About IDE | Activities | Database | Schools | IDEC | Links | Forums Report from New Zealand ...dear oz mates and idec friends, A group of us have spent a 'wicked' (new zealandism i've become partial to) week in christchurch, nz The week was planned by Yaacov and coordinated locally by a mother, rose; involved in playcentre- a unique new zealand playgroup/preschool network (www.playcentre.org.nz) and a parent at tamariki school (host idec 2002). Rose, together with Pat Edwards (past principal tamariki) hooked into yaakov's energy during his visits 2002/3. Tremendous people involved- from tamariki, discovery1 and mountain valley (all elementary schools in new zealand- ranging in degree from fully to only partially government funded, 12- 200 students, rural and urban settings) and some folk from riverside community (group of approx 80 people living together in a northern patch of paradise in south island). The group gathered in the city at discovery1 school for a week of lectures, dialog, workshops, dialog, laughter, dialog and tears to explore issues within our learning communities, help stregthen them and perhaps most excitingly for idec/ aapae folk, form the foundation of the nzide; new zealand institute of dem.ed (non official name - forthcoming meetings will decide such). The week was divided into 3 separate workshops, a lecture, panel and assorted gatherings for those interested in establishing the Institute. Some 60- 80 people attended one event or more; different people attending varied combinations of these offerings. There was a core group of about 15 of us who participated in the full 7 day program - and full it was; intense and powerful stuff; akin to a smaller idec. Community members involved in local business, politics, schools and other social organisations took part. The core group was made up of staff and parents from the above mentioned communities, a lecturer and student from teacher's college, teachers from mainstream schools and of course yaakov. The panel was a highlight as it pinpointed the opportunities from toddler to tertiary in pluralistic ed. in this country- quite amazing. As someone who has only recently joined the community, i can only invite you to visit and share in an extraordinary living, breathing democratic community. Some of you shared in tamariki's energy in 2002, perhaps now is the time isaac to return with a group (as you threatened to do i hear???) A website has just been started up - www.nzide.org.nz. It is the intention of the institute to support the building of pluralistic learning opportunities and communities; within our schools and beyond. Integral themes: recognising individual uniquenesses and the resulting foundation of strength - both as people and as organisations using such strengths to optimise our co-operative work process - contributing each where possible and sharing knowledge, skills and beliefs forever learning/ teaching- using strengths, vast array of human and other resources and a growing toolbox to value the past and consider the future as means to make appropriate decisions for each distinctive community For those in various stages of forming and or maintaining learning communities, i think it is wise to note that time has played an important role in the New Zealanders arriving to this point. Tracey, Learning Advisor at discovery1, a key player in the formation of the group, highlighted the crucial role of time in doing its work for vital bridge building. Personally, i feel that the energy has been growing and a mix of luck, timing, christchurch as a city right now, yaakov and the myriad personalities who gathered, resulted in this institute. If daring to speak on behalf of the others who took part- a strong pioneering feeling pervades - as if we are living the seed germination stage of something extraordinary. Mid week we read of the democratic workplace federation's inaugural conference in minnesota - couldn't but help feeling that something greater than the sum of our parts is spreading. Yaakov's humility, humour and honesty were as usual inspiring and encouraging- as were the gifts that each person brought; developing relationships integral to our gathering. Join us in celebrating the opening of an exciting chapter in the learning history of the Pacific/ Oceania region. tena koutou, tena koutou tena tatou katoa greetings to us all juli