Big Thanks To Carolyn

as part of the Green Island graduation last night, we took the opportunity to present a past graduate from Pine Hill School, Carolyn Laing, and her children with a token of our appreciation. Carolyn opened up her family to us to interview. They were given the question "What has Computers in Homes Done for You". They were all very candid with their responses. Her story was selected to represent the Oatgo region in the 2020 Annual Report. As such we gave her a new netbook and a wireless modem. Carolyn was rapt as she has taken steps to start running a business from home and as such this will enable her to have dedicated use of a computer, without taking away from her children. If you would like to read Carolyns story it can be found at www.digitaloffice.co.nz
Thanks Carolyn you have done the Dunedin Computers in Homes project proud.

Green Island Graduation

Green Island graduated another 16 participants in Dunedin last night. A very keen bunch of graduates, along with their excited familes gathered in the Library at the school and listened to a couple of entertaining stories from the special guests who attended. Barbara Craig, who is a 2020 Trustee and had flown from Wellington for the event, told those graduating just what happened to their surveys when completed. It was great for participants to be able to put a face to the name. Deputy Mayor, Chris Staynes was also present, and he kept everyone amused with his stories of his early ICT experiences. Green Island Principal, Steve Hayward, congratulated all present on their acheivements. Janine Moore, Otago regional coordinator, also took the chance to congratulate the participants who had migrated onto Stepping UP classes, and reminded all others that the chance for further learning was there. Formalities over and certificates handed out, it was difficult to get them to pose with family for the photos that are attached, all were too keen to get their hands on their goodies and high tail it to their cars. Well done to you all, you are all excellent role models for your children/grand children.
Green Island Graduation April 2012 on PhotoPeach

Stepping UP Classes Begin

Well after many weeks of attempts we have finally got our first two Stepping UP classes beginning in Dunedin within the next two weeks. Both classes will be covering the Digital Imaging step. The first starts at Concord School on Saturday 24 March at 9am, with the second being on the same day at Pine Hill School at 1 pm. Big thanks to both Mel, & Steve, the principals of both these schools who have opened their POD machines for the benefit of past CiH graduates. We also welcome Neal Johnston, who will be tutoring our Stepping UP classes and thank the 12 past graduates who have agreed "to put their toes in the water" and try it out. Watch this space for photos of these classes.

Dunedin WiFi Underway

Further to my last post. I am pleased to be able to announce that our first seven trialists are hooked up and underway with our WiFi trial. This is very exciting as it fits in well with our next intake at Green Island School ready next week to complete their Online Surveys and select their option of Internet. We now have 3 options and price ranges to offer them. Also after our last NCCG meeting and the decision by CiH to partially fund a full 12 months connection along with a similar funding by the participant I think this will make the whole Internet Experience easier and better for our families down south.

WiFi Solution for Dunedin Families

Its true. After almost four months hard work by myself and some of the Steering Group we have got a solution for the families who do not have a landline or are on Satelite phones. We have our first eight families starting this month with ISP WIC. They will be supplying them with a WiFi connection for $28.75 per month, making it a very affordable option for most. It is a very exciting step forward for Dunedin Computers in Homes as alot of our families do not have a landline and rely on cellphones. This will no longer be a barrier for them getting their Internet connection. Thanks to Chris & Stu for helping get us to this point. 100% connection in Dunedin is now a real possibilty.

Stepping UP comes to Dunedin

YES. To all you non believers out there we are starting Stepping UP in Dunedin. Vouchers have been sent to past participants and a list of available modules has been included. The tutors are ready to begin and as interest is expressed classes will be arranged. At the moment we will be beginning with classes at Pine Hill School on Saturdays and depending on demand may be run morning and afternoon. So if you are wondering what to do with your spare time or you wanted to take your learning further please e-mail your expression of interest to tlhayward@vodafone.co.nz.

Green Island Begins 2012

Well after a busy holiday period we are all back and hitting the ground running. We hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday time but now it's time to roll up our sleeves and put our heads down. Term 1 2012 started for Dunedin CiH last night with a keen gathering of parents from Green Island School. Big thanks to Steve Hayward the Principal of the school for all his support and hard work in canvassing parents to get the project established at Green Island. We will be running 3 classes per week on Monday and Friday from 4-6.30 pm and a later class on Tuesday 6-8.30pm to cater for the participants struggling with child minding.We have a nice mixture of both mums and dads. Welcome aboard and pat yourselves on the back for the great role models you are showing your children/grand children. We look forward to your graduation which has already been planned. Watch this space for photos of this...... and YES I have added the photo from last night. Good photo even if some of you were taken by surprise. Now all thats left is to remove those covers and blow out the cobwebs and give the machines a whirl.

Quiet and Peaceful End to Classes for 2011

With all schools in Dunedin gearing up to a very hectic month of big assemblies, prize givings and farewells, our three classes were keen to keep their graduations a nice low key family affair. While classes were running at 3 different schools they were small in size, with 5 participants at Concord, 5 at Pine Hill and 7 at Port Chalmers. All three held their final classes this week on Monday and Tuesday. It was decided by all participants that they wanted their families to share their final class with a small presentation of certificates and flash drives by their tutors Tony & Liz, conratulations from the project co-ordinator Janine and then a chat with the tech (Louis) over a cup of tea and someting to eat. While quiet in size and razamatazz they were no less excited by their success and within half an hour of the cuppas being out there was some very happy children, proud partners and contented participants heading for the doors with all types of computer parts sticking out of their armpits. I would like to once again "pat them all on their backs" for their efforts and thank the three principals involved, Margaret (Concord), Mel (Pine Hill) and Vicki (Port Chalmers) and their schools for the support given to our project over 2011 and you never know we may return. Time to check out those photos below.Pinehill School Celebrate for the Third Time on PhotoPeach


Second Graduation for Concord School on PhotoPeach


Port Chalmers Second Graduation on PhotoPeach

Port Chalmers Make a Grand Finale for Term 3

When we arrived at Port Chalmers School for our final graduation for Term 3 the whole school was a buzz. Some of it may have been that the school holidays were mere hours away but also many had family who were graduating and taking their computers home. So the excitement was easy to feel. Principal Vicki Nicholson made us extremely welcome and was herself really excited for the families who were graduating. We were once again joined by Barbara Craig from 2020 Communications Trust in Wellington. Wew ere entertained by a rousing rendition of the school song and were joined by all students from the school. Even once the presentation stage of the assembly was over the excitement and noise levels in the roon were amazing. Thank you Port Chalmers we look forward to coming back next term for the next classes.

Port Chalmers Graduation on PhotoPeach

Forbury Celebrate Their Final Graduation

Forbury School as we know it celebrated its final graduation on Firday 7 October, as the school is being closed at the end of 2011 in a major restructuring that is being done by the Ministry. Barbara Craig from 2020 Communications Trust flew from Wellington to celebrate with them. Also thanks to the house staying on schedule Dunedin South MP Clare Curran was able to make it back from Wellington to celebrate with us. Children were able to leave their classes to celebrate with parents & grand parents who were graduating. Well done to them all and I have included a slide show of a selection of photos of both presentations and happy family groups before they left with their machines. My thanks to Forbury School who have been awesome partners with Computers in Homes over the past year.

Forbury Graduation Term 3 2011 on PhotoPeach

After the Lull Comes the Storm

NEV mum Andrea & her children

Pine Hills graduate Bonnies kids were so
proud of mum.

Gee has Dunedin seen some action on the CiH front over the last two weeks, and theres still another week to go.

PineHills Graduate Sandra with
 her children

Pine hills Marina & children

Bronny & the kids did a great job
filling in for dad Wayne when he
couldn't get to the grad.

Pine Hills Glencora had 2 happy
 kids when mum graduated.

All the current nine classes that are running have been visited by me to tick off their three commitments, and all came through with flying colours. All 52 participants have now completed their required 20 hours of training ( and this is no mean feat during winter months in the south), all completed their Online Surveys ( moans and all) and all managed to navigate their way round the beehive of wires Louis presented them with. Well done to you all. Classes over the last term have had to make up hours as participants (in fact all of Dunedin) were unexpectedly snowed in but everyone faced with a sigh and a smile and are now playing with their spoils. Pine Hill and North East Valley combined for their graduation on Friday 30 September, and once again and lovely spread was shared with the children and staff. Thanks for the hospitality Mel. Check out some of the photos in this post. Sorry there is not more but my photography skills leave alot to be desired. We have another three coming up on Thursday 6 October and Friday 7 October and hopefully another kind photographer will step up to the plate and you will have some even better photos to check out.

NEV graduate Ruth poses with daughter
& son-in-law Greg who graduated from
PineHill last term

Once more congradulations to all 52 who have graduated. I'd also like to take this chance to welcome the 17 new participants who have started training at Concord, Pine Hill & Port Chalmers.

Nev graduate for Term 3 Joanne with
NEV graduate from term2 Craig.

NEV senior graduates Russell & Vivian Brooks
share the day with tutor Tony.

All Schools are Up & Running



Concords Saturday Class



Port Chalmers Friday Class

Well as we all hunker down and get ready for some more cold weather, it is with the knowledge that all schools with families 
participating this term in Dunedin, have all successfully started their lessons. Once the numbers settle down and the odd wayward students (who are currently holidaying in the sun) return all classes should now run along smoothly under the care of tutors Liz & Tony. All schools have now set their graduation dates, the paperwork is complete, and the fun begins. Thanks to those classes who are already starting to send me through your e-mails. BIG pats on the backs. I will see you all again in Week 6 or 7 so until then have FUN !!!!!



North East Valleys Saturday Class

Term 3 Kicks Off In Dunedin

Pine Hills Class

Forburys First Class

Well it doesn't seem too many days ago that I was reporting on the numerous
graduations we were holding. Blow me down we're starting off what is going to be a busy term for us, with 62 families all starting their training over the next 3-4 days in 5 different schools throughout Dunedin. Today saw the start of lessons at Pine Hill (and they already have the class for next term full) they will train one class this term on a Saturday morning. Later that night we trundled down the hill to Forbury who will train 2 classes on a Monday afternoon and a Thursday evening. Check out the smiley faces of the new participants while we all catch up on some sleep and get ready for Port Chalmers tomorrow.

North East Valley Round Off Term 2 Graduations

NEV Term 2 graduates with Dunedin South MP Clare Curran

Well it has been an awesome term for Computers in Homes in Dunedin this term with 53 families graduating. Not least of all the families at North East Valley, who were joined by their families, and Dunedin South MP Clare Curran, Principal, John McKenzie & Deputy Principal Sheryl Staynes. We all swapped some stories from these 2 classes who all started off the term as total strangers but were all firm friends by the end. We enjoyed some songs from the senior school and once all those precious machines were safely packed into cars we all shared an afternoon tea in the staffroom. Interest was high with parents who had missed out this term. I was stopped 3 times by people wishing to enrol for the classes starting in Term3. So well done to you all at North East Valley and its looking like we will be replaying the whole term again in Term 3.

Graduations Galore !!!

Pine Hills Happy Families

The Friday may have started with a cool frosty feeling to it but by 9am Pine Hill had started their graduation, in conjunction with their school assembly, and the smiles and warmth that was felt in the hall was amazing. The gradutaes along witht heir children (and their school mates) were eagerly checking out the new machines. We were entertained with some singing and presentation of class awards. Then Computers in Homes graduated their students. Children accompanied their parents onto the stage and the pride they showed in their parents was so evident. Following the graduation we shared some light refreshments with all children & staff. However it wasn't long before parents couldn't contain themselves any longer and people and machines started disappearing out the hall and into the back of waiting cars.

Brockville School Assembly

Brockville Graduates

Hugs from Proud Families at Brockville

Later in the morning and the sun had finally come out and our team was on its way to Brockville for their graduation. This was a much bigger assembly but just as welcoming and excited as our earlier graduation. Participants were awarded their certificates and flash drives by Principal Ben Sincock and once again were accompanied by their proud children. A couple of graduates couldn't make the assembly and their children came forwarded and accepted their awards on their parents behalf. Graduates shared a light lunch with our CiH team but once again couldn't wait to be on their way home with their machines under their arms.

Some of the Forbury Graduates

The remaining Forbury Graduates

Still More Forbury Graduates

Last but not least our team rolled into Forbury and our biggest graduation for the day with 23 people graduating. Although we arrived to a rather sombre school, after receiving news of closure, it didn't take long for it to be overlooked for a while. Deputy Mayor Chris Staynes arrived to award the graduates with their certificates & flash drives. The noise levels increased tenfold during this ceremony with all three classes seeming to support each other with clapping at cheering as each name was called. Once again all graduates were accompanied by their children and even some grandchildren. Later we all shared an afternoon tea with this group seeming to take longer to disperse, as cellphone numbers and e-mail addresses were swapped, and promises of keeping in touch.

Hugs for Mum From Proud and
Happy Pine Hills Children

Relocated Christchurch Family
 Carolyn with her happy chidren

Pine Hill Graduate David with his family

Pine Hills Chairperson
celebrates with her son.