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.
