Computers in Homes Northland

2012 is here and CiH Northland is ready to roll!

2012-01-25T14:49:00.000+13:00

Happy New Year everyone. I trust you all enjoyed your Chrissie and NY break and are raring to go for 2012. I'm sure it will be a year of great achievement, especially with many schools lining up to become involved with Computers in Homes.

Word seems to have got round schools in the past 2.5 years and I'm constantly amazed by the amount of people who've heard of CiH in Northland. I guess when you've trained over 250 families then word of mouth plays a big part. I hope one of the reasons is that of satisfaction from participants. All CiH Co-ordinators in NZ work really hard to ensure schools, families and suppliers are kept happy and that we get the most bang for our buck!

This year I aim to bring some more new schools on board. 16 schools have participated since July 2009, some of these schools have trained over 4 different classes, averaging 25 families per school. There are plenty of schools throughout Northland that still need our support, and I will continue to create new relationships and reach those families most in need of ICT training, resource and support.

Thanks again everyone who has supported me, our programme and their school community. We couldn't do it without you!

Te Horo School turns out for end of year prizegiving, school gala day and CIH Graduation

2012-01-25T14:40:00.000+13:00

The picturesque Te Horo School was the setting for the final graduation of CiH families in Northland in 2011. A small, but completely family orientated school, Te Horo trained 8 family members over 10 weeks in Term 4. Trainer Amy Tohu had a job on her hands as she knew all her trainees, some being whanau, but she did a great job in ensuring they all learnt the basics and then some. Thanks to the Tumuaki Cheryl Collins for hosting our programme, I hope you continue to get great use out of the computer training suite installed for our project. I'm sure it will continue to be a wonderful ICT resource for your children, staff and community as a whole.

Tikipunga Primary rise to the challenge again...

2012-01-25T14:26:00.000+13:00

In Term 3 Tikipunga Primary School celebrated their first graduating class, then in Term 4 2011 they did it all over again with another group of 12 graduating families !

Acknowledgement must go to Principal Donna Donnelly and Assistant Principal Chris De Gouviea-Rennie for the uncompromising support for the Computers in Homes programme. Both spent their own personel time at the school during Saturday's so this group of parents could train out of school hours. Teachers work long hours as it is, so to give up your family time purely for the interests of your school community is deeply appreciated by myself and the CiH team.

May I remind readers that CiH is a not-for-profit organisation. No ones makes any money out of this project, the schools receive no monetary gain but are asked to put time and energy into something that will help their families. I am often humbled by our NZ educators who seek nothing more than to see their school rise in digital literacy and skills. All the staff at Tikipunga Primary and attending families should be very proud of the ethos of their school.

Term 4 2011 Graduating parents - wahooo! Way to go Mum's and Dad's!

A full school assembly - a colourful and wonderful occasion.

Couldn't resist adding this one, some wonderful kids get
acknowledged for school traffic monitors on the same day!

Time to pick up their PC's after a lovely morning tea -
thank you Isha for organising that as well as doing the training :)

Morningside School have their first graduating class!

2012-01-25T13:55:00.000+13:00

When Computers in Homes first came to Northland in July 2009 there was the hope of connecting to as many families as possible. Now, in January 2012, with the aide of numerous political parties, we have been able to train over 250 families and place into their home a wonderful digital resource - a computer!

Another of the 'new' schools for 2011 was Morningside School. Prinicpal David Prchal immediately responded to my query of participation in our programme. After a meeting with him and 'trainer-to-be' Melaynee Hall, we were able to quickly install a training suite and get six families training in a lovely air-conditioned room where they learnt emailing, internet skills, job seeking, word processing, file management and digital security and safety. These families then graduated on 2 December 2011 with a certificate ceremony in front of the whole assembly. Needless to say there were the usual whispers amongst the kids- "there's my Mum, look!" and "Aunty, hi, it's me". I never tire of the kids pride when seeing their family members up front receiving their certificate, computer and well deserved accolaides!

Thank you Morningside School, let's bring it on for 2012 with another successful group and connecting even more families to your schools' digital world :)

Bay of Islands College graduate 12 families in November

2012-01-25T13:09:00.000+13:00

In mid November 2011 Bay of Islands College in Kawakawa graduated 12 families from the Computers in Homes programme. This school has a roll of 345 and has a decile 1 rating. I cannot speak highly enough of the dedicated staff and families at this school. They encapsulate the meaning of CiH; they all know the importance of digital literacy and connection in this day and age, and I am so appreciative of their support of our programme.

Head of ICT Briony Johnston, who trained our familes, was brilliant to deal with and I'm so happy you approached us at Computers in Homes Briony. Your passion for your families and ICT is so very obvious to me and I look forward to working with you again in 2012.

Many thanks to Principal Elgin Edwards who welcomed us with open arms, you seem to understand your school community needs extremely well Elgin, so thank you for hosting our first group of training. After meeting with your staff and BOT's I feel sure that BOIC and CiH will continue to bring digital technology and connection to families of the Bay of Islands well into the future.

Bream Bay College leads the way....

2011-11-17T14:54:00.001+13:00

Nine more families will benefit from having a computer in their home after graduating the Computers in Homes (CiH) programme in Whangarei this afternoon.

There is nothing more satisfying to me than hearing the words "I learnt heaps", "It was lots of fun", "I never thought I would ever learn how to send photos in an email!", "My kids can't wait for me to get home with the computer". This is what CiH is ALL about. And these are the quotes just from todays graduates, let alone the other 250+ that have graduated since July 2009 in Northland.

Bream Bay College has a Principal at the helm, Mr Wayne Buckland, who is determined to keep his College as up-to-date with ICT as possible. He works tirelessly with his BOT, staff and suppliers to ensure his students have access to the latest ICT resources. CiH adds another string to his bow in the way he is keeping his community ICT savvy.

Thank you Wayne, trainer Gina, administrator Bev for your continued support of our programme and myself as the CiH Co-ordinator. It's always a pleasure to work with you all and I look forward to what may be to come for your College in 2012.

Term 4 2011 participants

Tikipunga Primary School graduate in style!

2011-10-31T13:52:00.000+13:00

Ten families from Tikipunga Primary School recently graduated the Computers in Homes programme in Whangarei. I am always so proud of parents who put their hands up and choose to become a part of our programme. It's obvious when I speak to them that they understand what the 2020 Communications Trust and CiH are trying to achieve, and the feedback is always so positive and humbling. Well done to everyone who got to class during those horrible wet winter nights!! Thank you to Isha Waetford who trained the group and also to those parents who were able to help the less experienced users in the class whilst Isha was busy.

A big thank you must go to Prinicpal Donna Donnelly. Donna, your ability to see the benefits to your families allowed us to move forward quickly. The extra time and effort you put into providing kai during training, organising the school to be open at unusual times and your openess towards everyone is so appreciated. You're a pleasure to work with and it's easy to see why your school is so successful.

A big congratulations to all the performers during the assembly, you were FANTASTIC!! Being a new-comer to your school I felt extremely welcomed and appreciated and I look forward to your Term 4 group celebration.

End of Term Assembly/CiH Graduation

The "pleased as punch" Graduates of Term 3 2011

Haka tau toko

Senior boys doing Mau Rakau learnt during their school camp - AWESOME!

Tikipunga High School graduates Term 3 2011

2011-09-21T10:22:00.000+12:00

A new school in 2011, Tikipunga High School have run with the Computers in Homes programme and they're definitely not looking back. In Term 2 they graduated 6 whanau, but in Term 3 the numbers poured in and yesterday they graduated another 17!

Congratulations to all Mums/Dads/Caregivers who committed to the programme. It's not always easy getting to classes in the evenings, we all appreciate that, so the fact that your attendance was near perfect goes to show how committed you all were.

Annie Fred - you are AMAZING! You're such a fantastic trainer and the extra mile you go for your students is outstanding. You're a pleasure to deal with and I hope to provide more funding to T.H.S in 2012 so you can continue to bring an awesome ICT resource to your school community.

Participants gathering for their Graduation

Trainer Annie Fred speaking to her graduating class

Certificates are presented

The awesome Term 3 2011 Graduates!!

Term 3 2011 on the move!

2011-08-24T18:13:00.000+12:00

Word is definitely getting around about Computers in Homes in Northland. Website enquiries are steady and schools are really receptive to our programmme. All Principals I speak with love the concept of connecting their families to the Internet, and the fact that parents receive new skills is such an added bonus.

Schools currently participating are Tikipunga High School and Tikipunga Primary School. Other schools to follow in the next few weeks are Te Horo School, Bream Bay College, Horahora School, Morningside School, Te Roroa Learning Centre, Dargaville High School and Bay of Islands College.

We've completed our funding from CPF3 and met the acceptable allocation dates, so it's onwards and upwards for our DLC2010-11 and DLC2011-12 funding.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported our programme and myself during the past two years, It's been a wonderful experience for everyone involved and I look forward to bringing our programme to many more Northland schools in the near future.

12 Graduates from Whau Valley School CiH programme

2011-08-08T13:06:00.000+12:00

In 2010 Whau Valley School graduated 12 families from our programme, and in Term 2 of 2011 they completed training for a further 12. Trainer Mel Millar says he loves training the parents, and adds there's a lot of learning and laughter that goes on; the participants re-iterate that too!! They say Mel's a legend, he's really patient and teaches them skills in a down-to-earth way. They also say he has a wonderful source of computing knowledge and never tires of explaining things in different ways so that they understand. Good on you Mel, it's people like you that make our programme successful and you so 'get' what CiH is trying to achieve. Whau Valley School is a pleasure to deal with, although sometimes trying to get information out of them is like getting blood from a stone haha! Still, it's a partnership that I truly appreciate and I hope to be able to bring you more funding in Term 1 or 2 of 2012. Your roll continues to grow, hence your need for our programme will always be there.

School assembly in the new theatre

The wonderfully attentive kids of WVS!

Mums' and Dads' of the programme

Robert Clarke (left), Mel Millar (centre) and graduate

Mr Mel Millar addresses the assembly

Another successful graduation!

The legend that is Totara Grove School....

2011-08-08T12:32:00.000+12:00

When I first began in my role as Regional Co-ordinator, I met Principal David Hain and his PA Ngaire Olley. Little did I know then that this school would have some of the highest outcomes of CiH in Northland. From the very beginning, David and Ngaire have been strong advocates of our programme. They attend every Steering Group meeting, adding their years of educational experience to the mix, then they go back to their school and make sure their community benefits from the programme. Ngaire has a constant waiting list, being a Decile 2 school means many families haven't been able to buy a computer for their kids. That's OK though, that's were CiH step in and this process has been working well for over two years. They have now graduated just under 40 families and once funding has been confirmed, may well start another group in Term 1 or 2 of 2012. Thanks again Ngaire, you're such a pleasure to deal with and an awesome support person for me.

David Hain (left) Ngaire Olley (centre) presents to a graduating participant
Apologies for blurriness, I had trouble with my camera that day!

The awesome Senior boys always give a rousing haka to complete the ceremony

The raucous applause for this participate was brilliant. He works for the school
doing the morning breakfasts and the kids adore him.

Ngaire's class from Term 2, 2011

Tu Meke Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Taumarere - Tu Meke!

2011-08-08T12:14:00.000+12:00

TKKM o Taumarere has a special place in my heart and I always enjoy visiting their area. The kura has a roll of just over 80 tamariki and the passion and heart the Kaiako and Tumuaki have for their kura is inspiring. The kura came on board with Computers in Homes in July 2010, where they graduated 14 families. Now, in July 2011, they have completed another class of 12 and each whanau were rapt to graduate and receive their PC. Not many whanau have taken up the internet offer via SNAP, and this is due to most having cellphones and not landlines. It's a shame that connection can't be completed, but CiH is looking into other possibilities and options for internet connection. In saying that, the families were presented with a 4gb memory stick, so kids can use the training suite within the kura, save their work and take it home to continue on. Just because there may be no connection at home, doesn't mean connection isn't available!

Congratulations to all who achieved their 20 hours of training, thank you for making Maryrose's job of training you fun and worthwhile for her too. She enjoyed training this group and I believe it was a win-win situation for all involved.

A beautiful whaea with her certificate

The most gorgeous wee girl receives an End of Term prize for her mahi

Principal Mereana Pawa, Kaiako and CiH trainer Maryrose Houston,
CiH Co-ordinator Sue Kini congratulate a participant

It's a family affair at the kura

An awesome play developed from a book this classroom had read

Graduating Class for Term 2, 2011

8 Families Benefit from Computers in Homes Programme in July 2011

2011-08-02T14:40:00.000+12:00

Principal Wayne Buckland has been an avid supporter of our programme for two years in Northland. He attends our Steering Group Meetings and brings great ideas to the table. His College has an excellent reputation in Northland for community spirit and high academic outcomes. Every time I travel to this school I feel welcomed not only by Wayne, but his PA Bev Webb, admin staff and now new trainer Gina D'Ath. Families in the beachside town of Ruakaka are lucky to have such a great school in their midst and I look forward to a continued partnership with the school and it's community. On 14 July 2011 8 more families graduated our programme and feedback regarding Gina's training was second to none. Thanks Gina, Bev and Wayne and bring on Term 3!

The awesome group from Bream Bay College!

CiH Programme a first for Portland School

2011-08-02T14:18:00.000+12:00

Sometimes it's the smaller rural schools that get forgotten, or left out, within the Education Sector. It was with this in mind that I approached Principal Terry Roberts to see if he'd be interested in participating. He was immediately keen as he could easily see the benefits to his school community. Within two weeks names had been collected, a training suite installed and dates set for training. A HUGE thank you must go to Jane Carter, school PA and now CiH trainer to add to her bow :) Jane took two classes every Monday afternoon during Term 2 and helped 14 families graduate from our programme.

The happy Graduates on 13 July 2011

The cute kids of Portland School

Manaia View School Graduation

2011-08-02T14:05:00.000+12:00

Manaia View School in Raumanga, Whangarei, was the first school to participate in the Computers in Homes programme. On 13 July 2011 they graduated their lastest group of 7 and of course they did it in their usual style. An awesome speech from Principal Leanne Otene started off the celebration. I'm often in awe of her ability to explain our programme's ethos. She connects with all the kids in her assembly so well and she totally understands what CiH is trying to achieve not just in Northland, but New Zealand as a whole. Trainer Gareth Mauchline, once again, trained the participants and they were very complimentary about his training style and methods. Most graduates have taken up the Interent offer and are enjoying the new resource in their home. It may be some time before another class is run at MVS, they now have graduated over 22 participates from CPF3 funding and 15 from MOE funding in July 2009.

Principal Leanne Otene -capturing their imagination

The whole school attends the Graduations

Our wonderful Graduates

Mr Gareth Mauchline

Tikipunga High School

2011-07-14T14:50:00.000+12:00

On Tuesday 12 July 2011 at 1.30pm, Tikipunga High School graduated 6 families from the Computers in Homes programme. This was their first group from our programme and Principal Peter Garelja was thrilled that the class had 100% attendance. A good sign of things to come, and they now have a waiting list for their new class. Great work Annie Fred! You're an outstanding trainer and the feedback from your class was exceptional. I hope everyone enjoys their new found computer skills and feel that they're able to help their tamariki on the computer. Thank you for your warm welcome into your gorgeous Whare, a lovely setting for our celebration.

Trainer Annie Fred centre with graduates

Term 2 is full steam ahead!

2011-05-22T21:23:00.000+12:00

The past three weeks of Term 2 2011 have been extremely busy and Computers in Homes Whangarei has 73 participants currently training. Great stuff!

I have been to each new class and introduced the CiH programme and it's always a pleasure to meet the parents who are attending. Congratulations parents/guardians, you are taking the first step towards digital connection within your home and your kids will love you for it. I hope you enjoy the down-to-earth training style of your trainer and that you learn lots of new skills that will empower you to help your kids with their home work. You are now part of a wider network of families who are taking up the CiH challenge of connecting Kiwi kids to the Internet. Stand tall and proud because you'll never look back. It's 2011 and there's no way technology is going to slow down, so 'big props' to you for putting your hands up.

On Tuesday 24 May 2011 I will be attending a Rural Broadband Initiative hui in Kerikeri. The government has an agreement with Telecom and Vodafone to roll out faster broadband to rural areas over the next six years. Focus will be on bringing fibre connections to 95% of schools with the remaining school having access to digital microwave radio connections. What that last description entails I'm not sure, hence why I'm attending the hui to listen to the plans for Northland.

On 25, 26 and 27 May 2011 I will be in Wellington attending a National Computers in Homes Co-ordinators' Group meeting. Basically all the co-ordinators from around New Zealand come together to discuss their regions status and gather ideas from each other. These meetings are wonderful for me as I gleam new concepts and we all soundboard off each other.

Once June hits it'll be all hands on deck as graduations approach. There will be eight to attend in June/July and I adore these. A big thanks in advance to everyone who helps me make them happen. It's a collaborative effort and I couldn't do it without help from trainers, technicians and administrative staff from each school.

Onwards and upwards people of Northland!

A busy Term 2 ahead for CiH Whangarei/Northland

2011-04-14T13:15:00.000+12:00

While I was lamenting in my previous post that Term 1 has been slower than expected, Term 2 is the polar opposite! Trainers, technicians and families have now all been confirmed for participating schools.

Dargaville High, Tikipunga High, Raurimu Ave, Portland School, Whau Valley School, Totara Grove School, Manaia View School, Bream Bay College, TKKM o Te Rawhiti Roa and TKKM o Taumarere will all begin training new groups in week 1 or 2 of Term 2. I will be a very busy Regional Co-ordinator!! This is wonderful though; the past 11 weeks (Term 1) of communicating and 'gentle persuasion' for our programme to start up within these schools has been worth it. I'm really proud of these Northland & Kaipara Schools, the fact that they can see the benefits of being involved is heartening.

A big thanks to The Ark in Auckland who provide us with the computers for training and family systems. Nothing is every 'too hard' for them. They go the extra mile to help our programme in Northland and I am very grateful to have them part of our team.

School Holidays are now due from tomorrow 15 April 2011 to 2 May 2011. Time to take a big breath and get ready for a really busy time for Computers in Homes Whangarei. Thank you trainer and technicians who have put your hand up, you won't regret it, giving back to your school community is a very satisfying thing :)

CiH Northland

2011-03-23T12:53:00.000+13:00

First thing's first. My heartfelt sympathies to all people who call Christchurch home. I can't imagine the devastation you're going through. Not to state the obvious, but New Zealand is a small country and due to this we all feel inter-connected. Please know Northlander's are here for you any time, day or night. We are fund raising like crazy people and we are so proud of you. Kia kaha Cantabrians, the South sure do breed them tough!!

It's been a slower term than I had hoped for CiH Whangarei. Not slow in interest and communication, but slow in getting classes ready to start. It seems the old adage of "if something's too good to be true, it usually is" seems to play on families minds. Feedback from families who enquire about the programme is "so what's the catch?" They can't believe they will get 20 hours of training, a re-furbished computer, 6 months internet connection and a year technical support whilst paying a $50 contribution to the programme. I simply but kindly reply "This is for your kids. This is for their education and their digital literacy. CiH is not-for-profit, but about connecting NZ families to the internet to help school aged children excel". Then they get it. Then they see where we're coming from, and the spark in their eyes of what it could mean for their family gives me a lot of pleasure.

There will be two groups starting at TKKM o Taumarere in late Term 1 of 2011. But most activity begins in the first week of Term 2. Totara Grove School, Whau Valley School, Manaia View School, Dargaville High School, Tikipunga High School and hopefully, Raurimu Avenue School will begin their classes and the families of these schools will begin to benefit from the fabulous Computers in Homes programme.

Bring it on!!!

Whangarei status for 2011

2011-02-21T09:59:00.000+13:00

Since July 2009 Computers in Homes Whangarei have graduated 160 families. Logistically we've covered south to Bream Bay, east to Whananaki, west to Motatau and north to Moerewa. In 2011 we aim to "create a bridge" to the Kaipara District so families in the Dargaville region reap the benefits of ICT training and resources.

The new funding from the National govenment - DLC2010 - will be used in stages, with three new schools benefiting within the next 6 months. Raurimu Avenue School, Tikipunga High School and Dargaville High School are new participants. I have already met with Raurimu and ordered their suite - they're keen as mustard to get going! I have meetings this week with Tikipunga and Dargaville to present our programme and discuss the ethos and procedures of CiH.

Later on this week I'm travelling to Christchurch for our quarterly co-ordinator's meeting. These meetings are not only extremely useful for sound-boarding, gleaming new ideas and reporting; but are heaps of fun as our CiH team are down-to-earth people who are all passionate about adult digital literacy and connection back to schools in New Zealand.

Onwards and upwards for Computers in Homes Whangarei in 2011! I'm really excited about the amount of families we're going to positively effect this year. Thank you to all the trainers and technicians who help me run the programme and are so gracious and giving with their time. You're all community orientated and I love you for it :)

Should you peruse my blog and have any questions feel free to contact me. E-mail: sue_kini@hotmail.com or Mobile: 027 3133 447.

Tu Meke Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Rawhitiroa!!!!

2010-11-23T13:52:00.000+13:00

The last graduation for 2010 was held at the beautiful kura of Te Rawhitiroa. 14 families graduated - 7 in Term 3 and 7 in Term 4, however the group graduation was held 18 November 2010. Kaiako Jodi Walker went out of her way to provide beautiful graduation kai and all participants could not speak highly enough of her. Thank you Jodi. Thank you for the energy and mana you bring to our programme within your school. We hope to be running another course in 2011, all pending funding and budget allocations.

Thank you also to the families involved who welcomed me into their kura and into their lives. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and coming into some of your whare's to connect your internet. I appreciate the fact that you saw this programme as an opportunity to help your tamariki and I'm sure the benefits will be obvious in times to come.

Graduates of CiH Term 3 & 4

Totara Grove School graduate 8 more families 12/11/2010

2010-11-16T14:44:00.000+13:00

Totara Grove School have been fortunate enough to train a little more than their allocation due to another school pulling out. This worked out just fine for Totara Grove as they always have a waiting list of parents. Trainer Ngaire Olley commented at Friday's graduation that she's only ever done one panui to families and that was promoting the very first class in 2009. Word of mouth about the programme and benefits for tamariki has got out and parents without PC's in their homes are clambering to be involved. I believe this school and it's families has reaped great benefits from our programme. They are so easy to deal with, believe wholeheartedly in the programme and are a perfect example of a school who believe in moving their families forward with ICT.

A sunny day for full assembly

Graduates with Ngaire Olley & Sue Kini

A wonderful haka after waiata

The Kings of Haka!

11 families upskilled at Motatau!

2010-11-16T14:19:00.000+13:00

The beautiful rural setting of Motatau played host to a graduation at the Motatau School on 24 September 2010. 11 families attended training during Term 3 and trainer Cilla Brown had tremendous fun teaching her students. She commented that the families were buzzing whenever they left a lesson and everyone always wanted to stay longer! This is awesome as it shows not only Cilla's training style was excellent, but the format of the programme works well for adult learners. Having no "pass/fail" puts participants at ease to learn in their own time and enjoy their new found skills without stressing about exams at the end. Well done Motatau. Co-ordinating the programme for your school was a pleasure and the graduation a wonderful experience. Thank you for your support of our programme and I'll keep you in the loop for any future learning prospects :)

Te Kura Reo Rua o Motatau

The beautiful graduation kai

Sue Kini left, Cilla Brown right

One of the participating Mums and her tamariki

Whau Valley School graduates 12 families

2010-11-16T13:50:00.000+13:00

Whau Valley School are singing the praises of the Computers in Homes programme. They graduated 12 families at the end of Term 3 with a full school assembly. In Term 4 I received an email from the trainer informing me that the programme is having the desired effect. Participating parents are coming into the school asking teachers for more homework for their kids so they can use the computer to look things up. This is exactly what our programme is trying to achieve - connection between school, pupils, parents and the internet! Well done to the trainer/technician Mel Millar, the feedback on your training style was outstanding, and we hope to continue another class in Term 1 of 2011.

7 of 12 graduates with trainer Mel Millar

Unfortunately not all graduates could make it to graduation, but the ones who did enjoyed it immensely.

Whananaki School graduate 17 families 21 September 2010

2010-10-12T14:55:00.000+13:00

Computers in Homes has been really well received in the beautiful Whananaki region. 17 families commenced training in July and completed with a wonderful graduation day held at the school. Trainer Rowena Walters went out of her way to ensure training was completed on time and that her students learnt all the basics they would need for taking their PC's home.

Training was originally meant to take place at the school, however they didn't have enough room to house the suite. Attention was then turned to the Marae but due to their on-going re-refurbishment plans the start date was getting later and later. Thanks and acknowledgement must go to Rowena and her whanau who offered their premises to hold the training over 10 weeks.

Thanks must go to Ngatiwai.Net for providing the set-up for 7 families to their wireless internet network. A very generous set-up donation from Ngatiwai Trust Board.

Graduation was attended by all families, Di Das, Vince Cocurullo, Addie Smith, Ngatiwai Trust Board members and Whakapaumahara Marae board members.

Participants with Rowena Walter trainer front centre

Manaia View School Graduation 10 September 2010

2010-09-10T15:56:00.000+12:00

Manaia View School have completed their allocation from CPF Round 3 with a graduation of seven more families. This group, comprising of all Mums this time, worked their trainer Gareth Mauchline to the bone with lots of questions and scenarios for him. He spoke with me today saying he enjoyed training this group of ladies and is looking forward to any more groups that maybe on the horizon.

Congratulations to all the graduates today, you've made your kids truly proud, as was seen when Theresa's little girl sprinted up to her after the ceremony and gave her a multitude of kisses and cuddles. This is what our programme is about - connecting families to digital literacy in New Zealand and in doing so increasing community ICT skills.

New Schools in training

2010-08-12T13:54:00.000+12:00

The past few months have seen a number of schools begin the CiH experience. Whananaki School has 17 participants currently training and a graduation date being set of 23 September 2010. The participants have already began e-mailing me from their new e-mail accounts and the feedback is wonderful. Motatau School have their training suite all ready to go and their first group of 6 will begin lessons on 16 August where they will train twice a week. Graduation date should be 24 September 2010 (last day of Term 3) but that is yet to be confirmed. Manaia View School are only a few weeks away from completing their last group of 7 participants. Graduation date is tentative at this stage - most likely 20 August or 27 August 2010. Whau Valley will be finishing their last group of 6 towards the end of September where a graduation of 12 participants will take place around that time. Dates yet to be confirmed by the school.

Once again, Computers in Homes Whangarei is moving forward! This is wonderful news for our Northland communities.

Bream Bay Graduation 1 July 2010

2010-07-21T13:50:00.000+12:00

The supreme team at Bream Bay College have graduated another 11 families on the Computers in Homes programme. The support we receive from our training host centre SeniorNet is second to none and families within the Ruakaka area are undoubtedly reaping the benefits of our programme. Thanks so much to Lee Chase, Wayne Buckland, Dorothy from SeniorNet and Bream Bay College secretary Bev Webb.

Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Taumarere graduation 25 June 2010

2010-07-20T13:57:00.000+12:00

The Computers in Homes programme has benefited another 13 families in the Kawakawa/Moerewa district this year. On 25 June 2010 a graduation ceremony was held at the kura. Our National Co-ordinator Di Das attended the function and everyone gave us such tremendous feedback regarding the skills they have learnt. A story was run in The Northern News a week or so later and recognition of our programme in Northland is growing. Many thanks must go to Maryrose Houston (trainer), Leo Shepherd (technician), Mereana Pawa (Principal) and Dino Armstrong (Administrator) who supported our programme wholeheartedly.

Totara Grove School Graduation 21 May 2010

2010-05-25T12:12:00.000+12:00

The team at Totara Grove School have embraced the Computers in Homes programme with both hands and the benefits are flowing back through the school already. Trainer Ngaire Olley has had tremendous feedback from her participants; she says the communication lines between the school and the parents is fantastic and the kids are loving having a computer within their homes. Ngaire graduated another group of seven this round and hopes to have a fifth group by Term 3 of 2010. Thank you for the continued support of Vince Cocurullo who not only attends the graduation ceremonies, but Chairs the CiH Whangarei Steering Group committee. His support is invaluable.

Bream Bay Graduation 21 April 2010

2010-05-25T11:57:00.000+12:00

Bream Bay College runs their Computers in Homes programme through the Senior Net facilities in Kepa Rd, Ruakaka. The College is having great success with 13 graduates and another 11 currently training. Computers in Homes has amazing support from the trainer/technician Lee Chase, along with Principal Wayne Buckland and adminstrative support Bev Webb. We can't thank you enough for the work and effort you put into the programme for your families.

Northland schools continue the learning...

2010-05-20T14:37:00.000+12:00

Computers in Homes success in Northland is still growing with five graduations due by the end of July 2010. Bream Bay College completed their second group of participants on 21 April 2010. Totara Grove School commenced their fourth group on 3 March 2010 and will graduate tomorrow 21 May 2010. Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Taumarere (Moerewa) started two groups week commencing 19 April 2010 and will be graduating 2 July 2010. Whau Valley School commenced training on 11 May 2010 and will most likely graduate 30 July 2010 - this depends if they start their second group prior which would then shift the graduation to a later date. Motatau School have had their cabling completed and the wheels are nicely in motion to begin late Term 2/early Term 3. Whananaki School await completion of work at the Whakapaumahara Marae so we can install a training POD and start training.

Powerpoint presentation of 2009 graduates

2010-03-05T12:12:00.000+13:00

Here is a link to a Powerpoint presentation of our graduations:

Click here

Hui in Wairoa

2010-03-02T12:47:00.000+13:00

On 4 and 5 March 2010 all Regional Co-ordinators, along with National Computers in Homes delegates will be in Wairoa for a group conference. This is a great chance for me to meet with other Co-ordinators and brain-storm ideas and concepts.

52 graduates in 2009 cont...

2010-02-25T14:28:00.000+13:00

The final three schools to graduate in 2009 were Manaia View School, 155 Community House (Te Kakano) and Te Kura o Waikare. All participating families from these schools have given me awesome feedback. The trainers established really good relationships with the parents and most participants want to carry on learning more skills. Hopefully when Stepping UP is introduced into Whangarei these families will want to continue the learning process.

Manaia View School graduated another 7 families on 9 December 2009. This school always puts on a lovely ceremony for their parents and the whanau support is tremendous. The waiata's from the tamariki are really beautiful and always get my skin tingling. Thank you so much to Principal Leanne Otene and her P.A. Sheryle Beckham. The dedication you show to our programme and your families is outstanding.

Pictured is Leanne Otene talking about the benefits to the school, students and community

Manaia View's trainer/technician Gareth presents Moira Thompson with her certificate.

The pride the tamariki feel for their graduating parents is so apparant.

On 11 December 2009 155 Community House graduated 5 families from their Te Kakano school.

The participants with Anita Yorke. They enjoyed a bbq lunch to celebrate and were excited about taking their computers home!

The last school of 2009 to graduate was Te Kura o Waikare. This was such a special graduation as the school amalgamated it with their end of year prizegiving. Special people of note who attended were Kelvin Davis (Labour Party politician) and Di Das (National Co-ordinator for Computers in Homes). The tamariki powered out some beautiful waiata and Principal Noel Te Tai made us feel so very welcome - thank you Noel and Tracey.

2009 was a very successful year for Computers in Homes Whangarei. Considering we only secured funding for the Northland region in July 2009; to have 52 graduates within that time has been extremely heartening. We look forward to graduating another 140 families in 2010. Many thanks to all of you who have helped us with this programme.

52 Graduates in 2009!!

2009-12-08T10:51:00.000+13:00

Computers in Homes Whangarei has had a really successful past six months and we look forward to 2010 will equal enthusiasm. So far 52 participants have graduated from the programme and next year another 140 will follow. Bring on 2010 to 'bridge the digital divide' within New Zealand communities.

Last week saw three of our six currently participating schools graduate. It was a great experience to be involved in all three graduations and I thank all involved for celebrating your families achievements in style.

First to graduate was Bream Bay College - special thanks to Lee Chase for all his organising and dedication to the CiH cause:

Whangarei District Councillor Phil Halse attended the graduation and presented the certificates to our graduates.

Good on you for having the courage and committment to attend the course and in having the foresight to know what a positive impact it will have for your family.

The feedback from you all was terrific and we look forward to your next training group in Term 1 of 2010.

The second graduating school was Totara Grove School in Tikipunga. The trainer worked extremely hard to have all three groups training on the same week for 10 consecutive weeks - way to go Ngaire!

Graduation on 4 December 2009. Whangarei District Councillor Vince Cocurullo attended and presented certificates and 2GB USB Cards.

3 of our 16 graduates couldn't make it so their children accepted the certficate on their behalf. The boys of the school did a FANTASTIC haka, thanks boys!

Our third school was Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Rawhitiroa in Tikipunga on 4 December 2009. Yet another school who has truly embraced the meaning of CiH and fully committed themselves to the programme. The trainer trained two groups of people per night, along with working full-time, and we really appreciate her input to the project. The feedback that I received from Mums, Dads and caregivers on that night was brilliant and many people wish to carry on their learning.

The graduation ceremony took place in the wharekai and the decorations were tu meke!!

Not to mention the wonderful kai for our whanau's and kaitautoko.

We could not be more proud of you all.
Communication with whanau and beyond!

Stand by for CiH Whangarei Term 1 2010 where we will achieve digital connection to 192 families in Whangarei and surrounding Northland!

CiH Whangarei full steam ahead!

2009-10-27T13:07:00.000+13:00

The past two months have been really successful for CiH Whangarei. Regular Steering Committee meetings have been held and we are certainly on track regarding deliverables. Five schools are currently running their programmes - Totara Grove School, 155 Community House, Bream Bay College, Manaia View School and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Rawhitiroa.

Totara Grove School were the first to begin training their families in September and feedback from participants so far is really enthusiastic. The trainer is doing a great job and the school is happy with their involvement and the positive effect on their school. 155 Community House are up and running also and the trainer is pleased with the group she is training. Her group is relatively small but this allows for excellent one-on-one type training and close-knit group sessions. Bream Bay College began their training out of the SeniorNet premises last Wednesday. SeniorNet have been an excellent partner within the programme so far and we look forward to working together in the future. The trainer/technician is enjoying his role and believes the group will benefit immensely from the course. Manaia View School is into their second round of training families. Previously involved through a different funding system, they are now a part of CPF Rnd 3 and are thrilled to have been included. The feedback and 'grapevine' from their previous training meant they had no shortage of people wanting to be involved and they began training in the first week of Term 4 2009. TKKM Te Rawhitiroa began their training last week and the trainer was really excited about it. She says the families loved the first session and she believes attendance will be strong throughout.

Te Kura o Waikare School begin their weekend wananga's in November and all is going to plan at this stage. Their training computers are being ordered and the school is so pleased to be involved in the programme. Their programme is being delivered over two weekends.

Other schools still in the pipeline and looking to begin next year are Whau Valley School, Motatau School, TKKM Taumarere, Whananaki School, Whangaruru School and Hikurangi School.

First five schools on target

2009-08-27T14:08:00.000+12:00

A quick update on CiH Whangarei. Five schools are well into the process of selecting their participating families. Workstations have been ordered for three of these schools, as the other 2 already have computer suites. A Steering Group meeting was held at the Whangarei District Council on 25 August 2009 to discuss progress. Trainers of those schools are in contact with the Project Co-ordinator to ensure resources will be applicable to the training needs of families.

2009-08-11T20:45:00.000+12:00

An awesome powhiri to first welcome the guests and then beautiful waiata from the well behaved kids of Manaia View School. Graduation launch 24 July 2009.

2009-08-11T20:43:00.000+12:00

The first 10 parents to graduate from the Computers In Homes project at Manaia View School. Graduation launch 24 July 2009

CPF Round 3 Whangarei is on the way!

2009-08-11T20:32:00.000+12:00

Well the waiting has been worth it and CIH Whangarei is a reality thanks to funding received at the end of June! The process of family allocation now begins and ensuring all schools are accounted for and aware of the next step.

A meeting is planned at the Whangarei District Council on 25 August 2009 for the CIH Steering Committee in which more plans will be set in concrete.

Prior to this round there was a school in Whangarei who was participating in CIH - Manaia View School. They had 10 parents graduate on 24 July 2009. The ceremony was awesome and the Mums and Dads were thrilled with their new found skills and PC's to take home. You could feel the pride the children had for their Mums and Dads, and Manaia View School did a wonderful job of the graduation launch. Well done. May there be many good news stories coming out of your school.

This Thursday and Friday a National Computers In Homes Co-ordinating Group has a meeting in Wellington. A great time for all co-ordinators to get together to discuss different aspects of their cluster and a wonderful learning tool for the new Whangarei co-ordinator!

I'll keep you posted! Give a shout for Digital Literacy!

The countdown is on!

2009-06-12T16:44:00.000+12:00

While Whangarei CIH is not up and running at this point, it is definitely in the pipe-line. I will endeavour to keep you up-to-date with where we are at. Stay tuned!