I know a lot of people think that teachers are always on holiday, but I can assure you that by the time we get to mid December we are looking forward to break. This break allows not only time to relax with family, but also to reflect on the year that has gone and to begin preparation for the coming year.
What we really hate is when a new policy or programme is thrown at us in the last few days before we break for the summer. Such timing reduces the opportunity to have some input into quite important decisions.
I was horrified to hear on Thursday that legislation requiring regular testing of students against set standards at all year levels is being rushed through parliament and will most probably be law by the time you read this article.
I was aware that such a programme was National Party policy before the election and attempted to alert as many people within the education sector as possible. I accept that the National Party is now in government and has the right to introduce its policies. However, I would have expected that such a major policy would have been debated through the select committee process so that those of us in the education sector could have given some feedback.
The result is that schools, from primary to secondary, are having imposed on them a programme of regular testing against targets without any consultation with schools. I would have liked to know what research exists internationally which shows such a process has a positive impact on learning and achievement.
The United States introduced such a programme several years ago and was called “No Child Left Behind”. It is now more commonly known as “No Teacher Left Standing”! Most importantly, however, this programme has resulted in the United States languishing in 42nd place on the International PISA testing scale while New Zealand is in 3rd place.
If it is such a worthwhile programme and has value for teachers and students, I wonder why time wasn’t taken to explain this to principals and teachers. Rushing it through the week before Xmas, without consultation, only serves to raise suspicion that the proposal would not stand up to rigorous and vigorous debate. I fail to understand why we could not have been involved in such a debate in the early part of 2009.
During my sabbatical I saw first hand the consequence of such a programme. I saw principals as administrators rather than as educational leaders, I saw teachers who concentrated on teaching to the tests and being stressed by the uncertainty of the results, and I heard stories of students being turned off the joy of learning as most of the year was spent preparing for tests. This is not the educational environment we want for our country.
Hearing this news has certainly put a dampener on my festive season. You can, however, be assured that the leaders of schools in your district are determined to protect the elements of our education system which are envied by the rest of the world.
To all of you who either work in the education community or who support it by getting your kids to school in the right frame of mind for learning I wish an enjoyable summer where you will get the chance to spend quality time with your whanau. I look forward to your continued strong involvement in 2009. And remember: learning matters.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
NZ Secondary School Mixed Touch Champions!!
Today the Opotiki College Mixed Touch Team won the title as NZ Champions by beating St Andrews in the final with a 6-5 victory. Simmon Howe scored on the final hooter! What a great way for Kahi and Shayla to finish their time at College!
We are the champions! We are the champions! We are the champions! We are the champions! We are the champions! We are the champions! We are the champions!
We are the champions! We are the champions! We are the champions! We are the champions! We are the champions! We are the champions! We are the champions!
Meremere Merriment and Madness
This could be quite a long posting as it has been a while. I wont mention the last two awesome rides we have had, especially last weeks to the trig and down Upper Paerata Rd when the Boss face-planted on that mean downhill before the trig, or my hurtle through the air to end up upside down in the manuka, or Jared's role modelling to get a few of us (Destry, myself and Grant) to successfully ride the tank trap. It was an awesome day. I wont mention my road cycle on Tuesday with one chain ring when I rode my fastest time (23.40) - not bad for an old fella with a big lump of steel for a bike. I wont mention the Thursday night MTB when I rode my heart out over the High course and successfully managed the hairpin on the hill side only to finish last across the line to hear Leigh say "What happened to you? Where have you been?"
I haven't posted recently because work has been flat out.
But this posting is about today's great ride into the Blue Mountains and down Meremere Rd. The Boss, Hedley, Teleri, Destry, Kate, Dennis and Brian met at my place for coffee at 6.15 am and at 6.45 we headed off to pick Grant up at the bottom of his drive. Since he wasn't there Hedley and I biked up his long and steep drive to find he wasn't there either! We pressed on and found him and Hilton waiting at the gate at the top of Block Access.
We tackled the first climb and made our way down Valley Station Rd. I got to the mud hole and waited with the camera and tried to encourage the others to ride through the middle. They were too clever. As I was packing up I saw Dennis arrive, and without any encouragement he rode the middle, came to a rapid halt up to his forks and parted company with his bike. While making sure he was OK the Boss turned up and did exactly the same thing. Check out the photos which show the whole ride.
We then took on the Dip. The track was in great condition and it was great to see most people take it on successfully. See previous posts of Grant and Teleri taking it on. I think the Boss and Dennis may have had a wee walk.
We arrived at the creek and Hilton and I attempted a tricky crossing which came to a wet end. He and I and Grant were able to find the bridge in the creek and lift it back into place.
We climbed out of there and ground our way up the forestry road to the military track which we tried to navigate but the forestry bastards had clear-felled the area (natives as well) and a lot of it was over the track. We continued climbing the forestry road and Hedley sent us down some bush-covered cliff face (Hilton rode quite a bit of the top bit very skilfully) and we ended up back on the military track.
There was a tricky log to jump over where I took some photos. Once again most people managed it. Just after Teleri completed her successful manoeuvre Hedley arrived and tried to leap it with both wheels off the ground and came to grief. Just watch Teleri, Hedley, and learn how to ride skilfully!
Once again we hit more tree fall and had to scramble up the hillside in the hope we would find the forestry road again. The photo with this posting shows the start of that journey with the chain gang getting the bikes up the first bit. The other photos show the rest of the tough climb to the road.
After some more tough climbing and some awesome downhill with the occasional large pothole to leap we arrived at the start of Meremere Rd. I jokingly suggested I go ahead and when I catapault over the side I would stop there and take photos of the others doing so!
The downhill was great and speed was high. Unfortunately the tight right hander had a left sloping camber and my trip through the scrub was halted by a manuka which caused me to leave my bike and land on my back at great speed several metres away entwined in more scrub. I recovered from the winding and realised no bones were broken. As I was emerging I was met by Hilton skidding out of control and attempting the same manoeuvre as me. He was able to stay attached to his bike.
The mad cap dash to the bottom continued and the highlight of the creek crossing was Dennis pitching into the water so that he could wash the mud from his previous unexpected dismount off himself and his bike. One bruised bum!
What else could happen? As we were hurtling down the Motu Rd there was a loud explosion as Hedley's tubeless tyre exploded off his rim and he came to a clattering halt almost bringing us down behind him.
It was reasonably uneventful from there so 5 hours after we departed we made it home at the same time as Leigh, Lucy, Shirley, Marg, Sarah and the young O'Dwyer girl arrived from their Tablelands jaunt.
There we feasted on coffee, juice, beer, muffins and crackers and cheese while some soaked in the spa pool.
What a great day!
I haven't posted recently because work has been flat out.
But this posting is about today's great ride into the Blue Mountains and down Meremere Rd. The Boss, Hedley, Teleri, Destry, Kate, Dennis and Brian met at my place for coffee at 6.15 am and at 6.45 we headed off to pick Grant up at the bottom of his drive. Since he wasn't there Hedley and I biked up his long and steep drive to find he wasn't there either! We pressed on and found him and Hilton waiting at the gate at the top of Block Access.
We tackled the first climb and made our way down Valley Station Rd. I got to the mud hole and waited with the camera and tried to encourage the others to ride through the middle. They were too clever. As I was packing up I saw Dennis arrive, and without any encouragement he rode the middle, came to a rapid halt up to his forks and parted company with his bike. While making sure he was OK the Boss turned up and did exactly the same thing. Check out the photos which show the whole ride.
We then took on the Dip. The track was in great condition and it was great to see most people take it on successfully. See previous posts of Grant and Teleri taking it on. I think the Boss and Dennis may have had a wee walk.
We arrived at the creek and Hilton and I attempted a tricky crossing which came to a wet end. He and I and Grant were able to find the bridge in the creek and lift it back into place.
We climbed out of there and ground our way up the forestry road to the military track which we tried to navigate but the forestry bastards had clear-felled the area (natives as well) and a lot of it was over the track. We continued climbing the forestry road and Hedley sent us down some bush-covered cliff face (Hilton rode quite a bit of the top bit very skilfully) and we ended up back on the military track.
There was a tricky log to jump over where I took some photos. Once again most people managed it. Just after Teleri completed her successful manoeuvre Hedley arrived and tried to leap it with both wheels off the ground and came to grief. Just watch Teleri, Hedley, and learn how to ride skilfully!
Once again we hit more tree fall and had to scramble up the hillside in the hope we would find the forestry road again. The photo with this posting shows the start of that journey with the chain gang getting the bikes up the first bit. The other photos show the rest of the tough climb to the road.
After some more tough climbing and some awesome downhill with the occasional large pothole to leap we arrived at the start of Meremere Rd. I jokingly suggested I go ahead and when I catapault over the side I would stop there and take photos of the others doing so!
The downhill was great and speed was high. Unfortunately the tight right hander had a left sloping camber and my trip through the scrub was halted by a manuka which caused me to leave my bike and land on my back at great speed several metres away entwined in more scrub. I recovered from the winding and realised no bones were broken. As I was emerging I was met by Hilton skidding out of control and attempting the same manoeuvre as me. He was able to stay attached to his bike.
The mad cap dash to the bottom continued and the highlight of the creek crossing was Dennis pitching into the water so that he could wash the mud from his previous unexpected dismount off himself and his bike. One bruised bum!
What else could happen? As we were hurtling down the Motu Rd there was a loud explosion as Hedley's tubeless tyre exploded off his rim and he came to a clattering halt almost bringing us down behind him.
It was reasonably uneventful from there so 5 hours after we departed we made it home at the same time as Leigh, Lucy, Shirley, Marg, Sarah and the young O'Dwyer girl arrived from their Tablelands jaunt.
There we feasted on coffee, juice, beer, muffins and crackers and cheese while some soaked in the spa pool.
What a great day!
Grant after tackling the Dip (Doesn't he look pleased)
This is another great photo which shows what it's all about. Grant is new to MTBing (but not mad sports!). He has just completed the Dip and is feeling exhilirated.
Teleri taking on the dip for the first time!
This is what makes our adventures so awesome. This photo doesn't do justice to the steepness of The Dip, but to hear Teleri whooping with joy because this was the first time she had managed it successfully is what it is all about. By going out every Sunday on massive rides with neat people everyone's skills are developing hugely> Check another photo of her in another posting completing a successful log leap (which Hedley didn't manage!).
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Learning Matters
My mate, Terry, who runs the Teltales Blog on the link to the left is not a great blogger as he doesn't keep it up to date so give him a bit of a hassle. One thing he does is post his regular newspaper columns on his blog for us to read. This seems like a good idea which I am adopting, especially since my articles are more interesting than his!
Every fortnight I will post my Opotiki News Learning Matters column and the frist of the postings is here!
Learning Matters
4 December 2008
The recent election result and the economic crisis sweeping the world are both likely to result in a wave of change in the education area. There are some exciting possibilities, but also some fearful prospects.
I am really angry about the economic crisis as its very existence, which will have a huge impact on the ordinary citizens of our community and the world, is a direct result of the behaviours of those people who will not experience the same level of pain.
Uncontrolled financial institutions who have been driven by corporate and individual greed and who have rejected the idea of state-imposed controls on their activities have led the ordinary citizen to accept their media-driven campaigns to accept more and more credit until it has become unsustainable.
The response of various governments has been to bail these corporations out of trouble, most probably so that they can continue to carry on the same way. In the meantime, citizens face unemployment and, in many cases, the loss of their assets such as their homes.
Many economists and politicians are arguing that they way out of this situation is to spend more to keep economic growth moving forward. Examples of increased spending they have been talking about are largely what they call ‘infrastructure’, such as roads, buildings etc.
I agree that spending must be maintained, but that the investment must be in the ‘social infrastructure’. We must make sure that the most vulnerable are not left to pay the price and that our social and community organisations are strengthened so that people and communities can be supported.
However, the main area of social infrastructure that requires the most investment to get us through these troubled times is education. We are no longer in an industrial age, but we are in the knowledge age. We must invest in the creation and sharing of knowledge so that we have strengthened capacity to solve not only the economic problems that we are facing, but also the myriad of other problems we will experience in the 21st Century. An obvious problem includes sustainability of our planet, but the truth is that the 21st Century will produce problems that we don’t even know are problems yet.
Don’t let our politicians concentrate on spending on industrial age infrastructure; make them invest heavily in knowledge infrastructure so that every citizen learns, increases their capacity to learn and contributes to the learning of others and the whole community, because, even more so now, learning matters!
Every fortnight I will post my Opotiki News Learning Matters column and the frist of the postings is here!
Learning Matters
4 December 2008
The recent election result and the economic crisis sweeping the world are both likely to result in a wave of change in the education area. There are some exciting possibilities, but also some fearful prospects.
I am really angry about the economic crisis as its very existence, which will have a huge impact on the ordinary citizens of our community and the world, is a direct result of the behaviours of those people who will not experience the same level of pain.
Uncontrolled financial institutions who have been driven by corporate and individual greed and who have rejected the idea of state-imposed controls on their activities have led the ordinary citizen to accept their media-driven campaigns to accept more and more credit until it has become unsustainable.
The response of various governments has been to bail these corporations out of trouble, most probably so that they can continue to carry on the same way. In the meantime, citizens face unemployment and, in many cases, the loss of their assets such as their homes.
Many economists and politicians are arguing that they way out of this situation is to spend more to keep economic growth moving forward. Examples of increased spending they have been talking about are largely what they call ‘infrastructure’, such as roads, buildings etc.
I agree that spending must be maintained, but that the investment must be in the ‘social infrastructure’. We must make sure that the most vulnerable are not left to pay the price and that our social and community organisations are strengthened so that people and communities can be supported.
However, the main area of social infrastructure that requires the most investment to get us through these troubled times is education. We are no longer in an industrial age, but we are in the knowledge age. We must invest in the creation and sharing of knowledge so that we have strengthened capacity to solve not only the economic problems that we are facing, but also the myriad of other problems we will experience in the 21st Century. An obvious problem includes sustainability of our planet, but the truth is that the 21st Century will produce problems that we don’t even know are problems yet.
Don’t let our politicians concentrate on spending on industrial age infrastructure; make them invest heavily in knowledge infrastructure so that every citizen learns, increases their capacity to learn and contributes to the learning of others and the whole community, because, even more so now, learning matters!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
All Blacks and Blue Mountains
After watching the might All Blacks take out the Welsh (Hedley the Welshman was there with us!) Hedly, Teleri and I headed off from Tirohanga into the Blue Mountains. We picked up Grant, Hilton, Amy and Bruno (the dog) on the way.
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We did the Valley Station Rd/Mangakirikiri Stream loop. Ther's a bit of good climbing and some great downhill with the fun stream crossings.
The highlights were Grant's delight at the MTB experience, Hilton's whoop with joy on one neat downhill, Teleri's dive into the creek because Bruno was too slow and Amy's determimation to crack the hill climbs.
I was the only one to get up the other side of the neat downhiill and uphill swoop about 2/3 away around without pedalling, but then again I was the only one who knew we were playing that game!
This was agreat 3 hours ride in good company.
We didn't go with the road bike ponies to Te Kaha and back because they implied we were too slow for them and they weren't gonna wait for anyone on the hills because they wanted to get back before dark.
The SOBs are real mates and we can accommodate anyone with us on our awesome rides!
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We did the Valley Station Rd/Mangakirikiri Stream loop. Ther's a bit of good climbing and some great downhill with the fun stream crossings.
The highlights were Grant's delight at the MTB experience, Hilton's whoop with joy on one neat downhill, Teleri's dive into the creek because Bruno was too slow and Amy's determimation to crack the hill climbs.
I was the only one to get up the other side of the neat downhiill and uphill swoop about 2/3 away around without pedalling, but then again I was the only one who knew we were playing that game!
This was agreat 3 hours ride in good company.
We didn't go with the road bike ponies to Te Kaha and back because they implied we were too slow for them and they weren't gonna wait for anyone on the hills because they wanted to get back before dark.
The SOBs are real mates and we can accommodate anyone with us on our awesome rides!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
New Wiki
Check out the link on the side to Innovation Curriculum at Opotiki College. Andrew, from our staff, has just created a wiki to outline our progress towards implementing an innovative curriculum. It's still new and needs things added to it so get on board and comment.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Post Cycle Revelations
We had a great ride at Otara tonight. I went along determined to sit back in the group and let others push the pace. But of course that didn't happen. A small group of us tried to push the pace and sometimes opened up a small gap, but we didn't work as a team enough to break away entirely. It was interesting to note that 3-4 of the top 7 finishers in our grade were noticeably absent from doing much or any of the work early on.
That's the way it goes unfortunately and is the nature of cycling. But it was still cool with us averaging over 33kph and hitting 43kph along the Otara on the way home.
The best bit was a couple of beers at George's after the event. I learnt so much; Nicola and Jarrod don't argue, he just listens; Rosalie is the latest Teddy centrefold (Endurance Magazine) and also made the front page of Women's Day; Destry started biking to the race and then realised he might be forced to have a few beers afterwards so decided to bail out before the start; Simon, Ross and Colin almost biked past the beer option but after the cogs turned slower than the cadence they turned around and joined in.
Cycling is great fun.
That's the way it goes unfortunately and is the nature of cycling. But it was still cool with us averaging over 33kph and hitting 43kph along the Otara on the way home.
The best bit was a couple of beers at George's after the event. I learnt so much; Nicola and Jarrod don't argue, he just listens; Rosalie is the latest Teddy centrefold (Endurance Magazine) and also made the front page of Women's Day; Destry started biking to the race and then realised he might be forced to have a few beers afterwards so decided to bail out before the start; Simon, Ross and Colin almost biked past the beer option but after the cogs turned slower than the cadence they turned around and joined in.
Cycling is great fun.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Hectic Week
Shirley and Leigh in time for coffee.
Kate arriving at Boss'
Resting after ride with Jinx
It all started with the Leavers' Dinner on Monday night at Rostcards. This was a great night, but at 11.00pm I was back at school with the police as a result of a major tagging of the school. However, my careful sleuthing had the suspects nailed by 9.00 the next morning. Local community dropouts! Home at 1.30am!
This was followed by two solid days of report writing.
Thursday night saw our senior prizegiving which was a great occasion. Hemi and Paula came back to be farewelled and Karen and Linda from the Human Rights Commission were there as guests. It was great to see Karen as she is ex Principal Gisborne Girl's High. I will post photos soon. Had a few wines at Lea's so a bit tired the next day.
Despite feeling buggered went the next night to a Blues performance at the Art Society Hall. The Mike Garner Trio from Rotorua were outstanding! See them if you can. I bought their CD, Cad's Alley (www.southbound .co.nz).
Saturday night is described in the previous post.
On Sunday we had a good road bike ride from the Boss' after watching a great All Black's win. Leigh, Boss, I, Kate, Destry and Rachel left and cycled up McCarthy's Rd where we found Dennis and Dad and on way back we picked up Brian. We then headed up Hukutaia where we picked up Zac. On the way down we came across Shirley biking up and she tagged on to Leigh and Kate. We headed out to Tablelands and rode like a pack of mad bastards hitting 75k down the hill! We then headed out Otara where I pretended I needed a pee. The group carried on and I headed back to Boss' where we had coffee and muffins. Buggared.
Kai From The Coast are Winners
Left-to-right: Stephanie, Rita, Chad, Kayla, Quintin, Marcelle, Bryce, Marion, Garry.
On Saturday night I travelled with our Young Enterprise Scheme Company, Kai From The Coast, to the Whakatane AAA Awards where they were announced as winners of the Emerging Business section.
This put them into the major final against companies such as Julian's Berry Farm and The Bean. This was won by Julian's.
As you can see from the photo the students looked stunning and Rita gave the best acceptance speech of the night. All of us, myself, Marion, Stepahanie and Garry were very proud of them.
Buy their cookbook as a Xmas present.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
School Update
Had a busy shortened week (Labour Day) last week. Tuesday was spent preparing for BOT meeting which was that night. It was a great meeting with lots of discussion around issues to do with curriculum and teaching programmes and property.
The hassle was that after that I had to drive to Hamilton (arriving just after midnight) as I attended a Michael Fullan seminar starting at 8.30am. He was a great presenter who discussed his six secrets for leading change. He really needed two days but he has given me some good insight because if there is certainly one thing that we can guarantee in this line of work it is change!
Had a nice dinner and catch up with Peter from Tauhara that night and the following day we attended a Student Engagement Initiative reference group meeting with the Ministry of Education. There was some robust discussion about the direction of this initiative but I do feel that the principals involved are listened to.
I got back Thursday night and had to do final preparations for a morning staff meeting where we were to have the first full discussion around curriculum direction for our school since my return from sabbatical. Despite most of the thoughts being out there via the wiki and Professional Reading Groups I was a little uncertain as to what staff response would be.
I reckon the meeting was very positive with some good questions being asked. Hopefully some comments will be posted to confirm or deny my view.
The hassle was that after that I had to drive to Hamilton (arriving just after midnight) as I attended a Michael Fullan seminar starting at 8.30am. He was a great presenter who discussed his six secrets for leading change. He really needed two days but he has given me some good insight because if there is certainly one thing that we can guarantee in this line of work it is change!
Had a nice dinner and catch up with Peter from Tauhara that night and the following day we attended a Student Engagement Initiative reference group meeting with the Ministry of Education. There was some robust discussion about the direction of this initiative but I do feel that the principals involved are listened to.
I got back Thursday night and had to do final preparations for a morning staff meeting where we were to have the first full discussion around curriculum direction for our school since my return from sabbatical. Despite most of the thoughts being out there via the wiki and Professional Reading Groups I was a little uncertain as to what staff response would be.
I reckon the meeting was very positive with some good questions being asked. Hopefully some comments will be posted to confirm or deny my view.
Bought a New Car
I've bitten the bullet and accept the Mighty Mitsi V3000 needs to retire (see my Trademe auction for a great buy!).
While in Hamilton on Thursday I splashed out and spent $4250 on a 2000 1.6L Hyundai Lantra Station Wagon. Youngest car I have ever bought! Woohoo!
I spent Saturday afternoon cleaning it because it was caked in a mouldy cowshit/dust stuff. Looks good now!
While in Hamilton on Thursday I splashed out and spent $4250 on a 2000 1.6L Hyundai Lantra Station Wagon. Youngest car I have ever bought! Woohoo!
I spent Saturday afternoon cleaning it because it was caked in a mouldy cowshit/dust stuff. Looks good now!
Ohiwa Ride
Today we leapt on our roaD BIKES SO THAT WE COULD PRETEND WE MIGHT BE READY TO RIDE TWICE AROUND lAKE rOTORUA NEXT sUNDAY. Lucy, Leigh and I left from the Boss' and joined Lea, Kurt, Roger, Shirley and Teleri at the bridge. From there we took off towards Waiotahi Beach and Lea and Roger promptly dropped us.
We went up Paerata, down Verrals, around Ohiwa (up and over that big hill), out of Ruatuna, down Toones Rd, onto the Main Rd via Waiotahi Valley Road, up Verrals, down Paerata for coffee and muffins at Marg's (who had gone to Bryan's Beach and back with Kate) and then back to Boss'. Just uner 60k with a few good climbs.
Bit shattered for the rest of the day so went to movies in Whakas to watch Pineapple Express. Great for a laugh and some stupid slapstick action.
Yesterday I was a celebrity(!) in the Celebrity Race for the Opotiki Trolley Derby. Riding Eastern Bay Motors ELF I hurtled into the lead down Crooked RD soon to be overtaken by 3 of the larger competitiors who had gravity on their side only to finish a bone shaking 4th out of five!
We went up Paerata, down Verrals, around Ohiwa (up and over that big hill), out of Ruatuna, down Toones Rd, onto the Main Rd via Waiotahi Valley Road, up Verrals, down Paerata for coffee and muffins at Marg's (who had gone to Bryan's Beach and back with Kate) and then back to Boss'. Just uner 60k with a few good climbs.
Bit shattered for the rest of the day so went to movies in Whakas to watch Pineapple Express. Great for a laugh and some stupid slapstick action.
Yesterday I was a celebrity(!) in the Celebrity Race for the Opotiki Trolley Derby. Riding Eastern Bay Motors ELF I hurtled into the lead down Crooked RD soon to be overtaken by 3 of the larger competitiors who had gravity on their side only to finish a bone shaking 4th out of five!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Back into Amokura
Two weeks in a row we have ridden classic SOBs rides. Last week's post told you about the beautiful Blue Mountains and Mangakirikiri Stream ride.
This week we took on the mighty Amokura Rd/Challenge Road loop which is quite a daunting ride. Added to that I've been suffering from a head cold, gutsache and nausea most of the week!
However, I set off with the Boss from his place and down the road we me up with long lost Kerr and Brian and at Woodlands School we collected the two Teddys. The first climb had become quite technical with larger channels carved into it but we all managed OK. Aaron was struggling though with his asthma.
From there the fun start. When Brian fell in front of me trying to skirt a large puddle which I just biked through my day was made. Of course the loud laughter came back to haunt me as I flew over my handlebars when my front wheel came to a sudden halt in a bog a few hundred metres later. Things got better when we hit the tank trap and as Brian came to a halt couldn't get his feet out! Jarod was the only one to successfully navigate the second part of the trap though none of us managed the first part.
We hurtled down to the ford with Jarod being the only one to keep his feet dry though, to be fair, Aaron got in my way and I had to put a foot down in the river.
The following climb was as bad if not worse than I remembered and it was an uncommon feeling to experience arriving at the top in last place. I did, however, get attacked by a toe toe bush which grabbed me to a halt and threw me into it, bashing the inside of my knee on the frame and ending up in that uncomfortable position of having your head lower than your feet while they are still locked into the pedals. Aaron, suffering from his asthma, cycled past at that point and I followed him up.
The Upper Paerata Road looks opened up by a bulldozer and could be quite good fun, but we chose to hurtle down Challenge Road at breakneck speed and crawled back to Boss' for cake and coffee.
It's great to be stiff and sore and wasted on a Sunday again as a result of SOBS adventures.
Where were you Destry (in trouble I hear) and Hedley and Teleri?
This week we took on the mighty Amokura Rd/Challenge Road loop which is quite a daunting ride. Added to that I've been suffering from a head cold, gutsache and nausea most of the week!
However, I set off with the Boss from his place and down the road we me up with long lost Kerr and Brian and at Woodlands School we collected the two Teddys. The first climb had become quite technical with larger channels carved into it but we all managed OK. Aaron was struggling though with his asthma.
From there the fun start. When Brian fell in front of me trying to skirt a large puddle which I just biked through my day was made. Of course the loud laughter came back to haunt me as I flew over my handlebars when my front wheel came to a sudden halt in a bog a few hundred metres later. Things got better when we hit the tank trap and as Brian came to a halt couldn't get his feet out! Jarod was the only one to successfully navigate the second part of the trap though none of us managed the first part.
We hurtled down to the ford with Jarod being the only one to keep his feet dry though, to be fair, Aaron got in my way and I had to put a foot down in the river.
The following climb was as bad if not worse than I remembered and it was an uncommon feeling to experience arriving at the top in last place. I did, however, get attacked by a toe toe bush which grabbed me to a halt and threw me into it, bashing the inside of my knee on the frame and ending up in that uncomfortable position of having your head lower than your feet while they are still locked into the pedals. Aaron, suffering from his asthma, cycled past at that point and I followed him up.
The Upper Paerata Road looks opened up by a bulldozer and could be quite good fun, but we chose to hurtle down Challenge Road at breakneck speed and crawled back to Boss' for cake and coffee.
It's great to be stiff and sore and wasted on a Sunday again as a result of SOBS adventures.
Where were you Destry (in trouble I hear) and Hedley and Teleri?
Sunday, October 19, 2008
National's Education Policy
Those of you who followed my blog during my sabbatical will realise the opposition I have developed to the US system of annual testing of students throught primary and intermediate years. Schools, Principals and teachers were entirely focused on preparing their kids for the tests each year (from age 7 up!) as they were judged on how their kids did.
USA was ranked 42nd in the International PISA tests while NZ was ranked in the top 5 so why are we planning to copy such a programme?
We have to oppose this at all costs. Weighing the pig does not make it any fatter!
NZ schools already regularly assess student progress to inform further strategies. There is no need to have a centrally imposed and driven programme which has the intention (according to their policy) of comparing students in one school with another.
This crock of shit is a populist strategy for which there is no credible research to support it.
You will have different important policy positions which determine your vote. For me, education is one of the most important issues and National's position on regular testing makes it impossible for me not to let as many people as possible know what they are up to.
The NZ education system is in good health. Young people are more literate and numerate as a group than any before. We do have a longish tail of under achievement which is largely ethnically centred and with programmes such as Te Kotahitanga and Ka Hikitia we are making inroads in this area.
If National are elected and push this policy through I will struggle to remain involved in education to my current level in New Zealand.
USA was ranked 42nd in the International PISA tests while NZ was ranked in the top 5 so why are we planning to copy such a programme?
We have to oppose this at all costs. Weighing the pig does not make it any fatter!
NZ schools already regularly assess student progress to inform further strategies. There is no need to have a centrally imposed and driven programme which has the intention (according to their policy) of comparing students in one school with another.
This crock of shit is a populist strategy for which there is no credible research to support it.
You will have different important policy positions which determine your vote. For me, education is one of the most important issues and National's position on regular testing makes it impossible for me not to let as many people as possible know what they are up to.
The NZ education system is in good health. Young people are more literate and numerate as a group than any before. We do have a longish tail of under achievement which is largely ethnically centred and with programmes such as Te Kotahitanga and Ka Hikitia we are making inroads in this area.
If National are elected and push this policy through I will struggle to remain involved in education to my current level in New Zealand.
Tuesday Cycling
It's hard to believe that 93 people turned up for the first cycle night of this series. It's well-organised, free, relaxed and fun. Check out the website for news and results. If you're a local ask about how to get involved as all abilities are catered for in the simple format.
SOBs Are Back
We had a great ride this morning and it was like the good old days. The Boss, Hedley, Teleri, Destry and Jared biked from town and picked me up at Tirohanga. I thought we were going to do the Mangakirikiri Stream to Pakihi but of course we turned up the hill towards Valley Station Road. The climb was worth it as we had a good ride along the top and then charged down to the stream. The creek was quite high so the crossings were interesting.
When I heard Jared and Destry laughing in front of me at the last crossing I should have been suspicious, but on their urgings I ploughed into the water to find myself up to my seatpost in water. I attempted to keep peddling only to have my wheels float off the bottom. Cool!
Of course we then encouraged the boss and Hedley to have an unsuspecting shot much to our amusement. Don't tell Lea, but we're going to try to get her to have an unsuspecting try!
The ride back to town with a strong southerly at our back was very fast. Thankfully we had a coffee at Hedley's before I had a final solo 8k home in the wind.
Leigh, Shirley, Marg and Sarah were out tackling the Meremere again and they returned pleased with how they conquered it.
The SOBs are back in business and are talking about Amokura Rd next weekend. Must take the camera as there is potential for mayhem.
When I heard Jared and Destry laughing in front of me at the last crossing I should have been suspicious, but on their urgings I ploughed into the water to find myself up to my seatpost in water. I attempted to keep peddling only to have my wheels float off the bottom. Cool!
Of course we then encouraged the boss and Hedley to have an unsuspecting shot much to our amusement. Don't tell Lea, but we're going to try to get her to have an unsuspecting try!
The ride back to town with a strong southerly at our back was very fast. Thankfully we had a coffee at Hedley's before I had a final solo 8k home in the wind.
Leigh, Shirley, Marg and Sarah were out tackling the Meremere again and they returned pleased with how they conquered it.
The SOBs are back in business and are talking about Amokura Rd next weekend. Must take the camera as there is potential for mayhem.
Monday, October 13, 2008
First Day Back at School
I arrived to hear Robyn was sick and would be away! Never mind we coped. It is certainly great to be back at work. The Diary was full with a couple of new enrolments, a meeting with two whanau about behavioural issues, the drug testing of a couple of students to keep them on their toes, an assembly, dozens of emails to process, questions to answer from my Executive Officer, a 3 hour meeting at the Council to discuss event centre options, a Senior Leadership Team meeting at 5.00, followed by a quick jog to recover from the Motu and a sprint home with a satchel of work to cook tea because Leigh goes to Pump on Mondays. What a great day. Bring on tomorrow.
It's now 8.30pm, I have a glass of wine and I'm about to open the satchel. Already thinking about getting up 30 mins earlier to get to work to do the stuff I didn't fit in tonight so that I am free to make it to the opening night of Summer Series Cycling tomorrow!
It's now 8.30pm, I have a glass of wine and I'm about to open the satchel. Already thinking about getting up 30 mins earlier to get to work to do the stuff I didn't fit in tonight so that I am free to make it to the opening night of Summer Series Cycling tomorrow!
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