Newsletter 57 Term 4, 2009

Fighting for ACE in Schools

Inside this issue:

Charlie Herbert 2 Award Winner

The Last Hurrah? 2

President’s Report 3

ACE Cuts! - 4 Impact on Communities

Executive - 10 Contact Details CLASS 11 Life Members

LEFT: The march down Queen Street against the cuts passes Auckland’s Town Hall, on CLASS 12 Saturday 12 September, the national day of action. Conference RIGHT: Maryke hands over the Petition to Maryan Street and Phil Goff. Report Budget Cuts Decimate ACE public attention, interest, desire and calls he May budget announce- to action and importantly – we got the ment to cut 80% funding for attention of influencers and decision mak- schools based ACE shocked ers. schoolsT and communities nationwide. CLASS adopted a multi-faceted approach Editor: Liz Godfrey Our revolt against the government deci- to the crisis that began with a very public PO Box 34-603 sion was handled with all the class and campaign whilst negotiating with Minister BIRKENHEAD dignity befitting of our one hundred Tolley and TEC to reinstate funding. Auckland 0746 year kiwi tradition and history. In a CLASS also provided pastoral care to time of crisis, CLASS mobilised and members and shared information on alter- P: 09-481-0144 although the outcome was not what we native funding models for schools. F: 09-481-0143 wanted, the achievement was nonethe- Your contribution to the campaign was E: [email protected] less significant. Our “Stop Night Class massive. Over 200 stories featured in local Cuts” campaign put ACE in the spot- and nationwide newspapers. Television The opinions expressed in this light – on primetime news, stirred de- coverage included stories on TV One and newsletter are those of the bate on the nation’s radio stations, ral- TV3 news, discussion on the political contributor unless endorsed by lied together communities, urged people programme Q&A, Tangata Pasifika and CLASS Executive. to protest and march, gaining wider (Continued on page 9) Charlie Herbert Award - 2009

Linda Melrose is the recipient of the prestigious Charlie Herbert Award for 2009 for her contribution to ACE in New Zealand. With a background in Economics and previously a part-time co-ordinator and a part-time teacher she has been ACE Co-ordinator at Onehunga High School for 16 years. In this time she has built up one of the largest ACE programmes in the country. She was the inaugural secretary of CLASS and held the posi- tion for 4 years while helping to develop policy and procedures for the as- sociation. Heavily involved in all aspects of Adult Education from local to interna- tional level, she has presented workshops, in particular on marketing and financial issues facing members, at almost every CLASS Conference. Linda has a passion for Community Education, CLASS and the commu- nity. She has given up many hours of her family time to work on the CLASS Executive and is a leading light in the organisation. She lives Community Education with a smile and warmth and makes everyone feel Linda Melrose - welcome. passion and integrity

The Last Hurrah? Celebrating ALW/HTM in South Auckland presented with a bouquet by her hus- band. Vernon Katipa (tutor) stood with his certificate while 12 whanau stood in the middle of the hall and sang a waiata. Eight “Smiling Dragon” Tai Chi stu- dents and their tutor received an Award on behalf of 204 other learners. A nominated IHC group arrived in 2 vans and proudly received their certifi- cates. Tracey Gayner received a com- mendation for leadership. There were We celebrated in style, determined to tears and laughter and acknowledgment. strike a positive note amidst “ACE Cuts The presenting Mayors and the audi- Protests”. Over 400 diverse people ence were amazed at the variety of packed the Aorere College Hall. Flow- awardees and the ethnic diversity. ers and tapa, banners, balloons, posters Oh that Anne Tolley and John Key and leis abounded. were there to witness the occasion! We celebrated Exceptional Educators Life Memberships to CLASS were pre- who have given years of dedicated ser- sented to Moana Papa and Joan vice, we celebrated Innovative Provid- Ashworth by Maryke Fordyce, CLASS ers that have developed new community President. A poignant DVD showed learning pathways. And we celebrated Charlie Herbert receiving his award at Outstanding Learners – individuals like his home from Tracey Gayner. Radda Topar, (83) with an artificial leg, It was a great night, a festival, an affir- who walks twice a week to her English mation of everything that is good about classes – and groups like the McAuley adult and community education. Fanau Pasifika Literacy group who And everyone stayed to talk and have work shifts and clean offices and come photos and share a South Auckland back to school for 5 hours a week to supper. learn from the tutor and one another. Families stood to salute and sing as Willie Ropata was our kaumatua. their family member went up to receive Pam Peters – Aorere College, Te Ku- their award. Piri Williams (tutor) was penga o Manukau Network, Tracey Gayner – Counties ACCE Net- work.

Page 2 CLASS Newsletter 57 about Adult and Community Education A Word or Two from the President is far from over. The petition to parlia- ment for instance, is the biggest deliv- For those of you who will be leaving ered so far this year. I have lost count the CLASS fold, again thank you for of how many newspaper arti- your contribution and effort during cles appeared. the past 10 years but in particular dur- ing the last few months. You take Inevitably, after such a cataclysmic with you the skills, passion and pro- change, my thoughts turn to the future. fessionalism you learned and earned To those of you who will still be in- as an ACE Coordinator. My wish for volved in ACE through schools, be that you is that these skills help you funded or self-funded, you face an un- through this difficult part in your life. certain future. You face many chal- lenges and obstacles, but I am con- I want to say a special thank you to vinced that you are the right person in our inaugural Life Members. The Life the position. Membership category was brought in Only time will tell if the approach set to create an effective database of wis- by the Government will truly make a Tena Koutou and Greetings to you all dom and knowledge as well as to rec- difference in learners’ lives and if it was Well, what an “annus horribilis” it turned ognise and value the contributions worth such a huge shake up. As the out to be for school ACE providers. made by those individuals. Our Life year 2010 pans out, you will experience End of Era. Members have stepped forward in a a huge learning curve but I am positive As we come to the end of a tumultuous huge way this year – bearing in mind that you will rise to the challenge as year, I want to stop and pay my respects that they have exited the position as to those of you who will not be in- you have done before. ACE coordinator or have retired. volved in ACE in 2010. I want to ac- From being very active in the cam- Only time will tell if you can run a suc- knowledge your contribution to Adult paign to have funding reinstated to cessful self-funded programme, but, I and Community Education and in par- providing mentoring where needed, acknowledge it will not be an easy road ticular to CLASS. they were there every step of the way. for you. Again, I am positive that you

I personally have learnt so much from Our inaugural Life Members have have the skills and passion for this. clearly set the tone. so many of you – your dedication, your I want to say a special thank you to professionalism, your willingness to “ The petition to parliament... each and every one of you for your hard share resources and above all your com- work and willingness to fight for what is the biggest delivered so mitment to lifelong learning. In short, I we believe in. The past few months am proud to be associated with you. far this year.” have taken its toll on you – the uncer- I know how hard you worked in your tainty of your own position but also the programme over the years, how you worry about your programme. built it up, how you looked after your My thanks also to CLASS Executive. In short, I wiped all the set plans for CLASS will be there to support you as tutors, learners and community groups, you face unchartered waters but, having often against considerable obstacles. the year off the table and took them along with me. They were unwaver- said that, CLASS will only be as good You have been a valuable member in so as its members who will step forward to many parts of the ACE sector – from ing in their support and have worked very hard to provide support and help chart the waters. planning your own programme to suit your own particular community’s need guidance to you. I say thank you On a personal note, thank you for the to working very actively and collabora- to my Executive who worked night wonderful letters of support and almost tively in your ACE networks. Your and day, including through many long daily emails you sent me. It kept me collegial support and mentoring helped weekends. For a very small organisa- sustained during the last few months. many a new coordinator through a very tion with very limited funds, we have My best wishes for a blessed Christmas achieved a lot this year... with your loved ones... difficult patch or two.

I know how being an ACE coordinator In many ways, the darkest hour for Kia kaha kia toa kia manawanui! can take over your life. Every year at CLASS also turned out to be its finest Be brave, be steadfast and be of great our wonderful conference, I learnt from hour. We were able to very quickly heart! you how to be a good community edu- rally around to have a comprehensive cation coordinator – by listening to campaign plan and support for mem- what you have to offer and by absorb- bers. I do not need to tell you how Maryke many phone calls and/or emails you ing how you did things. Maryke Fordyce received this year from CLASS... President, CLASS For many schools, it is truly the end of From providing campaign advice, to Matauranga Tangata I Roto I Nga Kura an era – some school programmes have looking after your employment issues [email protected] been around for more than fifty years. to providing templates for setting up a 03 332 7359 021 779 974 You have become well known in your self-funded programme, we were community and have provided to your there. Look back at this year to see community’s needs. what we have achieved – the debate

CLASS Newsletter 57 Page 3 ACE Cuts! - Impact on Communities

Waitakere College ACE is closing The Board of Trustees at Green Bay pointment that we had to finish our down for good on 8th December. Com- High School decided to disestablish work a whole term before the funding munity groups that will no longer re- the Community Education department ceased. ceive funds (more than $15,000) from by the end of this year (2009). We Many thanks to all those co-ordinators us include Ranui Community Centre , have 40 tutors on our books that will who have given me support and in par- West Auckland Plunket and West no longer work for us and I am to be ticular I would like to say a huge thank Auckland Parents Centre. made redundant. you to Linda Melrose of Onehunga Graham Nobbs was the Co-ordinator Community Education has been part Community Education for all the help here when Community Education of Green Bay High School for well she gave me during my last couple of started thirty years ago. I have been over 25 years and it has served our months at ACLC. here 20 years and took over as Co- community extremely well. Virginia Robbie ordinator from Graham eight years Green Bay is near to Titirangi, Laing- Auckland Community Learning Centre ago. Community Education becomes holm, Parau and Huia, an area well your life – at holiday times you keep known for its artists, writers and peo- Counties, Manukau Area your advertising going, delivering here ple in the music field. Many of the The New Co-ordinator for the Counties and there. Over the years I have met Community Education courses offered Area is Daryl Wood (currently ACE many lovely people, students, tutors and at Green Bay High School reflected Co-ordinator for Pukekohe High other Co-ordinators. Those friendships this fact. We also have had slightly School.) Major achievements for Coun- made will last forever. I have been more unusual courses such as wrought ties Area has been raising participation lucky having Margaret Stewart and iron work, welding and we were the of Maori, Pasifika, Rural and Commu- Andrea Cameron to help me along the first school to offer an outdoor pizza nity Groups and running funded courses way as well others in the West. I must oven course. Over the years we have such as Boatmasters, First Aid, wood- have driven Linda Melrose mad at offered painting, pottery, quilting, mo- turning, foundation learning pro- times. saics, you name it, we’ve provided it! grammes etc. I think the highlights of the job are We have been very active in the ACE 2009 sees Waiuku College’s pro- seeing people enter into careers from community in West Auckland; keenly gramme closing. Frances Stevens was coming to night school; seeing my Up- involved with other Community Edu- the Co-ordinator of Waiuku College holstery students strip and recover cation programmes in schools, our from 2008-2009. Prior to this Jeanette chairs and suites; having more students community houses, West Auckland Holborow was the Co-ordinator for coming to night school than the main ACE Aotearoa, the Waitakere ACE more than 20 years and the College had school had students; seeing the sense of Network group, ACE Space and many run an ACE programme for over 30 achievement on their faces. The differ- other activities. Our programme has years. ent crafts we have offered have pro- assisted hundreds of community Rosehill College has amalgamated with duced some amazing works of art. My groups with funds over these many Pukekohe High School as the lead longest serving tutor, Ngaire Madden, years. provider. Tracey Gayner was the coor- has taught here for 30 years and many I am truly sad for our community of dinator from 2007-2009. With the cuts others also have long service. students and I do not underestimate the Counties community has lost: par- Although Anne Tolley did not approve the severe loss this will be to every- enting courses, anger management etc. of Belly Dancing and Cooking classes it one. I think it is an extremely short Tangaroa College, Co-ordinator is drummed into us to keep fit and eat sighted and outrageous decision by Tracey Gayner 2009, The previous Co- healthily. Belly Dancing is a great form this government, and one that I ordinator was Moana Papa. Anyone of keep fit and our cooking classes strongly believe they will live to re- who stepped into the role after Moana make healthy dishes – no junk food gret. was always going to have a hard time here. Judy Haldane living up to the legacy that she had left Above my office door I have the fol- Green Bay High School behind. The lifetime relationships that lowing saying “I support Community Moana developed and still maintains Education because education should Auckland Community Learning (even today) is one of the greatest assets not be a privilege of the young alone; Centre, Mt Eden, will not be provid- to the Otara community. She was on the the quest for knowledge ceases only ing ACE in the future. Myself and my Executive and was awarded Lifetime when one dies”. colleague were made redundant on 11 Membership of CLASS. She was the Thanks to all who have listened to me September, two weeks before the end Communications Manager for Te Ku- and helped me along the way. Let us of Term 3. Unfortunately we were not penga o Manukau and her greatest not forget each other. able to farewell our tutors in the ap- achievement was running a culturally Juliet Hopkins propriate manner which I was very diverse and popular programme. Tanga- Waitakere College disturbed about, as without them there roa has run an ACE programme for would not have been a programme. more than 26 years and is still exploring I would like to say my 13 years in possibilities of amalgamating with a community education was extremely lead provider. invaluable and it was with great disap- (Continued on page 5)

Page 4 CLASS Newsletter 57 Urban and Rural, North to South

(Continued from page 4) quently has been appointed the lead Hawke’s Bay is losing all of its Adult Major successes at Tangaroa College school for the Eastern BOP re- & Community Education classes held in have been classes in Tivaevae, Cook gion. Apparently they are working in High Schools. The following schools Island Painting, Learners drivers license conjunction with EastBay REAP to will no longer hold subsidised classes: and cultural retention programmes – work out how the funding for the 1,240 Hastings Boys’ High School, Have- Maori, Cook Island, Niue, Samoan and learner places that were allocated will lock North High School, Central Tongan. be used. Personally I was surprised to Hawke’s Bay College, Kimi Ora Tracey began at the start of 2009 (while see REAP involved in this process be- Community School, Napier Boys’ continuing as Co-ordinator for Rosehill cause I was under the impression that High School, Tamatea High School, College in Papakura). The major the Literacy and Numeracy funding Taradale High School and William achievement for 2009 was introducing could only be utilised by schools. One Colenso College. Some of these the very popular Learners Driver Li- co-ordinator in the Eastern BOP has schools have been providing Adult cense theory (you’ll be amazed how been accepted for teacher training and classes for over 100 years. The loss to many were driving without it!) and is excited to be moving on to a new the community is huge. mentoring the rangatahi through a com- challenge. We have been a small band of High puter course. On a personal level School Co-ordinators but very dedi- My positions at Rosehill College and Here at Otumoetai College our pro- cated to our tutors, classes, students and Tangaroa College are being disestab- gramme will finish in the second week community groups. Our classes have lished at the end of 2009. of December and this will see the end to been so well supported over the years. Special thanks to Maryke for her tre- an ACE programme that has been run- Language classes have been a huge hit mendous effort as president this year. I ning at the College for 44 years. In this as have Belly Dancing classes. New wish to thank everyone who supported time there have been three ACE Co- Zealand Sign Language will be missed the CLASS campaign and CLASS Ex- ordinators; Bob Walls, Noel Hull and and so will our classes for Electrical ecutive during this difficult time. me (for the past 18 years). Our courses Certification. Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa – let here have always been about giving I could go on and on but it is the same us keep close together, not far apart people the opportunity to broaden their for a lot of communities throughout the Tracey Gayner horizons, learn new skills and live life country. We have supported a very Rosehill College fully. Community based learning diverse range of community groups courses have been the ‘hook’ to attract such as parenting classes, through to Western Bay of Plenty (Te Puke people back into learning. According our local coastguards, environmental through to Katikati) to Richard Spear, the Director of groups, local Marae, family centres, ACE in the Eastern and Western BOP NIACE (National Institute of Adult Samoan church groups, the list is end- looks set to be a skinny affair come Continuing Education UK) the recently less. 2010. None of the 6 Western BOP released research by the Welsh Assem- It is with sadness and regret that we are schools applied for the Literacy and bly Government indicated that the com- now coming to a close in 2009. Some Numeracy funding and nor will any of petencies most commonly lacking of our tutors have become friends and them run a user pays ACE programme amongst employees are “generic skills colleagues, some have gone on to make because all Boards believed when the such as problem-solving, communica- their mark in their given field. Our own analysis was done carrying a user-pays tion and team-work; all of which can be National MP in Napier, Chris Tremain, ACE programme was financially risky acquired through informal learning, once learnt Maori at our night classes and would put operational funding on with the added benefit of being a and Anne Tolley also attended ACE the line. And this was something springboard to more formal, accredited classes in Napier. Boards felt was untenable. Different programmes.” So I continue to wonder The Hawke’s Bay ACE Co-ordinators schools appear to have treated their why New Zealand’s Minister of Educa- in schools and colleges would like to ACE Co-ordinators with different levels tion would cut funding to community acknowledge CLASS for all the support of value. Some people, me included, education in schools in recessionary and advice over the years. have been fully informed, received re- times? The Network will continue into 2010 dundancy notices as per the contract Anyway, it has been a privilege to with our other ACE funded providers, and although not pleasant, the process work with skilled tutors and passionate EIT, Real People @ Mosaic, Adult Lit- has been professional. Meanwhile oth- learners and now I too am looking for- eracy and Upu Amata. We wish them ers have not been so lucky and are still ward to moving on and reassessing my well in the future. in the process of receiving information career options in the New Year. And Marion Loughran with regard to their ACE positions. my final words, SHAME ON YOU ACE Co-ordinator, Tamatea High Eastern Bay of Plenty (Opotiki NATIONAL. School and CLASS Representative through to Edgecumbe) Sue Hawkins for Hawke’s Bay As I understand it in the Eastern BOP Otumoetai College Trident High School in Whakatane is the only school that applied for Literacy and Numeracy funding and conse- (Continued on page 6)

CLASS Newsletter 57 Page 5 ACE Cuts! - Impact on Communities due to the small size of the different expressed a high level of satisfaction towns these types of services are not to the ERO team, we now face the available (apart from traveling over total demise of a well-functioning 30 kms to Masterton). system because it is not viable for the In the two years I have been the ACE school to continue in the absence of Co-ordinator we have built not only government funding. the numbers participating but also the Our community not only loses out on number of different classes offered (in the school-based programme, but also 2006 4 different classes were offered on community-based courses which through Kuranui College - in 2009 14 we have funded, e.g. ESOL Social different classes were offered). I feel English, Kapa Haka, Mothers Support Juliet Watt, Co-ordinator of Kimi Ora we still had a great deal of potential Group, First Aid, Volunteer Home Community School, Hawkes Bay, with yet to develop. Tutor Training and CAB Training. the Petition against the Cuts Finally, in a rural area such as the We will no longer be able to contrib- South Wairarapa the ACE programme ute to the wellbeing of these valuable (Continued from page 5) offered people of similar interest the community groups. opportunity to gather, develop their In 2009 our programme has attracted Kuranui College, after approximately skills and talents while maintaining well over 1000 enrolments. Numbers 25 years of offering community educa- the social fabric and cohesion often in computing classes have increased tion classes, will cease at the end of lacking. Kuranui was the hub of this since the recession with many people 2009. social networking. For many it was an saying they are up-skilling for jobs Kuranui College is the only secondary opportunity to make new social con- because they have been made redun- school in the South Wairarapa, sited in tacts or to participate in a new activity dant, intend working past 65 and need Greytown, so it services a large catch- or to follow and develop a certain to be on board with technology, or ment area which includes the 4 small talent. It is sad that all this will be need new ways to stay connected with towns of Carterton, Greytown, Feather- lost. As the ex Principal of Kuranui family and friends. Interest in courses ston and Martinborough. College it was heartening to see the teaching practical skills has also in- Over the past four years Kuranui has college being used regularly 4 nights creased. moved to run classes in the different a week and on weekends. With so Learners at Rongotai will miss our towns thereby giving the people who many resources invested by the tax varied, accessible, low-cost courses had difficulty traveling to Kuranui the payer in secondary schools to be used and the opportunities they offer. They chance to participate, as well as provid- for 40 weeks a year it was pleasing to will have to travel further, pay more ing the local primary schools an oppor- see the community using the re- and have less choice in what they tunity to raise funds through renting sources as well. want to learn. The tutors, with their their buildings. To this end Kuranui has Grey Tuck extraordinary range of talents and run computing and digital photo book Kuranui College willingness to contribute to the well- classes at Carterton school, a digital being of others, will be cut adrift and photo book class at South Featherston Community education has been alive in the present economic climate might school and a number of one day felting and well at Rongotai College for well not easily find replacement work. classes at Featherston school. over 20 years, serving a diverse com- Hardly fair recompense for all the Over the past two years Kuranui has munity with a commonality of interest efforts and contributions they have consulted with the community and re- in life-long learning. In the early made to enrich the lives of others and sponded by offering courses which the 1990s the school’s level of funded a very strange thing it is too, that as community requested. This has seen the hours was increased significantly to New Zealand is ushering in a new day number of people participating rise 1860 and the programme has been school curriculum to prepare students from 64 in 2007 to 328 this year (over a running at that level ever since. for life-long learning, that the govern- 300% increase). I came into com ed in 2004, at a time ment has chosen to cut funding in this The type of class has also increased when community education was in- area for the adult students who act over the past two years; weekend creasingly being asked to justify its their role models. courses such as writing workshops, existence in schools by reviewing Nada Brajkovich Oamaru stone sculpting and sustainable course provision to align with TEC Rongotai College living have proved very successful and priorities, writing investment plans, well supported. implementing QA procedures and Hutt Valley High School inherited We have introduced a number of generally jumping through as many Community Education in 2002 when classes aimed at improving health and hoops as required by TEC to retain a Trevor Mallard, then Minister of Edu- fitness. These have included Tai Chi, programme for our community. De- cation, shut the doors on Petone Me- Alexander Technique, Yoga as well as spite an ERO review that confirmed morial College. aerobics. It is interesting to note that that Rongotai College Community The programme consisted of the usual Education was meeting the needs of ACE learners and that learners had (Continued on page 7)

Page 6 CLASS Newsletter 57 ACE Cuts!

(Continued from page 6) loved ones via texting and they all felt much “hands-on” class taking samples courses found in urban based schools. reassured in the knowledge that help home and completing an assignment to However, limited room space being for their parents if need-be was now get marked each week. For some of the available during the day at HVHS only a text or call away. learners this was the beginning of a resulted in funding for a number of Although the tutors didn’t benefit career in this industry. Arts classes being reallocated to local financially their enthusiasm never Now we have had Koia! Koia!, Charters community groups, thus enabling an waned. Nature normally dictates that & Profiles, Investment in a Plan and increase in their programme size. the old pass on their knowledge to the with TEC involvement, organizing Net- As the programme re-established it- young. In this instance 15 year olds works, Advisors, and QA money com- self at HVHS it adapted to meet local were teaching 80 year olds. ing in – this was big time – we had needs. It was heartening to see young heads never received such large amounts of Whilst the two schools were close in bent over, patiently explaining yet funding ! We had much to achieve, and proximity, separated only by the Hutt again how to retrieve or send a mes- that we did. We were no longer a “grey River, the gap in the demographic was sage, as rheumy eyes squinted and area,” we were recognized. more apparent, due to HVHS being a arthritic fingers grappled. Intergenera- I thought we were here to stay! The decile 9 school (now 8) as opposed to tional communication at its finest. Labour Government with the ‘Funding Petone Memorial College being at The epitome of social cohesion via Framework’ in 2005, did not really af- the lower end of the rating scale. Community Education. fect us as we thought it would. Overall the move to HVHS was bene- Unfortunately HVHS is closing its ficial to local Community Groups as programme, along with Naenae, “ ... as New Zealand is we funded well in excess of the TEC Wainuiomata, Upper Hutt and requirement. Heretaunga. The entire Hutt Valley ushering in a new day school Along with the rest of the country, the (approx 160,000 people) will be with- curriculum to prepare 16 Hutt Valley groups who currently out the benefit of ComEd in schools. students for life-long receive grants to deliver courses as Amazing that it survived two world learning ... government has diverse as parent education and post wars and the Great Depression of the chosen to cut funding in this natal support through to CAB training 30's and yet can be wiped out with and establishment of Men’s Sheds one stroke of a politician’s red pen. area for the adult students will feel the loss. Claire Farrelly who act their role models.” Like most co-ordinators over the Hutt Valley High years I noticed trends come and go. Pilates became more fashionable than Well what a journey it’s been, I first Were we expecting this CUT? – No. Yoga and Te Reo was always at its started working on the ACE pro- We were lulled into complacency, and most popular at the beginning of the gramme at Mana College in 1988. then the rug was pulled out from under year as adult students hastened to With no guidelines, or information, us in May when the 80% funding cuts complete compulsory training require- except for a programme that had been were announced. ments. printed all ready to go for that year – My time this year spent as a CLASS One of our most successful courses very impressive classes, but where Executive member has been rewarding came about serendipitously. were the Tutors? That was my first and exciting, I have been working Watching both my parents struggle to challenge. alongside a truly talented, motivated master the intricacies of their mobile Like so many other co-ordinators in group of women who are committed to phones was a catalyst for the “Txt those days the job was a “tag on” and Lifelong Learning, led by Maryke, who Lyk a Teen” course. This simple 1- working from the Main Office where gave so much of herself to fight the hour course used volunteer teenage I was based as full time reception biggest challenge to date for the ACE tutors to explain mobile phone usage dealing with phones, counter, selling sector. Maryke has been a true leader to (mainly) aged students. uniforms, stationery, receipting and mentor during this difficult year. Within weeks widespread publicity money, data entry, absences and so The rest is history. Some will stay, via local, national and even interna- on, there was not a huge amount of some will go, who knows what will tional media (BBC and Yahoo) re- time left to tend to Community Edu- happen in the future, but I think we all sulted in an explosion of numbers cation, but we got there. know one thing. That ACE is not for- attending and further tutors were hast- Mana College’s most popular course gotten and it will continue in some way, ily recruited. at that time and for the following 20 shape or form. Whilst the course was recognised with years was “Interior Design.” We often Pamela Ringrose a commendation in the 2006 National had to run two classes each term with Mana College Dynamic Learning Awards, its real 15 people in each class. The course success was apparent in the cards re- was held off-site at the tutor’s (Continued on page 8) ceived from not only the students “Furnishing Affair” store where she themselves but their families. Chil- had the most wonderful display of dren and grandchildren wrote to say fabrics. The students made the most how they had reconnected with their of this and were able to do a very

CLASS Newsletter 57 Page 7 Impact of the Cuts on Aotearoa

(Continued from page 7) over the years. I will particularly started our own business as I was able miss the Conferences and Co- to do all the book work. The news from our North Canterbury ordinators’ get-togethers, and I will Most of the very early classes were in network of Co-ordinators is that keep my fingers crossed that a future core subjects such as ‘arithmetic’ for Kaiapoi and Rangiora high schools are government will see sense and rein- people who had left secondary school looking at a joint programme, in order state the funding in some form to re- before completing 2 years. Because a to ensure survival and strength in the store some of what our community minimum of two years secondary edu- education marketplace. will lose. cation was necessary for trade appren- Caroline Whittaker In the spirit of lifelong learning I ticeships, the school filled this need in Rangiora High School have been studying part time over the the community. SOHS also provided last couple of years and will be spend- ing the first half of 2010 as a full time Mairehau High School, a decile 4 “ ACE will be a huge loss as student, completing my Masters in school in Christchurch, will be winding there are few opportunities up the ACE programme at the end of Environmental Policy. Term 4, 2009 after over 40 years of I hope I’ll have the opportunity to for night classes available to community education at the cross paths with ACE colleagues people living in our rural school. Although the board is very sup- again and wish you all the best for the community.” portive of ACE, they cannot contem- future, whatever it holds. plate the financial risks associated with Adrienne Lomax trying to continue on a self funded ba- Mairehau High School classes for apprentices to help them sis. prepare for examinations. This year we had over 1000 enrolments How can I best describe my term as It is interesting to read in some archive in a very varied programme. Although an Exec member of CLASS? Inspir- newspaper clippings of woodwork several of the courses may continue to ing, humbling and deeply gratifying. classes in 1950 which were popular – 2 be offered through neighbouring pro- Sadly these experiences have come classes for men and one for viders, which are trying the self funded out of a time of adversity for us all. women! The school is co-educational route, many courses will not be continu- But, as always in life, it is these ex- but it seems this was not carried over ing. periences that help us grow as people. into night classes! Other classes that In addition to the school based pro- I have enjoyed the camaraderie of my year included dressmaking, crafts, com- gramme, we have supported a wide ‘sisters’ on Exec and developed mercial (typing and shorthand), motor range of community groups, usually 10 friendships that will continue to unite engineering and physical education. – 12 each year, to deliver a variety of us as we move onto our new ventures. Millinery classes were popular in the programmes that work better in the I must pay special tribute to Maryke, mid 50s as was needlework and model community – parenting programmes, our wonderful President, who has engineering. New classes were intro- budgeting, ESOL etc. worked so selflessly and tirelessly for duced including picture framing, yoga, Over my 10½ years as co-ordinator I CLASS this year. Chinese cooking, assertiveness, paint- have had the pleasure of meeting many I will be standing down from Exec as ing, women’s health issues, massage, motivated and inspiring learners and of of the end of this school year, as al- furniture finishing. working with hugely talented and pas- though a small self-funded pro- In recent years the classes have changed sionate tutors. Although usually anec- gramme will continue here, my post to suit the changing needs of the com- dotal, one of the best parts of this posi- will be disestablished. So looking to munity with language classes being tion is hearing from someone, often 2010, I wish all of you well, those introduced, different levels of computer many years later, about what a differ- continuing with their programmes and classes, digital photography, furniture ence attending a night-class has made to those off to new ventures. upholstery, defensive driving and fit- ness. their lives: the sign language interpreter Evelyn Lewis who first took NZSL classes here, the ACE will be a huge loss as there are Menorlue, Ashburton College few opportunities for night classes woman returning to the workforce who gained a scholarship on a course at available to people living in our rural Polytech, the tutor who originally filled South Otago High School has been community. in for her sister, loved tutoring, and is involved with adult and community Margaret Jackson now about to graduate as a secondary education for 75 years and will be South Otago High School teacher, and of course all the friend- forced to discontinue because of the ships that have resulted from people funding cuts imposed by the govern- getting together to do something they ment. are interested in. I have been the co-ordinator for over I couldn’t have wished for a more re- 6 years and prior to that I attended warding position and for a better, or several classes. One was accounting more supportive, bunch of colleagues which I took to UE level and this was a huge help when my husband and I

Page 8 CLASS Newsletter 57 National Campaign Against the Cuts Winding up

(Continued from page 1) Sincere thanks go to ASCEA for their your interviews with Coordinators on TVNZ’s generous donation to the campaign and ACE Programme Close up and TVNZ6, not to mention also to CLASS Executive for their tire- accounts from rural and local TV net- less commitment to the cause. Our works. National Radio, RadioLive, New- President, Maryke Fordyce, kept mem- Normal end of year processes: stalk, BFM, Radio New Zealand and 531 bers well informed and her leadership Term 4 time sheets PI also featured the cuts. throughout was outstanding. Acknowl- Prepare RS44 (statistical report for the Campaign and Facebook websites were edgements also go to Tracey Gayner for year to the TEC) created sharing information, news and her work on the websites and campaign Revision of procedures manual resources enabling the public to articulate activities and Robyn Hambleton for End of year function for tutors their stories through blogs, postcards, representing CLASS so eloquently to letter writing and email messages directed the media and wider public. Tutors at local MP’s, Minister Tolley, Bill Eng- In closing, thank you all for your ef- Put in contact with other providers if lish and Prime Minister John Key. Our forts. We fought a good fight and keen to continue tutoring mantra was the 4R’s; that government should be proud of our collective References/testimonials for any who reconsiders and reinstates funding in achievements. Kia kaha kia toa kia ma- request it 2010 whilst schools have a year to review nawa nui – be brave, be strong and al- Get all keys back and present a renewed ACE programme ways be of great heart. that would meet the needs of schools, Moana Papa - Winding up communities and the government. Campaign Manager Final report to the board – include full “ ...we should never take CLASS Online Campaign Update details of all archived information etc so what we have for granted We started with humble beginnings, one it will be kept on file with BOT minutes campaign website which grew. Re-establishment plan (the Phoenix and we must always think The Blog was added due to the request for Plan) – include contact details for and act strategically...” regular campaign updates. CLASS, ACE Aotearoa, PPTA etc CLASS Around NZ was added due to other CLASS events that were running, but were Clear out physical archives – store reg- Across the main centres, nine public not associated with the campaign. isters/financial info for last 7 years, meetings and rallies took place leading up The Campaign Website began early June (& destroy anything older, include pendrive to the National Day of Action. Protest the email address [email protected]). with copies of any useful docs, label marches were organised in Auckland and CLASS Blog began in August. archive boxes Christchurch and Wellington, Balloon CLASS Around NZ began in September. Archive copies of all past programmes release ceremonies in Hamilton, Napier, Up until November: Destroy tutor personnel files – create a Hastings, Dunedin and Wellington. The Over 4600 visited www.stopnightclasscuts.org.nz list of tutors (of last 5 years) with con- biggest petition the National led govern- Over 3000 visited the CLASS Blog tact details, list of courses tutored http://classnzsnnc.wordpress.com/ ment has seen was presented to Parlia- Over 300 visited CLASS Around New Zea- Clear out filing cabinet etc ment in November - over 53,000 signa- land http://classaroundnz.wordpress.com/ Sort out computer files and decide what tures collected to reinstate ACE funding The CLASS Blog was linked into the to archive electronically – ensure IT in 2010. www.stopnightclasscuts.org.nz and CLASS knows that it should stay intact (for how Of particular importance was the breadth Around New Zealand was only linked into long?) and depth of schools’ support by local the CLASS Blog. Database (with details of students) community groups and networks. Many All three of these sites are still being visited should be kept intact on the system fought alongside schools telling their own almost DAILY. Final handout for current students with stories and supporting our message that The two campaign websites are like time details of what other options there are capsules now and it’s hard to believe for me the cuts were disproportionate, unwise for next year that the ‘almost daily task’ of posting and and short sighted. editing is over. Create page for school website, with Our campaign was long yet the fight for The CLASS Around NZ website will hope- explanation and details of other ACE schools-based ACE continues. CLASS fully be expanded. The site has great poten- options in surrounding area, arrange for will remain strong and continue to repre- tial to be utilised as an effective tool and someone to check and update next sent schools in the wider tertiary sector. much more for the future. year CLASS has had to adjust quickly and if Now that the campaign is over, I would like Write to all community groups there are any lessons learnt from this ex- to thank you all for your contributions, com- perience it will be that we should never ments and suggestions towards the online Adrienne Lomax campaign. take what we have for granted and we Mairehau High School I would like to thank Maryke, CLASS must always think and act strategically; Executive, the teams involved and particu- celebrate our strengths, reduce our weak- larly our campaign manager, Moana Papa nesses, identify threats and plan to mini- for supporting me as well. mise or turn threats into opportunities for Me te mihi nui, (In appreciation) growth. Tracey Gayner E Campaign Manager

CLASS Newsletter 57 Page 9 CLASS EXECUTIVE Central Database Andrea Cameron Rutherford College Ph: 09 834 4099 Secretary, ASCEA Liaison Most of the CLASS Executive communica- Community Education Fax: 09 834 4011 Quality Management Systems tion is now by e-mail. Fast, instant and a Cell: 021 209 1843 Charlie Herbert Award and Life Mem- Kotuku Street bership Committee time-saver it is very useful to get a huge [email protected] Te Atatu Peninsula, Auckland Regional Reps amount of information out to all members. Rosemary Flanagan Kaikorai Valley College Ph: 03 453 1280 Treasurer, A central e-mail database has been estab- 500 Kaikorai Valley Rd Fax: 03 453 1602 Otago Southland Regional Rep, lished at Risingholme Community Centre. It PD Conference subsidies DUNEDIN Cell: 021 022 90322 Charlie Herbert Award and Life Mem- is a never ending task to keep this database [email protected] bership Committee current - our system of distribution is only Maryke Fordyce Burnside High School Ph: 03 332 7359 President going to work if we have your most up to Risingholme Community Centre Mob: 021 779 974 Strategic Plan, Strategic Alliance date e-mail. If your e-mail has changed, or TEC, ACEA, MOE & ASCEA Liaison 22 Cholmondeley Ave Fax: 03 332 7357 Publicity, Newsletters and news you do not receive any information of CHRISTCHURCH 8023 Cell: 021 779 974 releases CLASS by e-mail (you should), please con- [email protected] Quality Management Systems tact your regional representative or Maryke Working Party Liaison, Conference Liaison Regional representatives Fordyce at [email protected] . Do check also if you are a paid up member. Tracey Gayner Rosehill College Ph: 09 295 0661 ext 889 ACEA Liaison, Pasifika Portfolio If you want to be taken off the list, please PO Box 72546 Cell: 021 0700 349| Te Roopu Working Party Liaison let us know . PAPAKURA 2113 [email protected] Professional Development and Publicity Evelyn Lewis Menorlue, Ashburton College, Ph: 03 308 2188 Rural Issues PO Box 204 Fax 03 308 2169 Professional Development and Ashburton, 7740 Cell: 021 129 1435 Publicity ACE Collective Agreement [email protected] Some co-ordinators are not up to date with the Pam Ringrose Mana College Ph: 04 238 1236 Conference Liaison, current collective agreement and tutor rates. PO Box 50-344 Fax: 04 238 1220 PPTA Liaison From 3 Jan 07 tutors hourly rates are as follows Professional Development PORIRUA Cell: 021 2311 6142 and Publicity Step 1 $28.01, Step 2 $37.21 [email protected] This is a MINIMUM rates document. Caroline Whittaker Rangiora High School Ph: 03 311 8888 ERO, Members have voted to roll over the existing Cell: 027 222 0943 QA and Investing in a Plan, East Belt, Rangiora 7400 agreement for ACE employees in schools for [email protected] Professional Development and Publicity three months. This means that ACE members have collective coverage for a further two years. CLASS Regional Representatives outside Executive Bargaining resumes early in the New Year.

Caryl Ginever PO Box 15183, Dinsdale Ph: 07 847 1074 Waikato HAMILTON [email protected]

Robyn Hambleton Wellington High School Ph: 04 385 8919 Wellington PO Box 4035 [email protected] CLASS Life Members WELLINGTON 6140

Position available Bay of Plenty (Continued from page 11) ness of Maori issues, needs and kaupapa in Shona Hill Kamo High School Ph & Fax: 09 435 0889 Northland both ASCEA and CLASS. She was instru- PO Box 4137, KAMO 0141 [email protected] mental in setting up Te Roopu Tiāki Mātau- Whangarei ranga Maori and led the Maori strand at CLASS Conference 2008 and 2009. She has Berylla Jones Murchison Area School Ph: 03 523 9875 West Coast / Marlborough produced resources, arranged marae experi- Waller Street [email protected] Murchison 7049 ence for CLASS members and provided an opportunity to hear Maori views on ACE. Marion Loughran Tamatea High School Ph: 06 844 6602 Gisborne, Hawkes Bay Her resource was blessed by the Maori king – a rare honour. PO Box 5055, Greenmeadows, Fax: 06 844 6601 NAPIER 4145 [email protected] Moana has provided strength and support for Maori members of CLASS. She pre- Christina Melville & ACE Taranaki Ph: 06 765 0404 Taranaki / Manawatu / pared and chaired the ACE/CLASS Maori Malcolm Harding 365 Broadway South Fax: 06 765 0402 Wanganui ‘Underspend’ Panel, a duty she carried out PO Box 199 [email protected] with great professionalism and meticulous attention to detail and absolute fairness. Christine Philpot Hillmorton High School Ph: 03 338 5119 Canterbury She is Administrator of Te Kupenga o PO Box 33115 Fax: 03 338 1609 Manukau ACE Network in South Auckland. Barrington, CHRISTCHURCH [email protected] Moana has worked tirelessly for CLASS, the ACE Sector and for the Tangaroa Col- Margaret Stewart Selwyn College Ph: 09 521 9625 Auckland lege ACE programme. PO Box 25744, St Heliers Fax: 09 521 9624 Auckland [email protected]

Page 10 CLASS Newsletter 57 CLASS Life Members Life Membership may be conferred upon SEAN REGAN ACE network as well as the National Adult any person who has rendered outstanding The service Sean has Learners’ Week/He Tangata Matauranga service to the Association and is now re- rendered to CLASS committee . tired or has exited the position of ACE Co- sets a benchmark for Joan was awarded the Charlie Herbert ordinator us all to aspire to and Award in 2005. Many ACE co-ordinators have done ster- reminds us of the cali- Her “retirement” passion is for the ASCEA ling work for the Association and despite bre of our profession Tutor Training Certificate Course, a pro- having retired or exited their position, still as a whole and of so gramme developed by Auckland ACE co- show an interest and still work actively for many of our col- ordinators to meet the needs of ACE tutors CLASS. Some have never been acknowl- leagues. Sean was the in 1988. edged for the hard work they have done on ACE Co-ordinator at behalf of CLASS and the wider ACE sec- Hagley Community RAEWYN COOKE tor. The additional membership category College, Christchurch, one of the largest Raewyn was Director of aims some way towards addressing that. ACE programmes in the South Island for Risingholme Community The following people were appointed as many years. Centre, a community inaugural honorary Life Members of He was part of the original group who based centre adult learn- CLASS: Charlie Herbert; Joan Ashworth; established CLASS, was instrumental in ing centre from 1988 – Moana Papa; Sean Regan and Raewyn getting it to grow into a respectable or- 2007. Risingholme is Cooke. ganization and served as the first CLASS considered part of the president from 1999-2003. He worked on school-based ACE Sec- CHARLIE HERBERT the Reference Group and Working Party tor due to an historic A passionate advocate for that produced Koia! Koia!, produced vari- relationship with Hagley school-based community ous articles in newspapers re CLASS and Community College. education, Charlie Her- ACE through the years and has been In- She was part of Christchurch organising bert saw the school as a volved with PPTA contract negotiations group for the CLASS media campaign to focal point in the local for ACE co-ordinators for several years. retain ACE funding 2005. community, and believed Sean received the Charlie Herbert Award A CLASS Executive Member from 2003 – in the creation of in 2003. 2005, Raewyn served as CLASS President ‘communities of learn- Sean was an Executive Member and 2006 – 2008. She led the CLASS Executive ing’. He was instrumental Treasurer of ACE Aotearoa , has been a initiative that established Te Roopu (CLASS in creating the first Com- member of the TEC committee for Com- Maori Focus Group) and the Rural Issues munity Learning Centres in schools. munity Learning Aotearoa New Zealand Working Group and initiated the President’s He pioneered ‘Adults returning to school’, (CLANZ), a member of the Ako Aotearoa Newsletter to keep CLASS Members better and believed that schools and their resources Southern Hub Advisory Committee and informed on both CLASS and general ACE should be shared with their communities was part of a working group that shared issues and not locked away for hours during the ideas and resources to help produce the She was Project Manager for Whakatupu- day and evening. TEC’s Quality in Action Guide for ACE ranga – “Growing skills, growing me”, TEC He had a knack of seeking out key people in Co-ordinators. ACE Professional Development Facilitation the Ministry of Education and in the field Project 2007 – 2008, Co-ordinator of and working with them to develop a com- JOAN ASHWORTH CLASS Professional Development Project munity education philosophy. He believed Joan Ashworth was the 2008, member of organising group CLASS that adults and students could, and often coordinator of Edge- PD Project 2009 and on the CLASS ACE should, work side by side in learning. water Community Underspend Tauiwi Panel in 2008. Not all of his vision was realised. In later Learning Centre from She has been a member of the organising years in the MOE, he was instrumental in 1988. “I firmly believe group for CLASS Conference in 2005, 2007 ‘saving’ the resource when it was under that the social benefits and 2009, facilitated PD/training workshops threat. Over the 10 years 1978-88 he was the of ACE are the major at various CLASS Conferences and has Ministry ‘face’ of Community Education - benefits in that we em- acted in a mentoring role for ACE Co- known around the country by coordinators power people to make ordinators. and Principals and also in the seats of Min- decisions about employ- Raewyn worked tirelessly to increase the istry power in Wellington and Auckland. No ment, wealth, health, parenting and much credibility of CLASS with TEC and other one has replaced him. more… and that the ability to make one’s ACE providers by providing a continual Charlie produced 38 issues of the Commu- own decisions is one of the most funda- focus on collaborative working. nity Education Newsletter to Schools be- mental ‘foundation skills’. It is important tween September 1978 and July 1989 and to retain ACE in schools as schools are so MOANA PAPA was the inaugural recipient of the Charlie often the focus of local communities and Moana Papa was ACE Herbert Award in 1999. the taxpayer gets value in the added use of Coordinator at Tangaroa He retained his passion for adult and com- buildings and other resources that have College for a number of munity education after he retired, regularly already been funded with tax dollars.” years. She was on the kept in touch with workers in the field and Joan served on ASCEA Executive includ- ASCEA Executive and continued to support adult and community ing as the chairperson for some years and was co-editor of ASCEA education in his retirement. has been a source of ideas and support, News for several years We were saddened to hear that Charlie Her- especially to new co-ordinators. She was before becoming ASCEA bert passed away on Friday 27 November. on CLASS Executive from 2004-2005, co-chair for one year. We extend our sincere sympathy to his wife, and has been an active member of Auck- Moana has raised aware- Bobbie and to all their family. land ACEA and the Auckland Central (Continued on page 10)

CLASS Newsletter 57 Page 11 CLASS - On the Move: Conference 2009 Transport from the station ran like clock- Presentation of the Charlie Herbert LASS Conferences are al- work to get us to the opening Mihi Wha- Award followed (see page 2) along with ways a great PD opportunity katau at the Ashley Hotel on the shores of 2 cultural learning sessions presented C for ACE practitioners - but the mighty Tasman Sea. by the Maori Focus Group. there is rarely enough time available for Opening Keynote Speaker, Celia Lashlie, Day 2 dawned sunny and blue, with a the informal networking where we can had many of us rolling with laughter and host of learning opportunities. Three learn so much from our fellow coordina- some of us squirming with embarrass- separate PD Strand workshops took tors. “CLASS on the move” gave us this ment as she explained the way adults are place in the morning for those who had networking opportunity. perceived by adolescent boys. A timely chosen this option - while there was a It was an inspired idea to get us all on to reminder for us working in a part of the wonderful selection of workshops for two carriages of the Tranz Alpine for 4 education system where men are a dis- the rest of us. Then everyone met up hours to renew old friendships and share tinct minority. We were reminded that and hopped on to buses for another experiences of running our ACE pro- women can do ANY thing but we can’t valuable chance to network on a scenic grammes while travelling from Christ- do EVERY thing. tour to Shantytown. The tour included a church to Greymouth. mock ‘hold-up’ by pupils from Runanga School brandishing bananas and giving us all a packed lunch in re- turn for a gold coin. Thanks The Shantytown learning experience to Neil began with keynote speaker Chris Al- Bruce & lott-McPhee who introduced us to the others exciting concept of classrooms without for the walls in the Virtual Learning Network. photos Further workshops were followed by a team-building quiz revolving around the Shantytown buildings and displays. Conference Dinner with a Feral West Coaster theme was also held at Shanty- town. Guest speaker was fourth genera- tion West Coaster, Paddy Sweeny. Af- ter a delicious meal we all danced the cold night away! Friday, and another early start saw many bleary-eyed delegates arrive for the CLASS AGM, to be followed by a further selection of workshops. CLASS Conference 2009 will be re- membered for the smiling ladies at the registration desks who never seemed to be phased by numerous requests and questions from delegates. For the deli- cious food, and the superb setting on the awesome west coast. For the blue skies and the stars, (no west coast rain for us) and the warm hospitality. For the opportunities to network and to chat, to renew old friendships and to make new ones. For the feeling of aroha and kotahitanga. Thanks to the organising committee and all involved for all their efforts - it was a stunning conference. In view of the events which have ensued since it will be treasured all the more. Liz Godfrey Northcote College

Matauranga Tangata I Roto I Nga Kura Page 12 CLASS Newsletter 57