March 2012

We have received 8 new macbooks, in fact macbook pros. Spent a day setting these up, installing smart login onto each to make it easier for students to link to the server. Connecting to the printer, setting up the wireless network.

Also in March Rochelle and Peter attended the lead teacher day and presented our journey over the past 2 years, and where we want to go this year.

The room 9 & 10 students are working hard preparing for the ICT Conference on Wednesday 4 April. We have 12 workshops, 4 for the juniors and 8 for the seniors. Junior workshops include, getting the most from your mac, photo booth, ipods and good games. Senior workshops include X-Box, Comic Life, Keynote, iPods and others.

We finally managed to get in touch with Yoobee and have sent 2 of our macbooks for repair, the first came back with a new hard drive and no cost, second we are still waiting for.

New Term, New Year....

A busy start to the new school year.  IWB installed in the junior block and the staff are already up and running with these!
A new flat screen television has also been installed in the Junior block (thanks Brian!) - this has been well utilised, for wet play times as well as some of the senior children teaching the younger children how to use the x-box.
Peter and I have had our first lead teacher meeting (prior to our first lead teacher day in boulcott).
1) set up Kim/Alison's computers
2) began action plan
3) Attempted to sort out broken laptop with yoobee.
4) Discussed ICT lead teacher replacement.
5) Set up buddy ICT work?

ICT conference

This week we had our very first Kilbirnie ICT conference.  The conference was led by the students for the students - with minimal adult intervention.  The older students in the school planned workshops, covering topics such as Comic life, Superclubs plus, using imovie, photography and sports skills.  The day was a huge success, with the added addition of a shared lunch (bought in by the children). The buzz of conversation over lunch time just added to the conference experience.  The day finished with a closing ceremony, during which the students looked at some of their photographs and work from the conference. What a great day!

Ulearn

Wow! What an experience! Watch this space for further updates and photographs.

ERO report

As lead teachers, we were really proud to be able to report our progress to ERO with regard to our ICT development.  We focused on the main 5 areas that ERO look at.  Documentation is available from our principal if required.

photos from the expo

MCLD Expo 2011

During the first two days of the holidays the staff at Kilbirnie School attended a 2 day conference in Lower Hutt.  We had a keynote speech from Jan Coleman on the first day, followed by two workshops of our choice. These ranged from using garage band effectively to blogging for beginners.  The work shops were led by Stuart Hale, Allanah King, David Young and Innes Kennard.  The staff were inspired and equipped  ready to plan lots of new opportunities.  We finished with a panel discussion on e-learning and the future horizons.  We were really proud of the enthusiastic way in which our staff approached the expo. Thanks to all involved.

Twitter #mcldexpo11