Wainui Beach School Graduation

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

Sonrise Christian School

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 ...

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St Mary's Catholic School Training Evening

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.

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Makauri School Graduation

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...

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Di Lucas.wma

Lynda Brodie.wma

caroline butland.w...

Judy Nicoll.wma

Central School Graduation Photos

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

Makaraka Participants in Training

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.

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Mayor Meng Foon Speaks at Te Wharau Graduation

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

Te Wharau Graduation

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

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

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.

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.