Gala 2009

What can I say?  Community spirit, a committed hard working PTA, fun.  The School's values in action!  Thank you to the huge amount of people who made this night fantastic.  By the way, waxing is definitely over rated!!!!!!!!.............

Ronald McDonald

Last week the junior school were fortunate to be visited by Ronald McDonald. He spoke to them about staying safe on the road. He

definitely made an impact!

Fun filled days + no sleep = LEADERSHIP CAMP!

Wow!  What an amazing three days.  Day one saw 65 year 7 and 8 students climb Mount Te Aroha.  This journey, completed in three groups took from 4 hours (school gate to mountain and back) to 7 hours.  Every student achieved their goal.  Persistance, support, encouragement and large amount of perspiration!  Day two each group completed eight rotations.  These rotations concentrated on conflict resolution, team building, decision making and co operation.  The night finished with no ball rugby a swim and the inaugural quiz night.  Day three everyone was inspired by our range of guest speakers Tony Hope, Matthew Cooper and Dave Mac Calman spoke about leadership.  Powerful messages emerged from the talks:

• Everyone has the capacity to be a leader-  You have opportunities every day.
• Start with a dream.  Then set SMART goals along the way.
• Life is a challenge. It is your attitude that determines how you deal with it. 

This afternoon the head boy and girl from Te Aroha college are visiting to speak.  Both Teal and Sara are ex Stanley Avenue students.  They are going to talk about their journey from Stanley Avenue to Te Aroha college and the lessons they have learnt.

Leadership camp 2009

Tomorrow morning I am joining year seven and eight students on a tramp to the top of Mt Te Aroha.  This is the first challenge of many facing them over the next three days.  They will be faced with co operative games, conflict resolution activities and a chance to reflect on what it means to be a leader.

On Friday we are fortunate to have a range of guests visit us to talk about what leadership means to them.  these people include Matthew Cooper, Annah Stretton,  Dave MacCalman and the head boy and girl from Te Aroha College (who are ex Stanley Avenue Students).

Students will then be given the support to create their own leadership goals and plan, and consider how their actions can impact positively on the rest of the School.

I look forward to sharing the stories and achievements from camp (and hopefully the view) from the top of the Mount Te Aroha.  Watch this space!

Learning to know, do, live together and be.

This link leads to a shortened version of UNESCO's Task Force on Education for the Twenty-first Century. In chapter four of this paper the author Jacques Delor's outlines that children of the 21st century need to be assisted in learning to know,do, live together and be. This paper forms the basis of the revised curriculum's key competencies and is very interesting reading.

What does this mean for the Stanley Avenue learner?

http://www.unesco.org/delors/fourpil.htm

The lost generation

A clever video that highlights the issues facing our student's future, and the creavity and innovation that is required to make a difference.

This video kicked off our teacher only day and set the scene as we help students prepare for their future.

A learning friendly 21st century classroom

At a recent BOT meeting we began discussing our vision for 2009.

We are very fortunate at Stanley Avenue School to have hardworking teachers with effective pedagogy 'tool boxes' and students who focus on becoming more powerful learners.

Our challenge for 2009 is to support teaching and learning by purchasing quality technology that will enhance opportunities.

Watch this space for some action research from teachers, opinions from students and the Stanley Avenue Learning Community.