Principals Today Magazine Issue #93

Issue 93 Term 1 | 2012

www.principalstoday.co.nz

leaders in education news since 1989

Island life Tailor made education excursions that deliver a lifetime of learning

Principal Q+A

Otago Girls’ High School principal Jan Anderson on the issues facing today’s educators

The principal issue

How will collective agreement negotiations impact principals’ pay?

Plus

• Is ‘user pays’ the best way to tackle unhealthy habits?

• Who gets what under National’s asset sales agenda • Simple ways to protect kids from online danger • The call to address child poverty • 8 page special focus on school camping

Win!

There’s more than $4,000 in prizes up for grabs with Office Products Depot on PAGE 14

ISSN 1170-4071 HAVE THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE SEEN THIS?

Principal Administration Dept Board of Trustees Property Manager Outdoor Ed Dept Careers Advisor

IFC Health Sponsorship

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Issue #92 Term 4 | 2011

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LEADERS IN EDUCATION NEWS SINCE 1989

Island life Tailor made education excursions that deliver a lifetime of learning

Contents 10 Cover Story

Principal Q+A

Otago Girls’ High School principal Jan Anderson on the issues facing today’s educators

The principal issue

Island life

How will collective agreement negotiations impact principals’ pay?

Plus

Creating learning experiences that last a lifetime with tailor made education excursions

• Is ‘user pays’ the best way to tackle unhealthy habits?

• Who gets what under National’s asset sales agenda • Simple ways to protect kids from online danger • The call to address child poverty

Win!

There’s more than $4,000 in prizes up for grabs with Office Products Depot on PAGE 14

ISSN 1170-4071 HAVE THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE SEEN THIS?

Principal Administration Dept Board of Trustees Property Manager Outdoor Ed Dept Careers Advisor

Principals Today

5296 Head office

Academy House 47B Birmingham Drive Middleton PO Box 1879 Christchurch

8 A CHARTER FOR SELECTIVE EDUCATION

The Government’s decision to trial charter schools is proving more than a little controversial, so we look at who’s saying what

How will collective agreement negotiations impact principals’ pay?

20 EVENTS DIARY

15 Principal Q+A

Courses, events and seminars near you

21 SUPER STUDENTS

Jan Anderson The Otago Girls’ High School principal answers seven questions about issues facing today’s educators

Gary Collins

General manager Rebecca Harris

operations manager Di Barclay

Logan Glasson’s pest management magic and Lucia Kennedy’s creative inspiration

23 A VOICE FOR THOSE IN NEED The call to address child poverty

Supplements 26 SCHOOL CAMPING

administration

Experiences that make a difference

admin manager

35 FUNDRAISING

sales & advertising

Recycling to make money and online fundraising options

17 Fat Tax

37 SUSTAINABILITY

Is ‘user pays’ the best way to tackle unhealthy habits?

sales executives

newsroom

With rising obesity rates weighing heavily on our health system, calls are coming to up the ante on fatty foods

Jonathon Taylor editor Bridget Gourlay chief reporter Kayte John 03 961 5050 0800 555 054 editor@academy.net.nz

Ian Knott production manager Carolynne Brown co-ordinator Kirsty Opie designers Jarred Shakespeare Sarah Betman Janelle Pike Jenna Bills Paul Terry

ISSN 1170-4071 (Print) ISSN 2230-6358 (Online)

www.magazinestoday.co.nz

40 SPECIAL EDUCATION

Tools and tactics from the Gifted Education Centre

41 CAREER CHOICES

Helping students make smart career choices

42 LEOTC

Welcome to your outdoor classroom Schools might be ready for ultra-fast broadband, but most still need help

50 PERFORMING ARTS

25 The human virus

Footnote Dance to deliver new moves

52 PROPERTY

Protecting kids from online danger

03 940 4732 0800 555 054 production@academy.net.nz

Disclaimer: This publication is provided on the basis that A-Mark Publishing is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services.

A-Mark Publishing expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication.

Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice.

Contents Copyright 2012 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

Small changes with big impacts

47 ICT

production

Phone: Fax: Email:

Who gets what under National’s asset sales agenda

Finding ways to stimulate students’ imaginations

managing director

Phone: Fax: Email:

7 SHOW ME THE MONEY

16 THE PRINCIPAL ISSUE

www.principalstoday.co.nz

Miranda Telfer Bill Thew Verne Williams

News 13 THE FORENSIC FILES

Issue 93

ABC circulation as at 30/06/10

Kylie Moore Kelly Clarke Kimberley Wells Judy Slater Tayla Brown

Issue 93, Term 1, 2012

Schools have their own filtering systems however, once a child leaves the schoolyard they can be left vulnerable - that’s when a few simple steps can make all the difference

Sound investments for your school

Be in to win…

There’s more than $4,000 in prizes up for grabs with Office Products Depot and we’ve got a couple of great book titles to give away as well – find out all you need to know and how to enter on PAGE 14.

Competition conditions of entry

This publication is printed on papers supplied by All wood originates from sustainably managed forests or waste sources.

All mills utilise the Chain of Custody system to verify fibre source End product is recyclable.

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* CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: One entry only per person and must be sent on the official entry form or as otherwise stated. Entry is free and open to all residents of New Zealand. All entrants must be over the age of 18, proof of identity and date of birth may be requested. Employees and their immediate families of Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication are ineligible to enter. Winner(s) will be notified by e-mail/phone. The judges’ decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into. No responsibility is accepted for late, lost or misdirected mail. Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever suffered (including but not limited to direct or consequential loss) or personal injury suffered or sustained, during the course of prize winning travel or in connection with any other prizes won. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication accept no responsibility for health, luggage, insurances, travel, personal expenses and transfers other than specified. Entries remain the property of Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication and cannot be returned. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication reserves the right to photograph and publish winners. Entries may be used for further marketing purposes by Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication but are not made available to any third party.

SKIDS OFP

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12/5/2011 9:18:42 AM

News | Asset Sales

Show me

the money

By Bridget Gourlay

have break-out rooms for small groups and they are wired up for the very latest technology.”

The extra $1 billion will allow National to carry out a programme over the next five years that will involve:

• Building new, modern schools • Rejuvenating existing schools on the same site • Building new, modern teaching areas in existing schools • Wiring up many more schools with fibre, to take advantage of ultra- fast broadband.

Asset sales were one of the biggest controversies of the last election, but with National’s win they are going ahead. Up to 49 percent of our stateowned power companies - Meridian, Genesis, Mighty River Power and Solid Energy will be sold. National also plans to reduce the Government’s shareholding in Air New Zealand, which is currently at 83 percent.

The total sum of this sale will go into the billions. And the first cab off the rank for a cash injection will be our schools. In National’s ‘21st Century Schools’ policy statement, New Zealand’s schools are

described as providing some of the best education in the world, “but many of our school buildings are old, leaking, falling apart, earthquake-prone, and out-ofdate for the needs of today – let alone the challenges of tomorrow”.

The money from the asset sales will be called ‘The Future Investment Fund’ and will either build new schools or modernise old ones. The 21st Century Schools policy statement says “21st Century schools look very different from older schools. They have ‘flexible teaching spaces’ that can be expanded or shrunk depending on need. They

The Government’s policy statement says teaching and the tools we use for teaching are changing. “That’s why it’s important to provide our young people with modern schools where they can use the latest technology… 21st Century schools – like Albany Junior and Senior High Schools – look very different from older schools. They have ‘flexible teaching spaces’ that can be expanded or shrunk depending on need. They have breakout rooms for small groups and open spaces where classes can share resources. They are fitted with the latest technology.”

The N4L is a virtual network that will allow all schools and students in New Zealand to access ultra-fast broadband, connect to each other, and access the very latest in teaching and learning resources online.

The N4L “will help schools work together and share their knowledge for the benefit of their pupils,” the policy statement says. “For example, a specialist teacher in Auckland could teach a class with students in Invercargill and Gisborne. The N4L will break down barriers of distance and time, and ensure that all students have access to the very best resources.”

The second term National Government also aims to get better value from school property, via reviewing school property management, continue to investigate PPPs as a way to build new school property and buildings, review the Integration Act and further develop the National Infrastructure Plan to promote better management of school property.

Controversial charter schools, as part of a post-election deal with the Act party, will also be trialed in South Auckland and Christchurch.

Other policies will go ahead over the next few years as National remains in Government. The Government will continue to develop the national IT school network, called the Network for Learning (N4L).

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 7

News

A charter for The Government’s decision

selective education

to trial charter schools (part of a post-election deal with the Act Party) in South Auckland and Christchurch, is proving more than a little controversial.

Education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa says the government should not be allowed to push any legislation on charter schools through parliament, without a proper select committee process.

NZEI believes legislation will be needed around the funding and governance of charter schools as they represent a fundamental change to the spirit of the Education Act and the Tomorrow’s Schools philosophy of communities running their own schools.

NZEI president Ian Leckie says while the government clearly had detailed policy around charter schools ready to go, the public has been completely blindsided.

“Given that, it is only fair that the any moves to establish charter schools

go through proper parliamentary processes so the public at least has a chance to make submissions and have the issues debated.

“Charter schools represent a major shift in direction for New Zealand education and the government must not be allowed to simply pass legislation through the House under urgency, claiming it has a mandate to do so,” he says.

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NZEI believes that if a select committee was to consider charter schools, it should sit in Christchurch and South Auckland, to hear directly from residents as to whether they want charter schools driving a wedge through their communities.

“There are some very big question around why New Zealand needs charter schools and why the government is so intent on pushing them. If the government and ACT are so wedded to the idea of charter schools, perhaps they should trial them in Epsom,” Leckie says.

Leckie also says, contrary to claims by the Education Minister, principals in south Auckland have no appetite for charter schools. He says Hekia Parata has said principals and parents are queuing up for the first charter school, and that there is very high demand.

NZEI says it has spoken to 87 principals in south Auckland with the vast majority saying they are either concerned or very concerned about the prospect of charter schools, while only four said they could see some benefit. Also that there is clearly a disconnect between what the Minister is saying and what people and educators in south Auckland are feeling.

“Perhaps the Minister should release some more details about exactly what these schools will look like and talk to those communities which will be affected by what represents a major shift change to the foundations of our public education system.”

PPTA president Robin Duff says charter schools failed when introduced in countries such as the US and the UK and they will fail here too.

“The proposal’s targeting of lowdecile areas places our most at-risk at greater risk.”

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A study of charter schools conducted

by Stanford University’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) in 2009 showed that 37 percent of charter schools reported that their students were struggling academically compared to their counterparts in the public education system, 46 percent did just as well, and only 17 percent reported having students doing significantly better.

“Placing the responsibility of delivering a curriculum to young people in the

8 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

hands of businesses and organisations with little or no experience of education isn’t a recipe for success,” Duff says.

However, not everyone is so pessimistic. Maxim Institute researcher Steve Thomas says charter schools provide a great opportunity for education to diversify and strengthen in New Zealand.

“They would allow community groups and entrepreneurial educators to start new and different schools to the regular state schools.

“Contrary to some of the arguments being made, the neediest children in our education system are the ones who are set to benefit most from charter schools, as they are the ones who need creative, new schooling options,” Thomas says.

“Charter schools would help to break down the current, uniform one-size-fitsall approach to public education in New Zealand by providing more choice and diversity in state schooling.”

The Business Roundtable chairman Roger Partridge says his organisation welcomes the initiative. “It’s not just about the need to equip our children well for employment in an economy that has to compete with the rest of the world; it’s about ensuring they can be happy, confident and achieve their potential, and that young lives are not blighted by failure at school.

“Many children are well served by our current state education model, but far too many are not. Around 20 percent of children leave school without basic literacy and numeracy skills. Since many of these children are already disadvantaged, an unproductive education is just one more step in a downward spiral into joblessness and social alienation.

“No one could argue that the current system is working for these children, and there are no other meaningful solutions on the table. While the proposed pilot charter school system is not a panacea or a silver bullet, it is soundly based, builds on a great deal of positive international evidence, and is well worth a try. It enables firms, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, iwi and community organisations to play a real part in the solution.

“How anyone who cares about children’s achievement and well-being could object to it is hard to understand.”

Book Club

Book club

Title – The Butterfly and the Earthquake Author – Carol McKeever Illustrator – Ned Barraud Publisher – First Edition Publishers RRP - $19.99 Helping children make sense of difficult life experiences is no easy task. For Christchurch children, the last year and a half has been a time of constant earthquakes.

Children have lost homes, schools, and in the worst cases, loved ones.

The Butterfly and the Earthquake tells the simple story of Tom, home from school sick when the February earthquake hits. It details a typical Christchurch story – his panicked mother rushes them to school to find his sister, the house is a mess, the chimney is down.

Finally, Tom’s father returns from the CBD, exhausted and dishevelled. This book is ideal for helping children move on from their experiences in the earthquake, and for nonChristchurch pupils to understand what life has been like in Canterbury since September 2010. Proceeds of the book go to Save the Children.

“I hate it, I hate it,” sobbed Tom. “I want everything back exactly like it was. I want all the shaking to stop.”

“I know,” said Dad. “We are all feeling frightened and sad.” He hugged Tom even tighter and picked him up and carried him into the house.

Wrapped up in Dad’s arms Tom felt a bit like a caterpillar himself.

Title – I am five and I go to school Author – Helen May Publisher – Otago University Press RRP - $49.99 This non-fiction book gives a complete history of New Zealand schooling of young children, from 1900 to 2010. A truly eye-opening read, it tells of liberally applied corporal punishment, suppression of Te Reo and hideously understaffed classrooms. There are however, ideas that some might like to see more of today, such as the ‘open-air classrooms’. In the 1920s, children began to be taken outside to read, paint or learn out in the fresh air instead of cooped up indoors.

This thoroughly researched book, with fascinating photographs would be an engaging read for all teachers and for older students interested in social history.

Bird made competency in English paramount for Maori children and introduced an immersion approach.

This ‘direct or natural method’ of teaching created a harsher learning environment for young children than the earlier more gradual introduction to English had allowed.

While Bird’s approach undoubtedly hastened the acquisition of English, punishment inevitably became a tool of enforcement. For the youngest children, who arrived into the primers speaking only Maori, the cruelty of the experience became deeply embedded into the psyche of successive generations.

Title - The Take a Chance project – Dreams Beyond Fantasy

Above and below left: Illustrations from ‘The Butterfly and the Earthquake’

Author: Lucia Kennedy Publisher – Visit www.takeachance.co.nz RRP - $20.00 Lucia Kennedy wants to help thousands of children across the world achieve their dreams. The Christchurch 13-year-old has enlisted the help of some well-known New Zealanders, written a book, created a website, commissioned a song, and set up a mentoring programme to support her cause.

This book encourages children to achieve their dreams. Mentors in this book include; Australian tennis legend, Margaret Court, photojournalist, Rob Tucker, Saatchi and Saatchi chief executive Kevin Roberts, Weta Digital general manager Tom Greally, Masterchef winner Brett McGregor, even Lucia’s grandfather features in the book.

The book can be ordered on Lucia’s website www.takeachance.co.nz .The proceeds will contribute towards funding mentoring and coaching for kids who are committed to making their dreams a reality.

Steve Gurney is a New Zealand sports icon. He has won the Coast to Coast- the unofficial world multisport championships- a record nine times.

What was your dream?

To win the Coast to Coast race.

What do you think empowered you to fulfil your dream?

To prove to myself and to my peers, that I could reach the top of my chosen passion. I think it was a lot about building healthy self esteem and testing just how high I could go in my sport.

What advice would you offer anyone who has an inspirational dream?

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Firstly make sure your dream makes you truly excited. Then keep it with persistence. The failures are not really failures, they’re just giving good clues about what didn’t work and give you new ideas on trying different methods/ attitudes etc. The winners are usually the most persistent, not the most talented.

Deadline for expression of interest is 31 March 2012

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 9

Cover Story

By Bridget Gourlay

An array of fresh crusty bread stands before me, the smell of baking scents the muggy air. There are very few places in this world I’d rather be than a French bakery. As I stand in line, desperately trying to make a choice, I watch the bakers weave in and out of the shop with trays of delights – pastries, brioche, croissants.

When it’s my turn, I bring out my rusty French to order and am handed a pain au raisin; the smell intoxicating, the bread warm.

Despite this very French scene, I’m not in Europe at all but much closer to home – Noumea, New Caledonia.

Outside the bakery, palm trees wave in the wind, the sun beats down on the sparkling sea. To look at, there’s no doubt we’re in the Pacific but with treelined boulevards, bursting boulangeries and glamorous women wearing high fashion – Noumea is distinctly French.

It’s the start of a two day teachers’ ‘famil’ to New Caledonia organised by Edventure Tours, a company which for several years has done the leg-work for schools wanting to take their students on overseas trips. The teachers with me in New Caledonia are here to take in the opportunities Noumea offers; and design trips for their own students.

Although it is one of our Pacific neighbours, I and many other New Zealanders probably don’t know as much about New Caledonia as we do countries like Fiji and Tonga. But it has a rich and fascinating history that greatly impacts on its politics today.

Until 1755, New Caledonia was home to the Kanaks, a Melanesian people who hunted and fished on the exquisite islands. When it was colonised by the French, it was turned into a penal colony.

A century on, New Caledonia today is home to a mélange of cultures. Firstly, there’s the French fresh from Europe that work on the island, usually in the top jobs

10 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

like running hotels, in the military and in the lucrative nickel industry.

Then there’s the New Caledonians descended from the 18th century prisoners and other French settlers – a mix of white, African and Arab people, as well as the Chinese and Indonesians who arrived over a century ago. All these cultures live together in Noumea; there are Buddhist temples and Catholic churches, menus that have Asian and Kanak food.

For French students, actually hearing people speak the language, rich in slang and different accents, is one of the best ways for it to sink in.

After our early morning excursion to the bakery, the group of teachers and I wander the streets of Noumea. One French teacher comments to me that she sees learning experiences at every corner.

“I can see my students practicing their French when ordering food, learning new vocab as they read the signs,” she says. The city is also home to a French language school, called Creipac, which offers classes to school groups from a beautiful historic building.

Later in the afternoon, I visit the Tjabaou Cultural Centre with two other French teachers. The centre shows the culture of the Kanaks via art, replications of pre-

Teachers on Amedee Lighthouse

Cover Story

Creipac Building Noumea colonisation houses and photography exhibitions. It also tells the tale of the Kanaks’ sad history – in the 1800s they were enslaved and forced to work in sugar plantations in Queensland, Fiji and Samoa in the late 1800s. This practice, called “blackbirding”, is one of the ugliest moments in the history of the Pacific.

At the centre, we talk politics with a young Kanak woman. She tells us she would love to see New Caledonia become an independent country where the Kanak people would have a greater say in how the country is run. Currently, she says, the white French people living temporarily in the country get the good jobs and control the island’s resources.

She says she wants New Caledonia to become independent of France – but the country can’t legally call a referendum on this issue until 2014.

The teachers discuss how their students could study New Caledonia before going on the trip and contrast the Kanak people’s fight for rights with Maori. “We could read articles in French about New Caledonia’s history, talk about the ways their multi-cultural society is different or similar to ours.”

Because, more than just a language immersion for French students, Noumea offers an array of topics to study. Not only could students contrast New Zealand and New Caledonia’s colonial history, but could learn about tourism, geography and the environment.

An amazing place to start would be Amedee Island, a small atoll home to a large historic lighthouse that we visited on the second day of the famil. There, we were taught how to climb a coconut tree, shown the ocean’s treasures via a glass-bottom boat and ate delicious Pacific food like barbequed bananas.

“All of these experiences are rich in out of the class learning,” one teacher tells me.

“A lot of my students in New Zealand do not come from wealthy families and have never travelled before and would be amazed to see a totally different culture.”

One of the unscheduled highlights of the day trip to Amedee involved one of the island’s scarier inhabitants. A foot long snake dropped from a tree branch to hover momentarily infront of me, before dropping to the floor and slithering over one of the teacher’s feet.

Nouméa Cathedral (or in French: Cathédrale Saint-Joseph de Nouméa) is a Roman Catholic cathedral, dedicated to Saint Joseph

We screamed and ran around, while the nearby Australian tourists shot us withering looks that clearly said ‘Kiwis!

A foot long snake is nothing.’

“For French students, actually hearing people speak the language, rich in slang and different accents, is one of the best ways for it to sink in. “ Kamo Intermediate school teacher Andy Epskamp has taken hundreds of school kids to the Pacific Islands on trips over the last decade. He was on the New Caledonia famil to see if he could combine Noumea with his usual Vanuatu trip, a country where he has been taking students to for years, in conjunction with Edventure Tours.

Vanuatu is a total contrast, he tells me.

The people are very poor and the New

Zealand students are often amazed at how little the children have - they visit schools with dirt floors - but how happy they are. He sees Noumea as an opportunity for the students to see the huge differences between the two sideby-side countries.

Ten years of fundraising is tiring, but worth it. Epskamp says his students often come back more mature and confident after only a week away.

“The children gain leadership skills in representing Kamo overseas and show strong personal growth through shared experiences with another culture. Students enjoy the warmth and friendship of the Pacific Island people and experience their different cultures and ceremonies.

“Most students that tour are not wealthy. We help all students with fundraising; encourage them to start saving the year before. Our school has a culture of Pacific trips, so when they arrive as Year 7s they know of the trip in Year 8.”

Best of all, Andy Epskamp will often get people in their 20s come up to him and tell him the trip he took them on years ago was one of the best experiences of their life.

And that’s exactly what the teachers heading to Noumea this year will want to achieve.

A tray of patisseries in a shop window

Bridget flew to New Caledonia courtesy of Edventure Tours and Aircalin.

Edventuretours is a leading New Zealand based travel company specialising in school, student and niche group tours worldwide. Run by the indefatigably gregarious Chris and Robyn Hamilton, its aim is to provide a complete package, from initial itinerary ideas, full planning, budgeting, risk management completion and where required, escort tours.

For more information visit www.edventuretours.co.nz Aircalin is the international airline of New Caledonia, offering four departures every week to Noumea from Auckland. Passengers receive a three-course meal, inflight entertainment and up to 20kgs of checked luggage allowance.

For more information visit http://nz.aircalin.com

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 11

12 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

Alternative Learning

Kristin School delves into

forensic investigation

Finding ways to stimulate students’ imaginations, and hence capture their attention, is arguably a key element to their education. And it seems Albany’s Kristin School has done just this as more than 80 students became budding investigators by taking part in the first forensics at Kristen camp.

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The three day student experience was designed to test the participants’ problem solving, research, logic and creative skills.

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Year eight, nine and 10 students from Kristen and neighbouring schools joined together to take on roles of detective, controller and scenario doctor as they worked through evidence to solve a simulated and complex homicide case.

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On arrival participants were spilt into groups with clear responsibilities for the action packed weekend. The students left no stone unturned by testing fingerprints, DNA and toxin samples, documentary evidence, forgeries, footprint and tyre print casts, pollen soil and fibre samples.

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The weekend was a perfect example of what students can achieve when given the opportunity. A group of 15 students were responsible for the smooth running of the camp which included management of the timetable, catering and communication.

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While Kristen staff members were on hand to help and guide as necessary, it was the students who led the camp, addressed the participants and took responsibility for its ultimate success.

The feedback from students and their families was overwhelming positive.

One parent said “Thank you so much for giving Jack the opportunity to take part in Forensics at Kristin. He had a wonderful, exciting and highly educational time. He loved the detective process, the logical thinking and puzzling out ‘who dunnit’. It was a wonderful experience and one he will never forget. I hope that experiences like this encourage the children to step out into a highly exciting world and make the most of the opportunities that come their way.”

These sentiments are echoed by participating students, one saying that “The different crimes and the relationships between people in the crimes were really interesting. I really enjoyed going to the lab to the science labs to test for blood and fingerprints.”

Another said “It was completely different to anything I have done before.

I learnt so many scientific skills like finger print tests, blood pressure etc. It was very challenging and we were able to work on our reasoning and leadership skills. The whole event was very well organised and a great way to get to know lots of people.”

Following its success a second camp is already planned for this year, scheduled for the July school holidays.

Top: Detectives (Left) Sally Carkeek Y8 Takapuna Intermediate (Detective)

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(middle) Rajan Gupta y8 Northcross Intermediate (Detective) (right) Isabella Thompson Y9 Kristin (Logician) Above: Forensic Testing (left) Gahee Lee Y8 Northcross Intermediate (Detective) (right) Joachim Pearson Y9 Kristin

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Right: Finger printing (left) Sally Carkeek Y8 Takapuna Intermediate (Detective) (right) Laura Jackson Y8 Kristin (Detective)

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www.all-safe.co.nz or sales@all-safe.co.nz www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 13

Giveaways

BE IN THE DRAW TO WIN! Stuff for your school Office products depot Over $4,000 in prizes up for grabs!

1 x OPD Officeware Salsa Task Chair 1 x Hitachi iPJ-AW250NM Interactive Short Throw LCD Projector 1 x GBC H520 A3 HeatSeal Laminator Simply place an order for $250 ex GST or more with Office Products Depot on a school account before the end of term 1 (April 5, 2012) and automatically be in the draw to win.

Terms & Conditions To enter an order of $250 ex GST or more must be made on a school account with a single Office Products Depot between 30th January and 5th April 2012. A single entry per order over $250 ex GST will apply. Winners will be selected at random from all qualifying purchases on 9th April 2012. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered in to. Office Products Depot reserves the right to use winner’s details for promotional purposes.

14 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

Books

Fantail’s Quilt and Discovery Time If you want to be in to win a copy of either of these books, we’ve two each to giveaway.

Email promotions@academy.net.nz with the book’s title in the subject line and go into the draw.

Fantail’s Quilt

This gorgeous picture book tells a classic, indigenous story about a fantail, a rat, a morepork and the New Zealand bush.

Follow Mother Fantail as she attempts to raise a family in the beautiful but dangerous New Zealand forest.

Vivid pictures that capture the New Zealand bush promise to entertain the young, while providing an interactive educational resource for older children.

Discovery Time

This book ‘Discovery Time - developing key competencies through activitybased, child-directed learning’ provides everything a primary or elementary teacher needs to know about the programme, including lesson plans and activities.

It comes with a free CD full of activities, recipes and posters for you to print, as well as a planning template with writeable fields.

Principal Q&A

Principal Q+A Jan Anderson, MA (Hons), Dip Ed, Dip Tchg Principal at Otago Girls’ High School About Jan and Otago Girls’ High school “I have been the principal at Otago Girls’ High School for the last 17 years. Ironically it is my old school, I attended there from 1960-1964. When I completed university and my teacher training, I taught at James Hargest High School and Southland Girls’ High School before returning to Dunedin in 1992.

“Otago Girls’ High School (Roll 800) is the oldest public school for girls in New Zealand. It was founded in 1870.

Our early graduates were the first women to gain admission to university in New Zealand.

“Our graduates became the first New Zealand woman lawyer (Ethel Benjamin) and the first New Zealand woman doctors (Emily Seideberg and Margaret Cruickshank-Barnett).

“Today, as well as being a feeder school for health sciences at the University of Otago we have a niche in media studies, digital photography, computing, dance and drama. Our board provides more than six hundred PCs or laptops for student use. We are of course, on ultra fast broadband.”

Who or what influenced you to become an educator?

“As a teenager I really enjoyed school. I liked the mix of reading novels and plays in English, studying Tudor history and practical subjects, like physics, as well as playing hockey and tennis.

“I had a magic English teacher in fifth form, sixth form and seventh form, Mary Entwhistle. I used to love the way she sat on the desk re-enacting every part in Shakespeare’s plays with a passion.

She died some nine or ten years ago and when I read her obituary in the paper I discovered that she had been part of the Bloomsbury set in London in the 1930s.

She had worked for and been friendly with Leonard and Virginia Woolf. I wish I had known that when I was a teenage student in her class.

“My experiences in sport, tennis and surf lifesaving were the other most significant factors. Coaching sport and playing sport gave me early experiences in teaching others, being part of a team and opportunities to be a leader.”

What’s the biggest challenges facing your school this past year?

“The biggest challenge facing Otago Girls’ High School this year has been the very small group of parents who have no interest in parenting. The ones who say, ‘What can I do?’ The ones who are so busy with their new partner that they have no time for and no interest in their teenager. We have a number of sad kids whose parents refuse to commit to them or even take any real interest in them.”

What, in your opinion, are the most compelling challenges with today’s education system?

“The most compelling challenge facing today’s education system is the government’s inability to finance e-Learning. We are charged by the Ministry of Education to provide a future focused curriculum. To do this every child needs access to a computer for part or all of each lesson.

“Every school needs a robust network system and connection to ultra fast broadband. The government needs to provide serious money for this, not the paltry ICT allowance given to schools at present. Our ICT allowance is $31,000 per annum.”

What would you do if you were Minister of Education?

“If I was the Minister of Education I would pay teachers a lot more so that teaching attracted the most able of university graduates. A better salary would improve the status of teachers so that they are treated with the reverence and respect they deserve. The future of our country is in the hands of the teachers of New Zealand and the politicians need to think about this.”

What are the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of being a Principal?

“The most rewarding aspects of being a secondary school principal is working with the splendid young people that are the majority in our schools. Most youngsters are a delight to be with.

They are hardworking, serious about their studies and they genuinely want to get it right.”

What have your students taught you that you could not have learned anywhere outside the classroom?

“I have learnt from my students to have the courage to try new things and to engage in activities or learning that seem impossible or far too difficult. I never fail to be amazed by the things that teenagers today can do.”

Any words of wisdom that you want to give fellow educators?

“Just Do It! And enjoy doing it.”

“I have learnt from my students to have the courage to try new things and to engage in activities or learning that seem impossible or far too difficult. I never fail to be amazed by the things that teenagers today can do.”

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 15

News

How the

The principal issues cleantech revolution will help define our future It’s shaping up to a big year for principals with collective agreement negotiations on the horizon and signals of major change ahead.

What transpires will affect how principals are recognised and paid for a long time to come.

The Government’s emphasis on greater ‘accountability’ from schools is likely to be a strong theme of its next term in office. National’s policy includes a requirement for schools to publish National Standards achievement data with a likely outcome of school league tables, tougher appraisals for teachers and principals and immediate reform of the Teachers Council.

Importantly the Government has indicated we are likely to see some urgent legislative change around principal and teacher appraisals early this year. There has also been speculation that changes are afoot in terms of the way principals are hired and employed.

NZEI is currently putting together the principals pay claim with bargaining of the Primary Principals Collective Agreement due to get underway mid-year.

Late last year NZEI encouraged all principals to think about the way they are paid and recognised for the work they do in order to develop an effective pay system – one which acknowledges the critical leadership role principals play and supports quality public education.

In focus group meetings principals identified a number of issues including:

• The potential links which might be made between National Standards and principal/teacher pay • The need to maintain the principle of pay parity with secondary principals

NZEI is working to develop an effective remuneration and recognition system for principals which acknowledges leadership, responsibilities, ongoing professional learning and growth, skills, knowledge and expertise, and qualifications.

NZEI president Ian Leckie believes “It is essential that we come up with a pay model which best supports principals in the 21st century and aligns with our professional vision of a quality public education system”.

The sector is still waiting to see details about other planned changes which are likely to impact on principals’ pay and conditions.

The Government is talking about tougher appraisals for teachers and principals, but it is still unclear what that will mean and how it would be implemented and managed.

There has also been strong speculation that the Government will move to make the Ministry of Education responsible for the appointment of principals rather than boards, and ban them from speaking out against government policy. This would have serious employment implications for principals and for the leadership of schools.

“There have been media reports and a lot of speculation on this issue and principals and schools are understandably very anxious.

Removing the ability of schools and their communities to hire their own principal strikes at the heart of Tomorrow’s Schools and would represent a major shift to our quality education system. I believe it would be met with opposition from principals, schools and communities,” Leckie says.

“As we move forward into pay negotiations this year NZEI will be working with principals to develop and promote structures and systems that will create a new and exciting environment – one that supports and nurtures the quality teaching and learning environment which New Zealand needs going forward.”

• The need to recognise additional qualifications gained after being appointed to a principal position • The ability to recognise a principal’s added value based on experience but not through a performance pay model • The need to avoid any direction which would involve a board of trustees in determining pay • The potential threat of principals being de-collectivised.

16 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

Below: Ian Leckie

By Jay Harkness

In the commercial and industrial history of the world, there have been few constants. Technologies rise and fall not on the basis of whether they are ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ but generally on the basis of the context in which they make their public debut and the economic climate at that time.

Fossil fuels have had their day. That may not be readily apparent, given the extent to which we rely on them in our everyday lives. But all the crucial ingredients for a ‘changing of the guard’ are there.

Climate change is of course one of the key elements in this shift, but while climate change is the greatest threat mankind has seen, it won’t be the only reason, in itself, for why we will eventually live fossil fuel-free; the change will instead come from economic drivers.

For instance, countries around the world are putting a price on carbon dioxide emissions. That price is often (at the moment) too low from the point of view of the urgency of addressing climate change, but it is still helping make renewable energy projects a better prospect.

Furthermore, the easy-to-reach sources of fossils fuels are running out.

As a result, oil companies are having to drill in deeper and deeper water, in places like the Arctic and off New Zealand’s coasts. The technologies that allow this, while dangerous and unproven, are also extremely expensive.

The shift away from fossil fuels will one day soon be as real as was the shift away from steam, or the shift from typewriters to personal computers.

At the same time, last year’s nuclear meltdown at Fukushima has increased global consumer demand for safer sources of energy.

As a result of the changing context of energy demand, the global demand for what is now termed ‘cleantech’ is soaring. In 2009, US$162 billion was invested in clean energy globally.

While the global cleantech race is well underway, you wouldn’t necessarily know it living in New Zealand. Despite the figures above, the Government seems to have barely heard of cleantech, having paid it virtual lip service over the last few years.

Bizarrely, the Government is still giving handouts to the deep sea oil industry – but that is another story.

Despite this lack of support, there are those in this country that are already making inroads under their own steam, if you’ll excuse the pun.

Lanzatech is one. The company has patented technologies that turn industrial waste gases into chemicals like ethanol, an ingredient for so called ‘second generation’ bio fuels.

The Auckland-based company has an agreement to supply for trial bio jet fuel to Virgin Airlines, and has a NZ$3.8 million contract with the United States’ Federal Aviation

Administration, to provide the same for upcoming test flights.

There are now cleantech business parks in Taupo and Otaki, and there is an agreement signed between Mighty River Power and two iwi businesses, the Okere and Ruahine Kuharua Incorporations, to develop the enormous Taheke geothermal field northeast of Rotorua.

At the same time, there is an ambitious plan to trial tidal energy generators at the mouth of the Kaipara harbour.

The cleantech sector will become a major force in New Zealand’s economy – the projects and companies mentioned above are a harbinger of what’s to come.

They also give a hint of the sort of skills that will be needed, and opportunities that will be on offer, to those jobseekers of the future.

“The shift away from fossil fuels will one day soon be as real as was the shift away from steam, or the shift from typewriters to personal computers.”

The 2008 United Nations’ Green Jobs Report estimated that, with strong policy support, up to 2.1 million people worldwide could be employed in wind energy, 6.3 million in solar photovoltaics, and around 12 million people in bio fuels-related sectors, by 2030.

China’s Government has committed about 10 percent of its stimulus funds to cleantech and is driving the demand for renewable energy through laws and mandates. It plans to spend US$738 billion on clean energy development by the end of the decade, creating 15 million so-called ‘green collar’ jobs.

The threat of triggering a state of runaway climate change is indeed a crisis, beyond that faced by mankind at any other stage. But it is at times likes this that the best ideas are sometimes born. For those equipped to be a part of it, the cleantech revolution will be a valuable opportunity for many.

For more information visit

www.greenpeace.org.nz

News

Tax

By Bridget Gourlay

In the 1960s, we started to crack down on cigarettes. Despite the best efforts of multimillion dollar tobacco lobbyists, it was becoming very obvious there was a direct link between smoking and lung cancer, as well as a whole host of other nasty diseases.

Successive governments sprung into action. In 1963, smoking ads were banned. Ten years later, it was the law to have health warnings on all cigarette packs. Smoking was gradually outlawed in movie theatres, schools and aeroplanes.

Once upon a time in schools, it was acceptable for teachers -and even students - to smoke during breaks.

But today, breaking that rule leads to strict punishment. Finally smoking was stubbed out in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants, in 2003.

The reason for it was that smoking was dangerous to our health.

So, the argument goes, why don’t we do the same for obesity? Sure we have campaigns about the importance of exercise and healthy eating, but a glittering display of junk food is available everywhere we go. Filling up petrol? Pies, coke, sweets are all available at the counter. Same with the supermarket. Local dairies and fast food chains are found in most suburbs.

Tempting the tastebuds of children are the vouchers for fast food restaurants given out to youth sports teams.

That’s where they’ll find the toys from the latest movies given away free – with a purchase of high calorie food.

Controversially, the Government

re-introduced the sale of unhealthy food at school cafeterias back in 2008.

All this and we have rising obesity rates that are, if you’ll excuse the pun, weighing heavily on our health system.

Statistics show three in ten children and six in ten adults are overweight or obese. This health crisis costs $460 million to our health system every year.

Late last year, Denmark introduced a ‘fat tax’ – hiking the GST on everything which has 2.3 percent or more saturated fat. Fellow European country Hungary has done the same, with a slightly different system, taxing foods with high levels of fat, sugar or salt. Even Tory Prime Minister David Cameron was quoted in the Guardian as looking into following suit.

Les Mills CEO Phil Mills says the junk food industry is getting a free ride and needs to pay its true cost.

“Around the world, tax shifting is at the cutting edge of macro-economic policy.

It discourages harmful industries, pays for the damage they cause and creates markets for better products. In Germany, for example, a switch from taxing income to taxing non-renewable energy created 250,000 new jobs in the renewableenergy sector and reduced CO2 emissions by 20 million tons. It works.”

Mills says that in one study of vending machines, sales of low-fat snacks increased by 80 percent when the price was halved. In another, sales of carrots doubled in high schools when the price was lowered. In China, increasing the price of fatty pork by 10 percent reduced people’s fat intake by up to 11 percent.

“Right now, we pay the difference between the nominal price of junk food and the rapidly increasing cost to society. That simply isn’t fair.”

Not in NZ

But New Zealand won’t be following in Europe’s footsteps anytime soon.

Health Minister Tony Ryall told Principals Today the Government has no plans to introduce fat taxes. “Such a tax would add to the burden of many families in tight economic times.”

There’s also the argument that a child’s diet is up to their parents, not the state and that taxing certain food is against the free market.

The Food and Grocery Council’s Katherine Rich says fat taxes give the impression that all fat is evil, which she says is absolutely not the case. “The issue is how much any one person consumes and whether this is balanced with physical activity... education about healthy lifestyles which balance food intake with activity is the only key to people understanding how to feed themselves and their families.”

“Les Mills CEO Phil Mills says the junk food industry is getting a free ride and needs to pay its true cost.”

with points – minus points for saturated fat and give it plus points for vegetable oils. That way there’s no confusion between an avocado and meat pie.

Some things like milk are high in fat but have got good things going for it.”

Dr Toomath says it is also about convenience; and more than just taxing we need to look into banning or limiting the number of unhealthy food places in our communities.

“What we really need to do is look at the issue of having dairies and fast food within a kilometre of school.

When talking to the Wellington City Council I found the legislation is such that if it’s zoned for a commercial area that unless it’s a special case, anyone can set up shop.

“We haven’t even bothered to manipulate the built environment into healthier town planning. In Wellington I used to walk around the Basin Reserve – nearby three large schools’ bus stop was a McDonalds and several dairies.

“The bus stop was actually infront of McDonalds! I saw kids walking to school eating burgers and chips; if it wasn’t there they wouldn’t be doing that. They wouldn’t go kilometres out of their way.”

Fight the Obesity Epidemic’s Dr Robyn Toomath says Rich’s comments are outrageous. “Education is the only thing we’re doing, and doing pretty poorly.

Obesity is getting higher and higher, there’s no justification in saying that at all.” Dr Toomath says we could start with a simple sugar tax, such as a soft drink tax if we want to start making junk food pay for its true cost and make it more expensive than healthy food.

“Taxes can be more sophisticated.

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Getting out and about

Events Diary FRIDAY, FEBURARY 24 THURSDAY, MARCH 8

FRIDAY, MARCH 23

SATURDAY, MARCH 31

Diabetes Youth New Zealand AGM – Diabetes Foundation

NZ Music Month song contest deadline – Music Education NZ Aotearoa

Shanghai business studies application deadlines – Asia NZ Foundation

Emerging Leaders Summit – CORE Education,

Auckland

This is the deadline for entering the song contest for NZ Music Month, which will take place in May. The winning song will be performed by schools across the country. For more information, visit www.nzmusic.org.nz.

The Asia NZ foundation is offering 10 to 12 business studies heads of department or business studies/ economics/commerce teachers the chance to visit Shanghai from 24-30 June 2012. The forum is designed to deepen teachers’ knowledge of the region, so that they can then draw on this experience in their teaching, and be able to include more content about Asia in their programmes. For more information, visit www.asianz.org.nz.

Wellington

The 2012 Family Conference and AGM covers a variety of topics about young people living with diabetes. Participants will be inspired, encouraged and informed by talks from a range of interesting speakers. They will meet other families who deal with diabetes every day; swap stories, share information, and make new friends. For more information, visit www.diabetesyouth.org.nz.

SATURDAY, MARCH 3 Cultivating Relationships – Massey Childcare Centre, Palmerston North How do we grow relationships to nurture a garden of learners?

Participants in this seminar will explore how the dynamics of relationships impact on children’s ability to grow and learn. The seminar aims to provoke participants’ thinking about the ripple effect of intentional and sustainable relationships. For more information, visit http://ripples.massey.ac.nz

MONDAY, MARCH 5 Leading the Future - International Leadership Institute Hamilton The International Leadership Institute’s workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to engage in dialogue and learning around the great themes of leadership for the future – democracy, sustainability, innovation and creativity, models of learning and the nature and moral purpose of education. This Institute is intended for principals and all other educational leaders in early childhood, primary, intermediate, secondary, higher and private sectors.

For more information, visit www.education.waikato.ac.nz.

MONDAY, MARCH 12 Wikis and Blogs ‘How to’ and ‘Where to’?

– Auckland University’s Kohia Education Centre, Auckland Starting a blog or a wiki, or need to develop it for more effective use in the classroom? This course will cater for those just starting out and for participants who want to know where to go next. Find out how you can set up a class resource and/or showcase student work. Turn your wiki or blog into an extension of your classroom.

For more information, visit www.edcentres.auckland.ac.nz

MONDAY, MARCH 19 iEducator tour – CORE Education CORE Education is running in March a week-long EDtour. This tour provides the opportunity for educators to visit a range of New Zealand schools to observe and experience examples of teaching and learning for the 21st century. Special focus will be mobile technologies especially the iPad and iPod Touch. For more information, visit www.core-ed.org.

20 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

FRIDAY, MARCH 30 Giftedness Unfurled: Fostering Best Practices Conference – GiftEDnz, Wellington The inaugural giftEDnz national conference encourages teachers from all the sectors as well as counsellors, psychologists, RTLBs, researchers and any other professionals who work to support and nurture our gifted and talented learners to share their practice and their experiences with other professionals at this conference. For more information, visit www.giftednz.org.nz.

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 Deadline for expression of interest in environmental studies grant- NZ Glass Environmental Fund O-INZ is the sponsor of the NZ Glass Environmental Fund, which makes $25,000 available to schools environmental studies programmes annually. Due to O-I’s involvement, many innovative and exciting projects have been undertaken. Once expressions of interest have been made, some schools will be invited to make a full application, due the 31st of May.

Join around 100 other innovative emerging leaders for two days of collaboration, leadership development and exposure to the most innovative educational ideas on the planet! For more information, visit www.core-ed.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 Deadline for Singapore Principals Forum applications– Asia NZ Foundation From July 1 to 7 2012, AsiaNZ is holding a five-day professional development forum in Singapore for up to 15 New Zealand school principals. AsiaNZ wishes to encourage and support school leaders to grow an understanding of the importance of Asia to New Zealand and, as a result, develop Asia Aware schools and students. Registrations of interest are due by Friday 9 March and the deadline for applications is Wednesday 4 April 2012. For more information, visit www.asianz.org.nz.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 New Zealand Educational Administration and Leadership Society Conference, Tauranga The conference theme for the 2012 New Zealand Educational Administration and Leadership Society (NZEALS) is educational leadership for creative learning and caring communities.

An exciting programme is planned, including five keynote speakers and a range of presentation options for delegates to choose from. For more information, visit www.nzeals.org.nz.

Super Students

Super students

By Kayte John Logan was struck by the inefficiencies of checking 100 traps to find that many had caught nothing. So in 2008 he created a model to demonstrate his concept of putting a unit in each trap to relay the status (whether or not the trap needs to be visited), down the line of traps to the bottom.

and selected to attend ‘Realise the Dream’, run by the Royal Society of New Zealand. Realise the Dream is the acknowledgement and celebration of New Zealand’s finest examples of science research or technological development that has been carried out by school students.

Lucia created a project ‘Take a Chance’, www.takeachance.co.nz. She has interviewed a range of people, including Saatchi’s CEO Kevin Roberts, Canterbury Crusaders Rugby Coach, Tabai Matson, NZ Sailor, Graeme Dalton and even Australian tennis legend Margaret Court has put her stamp of approval on the project.

Logan got this model to a hard wired, simple, but working stage. This year he aimed to complete the project and make a system that is wireless and more capable, with the goal of using it in real traps.

Logan Glasson’s pest management magic A camping trip with an uncle has lead Christchurch student, Logan Glasson on to winning the 15-16 year category in the 2011 ETITO Bright Sparks Awards.

Logan, a student at Burnside High School, went on a tramp with his uncle on the West Coast of the South Island. Logan’s uncle volunteers for the Paparoa Wildlife Trust, clearing pest traps that are set out every 100 metres.

The Mesh Monitoring Pest Trap Management Project has become the ideal solution. The traps link together to form a wireless mesh network, and communicate to one another, so a person checking the traps need only access a base station to find out how the individual traps in the network have performed-this reduces the need for unnecessary manpower.

“I found it really fun to interface with a wireless module with code I wrote myself, and for it to pretty much work first time. It was exciting enough to just read the device type off the module, let alone have two units communicate across my desk,” Logan says.

Super Student of the Year for 2011, is pictured here with his prize. Rueben was stoked to hear of his win and is enjoying his new iPad. The 16 year old homeschool pupil from Christchurch won his age-group category at the 2010 ETITO Bright Sparks Awards for young inventors with his device that verifies the driver’s licence before it will allow the engine to start.

Lucia Kennedy’s creative inspiration When Lucia Kennedy came up with an idea after a day skiing at Mt Hutt to create a book, Dreams Beyond Fantasy for her personal school project, she had no idea she would be representing New Zealand Innovation at the Digital Content Forum held as part of the Rugby World Cup 2011 business showcase.

In September, at the Digital Content Forum, her presentation impressed everyone attending, especially Intel and Gigabyte directors. Her book ‘Dreams Beyond Fantasy’ and the song ‘Take a Chance by Christchurch band Duchess Swift, are on sale. All funds raised will go towards building an interactive website, for kids anywhere in the world to access on-line mentoring, chat, games and a competition to attract kids to participate in coaching programmes with take a chance mentors.

Lucia says she doesn’t want any kid’s big dream to go to sleep and she hopes the book will give people inspiration - maybe adults need a gentle nudge as well.

In addition to the Bright Sparks award, Logan has also been nominated

And the winner is…

Rueben Posthuma,

Lucia is a year 8 student at Selwyn House School in Christchurch. The students had to create personal project for the year to teach them lessons on research, organisational skills, time management, focusing on community contribution and taking ideas from concepts and making them real.

Competitions 2012 Super Students 2012 Cover Photo Competition Principals Today is again running a yearlong Super Student competition. In the Term 4 edition an overall Super Student will be selected and awarded the overall prize - an iPad. So, if your school has a student or students who are excelling in any field; be it studies, sports, arts or hobbies, then we’re interested.

Principals Today is again running its Cover Photography competition and as before, the winning photograph, judged by the staff at Principals Today, will be used as the cover shot on our Term 4 edition.

Entry Details You can send entries for the Cover Photograph competition, or information about possible Super Students to production@academy.net.nz, or by post to Principals Today, PO Box 1879, 8140 Christchurch

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Child Poverty

The call to address

child poverty A child’s potential is a terrible thing to waste.

Everyone agrees kids need the right conditions to grow into strong healthy adults. Children thrive when they have the basics: nutritious food; a warm, safe home; medical attention if they are sick and a good education.

Sadly, too many kids in New Zealand don’t have the basics. One in five New Zealand children live in poverty – that’s about 200,000 Kiwi kids. Furthermore, in many areas, we have become world leaders in the worst outcomes, including child health and child harm.

One group speaking out on behalf of those children whose meager standard of living compromises their wellbeing, education and ultimately their future is the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG).

Formed in 1994 out of a deep concern for raising levels of poverty in NZ and its effects on kids, CPAG is an independent charity working to eliminate child poverty in New Zealand through research, education and advocacy. The guiding principle of CPAG is the right of every child to security, food, shelter, education and healthcare. It is nonpartisan and strongly believe caring for children is an ethical and moral issue, not a political one. Its three main functions are to: 1. Undertake independent up to date research on the underlying causes of poverty and its effects on children and their families.

2. Promote social policy for all New Zealand children 3. Support other organisations working to improve the situation of children and young people in New Zealand by providing clear, independent and reliable information.

CPAG has more than 2,000 members and supporters across the country, from all cross sections of society including leading professionals in the health, education and community sectors, as well as ordinary mums and dads who want New Zealand to be a better place for everyone.

What is good for kids is good for society and New Zealand’s future. New Zealand is facing a massive demographic shift as its population ages and as baby boomers work fewer hours and require additional and more expensive care. As a nation, New Zealand will need every one of our children to be an educated, well-informed and functioning citizen.

In its latest report, Left further behind: how policies fail the poorest children in New Zealand, the organisation reflects on what is required to ensure all children have the resources and opportunities to develop their potential.

This includes an extensive section on education covering early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary education sectors.

Another recently released CPAG report, Hunger for Learning: nutritional barriers to children’s education shows how necessary it is for schools in low income areas to provide food for their children – brains require actual food as well as information. There is also a great deal of evidence that a good quality breakfast improves children’s educational outcomes including test scores, attendance and behaviour. While some children may not like breakfast and others may not have breakfast because

their parents, for whatever reason, do not provide it, it is well borne out in international and New Zealand research that the major cause of the lack of an adequate breakfast for young children is, quite simply, poverty.

A popular public perception of child poverty in our country is that it is a symptom of the personal failings of caregivers’ particularly beneficiary parents. However, largely missing from these discussions are issues of insecurity in the labour market, income adequacy and other stresses faced by families.

Moreover, poverty is not just an issue for beneficiary families. Food banks and budgeting agencies report that the biggest increase in people seeking assistance is from working families.

Irrespective of the cause, children are not responsible for their poverty and we as a society have a collective responsibility to ensure that all children regardless of circumstances have the best opportunity at school and in life. Any solution requires collective action from families and communities and a commitment from the government to make investing in our children a top priority.

KidsCan Charitable Trust also champions the cause of combating hunger and disease afflicting our children.

this serious problem. “New Zealanders contribute $100 million every year to support children overseas… there are similar needs in our own backyard… which is why KidsCan introduced a New Zealand child sponsorship programme, so that caring Kiwis can support the many other children.”

Supported by various sponsors KidsCan provides food, shoes and raincoats for more than 40,000 disadvantaged children in 208 low decile schools across New Zealand with a further 100 schools waiting for similar support. .

For more information visit www kidscan.org.nz and www.cpag.org.nz

“I love NZ. So does my UK pension.”

Brendon Johnson

Britannia did a stonking good job transferring my UK pension to NZ. If you want my opinion, get their free assessment.

You might have access to your money now.

Chief executive Julie Helson says the organisation endorses the call for doctors and nurses to be available in schools, providing free medical intervention to prevent diseases which were effectively eliminated decades ago in most European countries.

“Prevention is by far the most cost effective alternative to expensive treatments and hospitalisation.”

She echoes the position of CPAG in saying child poverty should not be just a political football, and everyone who can, should be helping to overcome

* Conditions apply.

www.ukpensionstonz.com

0800 857 367 A Disclosure Statement is available upon request and free of charge.

BR026PRT6

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Internet Safety

Dean Stewart owns and runs WebSafety NZ, a business that protects parents and children from internet danger. They present internet safety to parents and students through schools, and install filtering software on home computers.

For more information see www.websafety.co.nz

The

human virus

By Dean Stewart

Simple ways to protect kids from internet danger

The internet has become a big part of our lives for most of us. Whether for personal or business use, or both, we seldom escape the online world.

We keep in touch, connect, reconnect, buy, sell, find, research and relax online. As technology evolves, we see it integrating at every point of our lives.

No wonder it is life for our kids of today.

In June 2011, the United Nations declared that internet access is a human right, and that disconnecting people from the internet is a human rights violation against international law.

Nowadays, connecting to the internet is wireless and mobile. New products on the market such as tablet computers have made keeping connected while on the go easy. It is increasingly becoming free too.

Many cities in Europe provide free wireless connections throughout their centres. Here in New Zealand public libraries, cafes, airports and McDonalds restaurants generally provide free wireless internet connection.

Schools throughout New Zealand are currently trialling and testing various methods of technology integration into the classroom environment. Some are taking what may be perceived as a radical approach, whereby the teacher

answers questions from students as well as from a ‘live’ Twitter feed, which may be projected onto a large screen at the same time.

Others are struggling to manage issues such as ‘cyberbullying’ and ‘sexting.’

Safety on the internet is always a concern and top priority. It often seems like we are merely sticking a band aid onto something broken, or placing the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. After all, so many adults find it difficult to get their heads around technology, let alone keep up with it!

The internet is the most public place you will ever be, while feeling the most private. For children, the most private place for them is where they feel most comfortable, in the home.

Schools have their own filtering systems and either subscribe to one of the national providers, or install their own in house software. However, once a child leaves the schoolyard, they can be left vulnerable. That’s why we have come up with several simple ways to protect kids from internet danger.

1. Draw up a written contract with your children around internet usage, time spent surfing and where they use the internet. Include rules about placing portable devices in a bowl on the table before bedtime. Remember, all portable devices connect to the internet and can send text. Search the internet for ‘parent internet agreement’ for several examples.

2. Teach children ‘net etiquette’. Play nicely on the internet and no bullying.

Remember, these are real people they are speaking to.

3. Guide young children new to the internet to positive sites that will teach them internet safety in a safe and fun way while keeping them busy at the same time. NZ sites such as www.hectorsworld.com , www.minimonos.com and www.superclubsplus.co.nz are closely monitored, safe and educate in a fun way.

4. Manually set ‘safe search’ in search engines. This will restrict objectionable material from showing up in search results. Remember, female names, pets and cartoon characters entered in a search engine will often return objectionable material in the search results.

5. Install free software like Site Advisor.

Once installed, it will flag sites in search results that may be harmful to your computer to visit.

6. Install filtering / monitoring software. You will be able to choose the categories a website may fall into you wish to block, so young ones don’t accidentally stumble on them, and monitor internet activity to ensure what you teach your children is being put into practice. There are some great free products like K9 and inexpensive paid products that offer more features.

At the same time, teach them to speak to mum, dad or a trusting adult about anything they see, hear or read that makes them feel uncomfortable online.

9. Teach children about privacy and the importance of not making phone numbers, home address or school name public on any internet site, including the reasons why.

10. Ensure children understand that they are not to meet anyone face to face that they have not met before, unless a trusting adult goes with them.

11. Explain to young male teens that pornography is addictive and not how it is in the real world. Teach them that addiction can ruin relationships and change their values in society, potentially causing them to struggle building relationships in future.

12. Empower your children online. Get them to show you where they like to go on the internet. Sit with them and ask them to show you how privacy settings work on social networking sites. That way you can see how much they secure theirs, while they feel great teaching you what they know.

7. Use monitoring software that will show who your children are speaking to in messenger programs. A cursory glance is all it takes, and any names not familiar can be questioned.

8. Ensure your kids understand how the ‘other’ person feels when being bullied and know the consequences. www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 25

School Camping

Blue Mountain Kauaeranga Valley On a cool, damp morning on the side of a ridge overlooking the Whakapapa River, a dozen teenagers from South Auckland dismantle the makeshift camp where they have just spent a rainsoaked night.

A couple of kilometres away, another group take turns abseiling down a 35-metre rock face overlooking the foothills of Mt Ruapehu. A third group is watching a team mate negotiate steel cables suspended five metres up in a stand of pines.

This is Winter Peak Adventure; a week-long crash course of team work, confidence-building and problem solving, hosted and run by The Salvation Army Blue Mountain Adventure Centre (BMAC).

Nestled between the banks of the Piopiotea Stream and the village of Raurimu, the centre is one of The Salvation Army’s lesser-known masterworks. With Mt Ruapehu and its ski fields at its backdoor and dozens

of caving, hiking, camping, rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking sites close by, BMAC has, for the past 21 years, provided an outdoor education experience for thousands of people, from pre-schoolers upwards.

While it may sound simply like a good excuse to go thundering down rapids on a raft or squirm through the Okupata limestone caves, BMAC is primarily about education and changing lives for the better.

Blue Mountain Adventure Centre The Salvation Army RD1, Owhango T (07) 892 2630 F (07) 892 2630 E bmac@nzf.salvationarmy.org www.bluemountainadventure.org.nz

Being ideally situated at the bottom of the Coromandel Peninsula and only five kilometres from all the conveniences of Thames, Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp is an ideal base for school field trips or adventure holidays. Within 10 kms is the trailhead that leads to the Pinnacles and many other bush walks.

Overnight tramps are easily coordinated, and meals are provided for the students once they reach their destination, if required. For hardier students, a tent city can be erected on a DOC site which allows the students more opportunities to explore the natural habitat and enjoy swimming in the clear river waters.

This is camping at its best, as the camp is all ready for you when you arrive and a camp menu is available if you book the Valley Experience.

For those preferring to sleep in a bunk, the camp has a range of indoor and outdoor activities available and works closely with local providers to offer off-site activities, such as mountain biking and horse trekking.

The camp has spacious playing fields and a gym equipped for basketball, volleyball, netball and indoor soccer and is suitable for training camps for school teams or as accommodation when coming to the area for tournaments and competitions.

All groups get the benefit of a menu tailored to suit the group’s needs.

Special diets are catered for, although a small additional charge may be levied.

The staff is available and keen to help make the camp experience a good one, not only for the students, but for the teachers and parents that accompany them, too.

Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp T (07) 868 8348 F (07) 868 5047 E kvcc@maxnet.co.nz

activities, with nature trails leading from the front doorstep, Mt Hutt Retreat is perfect for school groups, church retreats, sports groups (skiers, trampers, climbers etc) and social groups.

Mt Hutt Retreat Facilities available: The lodge consists of a dining area and main hall for games and gatherings, complete with a stage and open fireplace and equipped with electric and gas heating so you stay nice and toasty warm. There are full kitchen facilities, cutlery and crockery, a cool store, washing and drying rooms and two dormitory wings with double and tripple bunk rooms and family rooms. There is a disable toilet with ramp access. Plains.

A large spa pool has been built into the decking and a sauna is also available.

Accommodation: Situated in the foothills of Mt Hutt, the lodge is surrounded by beautiful forests and lush farmland, and is only 10 km away from the Mt Hutt tollgate and 15 km from Methven. With its wide variety of on site

26 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

On Site Activities: Waterslide, mountain bikes, roller hockey, spa and sauna, walking tracks, argo rides, 150m flying fox, challenge course, 10m abseiling, paintball, archery, crazy water slide, sports including volleyball, basketball, tennis, and rugby.

Offsite Activities: Kayaking, Giant Swing, Leap of Faith, Mt Hutt Skiing, rafting, abseiling, nature trails, and so much more...Come talk to us and we will arrange the adventure options for your needs.

Location: At the end of Hart Road,

off SH72, one turnoff after the Mt Hutt turnoff if you are coming from the Rakaia Gorge

Contact: Stephen Kennelly Phone for bookings: (03) 302 8599 Email: enquiries@mthuttretreat.co.nz Website: www.mthuttretreat.co.nz

School Camping

Experiences that make a

difference Camping can change lives, as a YMCA camp in the greater Wellington region has found.

Greater Wellington YMCA chief executive Simon Jackson says it’s the camp spirit that makes the difference.

“We call it mind, body and spirit. We operate on honesty, respect, caring and responsibility. They take this in at camp and they take it home with them.

Rotorua is like nowhere else; its spirit is expressed in the raw beauty of a stunning landscape that has enchanted visitors from around the world for more than 160 years. Lakes Ranch Christian Camp showcases the best of the region, tied neatly together in a package ideal for school groups, outdoor education, tenting and church groups and families looking to leap the rural/urban divide and get away from it all.

“Camp gives their days structure, something that is much needed for kids, especially boys, who need to know where they belong and who need an outlet for their energy.

For those whose behaviour has been a concern, the parents – and often, the youngsters themselves - say the camp lets them step outside the destructive patterns of behaviour they’ve fallen into.

“They learn self confidence through outdoor activities that stretch them. They don’t have to be anybody but themselves.

They’re asked to take care of their camp buddies or anyone else who needs help – and they rise to the occasion.”

At their first holiday camp, they are in an environment where they may not know anyone so no one expects them to behave badly. No one says or does the things that make them worse.

Phone Fax Email Web

07 350 3010 07 350 3080 office@lakesranch.org.nz www.lakesranch.org.nz

Outdoor education has been flipped on its head with the range of options at Lakes Ranch. Have a go on the Mud Run course used for the annual Tough Guy and Girl. Challenge, and get covered head to toe in mud. Whip through the air on the bush swing for an adrenaline kick. Then kick back in the hot pool, take a dive in the swimming pool or jump on one of the camp’s kayaks and check out the sights.

Kick a rugby ball around the sports field, get into a competitive game of volleyball, tennis or badminton with the available sports gear. Try your hand at archery or grab an air rifle for something a little different in the fully supervised facility.

Lakes Ranch offers abseiling, orienteering, swoop, rock climbing and a water slide; you can even watch a movie in the pool. Head out on a day hike or check out the glow worms sparkling in the dark bush at night.

And don’t forget the camp is a hop, skip and jump to the local attractions Rotorua has to offer.

From zorbing to luging, the options are endless. Maybe try a spot of fishing on one of the lakes, or check out the cultural sights around the region.

Extensive holiday programmes are on offer for those 12 years and above who love to get out into the great outdoors on horseback. From trekking to trotting, the camp offers amazing opportunities to harness your skills – you don’t even have to know how to ride. The talented team can teach you.

We also have Kids Camps which run every school holidays and are for 9-12 year olds.

Accommodation includes lodge rooms holding between three and twelve people, bunk rooms in the riding arena which sleep 11 in each, studio units with ensuites (perfect for parents and teachers), a Retreat Centre with five bedrooms and tenting and motor home sites are also available. Lakes Ranch includes a kitchen and mess hall, so small groups can cater for themselves and any group can have the talented catering staff whip up something delicious.

Run by a dedicated team, Lakes Ranch Christian Camp is an oasis of strong moral guidance in a fun and exciting holiday package.

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 27

School Camping They are in a different environment with different people who come to know them in a more positive place in their lives.

Clinical psychologist Allison Hewitt has sent several of her young clients to residential programmes at Camp Kaitoke, often using government funding to subsidise their stay.

She wrote to the camp to say, “Many of the young people we see at our centre - and we see children and their families who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health concerns - have never been able to experience anything like the camps you offer. Many come from difficult and financially pressured background and home environments.”

“You and the staff make it such a positive experience for them and they unanimously agree they have so much fun when there! It improves their mood and confidence and gives them social skills. It provides positive experiences with young people outside of their often difficult school environments and gives them such a boost to their self-esteem.

In addition, it very importantly provides some respite care for their carers.”

Shy kids sing It’s not just difficult youngsters who find their lives are turned around by the camps.

“Ordinary kids write us letters to tell us how they’ve become more confident,” says Emily Robinson, programme manager for Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR).

“One father wrote to us about how proud he was to see his shy daughter getting up on stage and singing in front of an audience at music camp. You can see a lot of changes in ordinary kids.

“We focus on ‘everyone can be who they are, not who they’re not’. It’s part of building self esteem. For our voluntary leaders who are 16 and 17, at camp they might be the guy who can sing the teapot song really well instead of the kid who’s out partying and worrying his parents.”

Emily says an integral part of building confidence at the camp is the focus on supporting each other in groups and valuing each person for who they are.

“Every evening we have a big discussion about the day and what people enjoyed. We recognise the ‘above and beyond’ behaviour where kids have gone out of their way to be more helpful and caring than you’d expect, say, from your average 10-year-old. Like one kid fell off a horse so another camper gave them their turn so they could get their confidence back. Basically it’s looking for ways to make things better.”

Horses a special feature Horses are a special feature of the camp and are ridden in the horse camp but also available to be loved and lavished attention on at all other times.

“Horses are a part of our camps that make us unique. We notice that a lot of under-privileged kids or kids described as ‘doing less well’ can spend a lot of time with the horses. That bond of caring for someone else is something they carry away with them.

“All the horses have come to the camp through the SPCA HUHA Animal Sanctuary so they all have a story to go with them which the kids just love to hear.”

“One father wrote to us about how proud he was to see his shy daughter getting up on stage and singing in front of an audience at music camp...”

Camp Kaitoke celebrated its fifth birthday on October 30, 2011 after being bought for the second time by Greater Wellington YMCA. The camp was originally set up by the YMCA in the 1950s but sold in the 1960s to the Kiwi Ranch organisation.

The camp in the foothills of the Rimutaka Ranges occupies 15 hectares of fields and bush. It provides year-

Phone: 64 7 868 8348 Fax: 64 7 868 5047 Email: kvcc@maxnet.co.nz www.kvcc.org.nz

28 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

round facilities and programmes for all kinds of groups for personal development, including leadership, bush craft, kayaking, canoeing, horse work, archery, a ropes course, teambuilding and orienteering. The cabins sleep up to 160 people in sixperson bunkrooms.

For youngsters – whether ordinary kids or kids with problems – it was the best thing the Y could have done, Camp Kaitoke manager Aidan Tansell reckons.

“When we took it over it had been on the market four years and needed a lot of renovation. A lot of heart and soul has gone into it.

“We want to make Camp Kaitoke a centre of excellence. We have achieved the Outdoorsmark – the approved site award given by the national audit scheme of physical safety systems for outdoor activities. We opted into it well before it became compulsory and were the third of the six YMCA camps to be awarded with it.

“It was hard work to achieve but shows that you are more than just a facility; you have something much more than that to offer. The YMCA is about relationships and experiences and Camp Kaitoke is here to support that vision.

“People know there’s magic here. Every staff member wants to come back to work here, knowing they can make a difference on a personal level.”

Camp Kaitoke has had some highly valued assistance in renovating its buildings.

“Fletcher Building donated the labour of three men for three weeks to put bunks in the cabins. We also had Community Max for six months, the government job skills scheme for 16 to 24-year-olds on the dole. We couldn’t have afforded to pay for staff to put in the five kilometres of bike trails that they did. They were great as the camp did need a lot of TLC. “A lot of them are still in jobs. They just needed a confidence boost and a reference from a genuine employer – the Y. One of the Community Max group thought he was thick but we thought he might have a hearing problem and took him for a hearing test. It turned out he was deaf in one ear. He came out of that test a different person. He realised what his problem was and how to solve it, that he wasn’t as dumb as he thought he was.”

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 29

School Camping

Activities at Lake Whakamaru Christian Camp • Kayaking • Abseiling • Flying fox • Confidence course • Hikes • Archery • Air rifles • Bushcraft And much more!

Lake Whakamaru Island adventures

If your students are Robinson Crusoe or

The Coral Island fans, take them to a real island for school camp and watch their faces light up at the prospect of adventure!

Lake Whakamaru Christian Camp, set on an island on the Waikato River, has been serving campers for close to 50 years. Unlike ‘desert island’ themed books, it provides outstanding service, great food and warm, clean accommodation.

But there’s still plenty of adventure to be found! From hiking and abseiling to confidence course or just playing mini golf, there’s plenty to do. Many school groups go for a midweek day trip to Tongariro National Park, Rotorua, or Taupo.

Only 11 kilometres from State Highway One, Lake Whakamaru is centrally located - making it an ideal camp for those visiting from the North or the South.

Because the camp caters to so many schools they make great individualised programmes to suit your school’s exact needs.

With 79 beds and any extras sleeping in the recreation hall, manager Mark Breetvelt says the camp can easily accommodate a small school of up to 100 students, teachers and parents.

Breetvelt has been working at Lake Whakamaru Christian Camp for two years and of all the great things about it, it’s the surroundings that he likes the most.

“The setting is absolutely idyllic. When I first came here I thought; this must be one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.”

Welcome to Lake Whakamaru Christian Camp, New Zealand.

Idyllic and picturesque, we are set on the mighty Waikato River and have been established since 1962, proudly serving campers for almost 50 years!

We provide outstanding service, great food and warm, clean accommodation. Our staff are here to help you enjoy your camp experience. Our awesome activities for young and old are fun, exciting and perfect for school groups, church groups, rowing clubs, any water based club, family events, conferences, retreats, clubs, outdoor education and more!

He says repeat visitors make up the majority of clients. “Once people start coming here they continue to come back, again and again!”

Our latest addition is a multi-purpose Recreation Centre. The innovative Flotex floor is ideal for both large conferences and a wide range of sports including basketball, volleyball, indoor hockey, badminton (four courts), or indoor soccer.

30 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

“Thanks for another great camp!

Appreciate the continually improved facilities and excellent service, which is why we keep coming back! Wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

- Knighton Normal School “This camp is the best facility I have been in for a school camp. It is so professionally run. Well done! The staff and kids had such a good time. We’ll be back.”

- Omata School

Lake Whakamaru Christian Camp 1105 Ongaroto Road (S.H. 30) R.D. 1

E info@lwccamp.com

Willow Park is a multi-purpose venue for a wide range of guests.

Recreation/Conference Centre

- Heretaunga Intermediate

T (07) 343 2352

Lake Whakamaru Christian Camp, 1105 Ongaroto Road (S.H. 30), R.D. 1, Atiamuri 3078 Ph (07) 343 2352 | Email: info@lwccamp.com | www.lwccamp.com

• Recreation Centre • Beach • Quiet Places • Mini Golf • Conference areas • Sports fields • Children’s play area • Tennis Courts

“Fabulously run facility. Very patient tutors and great communication between staff and teachers.”

Atiamuri 3078

Stay with us for the day, weekend or week and enjoy our extensive range of activities including Kayaking, BMX bikes, Abseiling, Flying Fox, Mini Putt Golf, Lake Swimming, Pedal Boats and Dinghies.

For conferences, schools, churches, sports teams, business groups, or just relaxing, all you need is right here in seven acres of park-like grounds on the edge of the Waitemata Harbour.

Testimonials

The beautiful inner harbour of the Hauraki Gulf, ideal for water sports and safe for the Willow Park canoes ‒ eight available.

Willow Park is only 30 minutes drive from Downtown Auckland or the airport, but a world away from the city itself.

Accommodation

Willow Park can accomodate 180 people in bunk or family style rooms with some twin rooms available.

VISITING WELLINGTON?...

CAMP ELSDON

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING SCHOOLS WHO WISH TO VISIT THE WELLINGTON AREA. All schools travelling long distances to visit Te Papa and other Wellington attractions, know that Camp Elsdon provides a quiet night’s sleep after a long day.

The Camp can provide 94 beds and a kitchen, dining room and a hall for meetings or other activities.

SCHOOLS PAY $10 PER PERSON PER NIGHT ON A SELF-CATERING BASIS. Transport to and from Camp Elsdon can be fun. Try long distance trains stopping at Porirua Station. Take a train to Wellington to visit Te Papa, Parliament, National Libraries, Archives, Katherine Mansfield’s Birthplace, Botanical Gardens, Carter Observatory and Karori Park Sanctuary. These are a few suggestions of places one may visit in Wellington.

Aquatic Centre, with a Hydroslide and Wave Machine, Go Karts, Ten Pin Bowling and Adventure Golf at Pirates Cove. The Police museum is well worth a visit.

A visit to www.campelsdon.co.nz will provide you with an overview of what is on offer and access to booking forms, and terms and conditions of hire.

Porirua provides a range of amazing attractions. These include the

For lots of other ideas, send for an information pack or check us out on the web:

www.campelsdon.co.nz The Manager, 18 Raiha Street, Elsdon | Porirua City. 5022 Phone 04 237 8987 | Fax 04 04 237 8977 Email camp_elsdon@xtra.co.nz

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 31

School Camping

CAMP RAGLAN This beautiful 14 acre campsite is pleasantly situated on the slopes of Mt Karioi overlooking the panoramic view of Raglan and the Tasman Sea.

POSSUM INSOLES

It offers a fully catered camp for a total of 150 children and adults in dormitory style accommodation, which is particularly suited to primary and intermediate school children with all main facilities under one roof.

The resident chef cooks excellent meals and special dietary needs can be catered for. Camp Raglan is known for its good food and excellent hospitality.

Your host Roger Humphris will offer you a very warm welcome and is also happy to discuss your individual needs.

Bethel House is an independent building available for hire separately from the main camp buildings. It has five twin share rooms and one double room as well as a kitchen, lounge room and two separate showers and toilets.

It overlooks the breath taking view of the Tasman Sea. Bethel House is a relaxing home away from home.

An information pack to help you with your planning is available from the camp and gives full details of facilities, accommodation and what you need to know to make your booking.

SCHOOL MAKES $10pr MOTHER’S DAY FAST APPROACHING ORDER NOW

Ph: 03 208 4248 info@kozitoez.co.nz www.kozitoez.co.nz

The gymnasium has equipment for basketball, volleyball, badminton and hockey and is a great space to use for many activities if the weather is not at its best. The main hall has a stage area with a large screen at the back which is excellent for showing movies etc. in an evening. Stacking chairs, table tennis table and the ever popular Block Buster game. The main

32 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

hall opens up on to a sunny veranda overlooking the Tasman Sea. To help you provide your best possible education outside the classroom experience Camp Raglan provides the following facilities and activities:

The fee structure is: Adults and secondary school students $45.00 per day Primary and intermediate school students $42.00 per day

• Flying fox

Children three to five years $22.00 per day

• BMX Track

Children under three No charge

• Gymnasium

Bethel House per person $35.00 per day

• Playground • Huge beach • Volleyball • Swimming pool

Minimum charge for Bethel House uncatered $300.00 per day All prices include GST and are subject to change without notice please contact our hosts for current pricing.

• Sports field

Camp Raglan

• Archery

Hosts: Roger and Tina Humphris

• Air rifles

578 Wainui Road

• Confidence course

Raglan

• Low ropes course

T (07) 825 8068

• Orienteering course

F (07) 825 7091

• Team building challenges.

E campraglan@cbm.org.nz www.campraglan.org.nz

Camp Raglan is also ideal for studies on native bush, beach and stream as well as small town studies.

School Camping

Central Plateau

playground

If you are looking for the ideal venue in the Central Plateau region, Taurewa Camp is the place. Throughout both summer and winter, the activities on offer are vast and all within close proximity to camp.

The various tramps, both long and short, the use of Department of Conservation (DOC) huts within the Tongariro National Park for the overnight tramps, taking on the Tongariro Crossing, rafting or kayaking the Tongariro River, cycling the 42 Traverse, skiing at Whakapapa or Turoa, exploring the Okupata Caving system, soaking in the Tokaanu Thermal Pools, it’s all here!

Taurewa Camp was originally a forestry camp run by NZ Forest Services. Milling took place in the surrounding forests up until approx 1962, when most of the native trees had been removed. The workers who had occupied the camp were then moved to other forests and they were replaced by Italian tunnelers.

These men were brought over from Italy to construct the Tongariro Power Scheme and much of the surrounding area shows evidence of their tunneling skills.

Taurewa Camp closed in 1970 and lay vacant until 1972 when Avondale College was given the option of taking up the lease. Since those early days thousands of Avondale students have taken up the opportunity to spend a week in this fantastic and beautiful part of the world.

It offers a week in the great outdoors to all Avondale students in Year 10, 12 and 13 with the programme varying according to level and season. This is a very popular and successful experience for everyone who goes.

When Avondale College is not in residence, the campout is rented out to other groups such as schools, church groups, scouts, mountain safety, businesses and the like. This means other schools and students are able to participate in a great variety of outdoor activities including tramping, caving, rafting on the Tongariro River, rock-climbing, kayaking, ropes course and many others depending on their age. Accommodation is in heated two to six bedroom cabins, with excellent kitchen, hall, dining and other facilities.

For a taste of the fun-filled adventures Avondale College pupils have been having for years, rent Taurewa Camp.

Taurewa Camp Activities - Overnight tramps - Rafting - Kayaking - Cycling

LOOKING FOR QUALITY CAMPING & OUTDOOR GEAR? TALK TO US TODAY!

- Skiing - Caving - Rope course

Tongariro National Park

Discount Packages Available For Schools

Tongariro National Park, established in 1887, was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. It is also a dual World Heritage area because of its important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its rare volcanic features. The perfect place for a science or geography field trip, it has hot springs and active craters.

Tongariro is also home to many native animals. This includes the short and long tailed bats - New Zealand’s only native mammals. The park is also dripping in birds such as North Island robins, fantails, parakeets and kereru (native pigeons).

Taurewa Camp C/O Avondale College Victor Street Avondale Auckland 1026 T (09) 820 1075 F (09) 820 1075 E wil@avcol.school.nz

www.equipoutdoors.co.nz | E: sales@equipoutdoors.co.nz 0800 CAMPOUT (22 67 68) | Ph: 07 829 8476 | Fax: 07 829 8478 50 School Road, Whatawhata, Hamilton

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 33

LOOKING FOR A COMPLETE

SCHOOL SOLUTION? YOU NEED AN OFFICE SUPPLY HERO!

With 20 years experience in office supplies, what we don’t know about the products you use isn’t worth knowing! Contact us for a copy of our School Solutions catalogue or to make an appointment for an Account Manager to meet to discuss your needs. We can offer you a full solution for your school.

• Fast, friendly service

• Multiple order options to suit your needs

• Passionate, helpful staff

• Extensive ranges in all major categories

• Dedicated Account Managers that can visit you when you need them

• Competitive pricing everyday and during back to school

• Outlets nationwide for easy access

• Discount cards for your staff

• Easy online shopping on our website

• Locally owned and operated

0800 OFFICE WWW.OPD.CO.NZ 34 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

• Relationships built on long term partnerships

Fundraising

Environmental efforts

recognised The mission is to give young people the opportunity to become role models and make a difference in their communities by applying their ideas and energy to real life situations.

Worthy of specific mention are two Hamilton primary schools that were presented with top national environmental education awards late last year.

Environmentally aware schools have been recognised for their long-term commitment to sustainability.

Rhode St School and Hillcrest Normal School received Enviroschools’ Green Gold Awards for efforts in environmental action and sustainability. It earned the Green Gold status through its efforts in growing students’ confidence in designing, building and articulating the projects that have occurred and continue to evolve through its participation in Enviroschools.

The school has been involved in Enviroschools since 2007 and among its successful initiatives are its sensory garden, recycling scheme and annual Kai Festival.

Hillcrest Normal School’s focus on learning for sustainability saw it achieve the Green Gold Award.

By exploring local and global issues at depth, students have sought alternatives to environmental and social issues, and have taken action within their school, homes and community.

Waste reduction and management, energy conservation and solar energy, sustainable transport and the development of natural habitats, food gardens and play areas within the school are some of its successful Enviroschools initiatives that the school has achieved since joining the programme in 2003.

The Funda way

to fundraise

Funda is the new way to raise money online for your school. It’s an easy, fast and cheap way for your school to reach more people and raise money.

Funda provides your school with its own fundraising website and ability to take secure online donations. Using Funda makes fundraising fun, and it’s the most convenient way to reach the biggest audience via social media.

How does it work?

Your school will have its own Funda webpage where you’re able to promote any fundraising event to the world. These events can be anything from raising money for sports teams or new equipment to school charity events like the 40 Hour Famine. People viewing events can either donate via your Funda webpage, or join events as fundraisers.

Cathy also likes what Ben’s doing and adds a few Aussie dollars!

Ben updates his comment and is excited to see all these messages of support from his relations who he hasn’t seen in years. Ben is even more excited to see his school’s house leading the point’s leader board.

What next?

Social networks and the internet are the future for school fundraising. Funda has been developed using the most advanced web-based technology. It guarantees your school’s satisfaction and is proud to be 100 percent New Zealand owned, operated and developed.

Join Funda today, it’s free and only takes minutes to set up and is committed to making a difference for your school and Kiwi kids.

Supercharging your school’s message The real power of Funda is when students join fundraising events and promote the message in their own social networks via Facebook, email and Twitter and collect secure donation payments.

Why is it so much fun?

Funda builds students their own personalised fundraising webpage.

So when Ben emails his webpage to Aunty Mary in England she sees Ben’s picture, his school’s crest, what his school is doing, how much has been raised and much more. Mary thinks what a great job Ben’s doing, so flicks him a few quid! She leaves a comment which her sister Cathy in Australia sees on Facebook.

Funda T 0800 10 33 32 www.funda.co.nz

The Textile Recycling Centre Organising your school’s collection The Textile Recycling Centre can make recycling clothing about as hassle-free as is possible to get. But better yet, it can be profitable as well.

A date for collection is set, which can be from Monday to Thursday. Then a promotion letter is sent to parents advising of the collection date. Pink bags supplied by The Textile Recycling Centre are given to each student to take home one week prior to collection day.

One day prior to collection a reminder is sent home.

Bags of good used clothing and wearable shoes, etc are brought to school on collection day. The Textile Recycling collection truck will be on site between 8am and 9:30am.

An agreed payment to the school is made based on dollars per tonne or per kg within seven working days.

Clothing bins These can provide a steady, on-going income to your school. The Textile Recycling Centre (TTRC) provides and maintains your clothing bin and regularly clears the bin. The amount TTRC pays each school depends on the quality and volume the clothing bin produces. A clothing bin is a great way to raise funds and provide a visual statement of the schools recycling commitment in its community.

To find out how to get a bin call The Textile Recycling Centre near you.

BRING THE PINK BAG TO SCHOOL PROJECT

SCHOOL FUNDRAISING MADE EASY Raise funds for your school project while promoting the benefits of recycling to your school community.

The Textile Recycling Centre Ltd and SaveMart will help your school co-ordinate your fundraising collection.

RECYCLE REUSE REDUCE “RAISE CASH” Visit our website below for all the information.

We are proud to be the major funding partner to the Child Cancer Foundation.

Take a look at www.bringthepinkbagtoschool.co.nz www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 35

Office Products Depot now offers more to education During the past 20 years Office Products Depot has built a reputation as a quality and reliable provider of stationary to businesses around the country.

Good news for schools - in 2012 it will be extending its offerings to the education market.

There’s plenty of reasons why Office Products Depot will serve the education industry just as well as it has served the business one for two decades.

Firstly, as New Zealand’s largest independently owned and operated business to business office supplies company, it has an extensive network and a large staffing base. So if ever there’s an issue, one of the more than 80 account managers on the road year round can be quickly dispatched to a school to help out.

The company is proud to offer all its customers the confidence of knowing that if they need help, Office Products Depot can have a real person at your school in no time at all. In the days of mail order or website ordering only, it recognises that having a real person to visit and speak to when making decisions is invaluable.

Then there’s the customer service. The brand is supported by the tagline “your office supply heroes” which sums up perfectly the passionate, personal service it prides on delivering.

Office Products Depot values its customers, loves its products, and

36 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

loves what it does. That’s why it is proud to stand by its mantra that “No one loves your school like we do”.

With outlets across the country, your school can access the supplies you need quickly. Office Products Depot also offers the convenience of online shopping through its website which includes its full school and business ranges. In most cases the company can deliver the next day. When time is of the essence, it is easy to see why its customers call the company “office supply heroes”.

Another reason why Office Products Depot will work well with schools is its structure.

As an owner operated group, your school will deal directly with a local member of your community. Being local gives the owner and the team the chance to get to know you, your school, and its needs properly. Then the team can find a solution that delivers for your school. Many of Office Products Depot’s owners are active participants in their communities - you may already know them!

Office Products Depot offers an extensive range which should fulfil the needs of schools at any level. It has a ‘School Solutions’ catalogue tailored to the education market, featuring the most popular products demanded by schools, along with current pricing and a handy order form.

This is revised regularly ensuring you always have access to the most popular ranges used across the country. The company prides itself on going the extra mile so, if you need something specific, and it exists, they will find it for you!

Office Products Depot also has full business, furniture, and specialist catalogues that it is happy to provide if you need to source something extra. With strong relationships built up over 20 years with the major suppliers in the industry, it has access to anything that a supplier may produce.

Schools want to provide so much for their students – sports, arts programmes, trips, and it isn’t always easy to make budgets meet. That’s why Office Products Depot is such a good choice. Because it is part of an international buying group, it will always be extremely competitive in its pricing.

Check out its latest catalogue to see what is on offer. You can be sure you are in with a great chance to win and extend your budget with some really exciting prizes that you staff and students will love.

Finally, some of Office Products Depot’s outlets also have retail offerings. This is perfect if you need the convenience of stopping in at your local outlet for last minute needs. Office Products Depot offers a staff discount card that extends the pricing in

its catalogue to any teacher who wishes to shop on site. Schools can discuss this great initiative with their nearest outlet.

So give Office Products Depot a call today! Because best of all, it is easy to get started with the company. All a school needs to do is contact its nearest dealership to arrange for an account manager to come and review the school’s needs.

Then, the account manager can quickly set you up an account, enable you to shop online, and provide you with an easy to use catalogue and price list. To contact your local office supply heroes simply call 0800 OFFICE or visit their website www.opd.co.nz for full contact details.

Office Products Depot believes in adding real value to your school.

That’s why it always strives to establish long term partnerships with its customers. It believes reliability, great personalised service and fast deliveries are just as much of a consideration for schools as the mighty dollar.

Office Products Depot looks forward to providing the New Zealand education market in 2012 and beyond with an exciting new alternative to its supply needs.

Office Products Depot T 0800 OFFICE www.opd.co.nz

Sustainability

Smallthatchanges make their mark There are eco-friendly alternatives to many of the hygiene products and cleaning chemicals found in schools today and that doesn’t mean compromising on quality or your budget.

4 My Earth Are your school bins filled with plastic wrap after every lunchtime?

Marcia McWhirter, a Central Otago entrepreneur, worked out a rough equation on how much plastic wrap a child uses in their lunch bag each day for a year.

Based on a sandwich, muffin and nuts/ sultanas, it turned out to be 105 meters.

And that 105 metres would be dumped into our ever increasing landfills. When this was multiplied by a small school of 450 students it came to a massive 47,250 meters per year.

That’s why Marcia McWhirter started 4MyEarthNZ, a company that sells eco-wrapped snack and sandwich size pockets and wraps.

Ethically made in India by sources free of child labour, the pouches are free of coatings that contain PVC, Vinyl, PUL, EVA, Phthalate and preservatives 320 & 321 (found on commonly used plastic wrap).

Testimonials from 4 My Earth fans “Thank you for a fantastic product and prompt friendly service....my four children have been using the wraps for a week now and they love them!! They are easy to use even for little hands, keep the food fresh and are easy to clean. Have shown all my friends and they also think they are great.”

-Vanessa “What a wonderful product. This was a great fundraiser for our centre and we have since had many families wanting to purchase more after trying them out.

Thank you for your help and support in making this very hassle free. They make a great gift and are so easy for the children to use.”

Kim, Wanaka 4MyEarth T 027 333 5702 www.4myearth.co.nz

The pouches keep food fresh and conform to FDA standards. Easily hand washed or popped in the washing machine, many schools have already embraced the new eco-friendly product and are seeing a noticeable reduction in plastic wrap.

Seedy Fundraisers for Schools!

• Buy our retail packets at a discounted price for resale! Pre-sell our Top Sellers at their standard retail price, place your order with us and we’ll supply just what you have sold. No leftovers! You pay the discounted price and make a healthy profit!

• Buy bulk seed at a discounted wholesale price to grow seedlings for sale. Tap the green-fingered ones amongst your school community to put their sowing and growing skills to good use.

• Run competitions to grow giant pumpkins, gourmet vegetables or sunflowers.

Great for School Fairs!

• Buy seed on a small scale for projects in your school garden: Even if you just wish to buy retail seed packets for small gardening projects at your school, we will always supply these to you at a discounted rate

Insinc Products offers toilet paper (rolls, jumbo rolls and interleaf), paper towels, tissues and serviettes made from 100 percent recycled paper, cleaning products for commercial use made from all natural ingredients, biodegradable rubbish bags, disposable sanitary units and new to their range disposable and compostable plates and cups for your functions.

Saving money is an important part of a school’s budget and spending too much on toilet paper that gets flushed away is unnecessary. While you are saving money you can also help save the environment.

Recycled paper saves trees, oil, water and power, it saves thousands of tonnes of waste paper going into landfills as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As an added advantage for your old school pipes, recycled paper breaks down faster so causes fewer blockages.

Aside from the potential damage to our environment the health of staff and students must also be taken into consideration. Toxic chemicals used at school will pollute your indoor work space and can cause allergic reactions as well as other potential health side effects for both cleaners and staff. Sick staff and students cost you money!

Children are more susceptible to toxic chemical poisoning than adults because their bodies are still growing and developing. During school age years, the nervous, immune, reproductive and respiratory systems of children are all going through significant changes.

Commercial grade, natural cleaning products come in a concentrated formula which is more economically viable than ready to use products. There is less packaging required which is great for your waste disposal as well as your wallet. Concentrated cleaning products often dilute at 20:1, which means one litre of concentrate will give you 20 litres of product at a fraction of the cost!

Sanitary units necessary from primary school level up usually require expensive contracts and servicing. The waste is often wrapped in plastic and taken to landfill. Insinc Products offers an economical and environmentally friendly alternative.

Disbin sanitary units are made from 80 percent recycled materials, are covered in a water repellent made from natural plant sources, and are completely compostable. Disbins come complete with a natural sanitising sachet that kills germs and odours. There is no need for expensive contracts (that empty bins only partially used) as you simply throw the bin out (or compost it) when the bin is full.

Most of Insinc’s products range have the Environmental Choice certification so you know they are independently verified as being eco-friendly. Buy online or contact Insinc directly and the team will put a quote together for you.

Insinc Products Ltd T 0508 INSINC (467 462) E sales@insincproducts.co.nz www.schoolsuppliesnz.co.nz

YOUR BUDGET | YOUR HEALTH | YOUR ENVIRONMENT Environmentally friendly cleaning and hygiene products to suit you!

• Toilet paper • Paper towels • Cleaning products • Sanitary units • Rubbish bags • Cups and Plates CALL NOW FOR A QUOTE

www.hygieneproducts.co.nz Want to find out more? Give us a call today!

PO Box 283, Katikati 3166 • www.kingsseeds.co.nz • accounts@kingsseeds.co.nz

Ph. 0508 INSINC (467 462) sales@insincproducts.co.nz www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 37

Resources

Going Solo It’s not often the business world salutes the teaching world, but teacher and author Steve Martin has managed to receive recognition for his work.

Last October, the Essential Resources author launched his new book ‘Using SOLO as a Framework for Teaching’ at the highly regarded Ulearn educational conference in Rotorua.

The very next day he was named both the Most Inspiring Individual and the People’s Choice Innovator of the Year in the 2011 New Zealand Innovators Awards with his Virtual Lesson Project.

The awards are generally dominated by businesses – he was the only teacher in the finalist lineup.

Helping bullies understand

their behaviour

We often talk about the victims of bullying, but bullies themselves need support in understanding why they behave the way they do and how they can stop.

Last year the support agency Skylight launched a resource called ‘Who Me?’ the first New Zealand booklet designed for 10 – 17 year olds who have been bullying. The title reflects one teen’s response made when his teacher gave him a detention for bullying. He didn’t think his taunts and threats were bullying.

Skylight’s Tricia Irving Hendry drew on her teaching and youth work experience, on the most recent research and on the expertise of professionals, as she developed this 16 page, hand-sized booklet for young people.

“It’s too easy to just label a bully and tell them to stop bullying, without giving them the understanding and strategies they need to know why and how to stop”, Hendry says.

“Who Me? has been designed by a young designer as an engaging and youth friendly tool. It’s not about judging the person who’s reading it.

It’s to help them stop their bullying behaviour by giving them information about what bullying is, its effects on them and others, very practical, everyday steps to take to stop it and what the positive outcomes can be for them (and others) when they do stop it.”

Skylight chief executive Bice Awan says 50 percent of school students report being bullied in some way. “It’s time information designed for those who bully is made available - something that directly talks to them and motivates them to stop and start to make real friends instead.”

Skylight regularly hears from parents and carers whose child or teen has been identified as a bully. They look for help for their child and support for themselves. When children, teens and their parents start to understand what bullying really is, it can be like watching a light bulb come on. They often don’t know how to stop bullying behaviour, or even why it started in the first place.

Well known for its practical support resources when dealing with tough life issues, Skylight has also developed information for parents and carers.

‘When the Bully is Your Child’ is an eight page leaflet helping them to understand bullying and giving key ways to help their own child to stop their bullying behaviour.

Both new titles carefully reflect the research that the majority of bullies have been bullied themselves.

These new resources provide tools not only for young people who’ve been bullying and their familes/whānau, but also for schools, professionals and community organisations wanting to address the challenge of bullying.

To obtain copies people can contact Skylight on 0800 299 100.

Any parent or professional seeking help about the impact of bullying on children or teens that they know can contact Skylight directly for a personalised support pack – phone 0800 299 100.

“Practical, everyday strategies can help a bully turn their behaviour around – and having parents a part of that process is vital,” says Tricia Hendry.

Want something

new& different for your next party?

Boogie Heads is ideal for all Fundraisers Parties • Events • Suitable for all ages..etc

It’s New, It’s Fun, It’s Hilarious!

New Zealand’s ultimate party entertainment!

info@boogieheads.co.nz | www.boogieheads.co.nz 38 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

His Virtual Lesson Project represented three years of work developing a practical application of SOLO (Structure of Observed Learning Outcome) taxonomy for the classroom.

It is a framework that values creativity, inspires thinking skills, uses ICT and allows all students to experience success, Martin says.

“By encompassing students at all levels from the top right through; it means less able students who struggle to see what success looks like, do achieve it.”

His work has won the admiration of Professor John Hattie of the Melbourne Education Research Institute, who comments on Martin’s expertise at developing a practical framework and his ability to turn students onto learning in the foreword of Martin’s new book.

Learning Cycles

Learning Cycles So, what would we see in an effective classroom?

According to Steve Leinwand in his book ‘Accessible Mathematics, 10 Instructional Shifts that Raise Student Achievement’;

but without review the learning is not retained.

“It makes sense – as adults we don’t instantly understand something the first time, so why should kids? I’m old enough to have had to learn how to use a computer as an adult; and if I haven’t

“. . . a deliberate and carefully planned reliance on ongoing, cumulative “Lots of teachers review of key skills and concepts.” do wonderful Teaching in small rural schools, in low decile schools, in classrooms with a huge mix of ability, Trish Kidd did this and consistently got excellent results.

lessons but without

“It wasn’t because I had streamed classes, or because I was any better than the other staff, but because I planned review, so students carried their knowledge throughout the year.

is not retained.”

“The trick is to find out what individuals don’t know and to fix it. With the huge amount of work that teachers have on their plates, and full class sizes, this can be stressful. Most teachers always teach new things, and this takes all their time, but without reviewing, lessons learnt are forgotten.”

As a maths HOD she turned her personal passion for review and time management into something every teacher in the department had to do.

At the beginning of each maths class, teachers had Class Starters on a screen.

The students would come in, sit down and begin on the problems which cyclically reviewed all strands of the maths curriculum.

Suddenly the first five to ten minutes of every class, often wasted by teachers struggling to settle a class and call the roll, were utilised.

Trish calculates she put 20 hours of maths back into every class over a year.

In addition, the half-hour weekly Maths Mate review sheet was used as the minimum homework with all classes.

“Review is terribly important,” Trish says.

“Lots of teachers do wonderful lessons,

review the learning

used a function for a month it takes me awhile to remember it. Kids can know how to do a fraction, but they forget how if they don’t practise.”

Trish and her business partner Martha Ash have developed a number of resources to help teachers review subjects with their classes.

Not only are the popular maths Class Starters available, but also Heads Up Maths for Years 2-5 and Maths Mate for Years 6-11, a homework product that provides cyclic review of maths.

There are also resources for English, Te Reo and handwriting. Schools across the country use Learning Cycles’ resources – and once a school starts with them, they very rarely stop.

Learning Cycles has also found international success. Trish and Martha have a business partner in the USA and many schools in the northeast of the United States use their Heads Up, Maths Mate and Class Starters.

Testimonials “We have been using Maths Mates for several years in Years 7 to 10 at Taieri College. Students using the Maths Mate programme as recommended are regularly reminded of the various terms and skills which form the base of new material being introduced. By the repetitive use of material and gradual increase in difficulty (curriculum level) each four week cycle, students have a very solid foundation when new work and ideas are introduced. This gives them confidence to try new ideas.

“Interested parents are able to assist students and keep involved with the learning because the ideas once learned are going to recur and bring success. We often have a note from a parent through a student asking for an explanation and it is great to be able to provide that assistance, knowing that the student, teacher and caregiver are all involved in the learning. The four-weekly testing ensures that the students are fully understanding the work that has been presented.

“The marking and collecting data from the Maths Mate means that every student is regularly monitored. When a student has something going on in their life that effects their education, it can often be seen by a sudden drop in their Maths Mate results. Otherwise, the problem might go undetected for some time.

“We have been using Maths Mate in our Years 5-8 classes at Scots College Prep School since 2002. The cyclic nature of the programme makes it ideal for revision and reinforcement. The Class Starters are an excellent way to begin each lesson, and as they support the weekly worksheet they are a good way to teach, or reinforce, a concept that the students may be having difficulty understanding.

“We began using the Heads Up Booklets when they were introduced. Their format is ideal for younger students and they too provide important revision and reinforcement.

“Maths Mate and Heads Up are an excellent resource and we recommend these Learning Cycles programmes to others.”

Scots College Prep School

Learning Cycles 3 Tiffiney Place Hamilton 3210 T 0800 1 4 REVIEW (0800 1 4 738439) F (07) 854 7382 E info@learning-cycles.co.nz www.learning-cycles.co.nz

“We have considered other means of regular revision, including more on-line ideas, but have not found anything that matches Maths Mate for the benefits students gain with such minimal increase in workload for the teacher.

“Learning Cycles continue to develop ideas and we really appreciate the work they do.”

Gwenda Hill HOD Mathematics Taieri College www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 39

Special Education

Where to once the standard has been exceeded?

National Standards

provide our schools with a broad description of the knowledge and skills that are required at each year level.

These standards also give clear guidance in how to use this information to improve the teaching and learning of students.

Much has been written about how to help students who do not reach the required levels stipulated by National Standards. The focus on this group of children is both necessary and welcome.

However, is there enough written about children who have already exceeded the standard in both knowledge and skills?

Wanting assessment or PD options to support your G + T students?

The Gifted Education Centre can offer the help you need.

For assistance with standardised testing, or advice on meeting the needs of the gifted and talented children in your classrooms, contact us and consider the options available.

Ph. 0508 GIFTED head.office@giftededucation.org.nz www.giftededucation.org.nz

40 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

Curriculum Teaching and Learning group manager Mary Chamberlain has spoken about taking our education system from great to excellence and how we need to meet the needs of all students. It is a concept that, as the excerpt below illustrates, is relevant to all education systems.

“In every state, in every school, in huge cities, and in tiny farm communities, students are ready for much more challenge than the system provides.

These children perform better than any politician dares to expect. They are the top scorers, the ones who break the curve. They are the kids who read shampoo bottles at age three, and read newspaper editorials at age five. They can add up the cost of groceries faster than a cash register. They shock their parents and wow their grandparents.

“They’re often the most frustrated students in the classroom.”

But when they enter school, things change. They’re often the most frustrated students in the classroom. They’re bored in kindergarten, and they’re bored again in first grade. Year after year, they learn little that they haven’t learned already.

They hope things will get better, but things rarely do.

“For many of them, nothing changes.”

‘A Nation Deceived: How Schools Hold Back America’s Brightest Students’, by Nicholas Colangelo, Susan G. Assouline and Miraca U. M. Gross.

Can this statement be written about New Zealand children and schools?

We are familiar with the terms ‘differentiated curriculums’, ‘enrichment programmes’ and ‘acceleration’.

Curriculum differentiation is defined as the structuring of lesson plans, rubrics, etc., for specific students based on their individual aptitude. Enrichment refers to “learning activities providing depth and breadth to regular teaching according to the child’s abilities and needs” (Townsend, 1996). “In practice, acceleration occurs when children are exposed to new content at an earlier age than other children or when they cover the same content in less time” (Townsend, 1996).

Our challenge is to provide these options, and more, for all our students, using the guidance of National Standards as a starting point.

An education system that strives for excellence needs to provide a diversity of options for all students. Successful school leaders will have a high level of awareness of the best options for their students and use their time and resources wisely to guide their teaching staff in the best ways to assist children to excel.

Gifted children also deserve and need this assistance to reach their own levels of excellence, in their diverse ways. It may be that the needs of some gifted children cannot be met by the classroom teacher.

Just as we employ specialist educators to work with our children who are not meeting our national standards, we may also need to consider employing specialist educators and/or specialist programmes to meet the needs of our gifted children, like One Day School™.

The consequences of not meeting the academic needs of our very able children can be far reaching and, at worse, tragic. They quickly become unmotivated and social and emotional issues may develop.

Students who are unmotivated rarely achieve their potential and find other ways to occupy their minds during class time. As Anthony J D’Angelo says, “Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow”.

Our gifted students have the potential to be our leaders in their field of giftedness. Our role as educators is to nurture their abilities, ensure they maintain their passion for learning and provide them with the strategies and tools to fully develop their giftedness.

By sourcing and using different options for our gifted students, successful school leaders are helping to do this.

They are fulfilling their roles as leaders and helping to make an important impact on our society.

The Gifted Education Centre Free phone: 0508 GIFTED www.giftededucation.org.nz

Career Choices

Giving job seekers the

spirit of adventure

The Spirit of Adventure Trust is helping young New Zealander’s learn essential skills to help them enter the work force during February 2012. The Trust is running a special voyage from February 24-28 for young New Zealander’s aged 17-20. Forty young Kiwis’ will board its iconic tall ship - Spirit of New Zealand.

The Spirit of Adventure Trust CEO, Dean Lawrence says we wanted to help give young kiwis a chance to do just that.

“This special voyage is a unique way for young job seekers to take a step back, reflect on their options and learn some skills they need to successfully apply for jobs, help ace the interview and be an effective team member.

“In the current climate entering the workforce is much more competitive.

Our young people need to learn how to stand out from the crowd and be noticed by prospective employers.”

The voyage will cover a range of topics to ensure participants get an understanding of what they’re up against in the job market, such as: • Personal life development • Self-awareness and esteem • Goal setting and direction • Emotional intelligence and confidence • How to look for a job, preparing a CV, interview techniques • Time management, leadership, team building, work ethic.

“The programme is jam packed, but there will still be time for fun. Trainees will also enjoy sailing a tall ship and make strong networks with people from all over New Zealand,” Lawrence explains.

The cost of the voyage is $525 which covers five days on-board the Spirit of New Zealand, all meals and the job seeker programme.

The Spirit of Adventure Trust’s reputation as a youth training organisation is second to none, having won four international awards over the years - this is just another way that the Trust is working to develop the youth of the nation.

For more information check out the Spirit of Adventure Trust (wesbsite) www.spiritofadventure.org.nz or email info@spiritofadventure.org.nz

Making smart career choices Comparing job options has just got a whole lot easier with the development of a new online tool by Careers New Zealand. The new online Compare Tool will help young people to make some difficult decisions.

The new tool allows someone to select two jobs alongside each other and make a direct comparison between different aspects, such as tasks, requirements for entry, the chances of finding work and the amount they can earn.

Careers New Zealand website content manager Bernie Burrell says young people are often faced with either too many or too few career choices and, as a result, sometimes struggle with weighing up the options and information that’s out there.

“The new tool will allow people to go to the website and compare two jobs outlines from our job database, which has information on more than 600 job profiles. Previously, you would have had to go back and forth between job outlines, but now Compare Tool lets you see two jobs side by side on screen,” Burrell explains.

“Visitors to our site are encouraged to think more broadly about their career decision making. For example, if someone has pinned their hopes on being a graphic designer, get them to compare the role with other jobs to help them discover why being a graphic designer is for them. It’s also helpful for those who want to narrow down diverse options to weigh up two very different career paths.”

Burrell says Careers New Zealand will continue to develop the Compare Tool, adding yet more features that will enable website visitors to link to full job summaries and save results to My Career Space - a personal area on the site specifically set aside for frequent visitors.

“We had more than three million New Zealand-based visits to our website in the last year, so it’s really important that we develop effective tools and have the right kind of information to help New Zealanders make smart career decisions.”

For more information on Careers New Zealand new online tool, visit www.careers.govt.nz/compare

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 41

LEOTC

Welcome to your

outdoor classroom

Where else in the world can you jump on the back of a trailer and get towed along the beach by a 1949 MinneapolisMoline tractor to a bird colony? Welcome to your outdoor classroom!

Top Right and Above: A class travels by tractor along the Hawke’s Bay coastline.

Right: A colony of gannets, as seen on the trip

Established in 1952, Gannet Beach Adventures has a long history of providing tours on a spectacular stretch of the Hawke’s Bay coastline, from Clifton to Cape Kidnappers.

Where else can your students experience a unique mode of transport, combined with a visit to the beach, study the history and geology of an amazing landscape and - to top it off - see and learn about some amazing seabirds at the same time? What a way to spend your LEOTC experience!

Tours can be adapted to your requirements – whether you are bringing older students who are studying geology, or younger students who are studying the rock pools – Gannet beach can alter the tour to cater for your specific needs.

Discover the magic of Cape Kidnappers Join our experienced guides and visit the largest mainland gannet colony in the world.

• Spend time with and get incredibly close to the majestic gannets in their natural habitat.

• Discover how nature has shaped the towering cliffs of the Cape Kidnappers coastline.

• Enjoy a memorable tour experience while travelling on our iconic vintage tractors.

• View ancient earthquake fault lines.

Ph: 06 875 0898 or 0800 GANNETS (426 638) w: www.gannets.com / e: info@gannets.com

Masters Hall

Stay at Victoria University’s historical Hall of Residence | Adjacent to the Wellington cable car | Situated within walking distance of Te Papa, Parliament Buildings and the CBD | Catering available - packed lunch option | Comfortable accommodation at affordable rates | Discount for school groups | Available mid November - mid February

Contact details: Phone: 04 463 3700 Fax: 04 471 1128 Email: weirhouse@vuw.ac.nz www.weirhouse.co.nz

42 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

Group Accommodation 102 Regent Street, Off Tiraumea Road Pahiatua 4910, Tararua District Telephone 06 376 6552 xtn 4 Email officemastershall@gmail.com Website www.mastershall.co.nz

Departing on the day’s low tide, you travel by tractor and trailer along the majestically rugged coastline, with stops made throughout the journey giving an insight into how nature’s forces have shaped this amazing area.

You move through the Black Reef Colony where the first colony of gannets can be seen nesting precariously on the rocks, then onto the Cape itself where there is time to walk to the top Plateau Colony.

Depending on the time of the season, students can witness new-born chicks, through to four month old gannets preparing for their first ever flight to Australia. Tours are suitable for all ages and school rates are available.

Gannet Beach Adventures 495 Clifton Road Clifton, Hawke’s Bay T (06) 8750 898 E info@gannets.com www.gannets.com

LEOTC | Adventure Tourism

New adventure tourism regulations

change education options New adventure tourism regulations aimed at improving safety have prompted the country’s longest running outdoor education provider to offer a new qualification for outdoor educators and guides.

Since November adventure tourism operators began a three year registration process, which includes undergoing safety audits. The new regulations were recommended by the Government’s Adventure Tourism Review, which has also asked the industry to investigate whether instructors and guides should be required to hold industry qualifications.

Head of Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s Outdoor Education Department, Dave Ritchie says acquiring such qualifications will become more important in the future. “Also emerging markets like India

and China will mean adventure tourism will become less about managing high end risk and more about getting people to engage in the activity,” he says.

This year Tai Poutini Polytechnic is introducing a two year Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding, while continuing to offer the popular one year Certificate in Outdoor Education.

Ritchie says the face of New Zealand tourism is changing with The Ministry of Economic Development predicting China will become the country’s second biggest tourism market behind Australia by next year.

“Offering the diploma is a response to requests from employers and the changing shape of the tourism industry.

We are seeing more tourists wanting wilderness experiences as well as high thrill activities.”

The programme will still include rock climbing on the Charleston sea cliffs, ice climbing at Fox Glacier, kayaking and rafting on the West Coast’s famous white water rivers and mountaineering in Arthur’s Pass. But the Diploma programme will also have an emphasis

on ecotourism, story-telling and business, so graduates know what’s involved in running an adventure tourism operation.

20-year-old former student Laura Cashmore graduated with the Tai Poutini Polytechnic Certificate in Outdoor Education in 2009 and the Tai Poutinit Polytechnic Advanced Certificate in Leadership and Guiding in 2010.

“It’s great there is now the opportunity to do a diploma. The two years I spent in Greymouth studying were the best two years of my life. The location was perfect - it is not until you go overseas that you realise how amazing the West Coast is.

Since graduating Laura has worked in both New Zealand and the USA. “I was able to get a sponsored visa because the TPP course has such a good reputation.

I am back in New Zealand now working in Rotorua guiding tourist and school groups, it hardly feels like a job.”

The new level 5 Diploma has been aligned with the Bachelor Degree in Sustainability and Outdoor Education offered by CPIT so graduates can go from TPP into the CPIT programme.

“I really got into white water kayaking, and loved rafting, ice climbing and rock climbing. The tutors are great, incredibly skilled, and they are really committed to the students and become like your family,” she says.

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 43

LEOTC | River Safety than not, water levels can also drop equally as quickly – so waiting, rather than crossing is often the best option and also allows a break for rest and sustenance. In severe cases it may be necessary to camp overnight night and wait for the river to drop,” he says.

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council recommends considering these three questions when facing a river crossing situation:

1. Should we cross?

If in doubt, stay out.

2. Where do we cross?

The choice of the safest place to cross is vital. Try to view the river from a high bank. You may be able to see gravel spits or sandbanks just below the surface and get some idea of the depth and position of channels.

3. How do we cross?

Watching

out for rivers

Drowning in New Zealand’s backcountry is an ever-present risk when travelling through un-bridged areas.

But being aware of the dangers, learning the appropriate bushcraft and river safety skills plus planning and preparing well, can help you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council’s Bushcraft Programme manager, Chris Owens says the dangers are greatly increased when heavy rainfall turns what was an ankle-deep stream into a raging torrent very quickly.

“Some rivers can also rise at great speed and with very little warning. More often

44 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

All river-crossing methods have their advantages and disadvantages and no method is absolutely safe, however the Mountain Safety Council recommends the mutual support method. The more people in the party, the more strength there is for crossing and for supporting anyone who slips or falls.

The Mountain Safety Council runs various courses across the country and also provides helpful resources, with the overall aim of people participating safely in land-based outdoor activity.

A River Safety course, which covers river dynamics, river safety and river crossing methods, is available in many locations.

In addition to the specific river crossing advice, all trampers, hunters and

outdoors adventurers should get familiar with New Zealand’s Outdoor Safety Code and follow the five simple rules to help you plan and prepare for your outdoors activity.

The New Zealand Outdoor Safety Code 1. Plan your trip thoroughly

Seek local knowledge and plan the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take.

2. Tell someone

Tell someone your plans via the outdoors Intentions Process and leave a date and time for when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned.

3. Be aware of the weather

New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the forecast and expect weather changes. Check track and hut conditions. Beware of rivers – if in doubt STAY OUT.

4. Know your limits

Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.

5. Take sufficient supplies

For more information please visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz or for more tips and advice or to complete your Outdoors Intentions please visit www.adventuresmart.org.nz.

School Photography

Heritage Productions

– the perfect picture

Stephen Keegan has perseverance in bucket loads; three decades in the photography industry is testament to the success of his business, Heritage Productions.

Ingenious marketing and a niche market have played significant roles in this success, as has strong business acumen and teamwork.

The Heritage team is a close-knit crew of seven. Office manager Linda Cassidy has been with the company for 27 years.

Stephen’s son Danny is the IT expert/ photographer and daughter Amy works part-time to supplement her clothing brand. The proficient photographers are backed up an efficient team at the headquarters who handle the production and final distribution of the photos.

Established in 1981, Heritage Productions is celebrating 30 years at the forefront of the South Island photography industry.

Last year Heritage Productions gave away 3000 free class photographs to schools. “We wanted to give back to the children and the families who have supported us throughout the years,” Keegan explains.

Keegan had been working as a photographer for several years when he was approached by Halswell School to photograph its pupils. “I recognised the importance of having a strong niche market and after having such an enjoyable time photographing Halswell School, I realised that school photography was ideal. I began canvassing the schools around Canterbury and realised it would be viable to run South Island-wide.”

That year Heritage Productions photographed five schools. Just three years later, that number had reached 50.

Recognition Heritage understood early on the often unrecognised work that school secretaries play in the organisational effectiveness of photo day; the orders placed and the correct photos being delivered to the right families.

He lets them know how much he appreciates their efforts by organising annual lunches where they can gather, share and talk.

The Heritage name is also in the minds of the principals thanks to the sponsorship programme. “Heritage Productions was the first organisation to sponsor the Canterbury and Otago Principals’ Associations annual conference. “This ensures our name is in front of the key decision makers all the time. When it comes to selecting a strong reputable photography company, our name is what they associate that with,” Keegan says.

In 1980 student Andrew McFarlane had his school photo taken by Keegan at Lyndhurst school in Canterbury near Methven. Twenty three years later McFarlane found himself once again in front of the lens of Keegan’s camera - he is now principal at Spring Creek School in Blenheim.

“Heritage Productions has been taking pictures for Spring Creek School for nine years. I am impressed by Stephen’s continuity and so are the parents. We have had some great feedback from parents saying how fantastic their child’s photo is,” McFarlane says. When it comes to the actual job, it’s certainly not just ‘point and shoot’ at a Heritage Productions photoshoot.

“When you’re working with kids, you have to get them in the right frame of mind. Whether that be by telling jokes or pulling faces, above all else you must treat children with respect. Respect is key to a happier photoshoot,” Keegan explains.

The photos Heritage Productions produce are important keepsakes for generations to come. “These photographs will be around for years to come and it’s important with school photos that children and their families can look back at these years as being a happy time – that needs to be reflected in the pictures.

“We take the happiest photos in the South Island.”

Choose Heritage Productions to take care of your school photography needs and you’ll be selecting a company whose aim is to provide top-notch friendly service and products second to none.

“It’s important children and their families look back at these years as being a happy time – that needs to be reflected in the pictures” – Stephen Keegan.

Heritage Productions PO Box 5265 Christchurch T (03) 365 3554 E support@heritagephotosnz.com www.heritagephotosnz.com

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 45

Science

Science By Distance New graduate qualifications offered by distance learning at the Open Polytechnic will give primary school teachers the skills to inspire children to engage in the world of science.

The Graduate Certificate in Primary Science Teaching (Curriculum) and the Graduate Diploma in Primary Science Teaching are now open for enrolment for Trimester 1, 2012 for practising teachers. The Graduate Certificate in Primary Teaching (Leadership) will open for enrolment in Trimester 2 next year.

Open Polytechnic chief executive, Dr Caroline Seelig, says the new qualifications will help the Government achieve their goal of increasing engagement in the sciences in the classroom. “Primary school teachers who have the ability to confidently and enthusiastically share their knowledge of the sciences with their young students are in big demand as part of the Government’s commitment to increase the focus on science teaching in the classroom.

“The younger we can engage and inspire children to investigate the world of science, the more likely we are to see more New Zealanders choosing science as their future careers,” Dr Seelig says.

Is your school incubator 20-30 years old?

Then contact us today to order this fantastic new effortless model and watch your students develop a new awareness of the wonders of nature....

The new Forced Air Circulation model enables eggs to tolerate cold nights and very hot days without any ill affects.

It also has built-in Auto-Turning, so the classroom can be locked up for the weekend, without causing any problems over lack of egg turning.

The New Transparent Model SI-12TAE Also now with precise Digital Temperature Control and Display to Decimal One Degree, at 2 Metres distance

Contact Details Showroom:11 Prospect Place, Hamilton, New Zealand Email: info@dominc.net Telephone: 00 64 7 846 5569 Primary Fax: 00 64 7 846 5401 Backup Fax: : 00 64 7 846 0571 http://dominc.net/

The Open Polytechnic is New Zealand’s specialist provider of distance learning and one of the largest polytechnics in the country. Each year the Open Polytechnic enrols around 29,000 mainly adult learners who are fitting their studies in around work and other commitments to upskill themselves for current or future careers.

For more information on the graduate qualifications in primary science teaching, or to enrol, go to:www. openpolytechnic.ac.nz/campaigns/ primary-science-teaching/

By Gay Pert - Morrinsville Primary School For many years Morrinsville Primary School has undertaken hatching chickens in the classroom. This activity is such a powerful way to engage children and give them a meaningful learning context.

Shay Noonan (our principal) is the incubator technician. This requires 24/7 attention as the incubator temperature needs to be constant and of course room temperatures vary.

We source eggs from egg farms which means we can put them in the incubator a couple of days from when they hatch, as opposed to having to wait 21 days, as would happen in the “real world”.

Observing the incubator in action is so exciting for the children. We learn about the parts of the egg – what is happening inside – how the chicken feeds on the yolk in order to grow and how the egg tooth helps the chick to peck its way out of the egg. We do observations of eggs – looking at the make up – yolk, white, shell, air bubble, skin etc.

Watching the chickens hatch out is pure magic – they come out wet and soggy and then under the heat of the incubator fluff up and look like real chickens.

At this stage we take them out of the incubator and put them in a large container with a heat lamp. The children get to name their chicken – weigh them and learn to feed and care for them.

We weigh them each day to plot their growth. When they start to grow

46 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

All of the courses are taught by distance learning, meaning teachers can fit their learning around their other commitments. The courses are delivered online and make extensive use of video and online quizzes to reinforce key learning materials.

IncubatingCuriosity

I get children to observe the incubator and express their thoughts on what it might be. The next task is to illustrate the incubator and explain how it works.

PRICE DISCOUNT: Normally $620 NOW “when supplied to a School Address” Free Delivery, Including a Free 230 volt EGG TESTER Light worth $50, for only $595.

The Open Polytechnic consulted key science leaders when developing the qualifications including the Royal Society, the New Zealand Society of Science Educators, as well as the New Zealand Teachers Council.

feathers we write an advertisement for a good home. Thankfully we have many parents willing to give our chickens a happy home.

The chicken study is a great example of integrated curriculum. We cover science, technology, literacy, numeracy, health and welfare. Learning is meaningful, relevant to the children’s interests and great fun.

For more information about getting an incubator for your school contact: Dominion Incubators PO BOX 566 Hamilton T (07) 846 5569 F (07) 846 5401 E info@dominc.net www.dominc.net

ICT | Broadband

Help needed with ultra-fast broadband A December report released by the 2020 Communications Trust reveals that while most schools are ready and eagerly awaiting the rollout of the Government’s ultra-fast broadband initiative, principals believe they will need help in making full use of the network capabilities.

Specifically this includes further professional development for teachers, upgrades to existing information and communication technologies (ICTs) and better technical support.

Students continue to have good access to ICTs at school. There is now an average of one computer for every three students with network access in most classrooms. More than half of all classrooms are now equipped with a data projector and nearly one-third with an interactive whiteboard.

Most principals report that the internet is having a significant impact on teaching and learning but bandwidth constraints and data caps are constraining usage.

“It appears that the deployment of school internal infrastructure is largely in good shape and the deployment of ultra-fast broadband is coming just in time to remove the internet bottleneck,” 2020 Communications Trust chairperson Laurence Millar says.

The relatively high penetration of computers and networks in New Zealand schools has been achieved at a significant cost. On average, schools are spending around 11 percent of their operating grants on ICT, compared with 10 percent two years ago.

This represents an annual spend by schools of $105 million from a total operating grant of nearly $1 billion.

As in previous surveys, there is very little correlation between socio-economic status and student-computer ratios.

These have remained largely constant across various school decile rankings. It is an outcome Millar says is welcome.

“Our Trust is committed to ensuring that every child has equitable access to ICTs, in their schools and their homes.

It is pleasing that the socio-economic status of a school does not appear to be limiting this access in any significant way, at least while students are at school. Other findings in the report however suggest that many students do not have access to the internet from their homes and this remains an ongoing concern in terms of providing equitable learning opportunities.”

Other findings in the report are: • School curriculum areas with the most computer and internet use are Computer Studies, English, Mathematics and Social Science • Online education resources appear to have a relatively low level of usage by students; it is not clear whether this is due to a lack of awareness or whether the resources are not perceived to be relevant • The usage of social software for learning has declined significantly since 2009, although YouTube, Skype, Google Docs and Flickr remain popular • 62 percent of schools provide remote access for parents to school online resources with access to school news being the most used; around one quarter are accessing resources to support their children’s learning • For the most part schools are satisfied with the internet safety resources provided by NetSafe • The use of room-based videoconferencing systems has

increased to 45 percent of all secondary schools, compared to 35 percent in 2009

learning management systems, library management systems and data backups

• Wireless connectivity has increased with half of all schools now providing wireless access across their school, compared to 33 percent in 2009 and 23 percent in 2007

• A quarter of all schools are still dumping computers in landfills, slightly fewer than in 2009 (28 percent); 45 percent took advantage of the annual eDay programme in 2010 for recycling electronic waste.

• Schools, especially secondary schools, are starting to permit the use of student-owned portable digital devices at school, but most do not yet permit these devices to connect to the school network • Schools strongly support bulk purchasing and central procurement of ICT products and services, including software licensing, server infrastructure, technical support, computers and commodity internet services

Printed copies of the full report are being sent to every school. A copy of the report can also be downloaded from the 2020 Trust’s website: www.2020.org.nz/index.php/ programmes/ict-in-schools

• 76 percent of all schools have an ICT strategic plan and 68 percent update their plans at least every two years • Most secondary schools are aware of KAREN and would like to use KAREN for accessing educational resources • Most schools are either already using cloud computing services or are willing to consider using them for services such as Google mail, student management systems, Google Apps,

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 47

Sport | Sun Safety

Giving kids a

SPORTING CHANCE

Kelly Sports originated in Australia in 1994, with the purpose of getting Kids active and into sport.

It also runs before and after School Care programmes and its in-school curriculum programmes include:

It has been in New Zealand for five years and has 23 offices up and down the country. More than 60,000 children participate in Kelly Sports programmes throughout Australasia each week.

• Curriculum based sports programmes

“At Kelly Sports we encourage kids to have fun, build confidence and give sport a go. We teach foundation sporting skills such as running, kicking jumping, catching, striking and throwing, giving them a basic skill base and confidence to join the local sports club, and then hopefully that leads to a lifetime in sport,” the company says.

• Sports days

“Our programmes are delivered to Primary and Intermediate school aged children both after school and inschool curriculum time. We run holiday programmes to keep kids active and entertained during the holidays, and sports academies for students who show strong sporting potential.

• Keep Fit programmes • Fundamental skills • Professional development days • Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) • Mentoring • Sports academies • Support to primary and intermediate school sports’ cluster groups For further information about Kelly Sports could help your School, or to inquire about a Kelly Sports Franchise, please contact:

“We also deliver programmes to kindergartens, playcentres and other pre-school establishments.”

Paul Jamieson

Today’s schools have a number of challenges including:

Kelly Sports NZ

• Increased paperwork • Falling number of male teachers • Increase in range of curriculum programmes that have to be run throughout the year

General manager T (09) 427 9377 M 021409 241 E paul@kellysports.co.nz www.kellysports.co.nz

• National Standards - teacher focus is on numeracy and literacy.

Stacking it up The Black Stacks are New Zealand’s representatives for Sport Stacking sometimes called Cup Stacking, and have competed at the last two World Sport Stacking The last championships were held last year in Dallas, Texas and so the team,

along with the Black Stacks manager Deane McKay headed for the US to compete at the two day tournament in April. Three members of the team had competed at one or two previous World Champs and made the podium.

Sport Stacking was established in New Zealand in January 2008 when Speed Stacks (NZ) was formed.

There are not too many sports where young people can represent New Zealand and travel internationally to compete. You can follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/ nzblackstacks.

FREE set of cups and dvd for all schools that would like to introduce Sport Stacking into their PE programme!

“Sport stacking is such a great activity which promotes hand eye coordination and concentration. I highly recommend Speed Stacks to all teachers and challenge them to find any other activity that will enthuse and excite students as much as Sport Stacking with Speed Stacks does.” Deane McKay, St Joseph’s School, Upper Hutt

Speed Stacks (NZ) 06 326 9535 | www.speedstacks.co.nz Email: enquiries@speedstacks.co.nz facebook.com/speedstacksnewzealand

For more information visit www.speedstacks.co.nz or call (06) 326 9535

48 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

Here comes the sun Shades Direct provides today’s schools with a total package of sun and rain protection solutions, from shade sails to all-weather aluminium awning systems, from large allweather waterproof canopies to large hip-roof structures.

With agents throughout New Zealand, Shades Direct offers busy principals and staff the convenience and peaceof-mind of dealing with one company for different weather protection requirements throughout the school.

Your local Shades Direct agent can advise on the best product for your needs, and assist with all aspects, from design through to installation.

Shades Directs all-weather aluminium Awning Systems and steel Solar Shield canopies provide year-round sun and rain protection with polycarbonate roofing that is both waterproof and excludes 99% of harmful UV radiation.

Perfect for classroom frontages, lunch areas, walkways, assembly areas and extra teaching space.

Shades Directs fixed or retractable sail options that are manufactured from quality materials. Shades Direct shade sails are constructed from commercial grade 370gm shade cloth and are double stitched for strength and durability with long life Tenara thread.

Attention to detail, such as using only corrosion-resistant stainless steel fittings, ensures a long life from your investment.

Shades Directs Hip-Roof Structures provide shade protection for those high play grounds or large congregation areas. Shades Direct hip-roofs come with eves to give maximum shade cover from your investment.

Whatever your shade and shelter requirements, Shades Direct has your school covered.

To contact your local agent call toll free: 0800 SHADES (0800 742 337) www.shadesdirect.co.nz

Pool Safety

Water safety tips We’re all aware of the potential hazards of water – all it takes is a moment’s inattention and disaster can strike. Fact is, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children in New Zealand.

The good news is that drowning is preventable if parents and caregivers are aware of the simple things they can do to help keep their children safe from drowning.

Be within sight and reach of young children, be aware of all potential water hazards, put appropriate safety precautions in place and be prepared.

One point to remember is experts advise that swimming lessons don’t make children safe, only safer. So don’t over-estimate your child’s ability to cope in the open water environment even if they know how to swim.

• Learn swimming and water safety survival skills – and CPR, be ready to respond in an emergency • Choose to swim at patrolled beaches and swim between the flags – if there are no patrols learn how to recognise dangers such as rips and avoid them • Actively supervise children near water – that means adult supervision within arm’s reach, focused on the child, not reading or texting • Wear a lifejacket when rock fishing or in small boats – it’s the one thing that could save your life if you fall in to the water • Check the latest marine forecast and tides before heading out on the water, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return, and carry at least two forms of communication on your person – so you can call for assistance • Don’t add alcohol to the mix - never when supervising children in and around water • Know your responsibilities around home pools and spas, including inflatable or portable pools.

For more water safety advice visit www.watersafe.org.nz

Testing the water

By law schools are required to test their pool water to ensure that it is safe to swim in. This is not something that should be left to amateur hands – you need expert advice to ensure the correct procedures are followed.

Hill Laboratories (known by many long term customers simply as “Hills”) has a specific test kit for swimming pool water available.

The company’s track record speaks for itself. Hills was established in 1984 by Roger and Anne Hill. Since then it has grown into the largest independent analytical laboratory in New Zealand.

accreditation system. With premises in the North and South Islands (and Japan) Hill Laboratories employs more than 280 people with a passion for science and technology.

Water testing is one of Hill Laboratories specialist areas and testing is done for a wide range of different contaminants in water.

• Staphylococcus aureus to ensure it is less than 100 per 100ml. This bacteria can cause skin irritations or sickness if swallowed • Pseudomonas aeruginosa to ensure it is less than 10 per 100ml. This is a bacteria associated with eye and ear infections.

Swimming Pool water should be tested for:

To arrange swimming pool

• Standard Plate Count (SPC) to ensure it is less than 200 per ml. High levels may indicate that the disinfection system is not in good working order

information call 07 858 2000 in

water tests or to find out more the North Island or 03 377 7176 in the South Island

• Faecal Coliforms or Escherichia coli (E.coli) to ensure it is less than 1 per 100ml. Levels above this are an indication of faecal contamination

Hills has three major divisions: Agriculture, Environmental and Food & Bioanalytical, which broadly reflects the kind of analytical testing that is done. The company supplies testing to a large and diverse range of clients.

This ranges from internationally recognised global corporations to private individuals from across New Zealand and the world.

The laboratories adhere to the strictest quality assurance programmes and are accredited under the IANZ

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 49

Perfoming Arts

ASB

Polyfest

Footnote Dance to deliver new moves to understand money Money Works is the title of a new dance in education programme for national contemporary company Footnote Dance.

Following a great residency last year at Matamata Intermediate School where ‘Financial Literacy’ was its topic study, 2012 will see the Footnote dance-in-education programme for primary students focus on understanding money – namely where it comes from, where it goes and basically how ‘Money Works’ – the programme’s title.

Children today need to understand how money works and actions of the world today as they become the decision makers of tomorrow.

is a true showcase of New Zealand’s diverse cultures.

The ASB Polyfest is the largest Maori and Pacific Island’s cultural festival in the world. In 2011 it attracted 85,000 spectators, and 9000 students competing from 62 schools.

The festival is an iconic Auckland event that celebrates the pride and passion of our Maori and Pacific Island communities through song, dance and speech. It is a place where youth are celebrated and all they bring to the future.

The 2012 ASB Polyfest takes place from the 14th – 17th of March at the Manukau Sportsbowl. It features traditional music, dance, costume and speech and

Students will compete on five stages - Cook Islands, Maori, Niue, Samoan and Tongan. There will also be a diversity stage featuring performances from a range of cultural groups including Chinese, Korean and Indian.

Event director - Tania Karauria T (09) 523-4212 E director@asbpolyfest.co.nz www.asbpolyfest.co.nz

KICK START 2012 with a dance workshop!

• Challenge students and support their learning.

• Provide motivation in subject topics such as literacy and numeracy and explore key competencies.

• Help students create and develop ideas in cultural dance and other dance genres.

Workshops available nationally and some are tailored to meet individual school needs

Phone: (04) 801 9885 education@danz.org.nz | www.danz.org.nz/leotc.php

Money Works is an interactive dance work for the now generation of young kiwis, with a focus on the self responsibility to live in a fast paced and changing world. Specifically developed by Deirdre Tarrant using New Zealand script and music this is the ideal option to let students watch, discuss and do within a performance presentation.

The dancers of the company are fantastic role models who aim to open eyes, minds and bodies to kinetic learning and to co-ordination and fitness in a supportive and positive learning environment.

Essential skills area such as group responsibility, problem solving, self-confidence, analytical thinking and personal esteem are also key learning outcomes.

A Footnote Residency is planned to develop an understanding of dance vocabulary, generate dialogue and to facilitate creative process and the expression of ideas that communicate through movement using New Zealand contemporary dance set to New Zealand music as a start point. Shape and space are vital influences on how we move and how we feel and dance is a stimulus that can make us think about our bodies and how we fit into our world.

If watching is more your thing than doing and introducing contemporary Kiwi made dance to your school is what you prefer, then Footnote Dance also offers a 45 to 50 minute Ambassadors for Dance performance programme of New Zealand repertoire and music from our 2012 Made in New Zealand repertoire.

Choreographies feature current New Zealand choreographers with New Zealand music as a key feature of their commissions. As it is often a first experience of the different performance medium of contemporary dance for many students, each dance is introduced to give some background to the work and there is a chance to hear a little about each of the dancer’s own background and to ask questions as well.

The printed programme is available on request to give written material and the website can be used to provide information for student projects and queries developing from a Footnote visit.

Testimonial “Footnote Dance provides a platform for our students to be creative, active and explore their talents in an environment where they feel well supported and encouraged by a professional group of young dancers under the tutelage of Deirdre.”

- Marion Henriksen, principal, Matamata Intermediate For more information please contact Kirstie at footnote@footnote.org.nz or call (04)3847285.

The four strands of the dance curriculum are addressed in every workshop. Time is a real factor in this option as it gives students the opportunity to work over a number of days and within the school timetable. Dance as a real subject area supporting the learning process of other topics and providing a ‘doing it - dancing-it’ experience.

New Zealand’s top professional dance company Dance-in-Education packages for primary and secondary schools nationwide.

“Money Works”: Year 1-8 An interactive dance work – part performance, part participation – with a focus on understanding money.

Footnote Residency: Year 1-13 Between 1-5 days of workshops.

Footnote Ambassadors for Dance: Year 7-13 45 min. Performance with repertoire from Footnote’s Made in New Zealand Season.

50 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

To make a booking:

(04) 3847285

www.footnote.org.nz footnote@footnote.org.nz

Perfoming Arts

Stronglite Staging

Live- Artsand local on Tour New Zealand 2012 If you drive through the highways and back roads of rural New Zealand between February and November, chances are you might view the Arts On Tour NZ (AOTNZ) van parked outside a café or a provincial theatre.

AOTNZ, with its cheerful motto, ‘Top Acts to Top Towns’ has been unobtrusively touring musicians and actors to out of the way places since 1984.

Acts as varied as Hot Club Sandwich, Don McGlashan and Whirimako Black have all toured at times under the AOTNZ banner, performing in theatres, art galleries, cafes and community halls to appreciative audiences of 35 (full house) in Okarito and to over 100 in Kerikeri or Hokitika.

This year’s line-up features 10 acts, including virtuoso violinist and composer, Fiona Pears; virtuoso pianist and composer, Jonathan Besser with his new musical group Gimel; and celebrated Celtic musicians, Helen Webby (harp) and Davy Stuart (guitar and bouzouki).

Theatrical performances include Jane Keller in Boomers Performing Badly; two young men’s spiritual journey in The Intricate Art of Actually Caring; and Home, a story of early 20th century nation building through the eyes of Scottish immigrants (with Douglas Mews on piano).

“Acts as varied as Hot Club Sandwich, Don McGlashan and Whirimako Black have all toured at times under the AOTNZ banner” Arts On Tour New Zealand (AOTNZ) organises tours of outstanding New Zealand performers to rural and smaller centres in New Zealand. The trust receives funding from Creative New Zealand and liaises with local arts councils, repertory theatres and community groups to bring the best of musical and other talent to country districts.

Stronglite Staging® offers a superior range of staging products, designed and manufactured exclusively in New Zealand. The Stronglite range is ideal for school halls, auditoriums, drama suites, gymnasiums, sports fields and swimming pools. Product range includes: Stage sections • Portable, safe, easy to handle and store • Uses include: stages, catwalks, tiered audience seating, seated choir/ orchestra risers, display/work tables, ramps and more • No tools required; no folding or moving parts to trap fingers etc. Sections can be stacked on castor wheels for storage and moved as a stack.

Grandstands • From the fixed, three-level wheeled Babygrand (18 seater), to the demountable or fixed Superseat (40 seater), Stronglite’s range of allaluminium grandstands are ideal for the gym, the pool and the sports field.

Wheel the Babygrand to your chosen site or set up the Superseat in about 10 easy minutes.

These comfortable bleacher style grandstands can be supplied with or without insulated seats. Stronglite Staging’s premium products are manufactured to exacting standards and feature unique benefits including strength, lightness, safety, versatility and portability.

Pit infills and stage extensions

Stronglite Staging Limited

• Custom designs, new venues or refits.

196 Finlayson Rd

Choir risers

RD10, Hamilton

• Two, three and four-level, folding choir risers with safety rails and carpeted decks are quiet, stable, easy to handle and store.

T (07) 825 2933 E stages@stronglite.co.nz

Stage Rostra, Choir Risers, Grandstands, Audience Seating, Drama Suite Modules, Drapes, Steps, Lecterns, Trolleys, Ramps etc.

Top quality, NZ made products, designed to be easy to handle and store.

Guaranteed to perform.

Currently installed in many schools, universities & performance venues.

For more information visit www.aotnz.co.nz

Choir.Chorus Risers

Stage, Steps & Lectern

Design • Manufacture • Sales • Hire Services Email: stages@stronglite.co.nz Phone 07 825 2933. Mobile 027 473 4443

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 51

Property

Corocord Spacenets Have you ever wondered where those new climbing rope pyramids you see in our local parks come from? Chances are what you have seen is one of the more than 60 Corocord Spacenets that Playground People has installed around New Zealand since 2002.

These Spacenets were invented by Corocord’s founder, German architect Conrad Roland in 1970. He constructed the first of these revolutionary structures in Berlin in 1971.

Since then Corocord has gone on to install thousands of nets in 50 countries world-wide, annually constructing more than 800 nets at its headquarters in Berlin. Products range from the classic Spacenet to large-scale customised architectural structures.

Safety and quality are paramount with Spacenets. Corocord uses a patented induction manufacturing technique where the coloured polyamide coating is melted onto the steel core of the rope.

This adds to the longevity of the rope and protects it against vandalism.

Playground People have a direct agency with Corocord in Germany which means it does not have to purchase through an Australian master distributor, keeping your costs down.

Last year, Sir Barry Curtis Park in Manukau and Olympic Park in New Lynn were named Auckland’s two best parks by the NZ Herald – both parks feature Corocord Spacenets as their centre piece. The Otago Daily Times named Wanaka’s dinosaur park – which features a Midi Spacenet - the number one children’s attraction in Otago.

This confirms that Corocord is truly the proven climbing-net leader in New Zealand.

Playground People T (09) 294 8742 F (09) 294 8712 www.playgroundpeople.co.nz

Playground People introduced the Spacenet concept to New Zealand in 2002, installing the first Spacenet in Wellington in 2003. Since then Corocord has become the firm favourite of New Zealand councils due to their uncompromising high quality and proven popularity with all age groups.

Spacenets have put the thrill of towering heights back into New Zealand playgrounds, something that New Zealand children and their families have whole heartedly embraced.

52 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

Long Bay Regional Park, Auckland

Property

Surfaces That High-impact playground surfacing is an important factor in any school or educational environment.

As a licensed manufacturer producing woodchip soft-fall surfacing to international standards, this has become a specialist area for Reharvest Timber Products Ltd. The Reharvest Cushionfall product used in playgrounds has the highest impact test of any soft-fall surfacing in Australasia. United States Testing Laboratories found it is better at absorbing shock than rubber mats 3.75 inches thick, and is 25 percent more shock absorbent after five years of use.

It is now the preferred safety surfacing option by councils, schools and kindergartens.

Founded in 1994, Reharvest Timber Products Ltd specialises in making premium products out of urban forest material, or industrial wood waste.

The company takes pride in a history of more than 10 years of testing and development using international standards and technology.

survive Products made from urban forest are proven to last longer, have a slower decomposition and are more resistant to UV light. The resulting firm surface allows ease of use by wheelchairs, vehicles and horses.

An extensive history of working with clients in the playground, equestrian and landscaping industries puts Reharvest Timber at the top of their field in terms of high performance ground cover. An advisory and obligation free quote service can be obtained for the specific area in question.

Reharvest Timber Products Ltd 41a Hunua Road Papakura Auckland T (09) 299 3999 F (09) 298 2988 E info@reharvest.co.nz www.reharvest.co.nz

Reharvest Cushionride is used in performance equestrian surfacing, and decorative landscape ground cover can be maintained by way of Reharvest Decorative Coloured Mulches.

Enviromulch is the preferred product for weed control, moisture retention and surface soil stabilisation.

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Property

Why choose the

Burgess Wetpour system?

The reasons and benefits of a Burgess Wetpour system are endless! This great playground surface enables your matting to be installed as a continuous installation, flowing around equipment and poles, leaving no gaps, rolling over mounds and following contoured surfaces.

Features of the BMS Wetpour system

Sage and terracotta are two of the fabulous colour options available and join this with a pattern or design of your choice and you have your own unique playground.

• Porous

You also help the environment by using Burgess Matting and Surfacing (BMS) products which are manufactured from 100 percent recycled rubber; a fine way for any school to set an example to the children on how to be a tidy Kiwi.

• Easy to clean

Impact Pads for areas where a softer landing is needed, scuff pads, DIY modular long run and tiles, deck and ramp matting are also BMS specialties.

Make it non slip and safe.

• 100 percent recycled rubber

The BMS Wetpour system avoids tile joins which can work apart, lodging rubbish and weeds which are hard to remove and can compromise the safety and appearance of your playground.

• Good equal access for children with disabilities

The Wetpour playground surfaces require minimal maintenance – forget the days topping up bark which becomes wet and muddy!

• Polymerically bonded to provide a hardwearing all weather surface

BMS has many years of experience and knowledge and works to provide a quality playground which will last for many years.

• Safe • Low maintenance • Durable • Provides uniform safety all year round • Non-slip • Impact absorbent • Long life • Indoor /outdoor use • Colour choice • Aesthetically pleasing • Virtually seamless system • Maximises equipment use • Reduces noise & vibration

• Excellent long term investment • Installed by BMS installation team

• Supplied with a five year guarantee against faulty materials and workmanship • Available in three different surface texture options – Safebond, Flexibond and Permabond.

Base preparation prior to the matting installation is of the utmost importance and can add years to your playground surface.

The completed playground is NZS5828:2004 compliant and comes with a five year warranty. A sales representative can meet with you to discuss the matting systems which are suitable for your requirements. A free, no obligation measure and quote and a list of potential funding organisations will be sent to you to assist in making your final decision.

Burgess Matting T 0800 80 85 70 Eadmin@burgessmatting.co.nz www.burgessmatting.co.nz

A sound investment for your school Research has confirmed that barriers to learning can be removed by adopting classroom specific technology designed to make hearing easier.

• Teachers experienced more energy and less tiredness

Active soundfield systems were on show at the New Zealand Principals’ Federation Conference in Wellington, alongside research involving primary school children from Master’s degree researcher Virginia Good.

Oticon New Zealand general manager Karen Pullar says the research builds on what is known, both locally and internationally, about the benefits of FrontRow Active Learning Systems in the learning environment.

“The research adds to the mounting body of evidence demonstrating the positive effects of soundfield systems on behavioural and academic achievement,” she says.

“FrontRow systems are designed specifically for the classroom to optimise classroom sound quality, engage young minds and inspire participation and create a more intimate learning environment,” Pullar says.

“My research project examined the effectiveness of an enhanced listening environment (soundfield amplification), combined with phonological awareness intervention compared to an enhanced listening environment alone.”

The research shows: • Children responded positively to the systems and the benefits were observable by teachers within a few days of installation of the systems • A significant gain in one measure of phoneme awareness • Behaviour and general academic performance benefited from the enhanced acoustic environment.

The research sets out teacher comments including: • Positive change in on-task behaviour of children with the use of soundfield amplification • Soundfield amplification having a beneficial effect on students working below expected norms • Children of middle ability made a significant jump in progress and all children were recording sounds in writing more clearly • Soundfield amplification greatly reduced vocal strain

54 | Term 1, 2012 www.principalstoday.co.nz

• Soundfield amplification seemed to enable a lower stress, calmer classroom environment • Comprehension of teacher instructions improved and students’ abilities to follow instructions changed positively.

“Oticon and FrontRow are the industry leaders delivering soundfield systems to New Zealand schools for more than 40 years. We have around 2500 classrooms using the technology, with principals, teachers and students across the country knowing firsthand the difference it is making to their schools.”

Oticon New Zealand is part of one of the oldest hearing aid manufacturers in the world. The New Zealand company was established in 1974, and today manufactures hearing technology including hearing aids.

Why buy when you can make it yourself?

Put a Show on to raise money for your school Sell MAKE Cleaning Product and Cosmetics Recipe sheets at your gala or fundraiser and keep $3.00 per sale for your school or club.

Buy Baking Soda and White Vinegar books at a discount and sell or raffle them off to raise funds.

Contact Lyn on 07 865 9448 or email: pigtitsandparsleysauce@gmail.com for more info.

This fundraiser been really popular with schools, clubs, kindergartens and private events with over 70 successful events held to date. Community councils have also chosen to sponsor such an event for their communities. Very happy to travel for presentations but need all costs covered (Price on application).

Lyn Webster has restricted her family grocery budget to just $100 a week, hoping to save $12,000 in a year to invest in a rental property.

Lyn was charting progress in her weekly column in the Taranaki Daily News. www.stuff.co.nz Since starting this project in January 2009 Lyn surpassed her savings goal (by double) in just 6-months.

In August 2009 the grocery budget was slashed again to just $75 per week.

Savings have swelled to in excess of $30,000 by October 2009.

Update to October 2010: Lyn has saved nearly $40,000 in a managed fund and takes almost no drawings from her sharemilking business.

She has reduced her debut to $20,000. The family rarely spends over $75 a week on groceries while eating healthier than before.

The environmental aspects are also positive with less wastage and less chemicals used by the family.

This lifestyle change is easy to achieve and holds many positive benefits.

Anyone can do this if they want to.

Update to June 2011; Lyn has reinvested her savings by growing her sharemilking business by 25% and moving to Opoutere (near Whangamata). The speaking side of the Pigtits venture is snowballing with Lyn speaking at many functions, groups and community sessions organised by local councils.

This progress has been achieved mainly by Lyn discovering how to make most of the commonly used cleaning products – laundry powder, dish-washing liquid and powder, all-purpose cleaner, window cleaner etc herself at home, quickly and cheaply. This has enabled her to literally save thousands of dollars.

Go to Homemade products page to purchase recipes for just $10.00.

• Publicity in the Daily News has lead to TV appearances on Campbell Live (TV3) and Good Morning (TV1), Public speaking engagements, an article in That’s Life , New Idea and Lucky Break Magazines and requests world-wide to buy the recipes and obtain the books.

• Classes (demonstrating the homemade products) are available in Coromandel/Waikato districts ($25 per person) and Lyn is available to travel to demonstrate to groups of ten or more for a flat rate of $150.00. The demonstration includes recipes and samples.

• Franchises have been set up in communities around New Zealand so classes, workshops and demonstrations are now available New Zealand-wide.

Click on classes or franchisees page to find a class near you.

• MAKE home made products is planning to reach out across the Tasman with franchises available in Australia.

For more info see the Australian Franchisees page.

• Lyn is happy to do a local presentation free of charge but a donation towards petrol costs is appreciated (Coromandel, Tauranga and Waikato)

• If you want a presentation in your area contact your local franchisee.

• If you want to hear it from Lyn herself, it costs $500 plus travel and accommodation.

• They loved the presentation in Invercargill!!

• Upper Hutt in June brought in a crowd of 670 and the Hastings Opera House on June 15th 2011 was a full house.

Contact Lyn on 07 865 9448 or email: pigtitsandparsleysauce@gmail.com for more info.

www.pigtitsandparsleysauce.co.nz

www.principalstoday.co.nz Term 1, 2012 | 55

Are network problems giving you grief?

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0800 114 141

alliedtelesis.co.nz/education