Out in the classes!

As part of our ERO visit we have been encouraged to collect feedback of how well the School communicates with it's learning community. Today I popped into five classes (a mixture of junior, middle and senior).

I asked the students to write the first word that came to their mind when they thought about Stanley Ave School. I then recorded some comments about what the School's values mean to them. I will post the whole presentation up shortly.

Here is a word cloud from wordle.net. I simply typed all the words that the students wrote, so this word cloud gives an interesting picture of Stanley Ave School through the eyes of the students.

Learning in Action

Refreshed after the long weekend I decided to pop into a few classes. Wow! I saw juniors experimenting and making lava lamps, seniors writing imaginative fractured fairytales and a number of classes 'out and active' on the fields.

Gever Tulley- Five things your children should do?!

Number one- Play with fire
Number two- Buy them a pocket knife
Watch and find out the others...... Food for thought.

Here are some labels that Gever thinks we should have on toys.

Nintendo Wii Mote an alternative to an interactive Whiteboard?

I have just read a very interesting article on the possibility of creating an interactive whiteboard for around $50.  As you will know Stanley Avenue has two Interactive Whiteboards in the senior classes.  These have  enhanced motivation and learning in the class.  Kevin and Kerry will be sharing there success later this term.

The downside of an IWB is the price....

Looking at this article it seems possible to use a Nintendo Wii remote as an infrared camera.  You then only need a projector (which still costs!) and an infrared pen (which I will try and make this weekend).  Check out this website.  Perhaps some year eights can figure out how to make some check pens and a dock for the remote??  Check out the link below.

http://tek.net.nz/2008/10/wiimote-whiteboard-roundup/

Te Aroha Schools combined Calf Club 2008

I thoroughly enjoyed popping down to the Te Aroha racecourse yesterday to watch the calf club events.  Caring for an animal requires hardwork, care and responsibility.  It was wonderful to see Stanley Avenue students perform to such a high standard.  Next event is the Te Aroha schools group day next week.  Good luck for those who are involved and a mooooo and baaaaaaa to the performers......!

Whew!

Today I am nursing a few sore muscles as a result of being challenged to a game of hockey!  A group of keen players joined me on the turf at lunchtime for a hit around.  I was very impressed with the commitment and skill shown (and very thankful I had two very fit players on my team).  I think this might become a weekly fixture!

Morning coffee and the family picnic

Thank you to all those that we able to attend one or both of the events yesterday.  It was great to meet so many caring and committed parents and caregivers.  My wife and daughter both enjoyed seeing the School that I had spoken so much about! 

I spoke briefly yesterday about the exciting times ahead for Stanley Avenue School.  Together as a learning community we have the opportunity to create a curriculum that engages, motivates and prepares our students for the 21st century.  The video above is a snapshot of the future ahead and is an interesting, thought provoking watch.  Please share your comments here.