I have begun work on producing the final book in our Early Years iPad in the Classroom Series - 'Viewing'. These resources are invaluable to our teachers, our initiation process for new teachers to our school, for educating our parents in 'what learning looks like' in our classrooms (which instantly dispels myths of kids on screens all day 'playing' games!) and as a valuable marketing tool when sharing globally and to perspective international families. I plan to have this resource published by September so that I can then start supporting our teachers more to produce their ideas. I can see content creation playing a more important role in our school in the future as both our teachers and learners use these resources in their everyday teaching and learning.
Next month I have a change in role and will be Acting Deputy Principal for the term while the DP is on sabbatical. I will be mentoring another teacher to take over the running of the Makerspace, although this will be a challenge (I mean the 'letting go' of 'my space' not the mentoring). I am looking forward to seeing if what I have set up is sustainable and also to see the flavour someone else can bring and how this space may evolve.
I continue to be the chairperson of the MADE (Movie and Digital Excellence) committee. We are well into planning this years events and are forever thankful to our major sponsors, Noel Leeming who continue to support us and make this event possible. Having this event as a vehicle to share learners digital creations from across the whole of New Zealand is such a bonus as often only their classmates or families get to see the results of their creativity and passion. I can see this year being even more powerful as I have spoken at local Intermediate schools to get even more teachers and learners on board. Traditionally we get significantly less entries from years 7 and 8, I am hoping that this year will be different. At TAKP we send our learners onto their next level of schooling knowing they wont be given the same opportunities digitally, I hope this changes in the future.