Tuesday 25 November 2014

China /NZ friends in the Classroom

The VLN Primary School is really privileged to have the support of the Confucius Institute Auckland to partner with us to provide Mandarin programmes in our schools. Last week i farewelled Katie & Dandan who have been working with us this year. They have been awesome teachers and ambassadors for their country. Our kids love them & we will really miss them crying 
The same day Chinese President Xi Jingping was also in Auckland having lunch with '400 other close friends at SkyCity'. Our MLAs got to wave at his motorcade as it drove by. The MLA programme is where the real China/NZ friendships are forged - as we welcome these young people into our homes and or classrooms. They get to enjoy a slice of kiwi life (everyone of them talked about gaining extra kilos in NZ) and we gain a better understanding of each other's cultures. 
The government is promoting the development of Asian Languages in Schools with a contestable funding pool for schools. The first deadline for funding has closed but a second opportunity opens in 2015. The VLN Primary School will be offering Mandarin, Japanese & Korean classes online next year - take the opportunity to try it out with your students and consider how you can grow this in the schools in your area.
Mandarin Class

Wednesday 19 November 2014

Connect your Learners - Over the Back Fence 2015

Successful projects keep on running & keep getting better. Well done Geoff into your third (4th?) year of Over the Back Fence Project.
Over the Back Fence
Geoff is welcoming schools wanting to participate in 2015

What is OtBF?

• We broadcast a simple health/safety lesson to your class each week.
• The lesson is between 5 and 10 minutes. We use Skype or Connect.
• The classroom teacher can choose the topics or chose from our list.
• Lessons are taught at the same time each week to avoid confusion.
More info here (2014 startup) and listen to Geoff's students & have a peek in his classroom here.
Here is the schedule of available times for 2015 - contact Geoff gmwood@xtra.co.nz for more information or to secure a time for your school to participate.
MONDAY
10:10-10:40

11:25-11:55
TUESDAY
10:10-10:40

12:10-12:40

2:20-3:00
WEDNESDAY
10:10-10-40

1:40-2:10

2:20-3:00
THURSDAY
10:10-10:40
FRIDAY
10:10-10:40

2:20-3:00