Earthquakes, Fundays and Resilience

It has been a busy term to say the least!

Following the devastating earthquake the children have had a fantastic time as they returned to school. The staff have been organising wonderful learning opportunities for the children and we have had a variety of exciting "Funday" activities to re ignite the joy about school and to help with the transition back to the "new normal"

We were fortunate to have a school that is still in very good condition while all around us homes have been significantly damaged.

As you can see from the photo we now have a new wee lake on site

following the earthquake! We have also been working hard on the Windsor Alps in the background. The Alps will be a play/ exercise area with hills, bridges, tunnels and native plants. Thanks Murray and the Team from NZ Build for this awesome space.

As much as possible it has been learning as usual with the children. While we have been experiencing a number of aftershocks the vast majority have gone un noticed by the children. We have had wonderful community support since the quake and the school is moving in a positive direction with all showing amazing resilience.

We have been focusing on "Making is safe and Making it fun!" since we returned and we really seemed to be achieving our goal. Next Term is a wizz bang term of science- "Making it Amazing!". We have a term of science that will really challenge the children and in particular we are planning to develop the children's key competency of "Thinking" through exploring quality questioning in science.

Remember we have a Facebook page for regular updates

Welcome back!

Kia ora and welcome to our new families and our returning families in 2011!

We have had a wonderful start to 2011. The teachers had an inspiring day with International consultant and writer Tony Ryan. Tony is renown for developing the "Thinkers Keys" in the 1980's and was an early advocate of explicitly teaching the skills of thinking to children. Tony inspired the staff with his practical teaching strategies, he challenged us all with his questions about why we teach and the important role that we have in the life of a child and he gave us plenty of great strategies about how to manage the challenging role of teaching 20-30 children for 6-7 hours a day, planning, assessing, building relationships with the child, their family, contributing to the greater life of the school, meeting Government expectations, meeting community expectations and still having a balanced life.

This day was followed by a fantastic morning where over 50 staff and BOT members spent time getting to know each other, re acquainting ourselves with our Vision, values and beliefs and clarifying our goals for 2011.

We have an amazing year planned! The learning opportunities for the children at Windsor are too many to mention here but with our Key Competency focus of Managing Self and our PRIDE Value focus of Excellence we expect to see some fantastic results.

Our PRIDE Challenges will be up and running shortly but have a look at the link to see some of the inspiring children from 2010. Such is the interest in the PRIDE Challenges nationally that they have become part of the NZ Curriculum Online series.

Our Theme of "Making it!" in 2011 we see the children immersed in Science and Technology for the year. We are going to have a lot of fun learning about ways of "Making it"

Huge changes have been going on over the holidays, new courts, painting, re fit of older building and the creation of breakout learning areas called CHILL Studios (CHILL- Children who Independently Lead their Learning). The projects are ongoing- as you can see by the digger above!

I look forward to seeing our families at the Meet the Teacher Picnic next Tuesday!

Regards

Neill

Earthquakes, Skis and Resilience!

Dear Families
This is undoubtedly a term we will never forget. Your children will have the badge of "I survived the Christchurch Quake!" and will have survived an event unequaled in the history of Christchurch and also in New Zealand in the last 50 years. What the Earthquake has shown us is the resilience of our people, the support, love and care of not only our community but the whole of New Zealand and the determination to overcome adversity. I am so thankful to the staff for their courage at a time of real challenge and fear as we returned to school while the aftershocks continued around us. To me an indication of your courage and determination to help your children to return to normal life was evidenced in two ways. the first was seeing 99% of our children back on the first day and also being the only school to continue with a ski trip to Porters after the earthquake. What a fantastic attitude when nerves were frayed, not having your children at your side created anxiety for many.
The timing of this holiday is fantastic. I know the staff need a good break from school as some have houses that are still unsafe and others like you just need some decent sleep. Our thoughts continue to be with the many families who are displaced and those who have homes that have either been condemned or are still in limbo.
We have a very exciting term 4 planned for your children. it starts with a hiss and a roar with the music festival in the first week and then athletics in the second. Our Integrated learning module (PAI Module) starts in the first week with a focus on "It's all about me!" This theme is the culmination of our studies of "Our World and beyond" and "Cultures of the World". I know the staff are excited about the term ahead.
Have a great holiday, take care, enjoy your children and I look forward to seeing you in the new term