After Saturday's scary paddle we thought we'd try something gentler. So considering it was Lea's birthday we decided on a later start. After coffee at Lea's Lea, Barry, george and myself set out on our MTBs up the Gorge and battled a very stiff southerly to the Owhiritoa Bridge where we stashed our bikes and headed off up the road to the Mangapumarumaru Stream. We bounded up the stream and then completed the massive climb to 600m and then along the ridge. I was certain we were on the correct track as it matched our compass and George kept finding markers. Even when the markers disappeared the compass said we were going the right way. As it was we ended up in a creek which Barry remembered the last time he was in the area. After clambering down the creek we were faced with a 5m???? leap over a waterfall. It was most probably only 3m but we want to make it sound scarier. The pool at the bottom came up to Barry's mid riff so you can imagine how deep it was for poor old George! We decided to head on to Brill's for lunch which was a bit of a mistake as it took longer than expected. We didn't have lunch until about 2.40pm so we were feeling a bit empty.
However, it was a great place to take Lea out to birthday lunch.
We then headed up the grass cliff face out of Brill's which I found a bit nerve-wracking as it was so steep and open. George did a great job leading us back up over 600m again. All his tipuna were at work guiding him through the bush to each marker. After a couple of rests we made the top and started the long steep downhill to the road. The highlight was George's tumble and roll over the edge and into the undergrowth.
At some point Barry mentioned he was supposed to be home by 3.00. At 3.00 we were still over an hour from our bikes and we still had the ride home. After hitting the road we had a 3k walk back down the highway to our bikes. Marty went past in his vehicle and stopped to ask what a pack of mad buggers were doing at the time of the late afternoon walking down the road so far from anywhere!
We found our bikes and set off at about 4.45pm. Luckily Lea had a headlight and three of us had tail lights. We sped down the gorge with the southerly behind us and got back to Lea's exhausted but on a bit of a high. Barry and I managed one quick beer to celebrate her birthday with her family before I dropped Barry at home and finally got home about 6.30pm.
What another great day. What a great day to spend your birthday, eh Lea?
I found it difficult to sleep that night despite crashing at 8.30 so was abit tired, sore and not grumpy, but measured, for the day.
Just finished a marathon 12 hours at work so need to head home to farewell Mum who heads to Greece tomorrow.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Drama on High Seas
Well, it felt like that anyway.
Lea, Barry, George, Aaron and I planned to paddle over Ohiwa Harbour to the Boatshed Restaurant to order beer and chips and return. As we set off the wind was howling and rain was falling and whitecaps were appearing in the distance. I felt very unstable but pushed on. Things weren't too bad until we cut across the channel to the Ohope side. From there to the wharf it was like a washing machine - surfing down waves, rudder out of water, and wind blowing quite strongly. The trickiest bit was getting around the wharf and landing. For most of the time I was terrified but Barry looked after me and kept shouting Abraham-like motivation things at me. I knew he was doing it and could see through him - but they worked.
We had a very average coffee (too cold for beers) from a very average host and talked about the dangers of getting back. I was tempted to hunker down and ring for a car! Thankfully the others were more determined and we headed off into the wind and punched our way back. It was easier paddling into the waves and wind and we finished with it being dead calm.
This paddle was a great confidence booster for me and as Barry said "If you can stay upright in this you can handle anything." That's bullshit, but it helped. I feel for the likes of Trev, Destry and Karl who missed the opportunity.
Finishing off with a couple of beers at Hunters allowed for a great debrief.
PS
At our team meeting at Hunters last night we were joined by Nathan Faave who was good compaany and gave us some great advice.
Lea, Barry, George, Aaron and I planned to paddle over Ohiwa Harbour to the Boatshed Restaurant to order beer and chips and return. As we set off the wind was howling and rain was falling and whitecaps were appearing in the distance. I felt very unstable but pushed on. Things weren't too bad until we cut across the channel to the Ohope side. From there to the wharf it was like a washing machine - surfing down waves, rudder out of water, and wind blowing quite strongly. The trickiest bit was getting around the wharf and landing. For most of the time I was terrified but Barry looked after me and kept shouting Abraham-like motivation things at me. I knew he was doing it and could see through him - but they worked.
We had a very average coffee (too cold for beers) from a very average host and talked about the dangers of getting back. I was tempted to hunker down and ring for a car! Thankfully the others were more determined and we headed off into the wind and punched our way back. It was easier paddling into the waves and wind and we finished with it being dead calm.
This paddle was a great confidence booster for me and as Barry said "If you can stay upright in this you can handle anything." That's bullshit, but it helped. I feel for the likes of Trev, Destry and Karl who missed the opportunity.
Finishing off with a couple of beers at Hunters allowed for a great debrief.
PS
At our team meeting at Hunters last night we were joined by Nathan Faave who was good compaany and gave us some great advice.
Week in Auckland
I have had a great week in Auckland with my mates Terry and Peter at a principal's study tour. We went up on Sunday and booked into the Mercure which is a great location. On Monday we had a few key note speakers - most of which were great with one exception.
That night Terry, Peter, Jude and I caught the fery to Devonport and had a great Italian and back in the city we hit the Lenin Bar for the compulsory shots of vodka infusions including 2 with very hot chilli.
The next day I visited Massey High School and enjoyed their presentations on academic counselling, literacy and restorative practices. This is a school like ours but with 2500 students! I have thought about a couple of good ideas from there to fine tune our restorative practices and to improve teacher parent hui.
That night Terry and I wandered up to K Rd to dine at Sri Penang. We got there a bit early so popped into a bar for a couple of beers to realise we were in a gay bar. I sat close to Terry so that the others realised I was in a relationship! The restaurant was, once again, outstanding.
The next day I caught the ferry and visited Takapuna Grammar which is a visually impressive school. I was impressed with their facilities and also with the work they had done to establish a school-wide pedagogy which has given me some good ideas for our school as we prepare for the NZ Curriculum.
That night we dined at the Viaduct and Terry and I had a couple of beers at a bar playing choice music on the way home.
The next day was supposed to be a full day of bringing it together followed by the Conference Dinner. However, business was over at lunch. It would have been possible to drive home on Thursday afternoon but because we had paid for our room and the Conference Dinner we had no choice but to stay! Managed to squeeze in a visit to afew music stores and bought 6 more of the Top 500! I had a voucher for Marbecks as a thank you for being interviewed for 2 hours by Rose, a MA student, who was interviewing pakeha principals who work in schools with a high Maori roll.
Spent Friday travelling home.
That night Terry, Peter, Jude and I caught the fery to Devonport and had a great Italian and back in the city we hit the Lenin Bar for the compulsory shots of vodka infusions including 2 with very hot chilli.
The next day I visited Massey High School and enjoyed their presentations on academic counselling, literacy and restorative practices. This is a school like ours but with 2500 students! I have thought about a couple of good ideas from there to fine tune our restorative practices and to improve teacher parent hui.
That night Terry and I wandered up to K Rd to dine at Sri Penang. We got there a bit early so popped into a bar for a couple of beers to realise we were in a gay bar. I sat close to Terry so that the others realised I was in a relationship! The restaurant was, once again, outstanding.
The next day I caught the ferry and visited Takapuna Grammar which is a visually impressive school. I was impressed with their facilities and also with the work they had done to establish a school-wide pedagogy which has given me some good ideas for our school as we prepare for the NZ Curriculum.
That night we dined at the Viaduct and Terry and I had a couple of beers at a bar playing choice music on the way home.
The next day was supposed to be a full day of bringing it together followed by the Conference Dinner. However, business was over at lunch. It would have been possible to drive home on Thursday afternoon but because we had paid for our room and the Conference Dinner we had no choice but to stay! Managed to squeeze in a visit to afew music stores and bought 6 more of the Top 500! I had a voucher for Marbecks as a thank you for being interviewed for 2 hours by Rose, a MA student, who was interviewing pakeha principals who work in schools with a high Maori roll.
Spent Friday travelling home.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
ANZAC Day in Opotiki
Today myself and my Head Boy and Head Girl, Chad and Tara, marched in the ANZAC service to the cenotaph where both students gave great speeches about their view of ANZAC Day. Opotiki has a short, but moving ceremony and it is great that the school features so prominently.
Training Continues
Last Thursday I did a 40 min paddle at the wharf. This made the ribs hurt!
On Friday Barry, lea and I drove to Amokura and hiked up the track and hung a left at the first summit. We ended up in some nice country, but involved a lot of climbing. We climbed a couple of times to 340m.
This was followed by a team meeting and companionship with the A Team at Hunters Bar over a few beers. We invited the A Team to join us for our Saturday evening jaunt which we have just completed.
We met at Margs and dumped our MTBs and then drove to the Ohiwa Harbour where Barry, Lea, Trevor, myself, Hedley, Teleri, Destry and Hilton kayaked onto the very windy harbour. This was Hilton's first time in his boat so he promptly fell out. I felt very unstable and in one lunge to stay upright I hurt my ribs. This blew my confidence. I offered to stay in the reasonably sheltered shallows aned look after Hilton while the others could have a good paddle.
I soon gained my confidence and balance and began to enjoy it a little more. Unfortunately, Hilton had 2 more spills. Twice a large stingray surfaced beside my paddle and gave me a hell of a fright. This also happened to Hilton, which made falling out even less attractive.
After about 40 min Hilton had had enough so I headed off by myself to find the others. Unfortunately as I headed south around the island they were heading north around the other side so we missed each other! I eventually turned around and headed back in the increasing darkness and was met by Hedley and Destry in the double kayak coming to look for me. We all had a good 90 min paddle and I was feeling better near the end, though the pain killers didn't seem too effective.
We then drove back to Margs where we got on our MTBs and headed off into the darkness. We charged up Paerata, down Verrals, up Waiotahe Valley, almost to Challenge Rd, the returned via Browns Rd (the steepest hill in the area!) and flew down Paerata to Margs. Trev was a mad bugger and set a cracker of a pace.
Marg was having a dinner party when we returned and kindly brought us a beer down to have in the garage as we debriefed - a bit like an Upstairs Downstairs scenario!
When I got home at about 9.00pm Kurt and Hine were there for tea. They have finished their house and had moved in the day before. Their house looks great and they will be great neighbours.
Tomorrow I head to Auckland for a week to explore Transitions From School. Should be a chance for my ribs to recover.
On Friday Barry, lea and I drove to Amokura and hiked up the track and hung a left at the first summit. We ended up in some nice country, but involved a lot of climbing. We climbed a couple of times to 340m.
This was followed by a team meeting and companionship with the A Team at Hunters Bar over a few beers. We invited the A Team to join us for our Saturday evening jaunt which we have just completed.
We met at Margs and dumped our MTBs and then drove to the Ohiwa Harbour where Barry, Lea, Trevor, myself, Hedley, Teleri, Destry and Hilton kayaked onto the very windy harbour. This was Hilton's first time in his boat so he promptly fell out. I felt very unstable and in one lunge to stay upright I hurt my ribs. This blew my confidence. I offered to stay in the reasonably sheltered shallows aned look after Hilton while the others could have a good paddle.
I soon gained my confidence and balance and began to enjoy it a little more. Unfortunately, Hilton had 2 more spills. Twice a large stingray surfaced beside my paddle and gave me a hell of a fright. This also happened to Hilton, which made falling out even less attractive.
After about 40 min Hilton had had enough so I headed off by myself to find the others. Unfortunately as I headed south around the island they were heading north around the other side so we missed each other! I eventually turned around and headed back in the increasing darkness and was met by Hedley and Destry in the double kayak coming to look for me. We all had a good 90 min paddle and I was feeling better near the end, though the pain killers didn't seem too effective.
We then drove back to Margs where we got on our MTBs and headed off into the darkness. We charged up Paerata, down Verrals, up Waiotahe Valley, almost to Challenge Rd, the returned via Browns Rd (the steepest hill in the area!) and flew down Paerata to Margs. Trev was a mad bugger and set a cracker of a pace.
Marg was having a dinner party when we returned and kindly brought us a beer down to have in the garage as we debriefed - a bit like an Upstairs Downstairs scenario!
When I got home at about 9.00pm Kurt and Hine were there for tea. They have finished their house and had moved in the day before. Their house looks great and they will be great neighbours.
Tomorrow I head to Auckland for a week to explore Transitions From School. Should be a chance for my ribs to recover.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Broken Ribs and Adventure Training
I am a bit impressed with myself. Yesterday, after only 8 days of breaking my ribs I donned my pack and compulsory gear and joined Barry, Lea and Trevor for a 20k walk up Upper Paerata Rd to the Trig, along Upper Paerata to the top gate, down the Amokura Rd extension to the ford, up and up through the bush to the gas pipeline, and then through the farmland to our car - 4 1/2 hours.
A combination of strong pain killers, stupidity and supportive team mates made it all possible!
We climbed to 560m a couple of times so it was a good workout. I did have quite an uncomfortable night but there is always a price to pay.
This morning Lucy and I jumped on our road bikes and did the 20k Omarumutu loop just to see what it would be like on a bike. It wasn't too bad, but I was pretty sore for 15 minutes after getting off - must be the deep breathing that cycling requires.
Tomorrow we are hiking up into the hills around the pipeline from the Waiotahe Valley. Might also try a wee paddle in the afternoon!
A combination of strong pain killers, stupidity and supportive team mates made it all possible!
We climbed to 560m a couple of times so it was a good workout. I did have quite an uncomfortable night but there is always a price to pay.
This morning Lucy and I jumped on our road bikes and did the 20k Omarumutu loop just to see what it would be like on a bike. It wasn't too bad, but I was pretty sore for 15 minutes after getting off - must be the deep breathing that cycling requires.
Tomorrow we are hiking up into the hills around the pipeline from the Waiotahe Valley. Might also try a wee paddle in the afternoon!
Monday, April 20, 2009
NZ Secondary Schools MTB Champs at Levin
This photo shows Jared at the bottom of the awesome downhill course in Levin. The other photos can be viewed here.
We had 10 students (one of the biggest teams there - Lucy, Amy, Gareth, Kyle, Jared, Kurt, Joe, Michael, Ben, Matty - along with myself as manager, Hedley as mechanic, Lea as cook, Paul as dentist (for Amy who face planted on the downhill), Delwyn and Dana, and Casey and Doug. Most of us stayed at a neat whare at Waitarere Beach which was mush easier than the camping of previous years.
Everyone performed well, but most would agree they needed much more training. Gareth finished a creditable 15th out of 34 with a strong 7th in the uphill and 14th in the XCountry. Mike also did well with 11thin the Xcountry and the fastest downhill of the team with 3 41. Everyone improved in the downhill with Gareth, Joe and Lucy knocking about a minute off their times.
Kurt was unlucky in the XCountry getting his 4th puncture of the trip! He also had a crowd-pleasing fall at the bottom of the downhill. Most had some sort of fall with Amy's face plant into a tree stump the best.
In the XCountry 4 riders avoided being lapped out - Gareth, Ben, Kyle and Lucy while Mike and Jared just about got there.
Everyone was well-behaved and was great company. Our kids were a credit to us, their school, families and Opotiki community. Some of the students from the so-called 'better' schools around stunned us with their offensive language and stupid carry-on.
We were surprised to see the absence of reps from other schools in the EBOP and the small size of some of the teams. We had hoped to see some of the born and raised Opotiki youngsters who go to boarding schools there so we could catch-up but none were there. Maybe next year!
Our team looked great in their new track suits and cycle shirts. Thanks, Delwyn. A huge thanks to the kids who were great to travel with.
We had 10 students (one of the biggest teams there - Lucy, Amy, Gareth, Kyle, Jared, Kurt, Joe, Michael, Ben, Matty - along with myself as manager, Hedley as mechanic, Lea as cook, Paul as dentist (for Amy who face planted on the downhill), Delwyn and Dana, and Casey and Doug. Most of us stayed at a neat whare at Waitarere Beach which was mush easier than the camping of previous years.
Everyone performed well, but most would agree they needed much more training. Gareth finished a creditable 15th out of 34 with a strong 7th in the uphill and 14th in the XCountry. Mike also did well with 11thin the Xcountry and the fastest downhill of the team with 3 41. Everyone improved in the downhill with Gareth, Joe and Lucy knocking about a minute off their times.
Kurt was unlucky in the XCountry getting his 4th puncture of the trip! He also had a crowd-pleasing fall at the bottom of the downhill. Most had some sort of fall with Amy's face plant into a tree stump the best.
In the XCountry 4 riders avoided being lapped out - Gareth, Ben, Kyle and Lucy while Mike and Jared just about got there.
Everyone was well-behaved and was great company. Our kids were a credit to us, their school, families and Opotiki community. Some of the students from the so-called 'better' schools around stunned us with their offensive language and stupid carry-on.
We were surprised to see the absence of reps from other schools in the EBOP and the small size of some of the teams. We had hoped to see some of the born and raised Opotiki youngsters who go to boarding schools there so we could catch-up but none were there. Maybe next year!
Our team looked great in their new track suits and cycle shirts. Thanks, Delwyn. A huge thanks to the kids who were great to travel with.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Amokura Crash
A great day's training with Barry and Lea was wrecked when I came off at speed at the top of the Amokura track. Broken ribs and mild concussion appear to be the result and I'm surviving on powerful painkillers at the moment.
We left Barry's just after 8am and we rode Amokura Rd and up the track to the gate at the tank trap where we stashed our bikes. It was quite a difficult ride as the uphill was very rutted and the ride along the top was through low hanging gorse and other vegetation.
We then tramped up to Upper Paerata Road and along to the Trig. The track was in good nick, but there were some very steep climbs. After a feed of creamed rice we headed down the fence line and through the bush to our bikes. Legs were starting to get Jelly-like especially with the steep down hill. I was really enjoying the ride despite the low-hanging branches. Lea took a fall in the small creek and split her shin on a rock.
At the top of the last descent Barry gathered us together and warned us to be careful on the gnarly down hill, but then gravity and adrenalin took over. After only about 200m I was hurtled at great speed onto the side of the track whacking my head very hard on the clay. I knew my ribs were buggared and Barry came across me writhing and groaning in pain.
It was a difficult descent from there. Fortunately Barry came across a bikini-clad female volleyball team having a swim (maybe I'm hallucinating!) who texted his missus to pick me up.
I'm now feeling very miserable hoping that I wake up tomorrow and I have made a fantastic recovery as I have too many things to do!
We left Barry's just after 8am and we rode Amokura Rd and up the track to the gate at the tank trap where we stashed our bikes. It was quite a difficult ride as the uphill was very rutted and the ride along the top was through low hanging gorse and other vegetation.
We then tramped up to Upper Paerata Road and along to the Trig. The track was in good nick, but there were some very steep climbs. After a feed of creamed rice we headed down the fence line and through the bush to our bikes. Legs were starting to get Jelly-like especially with the steep down hill. I was really enjoying the ride despite the low-hanging branches. Lea took a fall in the small creek and split her shin on a rock.
At the top of the last descent Barry gathered us together and warned us to be careful on the gnarly down hill, but then gravity and adrenalin took over. After only about 200m I was hurtled at great speed onto the side of the track whacking my head very hard on the clay. I knew my ribs were buggared and Barry came across me writhing and groaning in pain.
It was a difficult descent from there. Fortunately Barry came across a bikini-clad female volleyball team having a swim (maybe I'm hallucinating!) who texted his missus to pick me up.
I'm now feeling very miserable hoping that I wake up tomorrow and I have made a fantastic recovery as I have too many things to do!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Adventure Training Underway
We're well and truly under way with our training. On Good Friday Barry and Lea turned up here and we set off on our MTBs and picked up Paul on the way and we headed off up the Motu Road, over the Meremer and then to Takaputahi. It was a very cold morning but beautiful at the same time.
Just after Takaputahi Lea got a puncture and because we were a tight team we helped her get going again. From there we had this awesomely steep climb through the Torere forest which I really struggled with. However, the charge down to Torere from 560m to sea level was outstanding.
After a feed and chat with Dennis and Colin we headed off for the final 15k home. I really hit the wall and when we farewelled Paul I offered Lea and Barry the opportunity to leave me behind. It did surprise me that they accepted this offer and I struggled home alone! I am sure the team will be stronger as a result of this ride!
Tomorrow we mtb from Barry's up Amokura and then will do a 12k tramp to the trig and down the pipeline to our mtbs. Should be fun!
Just after Takaputahi Lea got a puncture and because we were a tight team we helped her get going again. From there we had this awesomely steep climb through the Torere forest which I really struggled with. However, the charge down to Torere from 560m to sea level was outstanding.
After a feed and chat with Dennis and Colin we headed off for the final 15k home. I really hit the wall and when we farewelled Paul I offered Lea and Barry the opportunity to leave me behind. It did surprise me that they accepted this offer and I struggled home alone! I am sure the team will be stronger as a result of this ride!
Tomorrow we mtb from Barry's up Amokura and then will do a 12k tramp to the trig and down the pipeline to our mtbs. Should be fun!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Restorative Practices
The final week at school is a short one with Good Friday. As well, Thursday is JAM Day so should be a little less pressure.
Margaret Thorsborne is here all week. Tomorrow she will spend the day with those of us who did the three day restorative practices training last year, which includes most of the principals of our contributing schools. From Tuesday to Thursday she will be training 35 more staff from the schools in our district. She will be as inspirational and refocusing as always.
I am convinced that restorative practices are the way to go in schools, but you have to work bloody hard and try really hard not to blink! I have to admit that sometimes it would be much easier to take a more punitive approach, but I am certain what we arte doing is much better for the wider community.
Let's see how the week goes!
Margaret Thorsborne is here all week. Tomorrow she will spend the day with those of us who did the three day restorative practices training last year, which includes most of the principals of our contributing schools. From Tuesday to Thursday she will be training 35 more staff from the schools in our district. She will be as inspirational and refocusing as always.
I am convinced that restorative practices are the way to go in schools, but you have to work bloody hard and try really hard not to blink! I have to admit that sometimes it would be much easier to take a more punitive approach, but I am certain what we arte doing is much better for the wider community.
Let's see how the week goes!
Catch Up
Heaps been happening as usual.
It took me a week to get over the Blue Mountain fall. The bruise was spectacular and the bike is still parked in the garage! The next Sunday I ran the Muddy 1/2 marathon in 1 hr 46 which is a great time considering the hip and 2 runs of about 4 and 8 ks each in the previous 3 weeks. Couldn't walk for 3 days!
Last saturday I went for my first paddle in my waka and after a shaky start I realised it wouldn't tip and started to enjoy it. Went out Tuesday night as well and felt as if I was getting the hang of it.
Today I set out for a ride to Maraenui with the Boss, Brian, Destry and Lea. At the Morice's Bay corner my rear tyre blew so I had to hitch hike home. Unfortunately Lea had rung Leigh who came to get me but didn't see me in the car heading home. Caused a bit of tension as she ended up late for her ride.
Gave me a few extra hours at home so did the lawns! Later in the afternoon went paddling with Destry and Hedley who were in their double kayak. I had to work hard to keep up with them but enjoyed the time on the water.
It took me a week to get over the Blue Mountain fall. The bruise was spectacular and the bike is still parked in the garage! The next Sunday I ran the Muddy 1/2 marathon in 1 hr 46 which is a great time considering the hip and 2 runs of about 4 and 8 ks each in the previous 3 weeks. Couldn't walk for 3 days!
Last saturday I went for my first paddle in my waka and after a shaky start I realised it wouldn't tip and started to enjoy it. Went out Tuesday night as well and felt as if I was getting the hang of it.
Today I set out for a ride to Maraenui with the Boss, Brian, Destry and Lea. At the Morice's Bay corner my rear tyre blew so I had to hitch hike home. Unfortunately Lea had rung Leigh who came to get me but didn't see me in the car heading home. Caused a bit of tension as she ended up late for her ride.
Gave me a few extra hours at home so did the lawns! Later in the afternoon went paddling with Destry and Hedley who were in their double kayak. I had to work hard to keep up with them but enjoyed the time on the water.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Latest Learning Matters
The new government has moved quite quickly on introducing some measures that are designed to improve educational outcomes for young people. One of their initiatives includes annual testing of primary age students in literacy and numeracy. I have made my views on this quite clear several times.
Another thing they have done is increase the fines for parents who do not make sure that their children attend school regularly. While I don't necessarily agree that fining parents is the way to go I do support their determination to make attendance at school a priority.
I have just completed an analysis of leavers and their achievement levels at Opotiki College. What I found was that regular attendance at school and the number of years spent at secondary school determine the chances a young person has of achieving qualifications.
What did we find? We found that every student who left Opotiki College after completing 5 years at secondary school left with national qualifications (at least NCEA Level 1). We also found that there were only 2 students who left after 4 years secondary education who did not have qualifications.
The simple message from this that if you attend for 4 or 5 years there is just about a cast iron guarantee that you will get national qualifications.
But what about those who do not complete 4 years of secondary education?
The statistics for these students are not as rosy. Unsurprisingly, all students who do not finish 3 years of secondary schooling fail to gain qualifications. We had 9 such students. We also found that 68% of those who left at the end of 3 full years failed to gain any qualifications. We had 11 such students. As well, 60% of those students who return for a 4th year, but fail to complete it do not gain any qualifications. Again, we had 11 such students.
This shows that 33 students left last year without qualifications and for 31 of these they did not finish 4 yers at secondary school. When we analyse further we find that the vast majority of those 31 devloped poor attendance patterns early in their schooling, beginning with lateness to school, missing the odd class and then missing full days.
This reinforces the need for whamau and schools to work together to prevent lateness and poor attendance leading to leaving school before 4 years of completion.
While it is disturbing to have 33 students leave without qualifications it is empowering to see that the solution is simple for both schools and families. Students must attend secondary school for at least 4 years and they must not develop punctuality and attendance issues in their early years.
At Opotiki College we are taking a strong stand on lateness which will see regular latecomers attending catch-up on Thursday afternoons and on Saturday morning and involving the police in visiting homes and warning parents of students that are failing to attend regularly that they are in breach of the law.
We are doing this because it is our duty to take all possible steps to ensure all of our students gain national qualifications. The learning from our analysis is that attendance each day at school for at least 4 years is necessary to guarantee national qualifications and this learning really matters.
Another thing they have done is increase the fines for parents who do not make sure that their children attend school regularly. While I don't necessarily agree that fining parents is the way to go I do support their determination to make attendance at school a priority.
I have just completed an analysis of leavers and their achievement levels at Opotiki College. What I found was that regular attendance at school and the number of years spent at secondary school determine the chances a young person has of achieving qualifications.
What did we find? We found that every student who left Opotiki College after completing 5 years at secondary school left with national qualifications (at least NCEA Level 1). We also found that there were only 2 students who left after 4 years secondary education who did not have qualifications.
The simple message from this that if you attend for 4 or 5 years there is just about a cast iron guarantee that you will get national qualifications.
But what about those who do not complete 4 years of secondary education?
The statistics for these students are not as rosy. Unsurprisingly, all students who do not finish 3 years of secondary schooling fail to gain qualifications. We had 9 such students. We also found that 68% of those who left at the end of 3 full years failed to gain any qualifications. We had 11 such students. As well, 60% of those students who return for a 4th year, but fail to complete it do not gain any qualifications. Again, we had 11 such students.
This shows that 33 students left last year without qualifications and for 31 of these they did not finish 4 yers at secondary school. When we analyse further we find that the vast majority of those 31 devloped poor attendance patterns early in their schooling, beginning with lateness to school, missing the odd class and then missing full days.
This reinforces the need for whamau and schools to work together to prevent lateness and poor attendance leading to leaving school before 4 years of completion.
While it is disturbing to have 33 students leave without qualifications it is empowering to see that the solution is simple for both schools and families. Students must attend secondary school for at least 4 years and they must not develop punctuality and attendance issues in their early years.
At Opotiki College we are taking a strong stand on lateness which will see regular latecomers attending catch-up on Thursday afternoons and on Saturday morning and involving the police in visiting homes and warning parents of students that are failing to attend regularly that they are in breach of the law.
We are doing this because it is our duty to take all possible steps to ensure all of our students gain national qualifications. The learning from our analysis is that attendance each day at school for at least 4 years is necessary to guarantee national qualifications and this learning really matters.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Opotiki Blue Mountain Blast - Maurie Thrashes Hedley
I'm sitting here in severe pain wondering why I don't stop doing these crazy things. I didn't even know if I would do this event until Saturday when Leigh came home saying she had the cash for all 3 of us to enter the race.
This morning the bikes had a quick check over since Colville and I discovered my headset had seized and took a lot of encouragement to free up. All was well and we took off just after 11.00 and charged into the Blue Mountains. I really enjoyed the first half though it is mainly steep climbing. I found the climb to the skid and then on to Valley Station Rd not too bad - must be benefitting from Colville.
The dip was awesome (see previous posts on Blue Mountai rides) and it was quite a slog to the skid at the top. Once again the upper Military track was outstanding and I was pleased to navigate all but one of the washouts full of rocks without getting off. The descent down King Rd to the Three Sisters went well until I suddenly lost my front wheel traction charging down the slippery, gorse bit and I landed heavily and painfully on my right hip. I eventually got up, but only because I knew Brian and Hedley would ride straight over me if I was still there!
Because of the overnight rain the Three Sisters were impossible to ride normally, so I dropped my seat, hung off the back and slipped and slid and tumbled my way down - one fall ended up scraping my right lower leg on the chain ring. I felt like staying in the mud, crying and waiting to be rescued!
It was, however, awesome to ride the 30+ creek crossings and end up back at the skid. The bumping over the creeks was hard on the hip and the lower leg was starting to hurt a bit. It was disappointing to have to stop hurtling down the road and turn into the paddocks, but, apart from the bumping along the farm tracks it was a great way to finish (finally) with both Brian and Hedley behind me. Apparently Hedley has some excuses, but I was deaf to them.
I immediately collapsed and was grateful to recieve an iced chocolate from Cliff and his mobile coffee truck. After standing up I was dizzy and nauseous and had to sit down again. Most people were concerned, except for Lea (who did later ask if I was OK and explained it was not good form to express any concern while others were listening so tried the laughing and ridiculing approach instead.)
I think tomorrow is going to be a bit painful and I might need my zipper frame to get up the stage for assembly.
Hope I'll be OK for muddy 1/2 marathon this Sunday!
Don't listen to Hedley's excuses.
This morning the bikes had a quick check over since Colville and I discovered my headset had seized and took a lot of encouragement to free up. All was well and we took off just after 11.00 and charged into the Blue Mountains. I really enjoyed the first half though it is mainly steep climbing. I found the climb to the skid and then on to Valley Station Rd not too bad - must be benefitting from Colville.
The dip was awesome (see previous posts on Blue Mountai rides) and it was quite a slog to the skid at the top. Once again the upper Military track was outstanding and I was pleased to navigate all but one of the washouts full of rocks without getting off. The descent down King Rd to the Three Sisters went well until I suddenly lost my front wheel traction charging down the slippery, gorse bit and I landed heavily and painfully on my right hip. I eventually got up, but only because I knew Brian and Hedley would ride straight over me if I was still there!
Because of the overnight rain the Three Sisters were impossible to ride normally, so I dropped my seat, hung off the back and slipped and slid and tumbled my way down - one fall ended up scraping my right lower leg on the chain ring. I felt like staying in the mud, crying and waiting to be rescued!
It was, however, awesome to ride the 30+ creek crossings and end up back at the skid. The bumping over the creeks was hard on the hip and the lower leg was starting to hurt a bit. It was disappointing to have to stop hurtling down the road and turn into the paddocks, but, apart from the bumping along the farm tracks it was a great way to finish (finally) with both Brian and Hedley behind me. Apparently Hedley has some excuses, but I was deaf to them.
I immediately collapsed and was grateful to recieve an iced chocolate from Cliff and his mobile coffee truck. After standing up I was dizzy and nauseous and had to sit down again. Most people were concerned, except for Lea (who did later ask if I was OK and explained it was not good form to express any concern while others were listening so tried the laughing and ridiculing approach instead.)
I think tomorrow is going to be a bit painful and I might need my zipper frame to get up the stage for assembly.
Hope I'll be OK for muddy 1/2 marathon this Sunday!
Don't listen to Hedley's excuses.
Colville Connection and Paul's 50th
I have no photos of the actual ride as it was too wet, slippery and tough to take a camera. The ride lived up to its reputation as a gruelling ride. All of us completed it well. My only incident was being t-boned by another rider going over his gandle bars and buckling my front wheel. Gareth rode awsomely to be 4th junior in the 72k and Lucy was 2nd in the hot chicks section. Gareth picked up 2 spot prizes, both sunglasses, Teleri got some sunglasses and Jared won a great coffee machine as a spot prize.
However, the real reason for going was to celebrate Paul's 50th. Delwyn prepared a great feed and we celebrated Paul's event at the Te Mata Lodge where we were staying. Paul, Delwyn, Kyle, Jared and Dana had their own cottage where we partied (in a quiet, knackered way), Leigh, I, Lucy and Marg occupied a cottage next door and the lost boys of Destry, George, Brian and another dude on the first night had very comfortable lodgings for lost boys. Hedley and Teleri and Karl and Jody had their own private chambers down the hill.
The photos show us enjoying a great breakfast.
Kururau Krusher Photos Found!
This photo reminds me of a couple of superheroes! Click here to see the other superheroes who took part in this year's Kururau Krusher in Paul's old stomping groung, Taumarunui.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Whitikau and Return
What a week!
Tuesday night was the final summer series race and I was pleased to PB! (and beat Lea V).
On Thursday night we had the summer series fancy dress ride and beers. I have a heap of photos from Hedley to put up but they are large format and I haven't enough time at the moment.
On Friday night we had the Round Taupo Relay debrief and BBQ which was abit of a late night.
On Saturday night we had the Cycle Series prizegiving at the Golf Club which was another late night, but mot too bad because of a big power cut. This was a great night with a great group of people. The cycle series has involved a diverse range of people in terms of age, occupation, fitness levels.
It's outstanding that 100 people can turn up each week and have everything organised for them. Thanks Jarrod!
Then there was today's ride. The wahine, Leigh, Shirley, Marg, Lucy and Samantha, rode to Meremere and back and climbed the fastest they have ever done.
In the meantime 12 of us (me, the Boss, Lea, Hedley, Teleri, Hilton, David, Roger, Gareth, Ben, Grant and Clark) headed off from Hanaia and aimed for the Whitikau stockyards (40k away).
All went well until Clark mentioned that last night he had put on the tyres that he rode the 1995 Motu Challenge in! We all made it to the top of Meremere and then flew on to Toatoa where we learned that Clark's tyre had exploded and would wait on the hill. Grant headed back with my pump to assist while the rest of us climbed the Papamoa and headed towards Whitikau.
At the ford in the photo above Ben got a puncture and we then discovered that not only had Ben not brought food, but that he didn't have a tube! We helped him out and finally got to Whitikau.Click here to see the photos that Hedley took of us on the way and at Whitikau. This photo shows Dave charging across the ford at base of Papamoa.
After lunch (thanks for the scone Lea) we aimed for home. We came across Grant at the ford who reported that my pump was useless and that Clark was still waiting. We then hoofed it back to the Meremere where the boss helped him rig up his tyre.
We then charged down the Meremere like a bunch of banshees and at the bottom we learned that not only had Clark's other tyre exploded, that after it was repaired it blew again. The priority was to race to Grant's at Tirohanga so he could go and get Clark while the rest of us returned to Hanaia for coffee and spa.
I was feeling the pressure on the coffee as at 7.00 am that morning Hedley arrived with his own cup of coffee (I didn't take too much offense), Hilton and Teleri poured their first cup out claiming the milk I had just had on my porridge was off, and then Lea scoffed at the strength of the coffee I had made. Boy, did I brew a strong one.
The day was rounded off nicely, lolloing around on the deck, in the spa, drinking beautiful coffee! and chatting with friends, while being absolutely wasted after an 80k ride!
Bring on next weekend - Colville Connection and Paul's 50th.
Tuesday night was the final summer series race and I was pleased to PB! (and beat Lea V).
On Thursday night we had the summer series fancy dress ride and beers. I have a heap of photos from Hedley to put up but they are large format and I haven't enough time at the moment.
On Friday night we had the Round Taupo Relay debrief and BBQ which was abit of a late night.
On Saturday night we had the Cycle Series prizegiving at the Golf Club which was another late night, but mot too bad because of a big power cut. This was a great night with a great group of people. The cycle series has involved a diverse range of people in terms of age, occupation, fitness levels.
It's outstanding that 100 people can turn up each week and have everything organised for them. Thanks Jarrod!
Then there was today's ride. The wahine, Leigh, Shirley, Marg, Lucy and Samantha, rode to Meremere and back and climbed the fastest they have ever done.
In the meantime 12 of us (me, the Boss, Lea, Hedley, Teleri, Hilton, David, Roger, Gareth, Ben, Grant and Clark) headed off from Hanaia and aimed for the Whitikau stockyards (40k away).
All went well until Clark mentioned that last night he had put on the tyres that he rode the 1995 Motu Challenge in! We all made it to the top of Meremere and then flew on to Toatoa where we learned that Clark's tyre had exploded and would wait on the hill. Grant headed back with my pump to assist while the rest of us climbed the Papamoa and headed towards Whitikau.
At the ford in the photo above Ben got a puncture and we then discovered that not only had Ben not brought food, but that he didn't have a tube! We helped him out and finally got to Whitikau.Click here to see the photos that Hedley took of us on the way and at Whitikau. This photo shows Dave charging across the ford at base of Papamoa.
After lunch (thanks for the scone Lea) we aimed for home. We came across Grant at the ford who reported that my pump was useless and that Clark was still waiting. We then hoofed it back to the Meremere where the boss helped him rig up his tyre.
We then charged down the Meremere like a bunch of banshees and at the bottom we learned that not only had Clark's other tyre exploded, that after it was repaired it blew again. The priority was to race to Grant's at Tirohanga so he could go and get Clark while the rest of us returned to Hanaia for coffee and spa.
I was feeling the pressure on the coffee as at 7.00 am that morning Hedley arrived with his own cup of coffee (I didn't take too much offense), Hilton and Teleri poured their first cup out claiming the milk I had just had on my porridge was off, and then Lea scoffed at the strength of the coffee I had made. Boy, did I brew a strong one.
The day was rounded off nicely, lolloing around on the deck, in the spa, drinking beautiful coffee! and chatting with friends, while being absolutely wasted after an 80k ride!
Bring on next weekend - Colville Connection and Paul's 50th.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Latest Learning Matters
As a school leader it can become too easy to end up focusing on the administrative side of running a school. The job is complex and does involve filling in a myriad of forms, applying for contracts to support learning in the school, writing milestone reports for various agencies, complying with the dozens of laws around health and safety and employment and replying to the hundreds of letters and emails that come in weekly.
Very few of these activities have a direct impact on improving teaching and learning and the realisation of this can be very frustrating for school leaders.
The desire to have a more direct impact on student learning has led myself and my three Deputy Principals to dedicate a big chunk of our time to observing the teaching and learning that is happening in all of our teachers’ classes at least once per fortnight and then feeding back to the teachers on what we have observed.
The latest research both here and overseas has identified that the most significant action a school leader can take to improve student learning, when you consider that most school leaders no longer teach students, is to actively monitor and feedback on the teaching that they see occurring on a regular basis.
After the first four weeks of this year this has been a rewarding experience for us as the school leaders. We have a much clearer picture of the actual teaching and learning that is occurring in our schools. We have been able to identify some top class practice which we have begun sharing with the whole staff. As well, we have observed some aspects where improvement is necessary and we share this with the teachers concerned.
Another neat thing is that it gives us a new way to link with some of the students. It is now not uncommon for me to pass students in the corridor or come across them in the playground and talk with them about the learning I have just seen them taking part in. I am also able to thank them for adding to my learning as they explain concepts that they understand but which have been difficult for me to grasp.
Some of the great things I have seen include a teacher providing art materials to a student who has difficulty explaining science concepts in writing but who has an artistic flair and can explain in graphic form. I have seen teachers explaining carefully to students what they will learn that period and how they will know that they have learnt it. I have seen teachers linking the learning that will occur today with previous learning.
As well, I have questioned many students and asked them what they are learning and why they are learning that. Invariably, they have been able to explain all of this to me.
Two things have impressed me the most. The first is the very high levels of engagement from the students that I have seen. The vast majority of students in all classes are focused on their work and attempting to do the best.
The second is the atmosphere of respect that exists in the classrooms. Teachers are showing, by their encouraging words and supportive actions, that they really care for the learning of their students. Students are repaying this feeling of care with an attitude of mutual respect.
Sure, we still have students who misbehave and sometimes not all teachers are on top of their game, but by the senior leaders in our school focusing on observing and feeding back on what is occurring in the classroom we are all learning and learning matters.
Very few of these activities have a direct impact on improving teaching and learning and the realisation of this can be very frustrating for school leaders.
The desire to have a more direct impact on student learning has led myself and my three Deputy Principals to dedicate a big chunk of our time to observing the teaching and learning that is happening in all of our teachers’ classes at least once per fortnight and then feeding back to the teachers on what we have observed.
The latest research both here and overseas has identified that the most significant action a school leader can take to improve student learning, when you consider that most school leaders no longer teach students, is to actively monitor and feedback on the teaching that they see occurring on a regular basis.
After the first four weeks of this year this has been a rewarding experience for us as the school leaders. We have a much clearer picture of the actual teaching and learning that is occurring in our schools. We have been able to identify some top class practice which we have begun sharing with the whole staff. As well, we have observed some aspects where improvement is necessary and we share this with the teachers concerned.
Another neat thing is that it gives us a new way to link with some of the students. It is now not uncommon for me to pass students in the corridor or come across them in the playground and talk with them about the learning I have just seen them taking part in. I am also able to thank them for adding to my learning as they explain concepts that they understand but which have been difficult for me to grasp.
Some of the great things I have seen include a teacher providing art materials to a student who has difficulty explaining science concepts in writing but who has an artistic flair and can explain in graphic form. I have seen teachers explaining carefully to students what they will learn that period and how they will know that they have learnt it. I have seen teachers linking the learning that will occur today with previous learning.
As well, I have questioned many students and asked them what they are learning and why they are learning that. Invariably, they have been able to explain all of this to me.
Two things have impressed me the most. The first is the very high levels of engagement from the students that I have seen. The vast majority of students in all classes are focused on their work and attempting to do the best.
The second is the atmosphere of respect that exists in the classrooms. Teachers are showing, by their encouraging words and supportive actions, that they really care for the learning of their students. Students are repaying this feeling of care with an attitude of mutual respect.
Sure, we still have students who misbehave and sometimes not all teachers are on top of their game, but by the senior leaders in our school focusing on observing and feeding back on what is occurring in the classroom we are all learning and learning matters.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Kururau Krusher Success!
The bad news is that somehow I've lost my photos, and there was a very good one of me finishing my run too!
The good news is that Opotiki did awesomely well.
Jim Robinson: 2nd Veteran Mens Individual.
John Rollo, James Crosswell (is he a council employee?), Vaughan Payne and Mike Houghton: 1st Corporate Team.
Paul Owen, Maurie Abraham, George Teddy and Destry Hart (Opotiki Opossums): 3rd Veteran Men Team.
And the icing on the cake ....
Kyle Owen, Jared Owen, Braden Gedson, Gareth Owen: 2nd Secondary School Team. This may be the beginning of a school multi-sport dynasty. We are after some nice philanthropist wanting to donate a downriver kayak or two to support these guys!
We had a great time and enjoyed Chick's hospitality.
The race went a bit like this:
John finished about 15 seconds in front of Paul and Kyle all in about 1hr 25 on the road bike. Maurie and Jared took off a few seconds after James. Jared ran well for 1hr 21 for 16k and James pulled about another minute out of me, but he did know the way and I got a bit lost. He did about 1hr 9 and I did 1hr 10. George took off shortly after Vaughan on the paddle and hung on well to do 1hr 38 whileVaughan did 1 hr 34. Braden, after paddling for only a week to practice in my boat did a great 1hr 48 after stopping to empty water out of the boat because George forgot to tell him to wear the skirt high (good tactic, George). Mike took off on the steep and slippery mtb about 5 minutes in front of Destry who was about 20 minutes in front of Gareth. Destry pulled back 2 minutes on Mike but Mike held on for line honours with them coming in in about 1 hr 30. Gareth had an awesome ride to be the 3rd fastest ride in the whole event to move into 2nd school.
We were pretty knackered but all the talk was how everyone could improve next year. Things are looking good for our high school team who have now set their sights on Kaimai Classic and Motu Challenge. We plan to take out the Motu in 2011 so watch out.
It was great to miss out on the worst of the weather as well.
I'll see if I can find the photos, but I'm not confident.
The good news is that Opotiki did awesomely well.
Jim Robinson: 2nd Veteran Mens Individual.
John Rollo, James Crosswell (is he a council employee?), Vaughan Payne and Mike Houghton: 1st Corporate Team.
Paul Owen, Maurie Abraham, George Teddy and Destry Hart (Opotiki Opossums): 3rd Veteran Men Team.
And the icing on the cake ....
Kyle Owen, Jared Owen, Braden Gedson, Gareth Owen: 2nd Secondary School Team. This may be the beginning of a school multi-sport dynasty. We are after some nice philanthropist wanting to donate a downriver kayak or two to support these guys!
We had a great time and enjoyed Chick's hospitality.
The race went a bit like this:
John finished about 15 seconds in front of Paul and Kyle all in about 1hr 25 on the road bike. Maurie and Jared took off a few seconds after James. Jared ran well for 1hr 21 for 16k and James pulled about another minute out of me, but he did know the way and I got a bit lost. He did about 1hr 9 and I did 1hr 10. George took off shortly after Vaughan on the paddle and hung on well to do 1hr 38 whileVaughan did 1 hr 34. Braden, after paddling for only a week to practice in my boat did a great 1hr 48 after stopping to empty water out of the boat because George forgot to tell him to wear the skirt high (good tactic, George). Mike took off on the steep and slippery mtb about 5 minutes in front of Destry who was about 20 minutes in front of Gareth. Destry pulled back 2 minutes on Mike but Mike held on for line honours with them coming in in about 1 hr 30. Gareth had an awesome ride to be the 3rd fastest ride in the whole event to move into 2nd school.
We were pretty knackered but all the talk was how everyone could improve next year. Things are looking good for our high school team who have now set their sights on Kaimai Classic and Motu Challenge. We plan to take out the Motu in 2011 so watch out.
It was great to miss out on the worst of the weather as well.
I'll see if I can find the photos, but I'm not confident.
Round Taupo Photos
Don't you think this is a great photo of Aaron racing in the middle of the night. Check out the other photos here.
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