Computers in Homes - Gisborne

Gisborne Computers in Homes in Recess

2011-11-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

It has been a wonderful journey for the Gisborne Computers in Homes project over the last 5 years.

Unfortunately our roll outs are now finished with only some Warrant of Fitness (Rejuvenations) to complete over the next 6 months.

Hopefully in a couple of years we may be able to access more funding from Government to kick start further roll outs within Te Tairawhiti.

There is certainly a need from within the community as many whanau have contacted me since our very last roll out wanting to be part of the programme.

A group of Gisborne community based organisations are currently spearheading a proposal to create a number of Community Technology Centres throughout Gisborne. Hopefully future Computers in Homes programmes will be able to align with these centres.

It has been a privilege working with all of the Te Tairawhiti whanau and schools over this period.

Kia ora tatou.

Ivan

Gis Int Graduates in Style

2011-08-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

Gisborne Intermediate whanau graduated with their computer equipment after 10 weeks of training.
Thanks to Don Nivan the Principal for being such a supporter of Computers in Homes and doing all of the ground work. Also a big thanks to Jody Webster for again taking up the training roll.
A nd last but not least, the whanau who took up the opportunity to be part of the programme. Ka mau te wehi whanau!

Gisborne Intermediate CiH No 2! on PhotoPeach

Gisborne Intermediate 2011

2011-05-24T01:37:00.000-07:00

Gisborne Intermediate whanau are currently in training and will graduate on Tuesday 14th June at 6.00pm.
By the look of things everyone is having plenty of fun while they pick up new computer skills.

Gisborne Intermediate 2011 on PhotoPeach

The Last Five are all go!!!

2011-03-22T00:37:00.000-07:00

The last five schools start training this term to complete our two year project.

Welcome on board to the new schools:

Campion College Gisborne Boys High School

Also welcome back to Gisborne Intermediate for holding a second school based proogramme as well as allowing Te Hapara Whanau Aroha Centre to work through Gisborne Intermediate.

Last but not least, a big thanks to Awapuni School for holding the very last programme in Gisborne for this project. Awapuni will be hosting whanau from all of the 5 Secondary and 2 intermediate schools who participated throughout the 2 years. this will be a roll out to complete project numbers..

Waikohu College - Te Karaka Primary School

2011-01-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

A fantastic end of year prize giving was held at Te Karaka Primary with graduating CiH whanau being a big part of the ceremony. With both schools, (Te Karaka and Waikohu) combining to form a new Area School from 2011 it was also a great tribute to those past and present whanau, staff and tamariki.

Te Karaka Primary School - Waikohu College on PhotoPeach

Gisborne Intermediate

2011-01-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the 18 whanau who graduated from Gisborne Intermediate and to Mayor Meng Foon for congratulating whanau and encouraging further learning.

Gisborne Intermediate Graduation on PhotoPeach

Gisborne Girls High School Graduation at Awapuni School

2010-12-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

Tino pai rawa atu whanau!
What a great graduation evening as whanau from Gisborne Girls High School were joined with whanau from other schools in completing the programme.

Three Underway

2010-11-04T02:13:00.000-07:00

It's all go at the moment with three schools in the middle of their training and all graduating before Christmas.
Gisborne Intermediate has a large group of about 25 training hard towards their graduation on Monday 6th December at 6.00pm.
Te Karaka School is assisting Waikohu College (Soon to be both amalgamated in to an Area School) with their numbers by holding training nights at the primary School.
Around 16 whanau will graduate at assembly on Friday 26th November at 2.30pm.
Awapuni School is running training sessions on behalf of Gisborne Girls high School and about 20 whanau will graduate on Monday 22nd November at 6.00pm.

KA MAU TE WEHI WHANAU!
See you all at the graduations.

Awapuni Graduation

2010-08-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Awapuni School for running a Computers in Homes programme that included Lytton and Kaiti Whanau.

Awapuni Graduation on PhotoPeach

2010-08-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

Kia ora Waikohu whanau.
Thanks for the awesome night at your graduation. You guys were just da bomb!
Sorry for some of the bad pictures. Blame the camera man.

Waikohu College Graduation August 2010 on PhotoPeach

Ilminster Intermediate Graduation June 2010

2010-08-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, what luck! I have found the missing graduation pictures. I hope all is progressing well. Keep up the mahi whanau.

Ilminster Intermediate Graduation June 2010 on PhotoPeach

Te Karaka whanau at Waikohu College

2010-06-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

Te Karaka whanau at Waikohu College are hard out with their 20 hours of training on how to manage the information age. Great to see everyone learning 21st century skills.

Caught on Video!

2010-05-23T22:54:00.000-07:00

Some more graduation pics from Ilminster Intermediate, this time they are moving. Well done again whanau and keep in touch. Hopefully your broadband is pumping?

Graduation Day at Ilminster Intermediate

2010-05-22T20:30:00.001-07:00

Graduation evening at Ilminster Intermediate was a time to celebrate those 8 whanau who completed their 20 hours of training. All of our participants were congratulated by Nona Aston (Gisborne Deputy Mayor) and Di Das (CiH National Coordinator) who both encouraged whanau to take further steps in future learning journeys.

Waikohu College

2010-05-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

What an awesome bunch of whanau who turned up for our CiH project introduction at Waikohu College. They definitely are a close bunch with plenty of whanau connections. Enthusiasm was the highlight of the night and it looks like they are going to have plenty of fun during their training sessions. Waikohu are set to graduate around 20 whanau.
A big shout out to Jenny Lynch for taking on the role of Project Champion and Trainer.
We are all looking forward to graduation day.

Broadband - For our new project

2009-11-25T18:23:00.000-08:00

Our new Intermediate and Secondary Schools project will be the first time Computers in Homes whanau will be supplied with six months free broadband.
The only catch is that you will need to have a land line (Phone line) for broadband to work. Our ISP (Internet Service Provider) will be a combination of Slingshot and Watchdog. Watchdog will be providing the internet safety filter for us once again. That will stop access to inappropriate sites.

Ilminster Intermediate and Lytton High School will be our fist schools to start in term 1 2010.

New Project Announced

2009-08-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

Computers in Homes - Gisborne is pleased to announce the successful bid for a further CIH project.
We have been successful with the 3rd round of the Community Partnership Fund. (This was a contestable fund available from the Department of Internal Affairs.)
Our Secondary and Intermediate Schools (Sec/Int) project is set to roll out computers and training to 195 whanau through:
Gisborne Girls High School
Gisborne Boys High School
Ilminster Intermediate
Gisborne Intermediate
Waikohu College
Lytton High School
Campion College

The first school cluster of 27 whanau should be graduating by the end of this year.
Other Schools will be progressively going through the project with the last to graduate during the first term of 2011.

We look forward to rolling out yet another Gisborne based Computers in Homes project.

Rere School Whanau Graduate

2009-02-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of the team at Rere School for putting on such a neat graduation. Also thanks to Douglas Birt from GDC as the guest speaker

Waerenga-o-Kuri School Graduation

2008-10-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

A big shout out to all involved with the graduation as we had yet another awesome night of whanau completing their Computers in Homes programme.

An added bonus was the TVNZ camera crew who were following Mayor Meng Foon putting together a news clip on his community involvement.

I hope you like the slideshow.

Waipaoa Station School Graduation

2008-10-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

The whole school turned out for Waipaoa Station School's graduation, plus some community supporters. An excellent graduation was capped off with a fantastic community kai.

Thanks to Marcus Lloyd the trainer and Principal Julie Tumarae.

Sorry about some of the hazy pictures, time I need to buy a better camera.

The Last Project Roll Out.

2008-08-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Riverdale School and principal Yvonne Williams for hosting our last project roll out. What a great bunch from a number of different school.

Check out some graduation photos.

Central School Graduation

2008-08-31T13:39:00.000-07:00

Gisborne Central School was the site of our second to last Gisborne City roll out. Thanks to Principal Mark Penman for helping out with a roll out of whanau from a number of schools.
A big thanks to John and Julie for providing the training and assisting with the organisation. The times I visited everyone was having fun and going hard out with their e-Learning.

I was sorry to miss the graduation but if anyone has any photos please email to irl@xtra.co.nz and I will post them up here on the blog.

We Hit 502 Whanau!!

2008-08-31T13:28:00.000-07:00

With the Riverdale graduation last week our Gisborne City project has reached its last roll out. That means that 502 whanau have been through the programme.

It was fitting that the last group of 11 whanau participated at Riverdale School. Riverdale was where the project was launched nearly 2 years ago.

While the roll outs have been completed we will still be available over the next 6 months to help with technical problems where we can.

A big thanks to all who participated and to all the schools who made it possible

St Marys Catholic School Graduation

2008-08-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

St Marys whanau graduated with an excellent night of celebration at the school. Thanks to the trainers for another awesome group of parents going through the project. thanks to Mayor Meng Foon for sharing in the celebration.

Patutahi School Graduation

2008-08-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

Patutahi School graduates with 17 whanau completing training and recieving their computers. An excellent group who participated in the project were all looking forward to having their computers installed at their homes. He tino pai rawa atu koutou!

Mangapapa School

2008-07-31T14:51:00.000-07:00

Well done to Mangapapa whanau who recently graduated and are now part of the digital world. Thanks also to MP Moana Mckey and Mayor Meng Foon who were on hand to congratulate whanau and encourage further learning.

Sorry about a couple of blurred photos, I need to get rid of the shakes.

Waipaoa Station School

2008-07-31T14:18:00.000-07:00

A fantastic drive out to our smallest school at Waipaoa Station School to meet the 5 families who have started training. Thanks for the time you gave to hear about the project and I look forward to your graduation.

Elgin Graduation

2008-07-22T15:38:00.001-07:00

Elgin School has now completed their second graduation of the project and a big thanks to all involved, especially the graduating whanau. Kia ora kotou!

Awapuni School Graduation Photos

2008-06-28T03:06:00.000-07:00

Awesome evening for everyone concerned. Hope you enjoy the slideshow.

Te Wharau School Graduation Photos

2008-06-28T02:54:00.000-07:00

Hope you all enjoy the photos. Sorry about some blurry ones.

Te Wharau School Graduation

2008-06-12T01:06:00.000-07:00

A big shout out to all who graduated at Te Wharau School last week.
It sounds as if you have all had a good time training and learning together.
Thanks to Jade, Lynne and the trainers. Hope you all enjoy the video and slideshow.

Riverdale Graduation

2008-06-08T01:12:00.000-07:00

Graduation number two for Riverdale School with an awesome whanau. Powerpoint presentations were the order for the night as many whanau showed their new skills.

Ormond School in Training

2008-06-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

A great group of parents from Ormond School came to listen about the project at our recent introduction meeting. They have all signed up and are well under way with their weekly training sessions. look forward to seeing everyone at the Ormond Graduation.

Te Whare Whai Hua - Teen Parent Unit

2008-06-05T01:11:00.000-07:00

Graduation time has come around very fast for the teen parents at Te Whare Whai Hua - Lytton High School. 10 parents completed their Computers in Homes course during their school day at Lytton High through their association with Riverdale School.
On hand at the graduation was local MP Moana Mckey to congratulate their commitment to Computers in Homes.
Ka pai koutou mo to mahi rorohiko.

Whatatutu School Graduates

2008-05-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

It sounds, from all accounts, that the graduation at Whatatutu was a fun time to celebrate the completion of the training and recieve the computer equipment.
Tino koutou mo to mahi!
Enjoy the pictures.

Deputy Mayor Helping Out

2008-04-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Deputy Mayor - Nona Aston for her hard work on our organising committee and attending just about all of the graduations.
Nona has taken over the role from former Deputy Mayor, Margaret Thorpe.
Tino pai to mahi Nona!

Te Wharau Graduation 2007

2008-04-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

I managed to get hold of the Te Wharau School graduation footage that I thought was lost.
Thanks once again to all the Te Wharau whanau and Deputy Mayor Nona Aston.

Riverdale School Give It Another Go!

2008-03-23T03:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those whanau at Riverdale school who showed at the recent introduction hui.

You were all so positive and I'm sure you are having lots of fun with your training.

I'm told by a very reliable source that the Pakeke group are progressing awesomely.

Ka Mau te Wehi koutou!

Awapuni School go for number 3

2008-03-23T02:37:00.000-07:00

Awapuni School is about to start their 3rd roll out as 15 whanau had their introduction evening on Thursday evening before Easter.
Thanks for the whanau who attended and I'm sure you will all have fun during the next 8 weeks of training.

Who's Hard Out At Training?

2008-02-26T00:55:00.000-08:00

Whatatutu and New Life Christian Schools have both started their training nights with whanau keen to complete their training and receive their computers.

Both schools had their whanau attend the introduction hui and question were answered about the project.
Whatatutu had all of the whanau at a live in at the Marae so it was nice and easy to slot in an intro hui then.

Please feel free to leave a comment on the blog.

Kia ora koutou, hope the training all goes well.
Ivan

Motu School First to Graduate from the Rural Project

2008-02-25T02:27:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to whanau of Motu School who graduated at the end of last term.

Motu School had a fantastic time during their training and all attended the graduation with enthusiasm.
Thanks to all of those who made this roll out such a success.
I would love to post up a group photo but I don't seem to have one. If you did take a group photo please forward to me.

I hope you like the slideshow!

Cobham School Graduation

2008-02-18T02:38:00.001-08:00

Cobham School had their CIH graduation at the end of last term.

Well done to all of the whanau who participated and especially to those who were at the graduation.

It was exciting to see nga tamariki of Cobham School attend to support their whanau.
Thanks to the Mayor, Meng Foon and Deputy Mayor Nona Aston for supporting the mahi of Cobham whanau.
Albie Gibson from the Dept of Internal Affairs was also on hand to support.

Also a big thanks to Nan for running the ceremony.
Tino pai rawa atu whanau!

Hope you enjoy the Slideshow......

Quick Comment

2007-12-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

Janetta Tupara from Te Wharau school has sent in a quick comment to Jade Smith the schools Project Champion.
" I am really glad I joined the computer class and I can not wait until graduation. Thank you for giving me the chance to learn more about computers"

Thanks for the comment Janetta and thanks for your work Jade.

CIH Rejuvenation Afternoons

2007-11-29T03:14:00.000-08:00

Tena koutou katoa

Merry Christmas!

Starting at the beginning of next term (term 1 2008) we will be holding at your school a series of what we call "Computers in Homes Rejuvenation " days.
If you have had your computer for at least 6months we want you to participate.

This is where we organise an afternoon/early evening day at your school to give your computer a warrant of fitness - so to speak. The WOF will be a way where we can have Kris and the gang from Awapuni Computers check over your computer for problems and make sure all over the hardware is working properly.

During this ime we will also ask you to complete a brief survey to see how the project has worked for you and your whanau.

We will provide nibbles, lucky whanau prize and computer use advice.
It will take about 60 minutes at a time that best suits you on the day.

Computers in Homes and your school will contact you some time in 2008 for your rejuvenation day.

Ivan

Awapuni School Graduation - Ka mau te wehi!

2007-11-22T02:18:00.000-08:00

AWESOME - was the graduation that was held at Awapuni School recently with a massive 53 whanau taking their computers home.
It was a fantastic night with big thanks to Catherine Birt, Cheyl Torrie and the Awapun team for staging just a choice night. Thanks to supporters fr0m the Gisborne District Council, Deputy Mayor Nona Aston, and Douglas Birt.
But most of all, a big congratulations to all of you who went through the training and came out so positive about the experience.
Thanks for the Pics!!

Great Comments from a Great Trainer

2007-11-06T23:17:00.000-08:00

Viv Bell (pictured in the middle) has completed another whanau training group, this time at Te Wharau School. Viv has been a fantastic asset to our project and has now helped out at three schools.

Comments from Viv on her just concluded group:

The Te Wharau group was enthusiastic and hard working.I thoroughly

enjoyed the challenge of keeping them pumping along. They covered emails

weekly, word processing, report writing, powerpoint presentation, excel,

CD-roms, net safety, practical troubleshooting, internet search engines,

links , cutting and pasting pictures and photos, use of USB flashdrive

and safe removal, rules for use of computer in the home. Every session

was related to their school age child and what teachers might do with

them in the classroom.

Thanks Viv for all of your hard work.

Community Partnership Fund - Gisborne Launch

2007-11-05T19:36:00.000-08:00

Awapuni school was the site for the official launch of the round 2 "Community Partnership Fund" successful projects.
Computers in Homes was once again successful in a number of bids throughout the country.
Gisborne Rural, East Coast and Wairoa schools were amongst the biggest winners.
Citizens Advice Bureau was also a big recipient and took an active part in the project launch celebrations.

The Gisborne Herald was on hand to file the following report.

Te Hapara School Graduation

2007-10-11T16:38:00.000-07:00

Te Hapara School had a great graduation ceremony at the end of term 3 for all of their Computers in Homes whanau.

The evening started off with a BBQ as we all shared a kai. It was a great opportunity for me to get to meet some of the participants.

David Langford was present to congratulate whanau and hand out completion certificates and their computer packages were all presented.

A big thanks to all of the staff and trainers at Te Hapara who made this project such a success.

Plus a huge thanks to Katrina Dekker for acting as the school Project Champion.

A selection of graduation photos below along with some PodCasts comments from parents involved.

Awapuni School - Massive

2007-09-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

Awapuni School have started training for their their project roll out next term.
they have had a fantastic response and we are looking at 50 plus whanau graduating from Awapuni.

It was great to see so many faces at the whanau introduction hui a couple of weeks ago. Everyone was so positive at the hui and some whanau have both parents wanting to attend the training sessions.

Thanks to the staff led by Catherine Birt and Cheryl Torrie who where there helping out and encouraging whanau along the way.

Also thanks to the trainers during this massive roll out:
Viv Bell
Taina Leach
Caroline Butland
Kris Gunawardana
Naveed Khan

Tino pai Awapuni mo to tautoko o te kaupap nei.

Kaiti School Training

2007-09-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Viv Bell our trainer at Kaiti school for taking a daytime class.
Kaiti school has been hard at it training for the last six weeks and will be looking forward to their graduation at 10.00am on Thursday 20th September.

Viv is pictured with a couple of parents who have been attending the daytime classes.

Rural Bid Success

2007-08-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yahoo!

We have been successful in a second round bid to Government to extend the project to 150 Gisborne rural whanau through 10 Gisborne rural schools over 2 years. This is fantastic news for our region.

Te Runanga o Ngati Porou through their E Tipu E Rea education partnership has also been successful in an East Coast project for 250 whanau through East Coast schools. Ka mau te wehi!

But wait there's more.
Wairoa District Council has also been granted funding for 250 whanau through Wairoa schools.

Te Tairawhiti is right at the forefront of whanau - school technology initiatives.

New Schools Start Project

2007-07-30T02:44:00.000-07:00

Te Hapara and Kaiti schools are kicking off their training sessions this week.
Thanks to the schools project champion and trainers for making it happen within your kura.
Ka pai koutou!

Will keep you all informed of their happenings.

Elgin - St mary's - Makaraka

2007-07-07T04:30:00.000-07:00

Elgin, St Mary's and Makaraka Schools have recently graduated.

All graduation evenings were a choice event with a combined total of 41 whanau graduating in the three schools.

I will tender my apologies now for having major technical hitches with my digital camera and losing photos from your graduation evenings. I do have a video below from St Mary's and Makaraka to make up for the loss of some neat photos. If any of you managed to take some photos I would love to have a copy. Once again my humble apologies.
I have also managed to save all of the audio files from the Elgin graduation thanks to those parents who spoke to me.

Raina.mp3

Kelly.mp3

Wainui Beach School Graduation

2007-07-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of the participants who attended the graduation ceremony.

Sonrise Christian School

2007-07-07T00:48:00.000-07:00

The last week of term had 4 schools graduating in 3 days. It was a fantastic week of celebration. The following pictures are from Sonrise Christian Schools evening of celebration.

PowerPoint Photo Presentation

Sonrise Christian ...

Hosted by eSnips

St Mary's Catholic School Training Evening

2007-06-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

I visited St Mary's Catholic School recently and caught up with some of the families who were hard out with their training.
They are all looking forward to their graduation this week.

Check out the Podcasts from Quannah, on of the participants and also Michelle, the project champion.

Makauri School Graduation

2007-06-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Makauri School was the scene of another exciting graduation ceremony where 13 participants completed their training programme and received certificates.

Makauri completed their training in extra quick time as they all elected to do two training sessions per week. Well done Makauri for your commitment and enthusiasm. A special thanks to Caroline Butland who was able to commit to all of the sessions as trainer.

Project Chairman - David Langford and Makauri Principal - Judy Nicholl thank participants and discuss the huge benefits for the school and families as they forge stronger learning links between the school and home.

Check the Podcasts below from Makauri School Graduation!

clive kingsbeer.wm...

Hosted by eSnips

Di Lucas.wma

Lynda Brodie.wma

caroline butland.w...

Judy Nicoll.wma

Central School Graduation Photos

2007-06-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

Photos from last terms graduation ceremony. Deputy Mayor Margaret Thorpe congratulating Computers in Homes participants.

Makaraka Participants in Training

2007-06-12T03:26:00.000-07:00

A recent visit to Makaraka Schools saw many of their participating families hard at work improving ICT skills and enjoying a relaxed learning environment.

Thanks to Rose Finucane and Roz Kelly for giving up some time to talk to me on the below podcasts.

Mayor Meng Foon Speaks at Te Wharau Graduation

2007-06-07T16:26:00.001-07:00

View this short video of Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon addressing families during their graduation ceremony at Te Wharau School.

Te Wharau Graduation

2007-05-31T15:02:00.000-07:00

What an awesome graduation ceremony at Te Wharau School last week.

Family and friends gathered to celebrate Te Whara whanau collecting their computers and strengthening the learning ties that have been created with their fellow school families.

Mayor Meng Foon was at hand to present participants with their graduation certificates and spoke about the fantastic opportunity Computers in Homes for Gisborne households.

Comments that some participants made to me were:
"This has been so good for me and has opened up lots of opportunities"
"I can't wait to get my computer as I have learnt so much"
"I have a far better idea of what the computer and especially the internet can do for me"

The last photo shows one of our older participants, Whare Toko, recieving his certificate from Mayor Meng Foon. Whare commented that it has been a great learning experience for him and how awesome it is sharing the computer with his mokopuna.

Comic Life

2007-05-22T04:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a cool little software programme to download to your Computers in Homes machines.

Go to the "Comic Life" website and download the software. Download to a folder in your hard drive then open it to install

It is a fantastic bit of software to help the kids with story writing. Very easy to use and they will pick it up in no time.

Parent Introduction Meetings + GOOD NEWS

2007-05-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

The next cluster of schools have started planning for their individual projects.

St Mary's - Elgin - Makaraka - Sonrise Christian have all had their parent project introduction evenings.
Numbers who have joined the project during this cluster roll out look to be high and it's great to see all who will be learning through their school.

Wainui Beach and Makauri will be having their parent evenings this week.

GOOD NEWS
the article below is from a recent news brief from Microsoft.

"$3 software suite aims to bridge digital divide
Microsoft will sell its new Student Innovation Suite for $3 to governments that subsidize student computers "
From eSchool News staff and wire service reports

To qualify, governments must supply computers meant for students' personal use, regardless of their manufacturer. The computers need not be new, Microsoft said, as long as they can run Windows XP. That means countries such as New Zealand, whose ambitious and ground-breaking Computers in Homes project aims to supply all New Zealand families who are socially and economically disadvantaged with a refurbished computer, an internet connection, relevant training, and technical support, also could be eligible.

This means that our Computer in Homes projects are being noticed Internationally and we will be able to enjoy Microsoft's software for awhile.

See http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showStory.cfm?ArticleID=7069
for full article.

2007-04-23T02:54:00.000-07:00

STARFALL.COM

Here is a great site to help your younger children with literacy.

The books and games offer beginning readers the opportunity to explore and interact with words and the sounds that make up those words. With a focus on simple, fun inter activities and the sounding out of almost every word. All your child has to do is click on the screen, watch and listen!

We know that children learn to read at different developmental stages, but encouragement and support of your child's interest in reading is very important. These stories and games are meant to foster your child's exploration and curiosity with the written word. Let your child play and have fun learning! Then, ask them to read to you, listen carefully, and be patient.

Podcasts from Gisborne Central School

2007-03-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

Kia ora koutou

I was lucky enough to catch a few parents at Central School at the beginning of one of their training sessions.
The photo shows them hard at work.
By all accounts Central parents have created an awesome learning environment. Ka pai koutou!

Please click on the Podcast links below to hear what John (Central Trainer) and April (Parent) have to say about the project.

Podcast from John (CIH Trainer)

Podcast from April (CIH Parent)

Graduation at Central School is set down for next Wednesday4th April at 5.30pm - All Welcome.

Atomic Learning

2007-03-05T00:56:00.000-08:00

Atomic Learning is in full swing with all of our Computers in Homes schools.

Please take this opportunity to use the Atomic Learning tutorials any way that you see fit.

Your school will be able to provide you with a User Name and password.

If you want to create music using Audacity software click here "Audacity" and download the software to "My Documents" folder, or a folder of your choice, then go through the steps on the screen to instal it on your computer.

Next go to the above Atomic Learning site and try out the "Audacity" tutorials to get you started. It's a cool bit of softeware for composing and manipulating music files.

I hope your on line learning is progrssing well.

I would love to hear from some of you on how the project is going so far.

Whanau at Te Wharau and Mangapapa Start Training

2007-02-28T10:01:00.000-08:00

This week has seen the start of training for more than 40 whanau as they begin their digital learning experience. Ka pai whanau!

Both Mangapapa and Te Wharau schools have embraced the project and we all look forward to the graduation day. Thanks to Ian Hunter at Mangapapa and Roger Quinn at Te Wharau who are leading their schools projects.

Check out the Atomic Learning site for video tutorials on all sorts of software. Your schools and trainers will have the usernames and passwords for you to access this site. It will be a big help for some self paced learning.

I hope to visit you all during your training sessions and capture some pictures and comments for this Blog.

Gisborne Central School Sign Up

2007-02-14T19:02:00.000-08:00

A fantastic first up hui with interested families was held at Gisborne Central School on Monday night.

There was a big turnout and the response was very positive. Whanau will kick off their training modules next week.

Ka pai koutou.

Central - Mangapapa - TeWharau

2007-02-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

It's All On!!

Three new schools start this term and it's another great opportunity for whanau of these schools to participate in the CIH project.

Gisborne Central School kicks of with a whanau hui tonight (12th Feb) at 5.30pm. Their training is due to start either this week or the following week.

Mangapapa has their initial whanau hui at 6.00pm on Thursday 15th February with training commencing the following week.

Te Wharau will have their whanau hui on Monday 19th February with training kicking off the following week.

Welcome to all whanau who will be participating during this roll out cluster and I look forward to helping you and your family move into the digital world.

Ivan Lomax
Project Manager

Next Clusters About To Roll

2007-01-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

The new school year is just around the corner and our next cluster roll out is through Te Wharau, Mangapapa and Central schools.

These schools were busy identifying families at the end of last year and will complete training and graduation at the end of term one or the begining of term 2. (Term 1 is a short school term this year).

Our graduation whanau will be getting bigger as the year goes on and any ideas on developing a more collaborative learning environment will be greatly accepted.

Need some help?

2007-01-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hi, hope everyone has had a great holiday break and looking forward to the New Year.

There is extra training at hand with plenty of tutorials on these sites:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Computers_for_Beginners

http://members.aol.com/shobansen3/

Also Computers in Homes - Gisborne has signed up with Atomic Learning and you will have access to many short video tutorials in Fenruary.

Will let you knpw as soon as possible as Atomic Learning will assist you with your e-Learning .

First Graduations - Waikirikiri & Riverdale

2006-12-20T22:37:00.000-08:00

Our first whanau have graduated with flying colours.

I wish you all the best and I'm sure you will find your new on-line environment stimulating and helpful. You have all completed your training modules with success and now you can explore e-Learning more in your own time. Tino pai rawa atu koutou!

(Above) Waikirikiri School whanau during graduation ceremony.

(Right) Riverdale whanau who graduated recently.

Podcast 1 - Yolanda (Waikirikiri Principal)

Podcast 2 - Yolanda

Project Launch - News Clippings

2006-12-14T09:21:00.000-08:00

These clippings are from the Gisborne Herald on Tuesday 28th November.
One of the clippings is from a sister Computer in Homes programme that was run at Te Karaka school.
If you can't read the clippings right click on the picture and go Save Picture As, and save in My Pictures. You can then increase the magnification of the picture when you open it in a picture viewer software programme like Windows Picture and Fax Viewer.

"Move it" - for computer crazy kids!

2006-12-10T03:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a small news item on a new video called "Move it" a computer program that teaches kids better habits in the hope that it will decrease their chances of getting work related injuries later in life.The program is called "Move It" and it emphasises the importance of changing position regularly and getting the right support.

Check it out at http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/488120/909259

Launch Comments

2006-12-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

I have had lots of positive comments from our launch day and also thanks to those who have left a comment on the last blog posting. I appreciate the feedback.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Margaret Thorpe and Nona Gaskin, elected members of the Gisborne District Council, who also attended and have been supporting this project.

PROJECT LAUNCH DAY

2006-11-28T04:45:00.000-08:00

What a great project launch we had at Riverdale school on Friday.

The morning went something like this:

- Waiting to be called on during the powhiri gave everyone time to chat about the project and meet and greet.

- Riverdale School welcomes guest with an awesome powhiri with one of their tamariki offering a wero to Mayor Meng Foon. Nice to be greeted by kaumatua Libby Kerr and we were all impressed by the schools waiata.

- The launch ceremony started with David Langford explaining the history and benefits of the project.

- Guests then viewed a video about past Computers in Homes projects and how they have had a positive impact on whanau and schools.

- Karen Sadlier and her two daughters (past participant from Awapuni School) spoke about the positive impact the project had on her family, culminating with her starting teacher training. Karen's korero was a definate highligh of the launch.

- Heather Mahy and Jill Smith introduced a PowerPoint showcasing the efforts of some of the Riverdale whanau's learning using PowerPoint. Well done people, you have all learnt so much in such a short period of time.

- Kaumatua Richard Rangihuna then blessed the project with a karakia after highlighting the awesome wairua that Riverdale and guests have for the project and their tamariki and whanau. Kia ora Matua.

- The project was officailly declared open by Mayor Meng Foon and Minister of Parliament Anne Tolley. (above) Thank you both very much for your input into the day as well as ongoing support of the project. Thanks also should go to MP Moana Mackey who has supported us since the beginning but was unable to attend.

Most of all thanks to the whanau who are, and will be participating in the project. Well done for making the committment to further learning.

We will all look forward to the project outcomes over the next two years.

Riverdale Whanau in Training

2006-11-28T03:15:00.000-08:00

Hi

It has been an exciting week for the "Computers in Homes - Gisborne" project.

First up was a quick trip to Riverdale school last week to catch a few parents in training. Thanks for allowing me to gate crash your session. It was awesome seeing you all into it. This photo I took has Jill Smith, Mauhana Karaka and Samantha Hema hard out at their e-Learning mahi. It was great to see you all hitting the keyboards.

Heather Mahy who has been running the training modules is doing a fantastic job - tumeke Heather!

Also working hard for Riverdale is Principal Yvonne Williams. Thanks to Yvonne and Heather for allowing me to Podcast some of their thoughts on this blog.

Yvonne - Podcast

Heather - Podcast

Project Launch

2006-11-14T01:01:00.000-08:00

It's official!

The launch of our project is on Friday 24th November, 9.30am at Riverdale School.

You are all invited to the mornings activities. Bring the whanau and support the project launch for all Gisborne schools.

The launch ceremony will last about 90 minutes followed by light refreshments.

Come and support your project.

MOVE IT!

2006-11-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

Move It is an interactive site for children (adults can play to), that helps them learn about correct posture and the importance of changing position regularly while working on the computer.
Check it out at http://www.moveit.org.nz/

Community Partnerships Committee

2006-10-31T13:03:00.000-08:00

The Computers in Homes - Gisborne "Community Partnerships Committee" has been working hard behind the scenes to get this project up and running.

The committee consists of representatives from the Gisborne District Council, Eastland Community Trust and local educationalists. The committee meets regularly to coordinate project implementation.

The committee members are: Back row - Deputy Mayor Margaret Thorpe, Cheryl Torrie, Catherine Birt, David Langford, David Smart. Front Row - Ivan Lomax, Mayor Meng Foon, Douglas Birt.

Waikirikiri Whanau in Action!

2006-10-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

Ka pai te whanau o Waikirikiri!!

Pictured are the second group of trainees who started their 8 week training sessions under the watchful eye of trainer Marcus Lloyd.

Way to go koutou.

Training at Riverdale begins

2006-10-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

Whanau are due to start their training this week with the first session on Wednesday night from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
The other two groups will put off their start until next week due to Labour Weekend. They will train on Saturday's 8.30am - 10.30am with the final group running from 10.30am - 12.30pm.
Way to go guys. I'm sure you are all going to have lots of fun.
Ivan

Waikirikiri School Begins

2006-10-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

What an awesome whanau night at Waikirikiri.
The Computers in Homes parents met to go over the project, see what it's all about, and organise their training sessions.
Thanks to Yolanda, Kim and Raniera for helping with the evening.
Di Das from the National Computers in Homes, and David Langford from Awapuni school also spoke about the benefits of the project.
Waikirikiri School is in for an exciting time as whanau work towards graduating before Christmas.
Tino pai koutou.

Riverdale Parents Meet

2006-10-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night saw a group of enthusiastic Computers in Homes parents meet for the first time to hear about their own project.
A brief presentation about the project was followed by discussion time where queries were raised and dealt with.
An excellent start to what will be an exciting time for Riverdale school whanau.
Training begins next week and we look forward to getting whanau feedback as the project progresses.
Ka mau te wehi koutou!

Important Dates for Waikirikiri and Riverdale

2006-09-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

Contract has been signed by Gisborne District Council and the project is all on schedule.
We are having an introduction meeting with whanau, friends and collegues to inform of the project details on:

Riverdale 5.30pm Wednesday 11th October
Waikirikiri 5.30pm Thursday 12th October

Training for both schools is due to kick off the following week.

Way to go Waikirikiri and Riverdale.

Ivan

Waikirikiri and Riverdale Schools kick off project

2006-09-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

Both Waikirkiri Bilingual School and Riverdale School will kick off our project with the first cluster of 50 whanau.

Whanau are currently being selected to begin their training workshops early next term with a graduation date of mid December.
It will be an exciting time as parents start their journey down the information highway with their digital kids helping lead the way.

Kia kaha kotou!

Please return to this site for up to date information on the project and don't be shy to leave a comment or two.

Kia ora
Ivan Lomax
Project Manager

Initial Hui

2006-09-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the Principals who attended our hui last Thursday about kicking off the Computers in Homes-Gisborne project.
The contract with Internal Affairs has not been signed as yet. Should not be far away.

Tena Koutou Katoa

2006-08-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Computers in Homes - Gisborne blog.

Over the duration of the project I will be posting entries that are relevant to both the schools involved and the whanau/families who will be taking the step along the digital highway.

Please feel free to make a comment in the space provided under each posting.

Thanks for your involvement.

Ivan Lomax
Project Manager