It's been a while...

It has been a while since I have updated this space...so much has been happening. This week at school we launch our very own radio station and officially open our new school garden area. An exciting week ahead and a wonderful way to end what has, in many ways, been a very challenging term. As a school we continue to focus on sustainability and grow our values of We C.A.R.E. Communicate ~ Aspire ~ Respect ~ Engage. Manaakitia Korerotia ~ Hokaka ~ Whakaute ~ Whakaware. To finish today's post a lovely piece from Sir Ken Robinson

21st Century Learning is here! IT classrooms of the future - Technology - NZ Herald News

IT classrooms of the future - Technology - NZ Herald News

New times ahead...

This year's Board of Trustees election has seen a brand new Board elected to govern Te Kauwhata Primary School; I look forward to welcoming our new members at a pre-meeting this coming week. These are exciting (and sometimes daunting) times for the new trustees but I am sure they will all enjoy their new challenges and gain much satisfaction and reward in their new roles as we continue to move the school forward as a quality learning environment. Congratulations to those elected and thank you to all who were unsuccessful - it was very reassuring to know there is a strong commitment within the school community to want to be part of the Board.

Garden makeover...

There are some very generous people out there and we have been most fortunate to benefit from the extreme generosity of David Lim of Auckland Commercial Structures. In return for a bit of 'elbow grease' we have been fortunate to have donated many items of furniture (my office also receiving an impressive makeover), timber and all the fencing we require to secure our new garden area. We look forward to inviting David down to our official opening later this year. It is also thanks to Craig from Container Movements for the loan of a container for temporary storage, and Rhonda and Stephen Irvine for the use of their truck and trailer and storage space. Last weekend, the second of our mini working bees at the Takanini site saw the removal of the fence and final clearance of the site. Many hands made light work and within a couple of hours the job was done! So now we are ready to start the redevelopment of our garden area at school and I know there are many keen learners just waiting patiently to be allowed back into the area to assist with the construction of our new planter boxes, potting mix area, pergola and more. It is great to have the whole school on board and so encouraging to witness the growing enthusiasm and dedication of the children as we strive to grow our sustainability. Thanks everyone who assisted at the working bee.

Apps, docs and more...

What a couple of weeks it has been! Preparing for our introduction of Google Docs is both exciting and daunting as we explore its endless possibilities and technical considerations. Thanks to Neil, staff, and two confident and competent learners from Ngatea Primary School for hosting Chris and I and sharing how they use Docs for both learning and admin. Then it was off to the GAfE (Google Apps for Education) Community Day at Buckland's Beach Intermediate for five of us on a rather wet Saturday, but a worthwhile day it was. It was an opportunity to hear and see how other schools use Docs, from principals to classroom teachers - no learning is ever wasted!

Action @ TKP today...

Early start for a great cause...

I am so taken by the generosity of many people out in the Waikato and Auckland regions who have got behind TKP to help us work towards our next big project. Well worth our early start...looking forward to my truckie trip today!