My love goes out to all in Christchurch

TV 3 News photograph

It is hard to imagine what it must of been like the moment this earthquake struck so violently for a second time in the city of Christchurch. The people of Christchurch has experienced more than 4000 aftershocks prior to this event. I have been both saddened and shocked by this. My heart goes out to everyone involved.

I am also astounded by the courage of so many. Already the early childhood convention group have indicated that they want the Early Childhood Convention to be held in April. Just saw this on the Convention website ..."Christchurch Earthquake Announcement  updated 25 Feb 3.30pm Early Bird registrations were due to close on Monday 28 Feb and have been extended to Wednesday 2 March, however there will be delays in processing so your patience is appreciated.  Please be reassured that the Convention is expected to go ahead as planned and we will provide an update on Wednesday 2 March.  We look forward to welcoming you."
Very amazing.

I have also been so heartened by the incredible acts of kindness that have overtaken the city as friends, neighbours and members of the wider Christchurch community move to support their fellow citizens. Constant events of fabulous acts of kindness that are lifting the spirits of the people of Christchurch. Christchurch you are fantastic!

The ELP team has put up a heartfelt blog on our website. Click here to access here

Farewell Jean

 

What a day today has been. My friend and colleague Jean died. It seems extraordinary that more than a decade has passed since she was first diagnosed with cancer, there is no doubt she was a remarkable and courageous woman with such determination! She was also a powerful advocate for children and their families. Although we knew Jean was on borrowed time, the finality of death comes as such a shock. For those of you who know Jean, I have put a farewell to her on our website, this is the link if you would like to see it.

http://educationalleadershipproject.blogspot.com/2011/01/goodbye-jean.html

To think I thought my fish was big!!!

This is a Giant Catfish that Tim caught in Spain. Dave and Tim had a couple of days fishing and caught three of these monsters. This fish was the biggest ever caught on the boat that Tim and Dave went on, so the Guide was pretty chuffed as well!

Can you believe the size of this fish, Tim said it was like something out of GhostBusters!

Ken Robinson: Changing education paradigms | Video on TED.com

I think this is such a fabulous TED talk, based on Ken Robinson's talk, with the most amazing graphics. Click on the link below to see the TED talk. See what you think!

Ken Robinson: Changing education paradigms | Video on TED.comI

Wendy loves to fish!

These holidays just past have been utterly fantastic in terms of fishing. It would be an understatement to say that I was happy with the fishing. Prior to the holiday Dave had done his research, worked out where to fish and also what methods to use. He came fully prepared! I was one of the first to go out fishing with him. Dave, Michael and I set off. There was considerable excitement in the boat. For the first time I caught more than 2 fish on one fishing expedition! Three to be exact! As well as my fish being the biggest caught on the boat that day. You can see from the photo that I am looking rather pleased with myself.

Patrick has fun with the Christmas Hats!

These rather wonderful Christmas Hats offered lots of opportunities for everyone to be creative and style their own hat. Patrick took this to another level and created many new models, here are just a few of them.

Christmas at Lake Rotoiti

I am running a little late with sharing our Family Christmas at Lake Rotoiti with you all. It was so lovely to have Timothy back with us and to have time as a family to just enjoy being together. We all had a very relaxed Christmas and I am sure you will get a sense of the 'fun' time from our photographs! Christmas Day was a full day in terms of the weather, beginning with a fire in the morning to lying out in the hot sun by mid afternoon!