Winter 2008

2008 is a challenging year for Central Otago REAP. One of our greatest assets is that through our contracts with the Ministry of Education and The Tertiary Education Commission we have the flexibility to meet the educational  needs of the rural community. These needs constantly grow and change and as a result we develop new programmes drawing on a wide range of different funding sources. Our problem is, how do we continue with  highly successful programmes, that are meeting the needs of our community, when funding is short term?  Sadly a number of these initiatives end this year unless we are able to attract additional funding. One example is our  “One Day  School” for  gifted and   talented primary aged students. This has been a three year contract from the Ministry of Education’s Talent Initiative funding. If you have any ideas on how to source funding, we would appreciate you contacting us.
Bernie

Literacy
Literacy continues to be an area we hope to keep increasing yearly. Central Lakes Trust has continued to fund our Adult Literacy Programme as has the Tertiary Education Commission. The current ‘Not Just Words’ programme is progressing favourably and will finish at the end of Term 3.  Registrations are welcome for the next 'Not Just Words' programme beginning April 2009.   This course is suitable for anyone who would like to improve their literacy skills or is learning English as a second language. One to one tutition is also available all year round.  Contact  REAP if you would like more information.

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Courses coming up:
Safe with Age For the mature road user. Courses in Roxburgh, Alexandra, Cromwell and Wanaka.
Not Just Words A free Literacy Programme for Adults
Weekend Workshops Coming Up: Figure Composition, Acrylic/Oil/Watercolour Painting; Life Drawing…Register your interest.

• Wine Appreciation - starting 22 July Wanaka
• Personal Financial Planning for Dummies - starting 21st July Alexandra
• Beginners/Intermediate Computing - starting 23 July Alexandra

SPACE (Supporting Parents Alongside Children’s   Education). Being provided by Clyde Playcentre. For more  information go to www.space.org.nz or phone Carol Haig on 449-2557 or Clyde Playcentre.
Coming later in the year…
August - Gill Connell - Move to learn for parents
September - Kids Music Company “Wriggle &       Jiggle”. Aimed at 0-5 years www.kidsmusic.co.nz
October - Dianne Levy ‘Parenting in the Early Years’
November - Thyme Festival Children’s Art & Activities

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COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES

If you believe that you have not received good service from a staff member of Central Otago REAP you have a right to complain. The steps to take are:
- Talk or write directly to the tutor/or REAP person involved. Very often they will welcome your complaint as it helps them improve their standard of service or uncover a problem. You may take a friend or relative to support you.
- If you are not satisfied with the outcome, or wish to complain directly, you may contact The Manager, Central Otago REAP, 17a Brandon Street, Alexandra.
The complaint is resolved when all those involved agree that no further action on the complaint is required.
A complaint concerning an NZQA matter can be directed to: NZQA, PO Box 160, Wellington.
A GOOD SERVICE WELCOMES COMPLAINTS. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO COMPLAIN.

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2008 U3A Programme
Series 3 - starting   8 August - Philosophy
Series 4 - starting 17 Oct - Viticultural Industry

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Sustainability:
Some ideas for cutting down on waste:
- Buy good quality wooden toys instead of plastic toys that will break easily.
- Borrow toys from a toy library so children can enjoy new toys at a fraction of the cost.
- Give birthday presents that are an activity or experience.
- Set up a worm farm to dispose of veggie waste.
- Buy recycled unbleached toilet paper.
- Use biodegradable potato plates when hosting a party instead of plastic ones which will take forever to break down in a landfill.
For more ideas go to www.wastedtv.co.nz

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Parenting
Central Otago REAP offers a range of parenting programmes and is able to develop specialized programmes to meet a request from a group.
Some tips from the SKIP booklet on Managing Under 5’s:
- Plan. Put precious things out of reach. Don’t take your child to the supermarket if they’re tired.
- Try not to say no and don’t all the time. Instead of saying "don’t run in the house" say " walk in the house, you might hurt yourself if you run" or instead of "no we can’t go to the park" say "maybe tomorrow".
- Have realistic expectations – a small child won’t be able to sit still for a long time or will end up with food all over the place when they first start eating on their own. You can change rules and expectations as they grow and develop more skills.
- Try to have routines for eating and sleeping. This helps children become organised and feel secure.
- Keep your sense of humour. Sometimes you have a split second when you have to decide whether you’re going to get really angry, or whether you’ll see the funny side. If a child has smeared lipstick all over their face, and you laugh, you can still ask them not to do it again and explain why.

To read more about these tips and other Parenting Ideas check the website www.familyservices.govt.nz or ask for the pamphlets at REAP.

Contact us and put your name down if you are interested in the following:
- Are you parenting or grandparenting from a distance? Would you be interested in a seminar about the challenges that arise from this and tips for developing and maintaining a good relationship with your child/grandchild?
- Are you interested in attending a Parenting Course? Managing parental stress; Your role as a parent; Understanding your child’s, development, behaviour and temperament; Strategies and support to you as a parent.
Dates to be confirmed. Let us know whether you would prefer day time or evening.

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Te Reo in  Schools
Mary-Anne Tamati and Pam Keelan continue to work in Central Otago schools establishing and extending both students and teachers knowledge of Te Reo and Tikanga. The teaching
programme offered plans to be inclusive and could include  language, culture, protocol, Maori Literature, The Treaty of Waitangi, place names, games, pastimes and Kapa Haka. The planning is a joint programme with each syndicate or classroom, so that it is relevant to your inquiry theme. The programme should be reviewed at the end of each term.
The contract we have with schools for Te Reo and Tikanga is completed at the end of this year. It will be necessary for us to evaluate your needs for this work in early April so that we can plan for 2009.

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TRUANCY
Valda Muller will continue to facilitate this contract for us. Valda sees it as important to address truancy in its early stages. Her contact phone number is (027)446-6112. She is very happy to clarify any school attendance concerns.

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Seasons For Growth:
There are facilitators available in the different school areas who will run this grief education programme. Seasons for Growth allows students to address the grief that they experience through the loss of a significant person in their lives through death, divorce or separation. Research shows Seasons for Growth allows students to understand the process of grief through activities and guided discussion. Information about the programme is sent out through school newsletters but teachers may recommend students after discussion with the parent. If you want further information please contact Kathi on
(03)448-6115 or email: kathi@coreap.org.nz.

After School Activities:
REAP will organise after school art and craft activities in your area during the second and third term.  If you think there would be interest in your area please contact me and we will seek out tutors.        Kathi

Dare to Be You - ‘Run for the Trees’
The new programme is centred around the story “Run for the Trees.” It focuses on five different themes that help to build and reinforce self esteem and encourage self control and self reliant decision making. Each theme is entwined into the story and helps people discover that being and accepting who they are is the first step to meeting the challenges of life. It is a twenty hour programme run over several weeks by a trained facilitator. Students are in small groups and are referred to the programme. This programme is suitable for Year 7 to 10 students. Contact Kathi for more details:
kathi@coreap.org.nz or 448-6115.

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Grandparenting in Schools:
This is a well established programme which has been running now for the last six years. It involves the student building a quality
relationship with an older adult - grandparent. During Term 2 and 3 grandparents meet with two students usually for approx a half an hour each. Children are read to, play games and share stories with their designated grandparent. Schools have a contact teacher who arranges a space for the grandparents and co-ordinates the child/grandparent
connection. REAP provides resources (games etc) and
canvases for new grandparents. Grandparents from the various schools have a  lunch at the end of the year. Some amazing stories have been shared as to the relationships that have been formed.

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Children Youth and Family Funding:
Funding is available for REAP to arrange and facilitate programmes out of school time that will benefit children who are at risk for what ever reason. These can be programmes in outdoor adventure, art or other basic learning or care areas. The facilitator becomes the mentor and encourages young people to challenge themselves through the various activities. Programmes can be offered in all COREAP areas if facilitators are available. If you know of someone in your community who would be capable of taking a programme please let me know.  Kathi

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