St Joseph's first school in Levin to graduate

The Principal at St Joseph's School in Levin Stasia Kennedy, advocated strongly for their school to have the programme implemented for their families. Kerin Sachdeva who is the school's Librarian, stepped into the tutor's role with great enthusiasm. It was a real pleasure to work alongside these two wonderful woman on my very first school since coming onto the Computers In Homes team.

Kerin's enthusiasm went viral and very quickly the school had 22 families committed to completing the programme. A training pod was set up in one of their classrooms, and the 10 week training for the families commenced.

All 22 families graduated on the 31st of May at a very fitting celebration. Following a shared kai with whanau and staff, Kaumatua from the local Iwi Muaupoko opened the ceremony. The special guest of honour who presented participants with their certificates, was Brother Pat Lynch FSC, who is the NZ Catholic Education Office CEO. He was really impressed with the event and the kaupapa of the programme, he could see it would make a real difference for families.

Kerin CIH Tutor (centre) and her whanau

Our fabulous graduates

A celebratory feast!

Whanau joined in the celebration

Stasia Kennedy (right) enjoying kai with local Kaumatua

Graduates

Participant Sarah with 2 of her children, taking home their computer

 

Monrad Graduation 2011

In September 2011 Monrad Intermediate School celebrated the graduation of 11 parents through the Computers in Homes program. The event was made even more special when some of the students supported the graduation by singing waiata to acknowledge this special achievement by their parents.

Jeanette Gibbs, the Deputy Principal supported the program and can be seen here presenting graduates with their certificates (Sue Hoskin in the background).

I would like to thank Sue Hoskin, Monrad schools Business Manager. Sue was our Computers in Homes 'champion' and tutor for the 10 weeks. Sue continued to support the students post graduation, and been a key link between Computers in Homes and the graduates - thanks Sue!

Jeanette Gibbs (DP) presenting certificate, with Sue Hoskin beside her.

Our 11 fabulous graduates       

The FMS technical support team.

Monrad Intermediate will be hosting the program again in 2012 so watch this space!

Mauri ora!
Sarah Lee-Rautahi

New Regional Coordinator

Kia ora koutou!

I am the new regional coordinator for the Manawatu/Horowhenua region. Our national coordinator Di Das is showing me the ropes and introducing me to the Computers In Homes networks.

I have been working in the public health sector for many years in various roles, most recently as a Project Manager. My husband Pariri and I share a blended whanau with four children, and we live in sunny Otaki at the Beach.

I look forward to meeting you all, and excited about the difference that can be made in our region through this awesome program.

As my position is part time, the best way to contact me is either by email or cell phone. I do clear my emails daily unless I am away at a conference or on holiday.

Nga mihi
Sarah Lee-Rautahi

Palmerston North

10 proud parents and excited children attended graduation at Roslyn School on 19 May. Special thanks to tutor Kylie and to Malcolm from Terrace End who is taking on the tech support at both schools. Great community spirit! Now we are beginning 12 families at Monrad Intermediate and have Awatapu College waiting in the wings. The groundswell has begun in Palmerston North, my old stamping ground from teacher’s college days, longer ago than I will admit.

Roslyn Graduates

Terrace End CIH Graduation

Somerset Crescent Graduation, Palmerston North

Follow the link below to find photos from the Somerset Graduation 6th May 2011
Picasa photos

Palmerston North Pilots

At Terrace End, it has been a real team effort, with the whole school community getting behind the CIH training; BOT and staff members assisting with babysitting so that parents could learn in peace, and Principal Sue Allomes helping during tutoring sessions.

Somerset Cres parents without landlines will be able to connect to the InspireNet Wi-Fi network thanks to involvement from James Watts. James and Di have been discussing CIH for Palmerston North since 2004, and are delighted that these schools have come on board with the programme.

Graduation Dates:

Terrace End - Friday 15 April

Somerset Crescent - Friday 6 May

Roslyn - Thursday 19 May

Word is getting around about Computers in Homes in Palmerston North with 2 new schools seeking involvement, so we have more work to do in seeking funding for them. Watch this space!