Important message for ALL parents

http://www.3news.co.nz/tvshows/story/inside-the-world-of-text-bullying-2015092118#axzz3mPccgDen

Coding is now compulsory in Australian Primary Schools! Will NZ be next?

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/86669/20150921/australia-replaces-history-and-geography-with-coding-in-new-primary-school-curriculum.htm

Serial Story Idol Record SMASHED!

Speech Writing Inspiration

Out of ideas for your calendar art? Try this!

WPCA CHALLENGE #5 2015 - Sea Kayaking Lake Brunner

think the beep test is hard?

Try living your life without any arms OR legs! 

Mindfulness

There was a story this week on One News about a High School in Christchurch that is preparing its Year 7/8 students for the rigours of their Year 9 year by teaching 'Mindfulness'. I can only deduce from the story that a lot of what the school is teaching is based of Carol Dweck's Mindset work. I found this of particular interest as I'm currently reading Dweck's bestseller 'Mindset'. I have found many of her messages/philosophies vindicating and, in many cases, simply inspiring. I firmly believe that students can not learn without some of the 'Mindset' fundamentals. I am currently designing a similar programme to begin with my new students next year. Please watch the news story below for a taste:

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/in-the-moment-girls-school-offers-mindfulness-programme-q08689

National Poetry Day

My attempt at being poetic for National Poetry Day. Thank you Paul Skerten (Skertz) for providing us with such inspiring words at the beginning of the week.

Paul offering his words of wisdom as an amateur poet on Skype. 

Eyes familiar

Joy they infuse

To the deepest, unreachable, corners of my being

Unmistakably me is all I can see

A re-birth. A shared life. Another chance.

Toki Pounamu

Last night I attended a meeting with other lead teachers for the Toki Pounamu initiative. We were presented with a strategic plan for the next 3 years. It is really happening now. I am excited about leading my staff into a new age of teaching and learning. Over the course of the coming Term, I will be working with my Senior Staff members to develop a Google Site to share their planning with student and parents. The Google Sites will become the 'hub' and will lead learners both at school and home. Making the learning 'visible' to teachers, students and their parents has been proven to lift achievement. Although I am excited about all that this initiative will afford myself and the other teachers at the School, I am also a little apprehensive about the transition. We will take small steps at first to ensure we are providing the best possible outcomes for our students.