our society, there are laws and consequences. They must understand that you can’t do what you want to do and get away with it. This punishment would certainly fit the crime.
A concerned parent, citizen, and educator …
How do we learn to love one another?
I disagree with the concept of sending any child into a situation designed to break their will by force, using fear to perpetuate an outside control over their person. I can’t think we saw the same film, as these children were able to see each other only through their own efforts at finding a common understanding, that the teacher was using an awkward method of general control and was powerless at getting her desired outcome.
As for the teachers successful separating the culprits from the class, and her requiring self admission, great!
What a touching story
I saw the wonderful example of the grief process and I could see the loving compassion from the teacher. What a hard thing for the young man to experience. How touching and enlightening to see the overcoming and celebration of cultural diversity. Yes I do agree that the poking at the teacher wasn’t necessary. However, with an understanding of child development one would embrace that they got the point the teacher was trying to get at of getting along all on their own. I loved it. She didn’t need to go any further as she understood that they were overcoming their differences all on their own. I would like to add that children are a blessing and not something to control. They are here as a gift from above that we are trusted with. As a teacher she did her job and removed the questioned until they got along. And she maintained order and stood her ground while providing intervention and guidance. Well done.
Thanks
I need that! Beth
Perhaps a Better Way to Introduce the New Boy
A new student might be introduced first in a non-classroom setting. The school might plan “new friend welcome” sessions or some such. A breakfast or lunch get-together, guided conversation so the new and “old” children speak about themselves and become real to one another from the outset. Or am I dreaming?
Besides the Story Line, What Can We See Here
Besides the story line, what can we see here? Firstly, I see one compassionate and non judgmental teacher. As Carrie so aptly pointed out this teacher dealt with the immediate issue at hand by allowing the children enough freedom to solve their own problem. When children are supported enough to realize physically or mentally hurting others is forbidden but that within those guide lines the adults will allow and encourage them to find their own solutions to interpersonal differences, the similarities shared by all will show up and bind them together. The smile shared by all three boys is something we all need to remember, especially when dealing with children.
Secondly, did you notice how stable the young girl was who was set on letting the truth be known.
She was not the meek, mild child, fearful of hurting anyone’s feelings. Yes she was rude and that needed to be and was addressed, but she was also refreshingly up front with her take on things.
A Keen Eye in “New Boy”
I liked the film’s unsentimental view of Joseph’s first day in school. Having been educated in Ireland, I know only too well the sting of the verbal attacks directed at Joseph. I particularly enjoyed the performance of the bully named “Christian” and his taunting of Joseph. The teacher was also excellent. I believed her every move, her every glance, and in her keen eye for trouble in the classroom. As a teacher today, I can feel her frustration at the simmering tensions in the room.
A job very well done and very worthwhile. I’ll share the film with my students and listen to what they say. Ireland is enriched by the likes of Joseph. When I grew up there in the sixties, our classrooms were filled with Irish Catholic boys and we didn’t know the delight of communicating with a child from another country.
What’s really at stake here?
As adults, I believe it is our responsibility, within the bounds of common sense and reason, to accept all people and make them feel welcome. In addition, it is our responsibility, as parents and teachers, to direct our children to do the same thing. Certainly, it is our responsibility not to interfere with the process when it is moving toward the right conclusion, however difficult that process may appear to be.