Whanau Meeting View Road School

Tumuaki Cris Hull at the Whanau Meeting, View Road School

We first met Tumuaki Cris Hull on our first trip out to Pukekohe and Waiuku.  We were able to meet with most of the staff of View Road School and Cris at the same time.  The presentation was received and welcomed warmly.  Before the coffee had been made - trainers had volunteered, the dial up rural connection had been verbally scorned and the discussion for families had already begun. What an energetic start Waiuku!
A POD of 7 computers has now been installed for the family training to begin. 

I returned to Waiuku to visit the school again for the Whanau meeting 22 August.  The project has two main trainers - a day session and a night session.  There is a back up trainer just in case!  Our meeting was punctuated by the accidental setting off of the fire alarm - and a lot of laughter.  It's awesome to see the rapport between staff and the families that were present.  Thanks to the parents for asking all the questions they did!  You kept me on my toes!  The project will kick off their training sessions 29 August - way to go Waiuku!  Sue Kini and I will be visiting on the 30 August to check out the anecdotes and catch up with Cris.  it is never too early for feedback.

Welcome to Computers In Homes View Road School! 

Primary Focus - Rural Connect

Di, the Mural on the ute, John Allen and Cara

It was a wonderful, sunny morning in Tuakau where we met with John Allen, Project Manager for Rural Connect and Primary Focus.  John has a commitment and passion to see broadband available in the more rural areas and digital connection in those same communities.  John's background knowledge of the Franklin area will be of immeasurable help as we work with our more rural projects.  Great work John! 

MEETING THE FRANKLIN CHAMPIONS!

20 June - 22 June, Roadtrip to Pukekohe

Di and I travelled to Pukekohe to meet the next cluster of projects and their champions.  The first port of call was Pukekohe Intermediate School, where we met Gary Sweeney - Vice Principal, IT and Project Champion.  He had invited staff to join the meeting and view the presentation along with Robyn Withers-Lauer, Tumuaki for Pukekohe North School.  Robyn is now our Project Champion for Pukekohe North!   The meeting started off quietly but by the end of the presentation and discussion - there was a buzzing at the potential the programme could have in their schools!  They're all about finding solutions and eliminating problems from the start. It's great when staff are already thinking, "I have families of students in my class that NEED that programme - when does it start??".  The meeting was successful and planning had begun already for targetting whanau in each school.

Our second meeting was with Te Honongo Puna Reo.  Our contact there was the very welcoming Tumuaki Denise Proctor and Matua.  Both of these leaders were excited about Computers In Homes and actually having access for their own collective whanaus.  It was during this meeting we learned about the great community initiative taking place in Pukekohe.  A community that is working on unity - where different sectors know what the others are doing.  This is the approach all three participating schools are taking.  Exciting!  Beginning as a community project together!  They're excited and so am I!  These projects will kick off at the end of August.  The joint Whanau meeting will be Tuesday, 30 August. Watch this space folks!

Welcome to the programme Te Honongo Puna Reo, Pukekohe North School and Pukekohe Intermediate!  I look forward to celebrating your successes in due course!   

Rosebank School Graduation

Rosebank School in Avondale, graduated their successful families on July 13 and what a fantastic turnout! So many family members came to celebrate and cheer on their parents! A big thank you to the champion of the project Lavinia Robyns Lead ICT and Principal Heather Bell. The trainer was Michelle Hudson, who brought a lot of fun and practical elements to the sessions. She would even create problems with the hardware for students to troubleshoot. Rosebank parents also had the assistance and support of mentors along the way: Joce Williams (Co-Chair CIH Steering Committee), Jan Sila'ila'i, Aunty Bernadette, Mesepa Matthes, Tautala Tevaga, Simotu Lavea, and Phoebe Fabricius. Special guests for the evening included MP David Shearer, Brian and Jackie Lawrence (Conbrio) along with Di Das (CIH National Director).

Manurewa High School Graduation

Manurewa High School hosted the graduation of their 25 successful families July 14. A huge thanks to their champion Vice Principal Daniel Wilson, and to their energetic trainers Tim Randel and Saubree Edinberry. Thanks to our special guests for the evening - your support is greatly appreciated: MP for Manurewa George Hawkins, Co-Chair CIH Steering Committee Colleen Brown, Brian and Jackie Lawrence (Conbrio). It was great to have Di, National Director for CIH, in the house too!
A multimedia presentation inclusive of students work and interviews was part of the evening's agenda. Impressive! Student's were only too happy to share a reflection, opinon, vote of confidence and thanks with all of us. It was wonderful to see the turnout of proud families. It's no mean feat to enter the world of digital literacy if the technology is a frightening thing. Having friendly, fun and patient trainers like Tim and Saubree make the trip a lot less fearful and more an adventure in learning.
Congratulations on your successful graduation!

An article that featured in the Manukau Courier July 14.

Te Kura Maori O Nga Tapuwae - Second Graduation!

The first of our graduations was Te Kura Maori O Nga Tapuwae, in fact a second round of successful families! Their trainer Lauren Pompey did an exceptional job with her bi-lingual teaching. I enjoyed attending a session where I saw a lot of enjoyment by parents participating and great interest in the topics being presented. One of the highlights of any graduation is hearing from families how the computer will become an asset to them. One of the families is extremely busy with work, study and sporting commitments. The computer and internet will be utilised right across the board. Let's see some of that feedback here families! Congratulations on your successes! Thank you to our guest representing MP Su'a William Sio's office - Makalita Kolo.