Kiwiana, a theme for our Family Christmas Dinner!

Maybe there just isn't anything to say!

A reunion of the Union Presidents!

Clare Wells, Sarah Te One, Robin Sigley, Jeanie McCafferty, Jean Pearson (RIP) Lynne Bruce, Robin Houlker & Wendy Lee

Clare Wells, Sarah Te One, Robin Sigley, Jeanie McCafferty, Lynne Bruce, Robin Houlker & Wendy Lee

Some twenty years on, almost the same line-up of KTA Presidents, in the same order. The most recent President on the left and the oldest President on the right. When I say almost, sadly Jean Pearson is no longer with us. It was a wonderful weekend of revisiting relationships and memories!! We were joined by other wonderful women who were also deeply engaged in the Union movement over these years. 

Visit to China

When Dave told me he had a conference to go to in Beijing, I was very excited! I immediately said that he surely could not go without me... so we planned a holiday in China. 

During the first week we were in Beijing, Dave attended his Conference and I had a lovely time working with teachers and parents in Beijing. I also had opportunities to visit early childhood settings. 

Some of you will know Jane Zhou. I met Jane in 1998 when Dell Graham, Robin Houlker and I set off on a trip to catch up with friends in different parts of the world this included two friends working in Beijing. Cath Marr and Colleen Stedman were both were teaching in Beijing at an International School. 

It was such a pleasure to work with Jane while I was in Beijing. She has recently completed her PhD at Victoria University and has now returned home and is involved in developing an early childhood centre where she will be the key Pedagogical Leader. During my stay Jane was a fabulous translator and guide and made my trip to China something extra special!!

I will share a little of my time in China via some photographs. These first two are favourites...

Look closely and check out the use of technology

I was gobsmacked at the level of technology used over the two days

I did explain to the teachers, that if I was working with 200 teachers in NZ, I might experience one or two using cameras - but I had never seen such a high level of recording devices in one setting!

WANG Yu Yan and SUN Lu. Some of you may have met Yu Yan at the last convention. SUN Lu was extremely enthusiastic. By the end of the second day she had set up a social networking site for the teachers to share their ideas on Learning Stories.

Teachers were so enthusiastic about the NZ work.

Here I am at the State Kindergarten. They have 600 children attending and this is WANG Bo, she is the Principal of the Kindergarten.

One of the children, deeply engaged in his modelling!

The main building of the kindergarten

The modelling continues

Outside with some of the children. We are joined by the Curriculum Leader, some of the teachers and also WANG Yu Yuan.

Another classroom visited.

Jane's new centre the Lagogo Early Learning Centre in Beijing

Jane talking to some of the children during lunch at Lagogo Early Learning Centre

A visit to the Winsor Kindergarten in Beijing. Here I am with the Curriculum Leader Wendy Weng

Now an opportunity to share with parents the importance of learning dispositions

ELP Team Fun in Samoa

A fabulous week had by all in Samoa. Lovely time meeting Samoan teachers and also those teaching students in Apia. We also had an opportunity to spend time on Savai'i. I think the photographs will tell the story!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Rotoiti, such a restful place to be!

We have just had a lovely weekend catching up with friends at Lake Rotoiti. The weather was so lovely. Cool, crisp autumn days followed by cool nights spent around the fire.  A couple of weeks ago Erin took these photos at Lake Rotoiti... it was soooo very beautiful, I just cannot resist sharing them. The colours were so extraordinary!

 

“We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindness there is at last one which makes the heart run over. ”
Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784);
Poet, Essayist, Lexicographer

Family Celebrations

Lovely time was had this weekend. All the Rowe clan gathered for a family event. The main focus of our celebration was Michael's 60th, this event happened on the day of Tim's birthday. At the same time we were also very aware that Jess maybe setting off to China! Lots to celebrate and also an opportunity enjoy each others company and catch up with the newer members. It was such a beautiful day in Auckland!

Patrick, Wendy and Timothy!

Lake Rotoiti a place of retreat and relaxation

A place of relaxation and retreat

Lake Rotoiti has provided lovely opportunities to catch a fish or two in 2013. It has been magical out on the Lake, spending time with friends and family. Here are a few photos....... mostly of my fishing success!!!

And now for those 'fish photos' the products of our expeditions on the water!

I think I may have got just a tad over excited about the fishing!!

What a brilliant summer we have been having. The Lake water is warm!

This was a fabulous night, both of us caught fish that were over 7lbs!!!

I am sure you will agree, quietly sitting out on the Lake is a magical thing to be doing......