School Athletics 2011!

Dispositions matter

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10755334
 Reading this article from the herald today reinforced what we have recognised at Stanley Avenue School for some time. Whilst mathematics, reading and writing skills are extremely important, there is also far more to it than that........ Research completed shows: That students who gained Level 2 didn't necessarily have better arithmetical, reading, writing or problem-solving skills at 14 than those who gained only Level 1. Instead, they had "higher levels of perseverance, communication, social skills, curiosity and self-management".

Our vision of the Stanley Avenue not only promotes these dispositions, skills, values and knowledge but encourages students to be aware of and set goals toward developing these attributes.  Our teaching then focuses on what we can do to set students up for success. 

It is excellent to see an article that reflects the whole learner. 

Learning to Learn

Last Week our lead team met with Michael Pohl with a very important focus. What is important for our students to learn? Our vision of the Stanley Avenue Learner outlines the skills, dispositions, values and knowledge that we believe are essential for our students in their futures. We looked at the school wide themes that drive our curriculum and investigated potential topics and creative ways to ensure our learning tasks are rich, relevant and engaging. The video clip below is an excellent example of the dilemma facing schools.

David Perkins Interview from 21Foundation on Vimeo.

Opportunities over the holidays

It was wonderful to be invited to speak at two events during the holidays.  The first was the First Time Principals conference in Auckland.  This three day event for beginning principals from around the country is exceptionally well run, and I always get something out of it whether I was attending or speaking.  As this was the second time I have been able to speak I took the school's vision and concentrated on how we have utilised technology (particularly in the way of the School's LMS and M Learning) to enhance learning opportunties for our staff and students. 

Then on Friday Geoff Booth (DP), two of our senior students and I flew down to Wellington to speak to the Ministry of Education about how the School has utilised Ultranet, our school's LMS.  This was an amazing opportunity to share how our Stanley Avenue Learner has been enhanced by creatively using the School's web-site.  It was great to be recognised by the Ministry for the vision and hard work over the last three years. 

Moe short upload

View more presentations from Stuart Armistead.

How to be successful

What does it take to be successful?  Another insight from the wonderful TED Talks.

Project Energise

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10740355

It is wonderful to see that Project Energise's latest review on the programme’s effectiveness has produced such wonderful results.  As one of the small group of School’s to begin the trial 5 years ago Stanley Avenue School has noticed the positive effects of regular physical activity and healthy nutritional choices for many years.  Three years ago our whole school community agreed by adding hauora as one of our Stanley Avenue Learner Dimensions. 

Our feeling is that it is when a child has a sound base of physical and emotional well-being they are in a far better position to have fun and learn at School.  A big congratulations to the project energise team and a special thanks to Janine Gilmore who was our School’s facilitator throughout this time. 

 

M Learning Conference

 Today I was privileged to be invited to attend a 'Mobiles in Schools' conference held at the Vodafone headquarters at the Viaduct Basin.  This conference, led by an independent facilitator had a wide range of experts speaking including representatives from Netsafe, the Human Rights Foundation, Vodafone, Two Degrees and some amazing educators. 

It was exciting to have such in depth conversations about the future of M Learning in education focussing on potential benefits and risks to manage.  I hope I have the opportunity to continue learning from this group that we can translate to Stanley Avenue School's vision.  Some of the wonderful speakers that contributed to the day included:

Kursten Shalfoon, Vodafone GM Consumer Marketing, to discuss the future of mobiles

Martin Cocker, Executive Director of NetSafe, cybersafety responses across NZ schools
 Toni Twiss to give overview of her mLearning research and experiences
 Mark Osborne, Deputy Principal, Albany Senior High School, school-wide eLearning approach
Stuart Armistead, Stanley Avenue School, mLearning at Stanley Ave School

Construction begins!

Stanley Avenue School is entering a very exciting phase.  After the neogiations, planning and fundraising two major constructions now have the green light.

The MPR is now being completely refurbished to allow it to be used for a wide range of purposes.  The access road is now been put in to ensure large machinery is going to be able to gain access to the back field to construct the gymnasium. 

Search Results | School Is Cool

Search Results | School Is Cool

Follow the link above to check out some of the creative ideas that Stanley Ave Students have sent in as part of the School is Cool competition!

Mish Mash visit Stanley Avenue!

Earlier this month we were fortunate to be visiting by the wonderful Mish Mash crew. It was awesome to see the confidence developing in our performing groups and our junior boys and girls so eager to share their learning!

Stanley Ave Te Aroha from MishMashTV on Vimeo.

Stanley Avenue School Curriculum Story

Last term I spoke at Learning @ School with a group of students. Our presentation looked at the shared vision of the Stanley Avenue Learner and the use of emerging technologies to enhance learning.

After the talk we were fortunate to be interviewed by Core Education for the curriculum stories web-site. The interview is embedded below.

What are you doing in the holidays? Your children?

A blog comment by David Warlick interested me today.  With the holidays upon us I thought it was an excellent time to reflect on how our children use their time during the holidays.  How would you respond to these questions?
Remember when childhood happened almost exclusively outside?



Remember when a child’s most important resource was a saw, hammer, and bag straightened nails?


Remember when we daydreamed about building a raft, putting a propeller & wings on our bicycle, or exploring a wilderness with a musket and bowie knife?


Remember when there was more you could do with a pair of skates than just strap them on your feet and skate?


Remember when we use to pretend — out loud?


Remember when every tree was scrutinized for its treehouse suitability?


Remember when playing house was done with chairs and blankets (not with simulation software)?