The Old Schoolhouse Magazine on California

This is a good summary of the situation for home educators in California:The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Home Where They Belong
March 10, 2008
SPECIAL BULLETIN
The fundamental theory of liberty upon which all governments in this Union repose excludes any general power of the state to standardize its children by forcing them to accept instruction from public teachers only. The child is not the mere creature of the state; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.” (Pierce vs. Society of Sisters, 1922) What In the World Is Going On In California?
By Karen Braun

By now, most homeschoolers across the country have heard about the California appellate court ruling handed down on February 28 ordering the children of Phillip and Mary Long to attend public school or a legally qualified private school. The judge’s ruling surprised everyone and sparked a firestorm of concern among homeschoolers nationwide, many wondering if homeschooling had become illegal in California.

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine staff has been following the developments since World Net Daily first broke the story a week ago. In this Homeschool Minute, we would like to provide a brief summary of the events and offer links to various perspectives to help homeschoolers understand this ruling, how it impacts homeschoolers in California, and what homeschoolers across the nation can do to help.

To gain a better understanding of this case, it is necessary to note that prior to this ruling, the Long family had been involved with the juvenile court system regarding the care of their children. Such proceedings are confidential, and in most cases, a court-appointed attorney is provided to represent the interests of the minor children. The attorney representing two of the children was not satisfied with a ruling made by Superior Court Judge Stephen Marpet, who found the children’s education to be “meager” but determined that Phillip and Mary Long have a constitutional right to school their children in their own home. The attorney for the children brought an appeal before the Second Court of Appeals of California.

The California Second Appellate Court in Los Angeles found that the Longs had not demonstrated that any of the exemptions to California’s compulsory attendance applied to their children. The court reversed the finding of the Superior Court and ordered the children to attend public or a “legally qualified” private school. The court remanded the case back to the lower court for a hearing to determine if the family was in compliance with the law. The family plans on appealing this ruling decision to the California Supreme Court.

Read the complete court opinion here.

The ruling spurred reactions from attorneys representing various homeschool groups and interested parties across the country. The Homeschool Minute provides these links for informational purposes related to this case and does not necessarily endorse these sites.

Sunland Christian School. The Long children were enrolled in this school.

Pacific Justice Institute (PJI). These attorneys are representing Sunland Christian School and advising the family.

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). HSLDA presents several appeal options to reverse this ruling or diminish its impact upon California homeschoolers. There is a petition available for those interested in supporting the HSLDA’s move to depublish the ruling.

National Home Education Legal Defense (NHELD). Attorney Deborah Stevenson offers a detailed and informative analysis of this case.

Several homeschool groups in California issued statements concerning this ruling:

Homeschool Association of California

California Homeschool Network

Christian Home Educators of California

Private and Home Educators of California

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement in support of homeschooling:

“Every California child deserves a quality education and parents should have the right to decide what’s best for their children. Parents should not be penalized for acting in the best interests of their children’s education. This outrageous ruling must be overturned by the courts and if the courts don’t protect parents’ rights then, as elected officials, we will.”

By the end of a long news week, the court decision reached the broader Christian community through a radio broadcast by Focus on the Family. Dr. Dobson discussed the California court case with several prominent guests.

From All of Us at TOS

We hope this information has helped you gain a greater understanding of the facts surrounding this case and its impact on homeschooling in California.

The Homeschool Minute encourages you to pray for the family and those involved in this situation. Several of the websites present ideas about what you can do to help. We encourage you to prayerfully consider those ideas, to do all that you can to help retain the freedom to homeschool in our country, and to pass this message along to others. We will be following this case and will provide further updates as information becomes available.

Join us again on Wednesday with our normally scheduled topic. And now as much as ever, be sure to enjoy every minute!

Home Education in New Zealand

Vision

Loving and genuinely concerned parents are the best qualified of all to teach their own children. Who else is more motivated to invest the time, the money, the blood, sweat, toil and tears required for the child’s best interests than the parents? Who knows and understands the child better than the parents? Who is more motivated for the child’s success than the parents? A homeschooling parent has the vast advantage of a tutoring situation: one parent/teacher to one or two pupils, recognised worldwide as the most effective teaching method. Because of the logistical and political and practical difficulties associated with the conventional classroom, the average parent involved in home education routinely possesses advantages that outweigh even the most gifted of teachers in the most expensively equipped classroom. Two hours of quality one-on-one time with a parent can easily accomplish what a conventional classroom would take two weeks to do. Whatever they may lack in the area of formal educational qualifications, the home educating parent will usually more than compensate for in motivation and the advantages of one-to-one teaching.

Learning the three r’s, or teaching them, is no big mystery. Children learn most in those first 3-4 years when they are like little fact-sponges and are taught to speak and understand a totally foreign language by Mum with no curriculum. Home education is basically an extension to that. Children are natural learners with their own scope and sequence: the constant questions “Why?” and “How?” Simply answering these questions will cover all and probably a lot more than the Nation Curriculum Guidelines.

Schools and teachers only control the access to “schooling”….lecturing, pre-digested notes, certain classrooms and labs and paper qualifications. They do not control “education”. An education is available to all and is virtually free of charge: it is not in short supply, it does not diminish as more people get it. Schooling in schools and other institutions is in a limited, finite supply, and it is this which people like to control for they can make money out of it. Once a person learns to read, write, do numbers plus some research skills, they can teach themselves virtually anything….that is, a true education is out there to be acquired by anyone with the initiative to dig it up for themselves.

Parents’ biggest concern is that they are unqualified or unable to do this. Not so! Parents already know from lifes experiences what facts and skills their children really do need to know and which politically correct lessons can safely be dropped. If they are not themselves in mastery of the 3R skills (Reading wRiting and aRithmetic), they can learn along with their children, perhaps engaging a private tutor now and again. A parent’s enthusiasm and excitement for learning is contageous and will motivate the chidlren like few things else. In addition, we all know that the most important lessons of life each of us learned were not learned in the classroom. These lessons the home educating parent can teach without the bullying and drugs on the school campus.

Socialisation

This is usually the first objection people raise about home education, even before worrying about academic success. Home educators themselves and researchers both in NZ and overseas, regard “socialisation” as a non-issue among home educated children. They consistently demonstrate superior social skills. Children do not need other children to teach them how to be children. They need warm, responsive adults to teach and model proper social graces. Home educated youngsters generally fit in comfortably with a wider age range and are not dependent upon nor intimidated by their peer group.

Curriculum & Resources

Finding resources is not a problem: there is a vast variety available everywhere you look! There are many packaged programmes available, and many parents simply make up their own. One of the best resources is the public library. Friends, neighbours, relations, local support groups, the internet all have expertise in many areas, just waiting for you to tap into it all!

Costs in Time and Money

It can be as expensive or as economical as you like, and time commitment is extremely flexible. First of all, dispel the picture of a mini-school established in your home: many start that way but few ever carry on that way, for schools are designed to deal with logistical problems completely absent from the home. At home you are in a tutoring/mentoring situation, the most superior setting for academic excellence, social training, physical self-discipline, character development and spiritual growth ever devised. Education is not limited to certain activities in a certain place during certain hours of the day: education and learning are taking place all the time, and parents with their children at home are in the unique position to pretty well organise what they learn, to what depth, in what manner and for what purposes.

Legal Issues

Your child does not need to be enrolled in any school until s/he turns six. A couple of months before this, in order to legally home educate, you need to contact the Ministry of Education to obtain a “Certificate of Exemption”. This takes several hours of work writing out what you plan to do, how you plan to do it, and how you’ll know you’re making progress. It is like a statement of intent, rather than a contract, for both the Ministry of Education and the ERO recognise that good parent/teachers will be constntly changing and upgrading their programme.

Getting into University or Employment

Universities have various discretionary schemes whereby one who is under 20 can enrol without paper school-leaving qualifications if the admissions officer is satisfied (usually after an interview) that s/he is able to do the work. Many also offer full-time courses designed to bridge the gap between high school level and university for theose who have no paper qualifications. Sixteen-year-olds can sign up for classes at the NZ Correspondence School at around $80 per paper, take four in a single year at NCEA Level 3 (one does not need to work through Levels 1 and 2 before tackling Level 3), including the right maths and English papers, and end up with a University Entrance Qalification. Or wait until age 20: all kiwis of this age have right of entry to NZ Universities. All you need then is the enrolment fee.

Employers do not necessarily need qualifications but are certainly looking for character traits such as Reliability, Motivation, Honesty, etc. These are best taught at home. Seek creative ways to introduce yourself, showing the strengths you want the employer to see. Get work and character references from short-term, part-time and volunteer jobs. Really positive references such as these are worth their weight in gold.

Conclusion

Every piece of research has shown that home schooling produces children who are superior both academically and socially. Your family can also experience other wonderful benefits: function as a unit with children being thought of and trained up as vital parts of the family corporation, rather than thought of and treated like expensive freeloaders waiting to leave home. Many home educators experience no teen rebellion or generation gap. Kick the public school habit: be done forever with uniforms, peer pressure, school fees, bullying, drugs, and the bad attitudes and language and finger signs and head lice brought home from school. You’ll be glad you did.

For Reference:

http://www.nheri.org/ –National Home Education Research Institute

http://www.hslda.org — Home School Legal Defence Association(These first two contain many research articles and results.)

www.hef.org.nz — NZ’s Home Education Foundation http://www.home.school.nz/ — More about home education in NZ

Coming Events


1 & 2 February 2008 Excellence in Writing – Andrew Pudewa – Christchurch Conference

“Excellence in Learning” tour
with Andrew Pudewa, author of the popular
“Institute for Excellence in Writing” programme – http://www.writing-edu.com/ http://www.learnex.co.nz/Editable/conference/EILChristchurch.shtml,/a>Andrew Pudewa is the author of the popular “Institute for Excellence in Writing” programme – http://www.writing-edu.com. He will be speaking on a range of different topics across the country. Truly a gifted communicator, we are sure you will come away equipped and inspired!Parklands Baptist Church,
180 QueensPark Drive,
Christchurch

Queries: sihe@clear.net.nz

Registrations: Soesi Watson Ph 03 541 9211

Childcare is avaiable but PLACES ARE LIMITED

Please make own arrangements for lunch and dinner (fish and chips on site). Tea and coffee will be provided.
Throughout the day we will have short sessions where parents and teens will share their experiences.

Contact Dot iew@clear.net.nz if you wish to contribute.

We will also be showcasing children’s work – models, crafts etc. so feel free to bring these on the day.

Friday 1 February
8.30am Venue opens for registrations and resource viewing (IEW and LearnEX)

9am??Reaching the Reluctant Writer ??

10.30am Morning Tea and resource viewing

11am??Rebuilding the education paradigm ??
Escaping the??conveyor belt’ approach of institutional education isn’t easy. For many, our greatest handicap as teachers is our own education. In this inspiring and empowering session, you will not only come to understand the nature and purpose of today’s educational system, but you will see a shining alternative path; one that develops true thinkers, leaders and communicators?? so desperately needed in today’s world.

12.30pm Lunch and resource viewing

1.30pm??Teaching boys and other children who would rather make forts all day ??
Children like to do what they can do; they want to do what they think they can do, and they hate to do what they think they cannot do. If you want excited and enthusiastic children who learn well, you must understand these key laws of motivation, and focus on the essential requirement of relevancy. If it matters, students will learn it and if it doesn’t, they won’t. This session will enlighten you with specific ways to find and create relevancy for children, even when they have no apparent interest.

3pm Afternoon Tea and resource viewing

3.30pm “Spelling and the Brain”
Many children (and some adults) have difficulty learning to spell but the difficulty may not be with the student so much as the method of presentation. Find out how spelling information is most efficiently stored in the brain and why. With greater insight into the nature of spelling and neurological fuctions presented in this workshop, the parent/teacher will be well equipped to meet the needs of all their children, not just the naturally ‘good’ spellers.

5-7pmm Dinner Break and resource viewing

7pm??Nurturing confident communicators ??
Many people think that good readers will naturally become good writers. Others think that writing talent is just that; a natural ability which some have and others don’t. Both are myths. History and modern research show very clearly how good writers have developed. With humour and insight, Andrew will share two easy but unbelievably powerful things you can do to build language patterns and nurture competent communicators.

8.30am
Saturday 2nd February
Venue Opens for registration and resource viewing (IEW and LearnEX)

9am “Narration, Dictation and Public Speaking”
Inspired by Charlotte Mason, this very practical session explores the effectiveness and value of narration, dictation and public speaking and will enable you to effectively use these techniques to improve how we train our minds to retain and understand information.

10.30am Morning Tea and resource viewing

11am “Developing the Essayist ”
What is the difference between a ‘report’ and an ‘essay’? How do we help a student move from simply reporting facts to the more sophisticated skill of using facts to support an opinion? With several different essay models and a gradual method of building the analytical writer covered in this session, come and get the plan right now; even with a Primary school level.

12.30pm Lunch and resource viewing

1.30pm “The Profound Influence of Music on Life”
Music has become such an ever-present influence in our daily life, we seldom stop to consider what effect it has on us. But we must. As we changed over the last 100 years, from being music??makers ?? to music??consumers, ?? we have gradually lost control over, and even awareness of, our auditory environment. In what way is music beneficial to our bodies and minds? In what circumstances can it actually be harmful? Solid scientific research provides some astounding answers to such questions–indeed, facts that must not be ignored by today’s parents and children.

3pm Afternoon Tea and resource viewing

3.30pm “Bible based Writing Lessons”
This session will explain in detail how to use the Bible as a source text for teaching English composition, and how to create assignments for both creative writing and for Bible-based reports and essays. With direct application for those teaching students second grade through high school, this session will provide a few specific lesson plans as well as presenting the general principles of how to design your own lessons to teach writing with structure & style.

A children’s programme will be provided for 5-12 year olds. Morning and afternoon teas will be provided but parents will need to provide lunch. Very limited numbers so be in quick! Breastfed babies are welcome but please make your own arrangements for any other children not attending the children’s programme. Teens must be registered and attend the workshops.

Venue:
Parkside Baptist Church, 180 QueensPark Drive, Christchurch

Contact: Dot iew@clear.net.nz
or ph (03) 312 8790

check out:
http://www.learnex.co.nz/Editable/UpcomingEvents.shtml

Keep scrolling down for more events……..

4 February 2008 – NEW! Nelson RegionExcellence in Writing – Andrew Pudewa

4 February 2008

Details coming soon. Watch this space.Contact &

registrations: events@learnex.co.nz

5th and 6th February 2008 Excellence in Writing – Andrew Pudewa – Palmerston North Conference

“Excellence in Learning” tour
with Andrew Pudewa, author of the popular
“Institute for Excellence in Writing” programme – http://www.writing-edu.com/Wednesday 6th February, 2008
Reformed Church, 541 Ruahine Street,
Palmerston NorthContact & registrations:

Choosing the relevant attendance option:
Individual, $35 or $40 if booked after 22 Dec
Spouse may attend free
Teen, $10

http://www.learnex.co.nz/Editable/conference/EILPalmerstonNorth.shtml

Wednesday 6 February

8.30am Venue Opens
9am “Reaching the Reluctant Writer”
Many children do not like to write. Why? This workshop will answer that basic question and teach a specific and successful method of separating the complex process of writing into the smallest possible steps, making it possible for even the most reluctant writer to produce short but complete compositions.

10.30am Morning Tea
11am “Narration, Dictation and Public Speaking ”
Inspired by Charlotte Mason, this very practical session explores the effectiveness and value of narration, dictation and public speaking and will enable you to effectively use these techniques to improve how we train our minds to retain and understand information.

12.30pm Lunch – VENDOR STALLS NOW OPEN

Vendors: IEW http://www.writing-edu.com/
Home Education Foundation https://hef.org.nz/
Geneva Books http://www.genevabooks.org/ and
LearnEX http://www.learnex.co.nz/Editable/index.shtml

2pm “Teaching Boys and other children who would rather make forts all day ”
Children like to do what they can do; they want to do what they think they can do, and they hate to do what they think they cannot do. If you want excited and enthusiastic children who learn well, you must understand these key laws of motivation, and focus on the essential requirement of relevancy. If it matters, students will learn it and if it doesn’t, they won’t. This session will enlighten you with specific ways to find and create relevancy for children, even when they have no apparent interest.

3pm Afternoon Tea
3.30pm “Spelling and the Brain”
Many children (and some adults) have difficulty learning to spell, but the difficulty may not be with the student so much as with the method of presentation. Find out in this workshop how spelling information is most efficiently stored in the brain, and why. With a greater insight into the nature of spelling and neurological function presented in this workshop, the parent/teacher will be well-equipped to meet the needs of all their children, not just the??naturally ?? good spellers.

4.30-6.00pm Dinner break – VENDOR STALLS OPEN
6pm “Developing the Essayist: from facts to opinions with confidence ”
What’s the difference between a??report ?? and an??essay ??? How do we help a student move from simply reporting facts to the more sophisticated skill of using facts in order to support an opinion? With several different essay models and a gradual method of building the analytical writer, you can feel confident in training your child to be an excellent essay writer. Come and get the plan right now ??you can even start the process at the elementary level!

7pm Super Supper!
7.30pm “Nurturing Confident Communicators”
Many people think that good readers will naturally become good writers. Others think that writing talent is just that; a natural ability which some have and others don’t. Both are myths. History and modern research show very clearly how good writers have developed. With humour and insight, Andrew will share two easy but unbelievably powerful things you can do to build language patterns and nurture competent communicators.

8.30pm Conference closes

Please bring along a tin of baking for morning and afternoon tea. This helps keep the price reasonable. Tea and coffee will be provided.

7 FEBRUARY 2008 – 8TH ANNUAL HOME EDUCATION CELEBRATION

8TH ANNUAL HOME EDUCATION CELEBRATION
THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY, 11.00AM TO 2.00PM (no rain date)
One Tree Hill/Maungakiekie Domain, 670 Manukau Road, Royal Oak, Auckland
Cost: Free?? just turn up!
Co-ordinated by: Auckland Home Educators Inc
Enquiries: Dawn – dawn.homeeducation@xtra.co.nz (preferably) or 027-435-8922Our kids just love seeing the wider picture of the community with which they can identify.
What a great sense of belonging for them (and us), especially when it’s the first day back to school for others! This is a popular gathering of 250+ parents, kids, supporters and their families. Also a great place to come along if you’re investigating the HE option.Experience first-hand what we’re about?? don’t be shy ?? make sure you let someone know you need help! Fabulous opportunity to mix??n mingle, buy/sell resources (no business vendors please), play impromptu games, seek advice, etc. Just BYO picnic, a rug and your smiling faces?? oh, and don’t forget the kids!!! This great venue has a playground, flying fox, and skatepark as well as the usual beautiful trees and springy grass. If you don’t get to this area very often, why not combine the Celebration with a visit to the Stardome Observatory on the same site (http://www.stardome.co.nz) or explore more of the historical Domain

8th & 9th February 2008 Excellence in Writing – Andrew Pudewa – Auckland Conference

“Excellence in Learning” tour
with Andrew Pudewa, author of the popular
“Institute for Excellence in Writing” programme – http://www.writing-edu.com/Andrew Pudewa is the author of the popular “Institute for Excellence in Writing” programme – http://www.writing-edu.com. He will be speaking on a range of different topics across the country. Truly a gifted communicator, we are sure you will come away equipped and inspired!Manurewa Baptist Church,
9 Lupton Road,
Manurewa

Registrations:

Phone: (09) 269 3532

***STOP PRESS!***
Andrew is available to run a series of writing workshops for children (7+ years) during the day on Friday. What a wonderful opportunity for our children to have some instruction from this world class teacher!

Registrations now open! Places are strictly limited.

A children’s programme (Ages 5-12) is available on Saturday but PLACES ARE LIMITED.

Although held in a church, this conference is not specifically from a Christian perspective so anyone is welcome to attend.
Barista coffee and squeezed juice will be available for purchase on the day. Tea and coffee will be provided.
A lunch pack is available for $5. This contains: a Subway deli roll, fruit yoghurt and seasonal fruit. Please indicate in registration form below how many lunches you require. There are a multitude of eateries and a supermarket within walking distance of the venue.

Friday 8 February
6.30pm Venue opens for registrations and evening programme.

Programme is suitable for all adults and teens, regardless of whether or not they have done any IEW programme previously.

7pm??4 Deadly errors of teaching writing ??
Teaching, like writing, is an art. We practise; we improve. In this session Andrew teaches us how to recognise and avoid the most deadly errors when teaching writing.

8pm Supper

8.30pm??Narration, Dictation and Public Speaking ??
Inspired by Charlotte Mason, this very practical session explores the effectiveness and value of narration, dictation and public speaking and will enable you to effectively use these techniques to improve how we train our minds to retain and understand information.

Evening finishes approximately 9.30pm

Saturday 9th February
8.30am Venue Opens for registration and resource viewing

9.15am Keynote address:??Realigning the educational paradigm ??
Escaping the??conveyor belt’ approach of institutional education isn’t easy. For many, our greatest handicap as teachers is our own education. In this inspiring and empowering session, you will not only come to understand the nature and purpose of today’s educational system, but you will see a shining alternative path; one that develops true thinkers, leaders and communicators?? so desperately needed in today’s world.

10.15am Morning Tea

11am Workshop 1:
A)??Spelling and the Brain???? Andrew Pudewa
B)??Things I wish I’d Known: 3 veteran homeschoolers share their thoughts with beginners”
C)??Teaching Music History in the Home”
D)??Careers and transition into the workforce” – Ray Green

11.55am Workshop 2
A)??Humour in Teaching and Speaking ???? Andrew Pudewa
B) “ERO Q & A”?? experienced ERO homeschool reviewer, Rob Williamson
(interactive – please bring questions)
C) “Taming the temperament for teens”?? Steve Abernethy
D) “Aspergers/ADHD/Dyslexia”?? Claire Berkhan, Margi Leech & Karen Wallen

12.50pm Lunch

2pm Keynote address 2:??Teaching boys and other children who would rather make forts all day ??
Children like to do what they can do; they want to do what they think they can do, and they hate to do what they think they cannot do. If you want excited and enthusiastic children who learn well, you must understand these key laws of motivation, and focus on the essential requirement of relevancy. If it matters, students will learn it and if it doesn’t, they won’t. This session will enlighten you with specific ways to find and create relevancy for children, even when they have no apparent interest.

3pm Afternoon Tea

3.30pm Keynote address 3:??Nurturing confident communicators ??
Many people think that good readers will naturally become good writers. Others think that writing talent is just that; a natural ability which some have and others don’t. Both are myths. History and modern research show very clearly how good writers have developed. With humour and insight, Andrew will share two easy but unbelievably powerful things you can do to build language patterns and nurture competent communicators.

4:30pm Question time and farewell. Conference concludes approximately 5pm

A children’s programme will be provided for 5-12 year olds which consists of two half day sessions. The first session runs from 9am-1pm and second session runs from 2-5pm. The fee is $7 and this includes BOTH sessions. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Very limited numbers so be in quick! There are many activities in the local proximity which you may choose to do with your children over the lunch hour – shops, swimming pools, botanic gardens etc.

Breastfed babies are welcome but please make your own arrangements for any other children not attending the children’s programme.

Teens must be registered and attend the workshops.

check out:
http://www.learnex.co.nz/Editable/UpcomingEvents.shtml

Auckland Home Educators

Auckland Home Educators: Check out this link for up-to-date regular activities held in Auckland

Competitions

http://www.hslda.org/contests/HSLDA is Making Changes for our Next Contest Season!Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:

This year, HSLDA is announcing all four student contests at once.

Although submissions for each contest will only be accepted during the dates specified on our website, students can now spend more time working on their entries.

The first contest in line will be essay, with submission deadlines of October 1 through November 1, 2007. But students can start working on their essays right away!

Please visit our contest web page at http://www.hslda.org/contests/ for contest deadlines, rules, and more information. You will also find that the pages have been revamped with a whole new look to make these contests even more fun and educational (including suggestions from past judges on how to give your piece that final tweak that could make the difference in the final round).

Because students will now have a longer period to work on their entries, we hope they can spend more of that time studying the art/writing form showcased by each contest. Additionally, we have chosen themes that we hope will be thought-provoking and provide room for further study.

These contests could be a great launching pad for unit studies by groups or individual families. Perhaps you can spend a month studying different American artists and practicing shadowing and lighting techniques, and then use the contest entry as a final project for students to use what they have learned.

All four of our contests are now divided into three age categories.

Please encourage younger children to participate–their creativity is often inspired by challenges such as this.

We are excited to see your response to the new themes, and we hope you enjoy exploring them as well!

The proceeds from this contest go to the Home School Foundation’s Special Needs Children’s Fund.

Sincerely,

Mike Smith
HSLDA President
http://www.hslda.org/contests/

Youth Essay Competition on Corruption to Close 15 March 2007

Make a DVD and win a place on an expedition to Greenland in 2007.

For more information:


From Coming Events

Saturday 3rd November 2007 – HOME AND COUNTRY SHOW – Manawatu

HOME AND COUNTRY SHOW
A good day and time to bring your childrens years worth of effort, fun and skills together.
Saturday 3rd November 2007 at the village Valley Centre Ashurst.
Start time 9am to 4.00pm.

Sections are age grouped:
4yrs and under,
5and 6yrs,
7and8yrs,
8to11yrs,
12yrs and over.

There are many sections to enter and you may enter them all or one: Animals calf, lamb, horse, goats or other; Pets cat, bird, fish, dog, mice, rabbit, etc; Baking iced biscuits, non cooked slices, through to Novelty cakes; Floral; Handcraft; Construction; Art; Photography; Bike decorating.

There are games such as three legged races, egg and spoon, bouncy castle, sausage sizzle lunch, tea and coffee for adults and a littlies area.

More information and entry forms will be getting sent out soon. and queries please email phlynn@globe.net.nz


7 September 2007 – History Exhibition –

[Registrations & payments close on Friday 17 August 2007 – details at the end. However, I’m sure Katie would appreciate knowing early on if you intend to join in – helps in the planning process of this large undertaking!
Dawn]

“Snapshots” People and Places Throughout the Ages

Come to the Home Educators’ History Exhibition on

Friday 7 September 2007
Mt Eden War Memorial Hall
9.30 am – 2 pm

Your project can be: any period of history, any person in history or the history of a particular subject.

Presentations can be individual or family/group and can take any form:

* Make a Display stand
* Wear a costume
* Paint a picture
* Write a book review
* Make a model
* Make some craft work
* Make a photo display
* Make a timeline
* A book you have made to display

Or simply come and be inspired by the exhibits!

Our aim is to encourage our children in their love of history and as such we would like minimal parental input so as to reflect the child’s learning.

Each entry will be allocated half a trestle table on which to display their work. Children are encouraged to stand beside their work for some part of the morning so as to answer questions and explain their project to
observers.

The feedback will be sli ghtly different to last year. There won’t be formal judging with places awarded. Every participant will receive a certificate as well as a feedback sheet. There will be several appointed ‘reviewers’
who will be circulating and talking to the entrants. They will write their comments on a feedback sheet. Other parents/grandparent/friends will also be encouraged to comment on the feedback sheet so the child take home a
whole sheet of valuable comments.

9.00 am Doors open to set up
10.00 am Viewing starts and continues through morning tea until lunch time.
10.30-11.30am Morning tea available in kitchen area (bring something yummy to share)
Tea/coffee provided
12.00-1.00pm Picnic lunch across road at Potter’s Park (bring your own picnic lunch)
1.00pm Clean up, pack up
1.30pm Presentation of certificates
2.00pm Finish

Those with pre-schoolers: please be aware that it can be a long morning for the littlies and, while the whole family is welcome, there are no child-care facilities available. It is your responsibility to watch after your own children or make prior child-care arrangements.

What to bring: Morning tea to share, your own lunch for picnic at Potter’s Park.
Cost: $5 per entry (with a maximum cost of $20 for one family)
Registration: By Friday August 17 2007, please register with Katie Richards, grinders@ihug.co.nz
Send cheque to: 220 St Andrews Road, Epsom

If you have any questions please feel free to contact:

Katie Richards grinders@ihug.co.nz
Denise Walmsley denise@softpro.co.nz
Judith Tizzard jtizzard@clear.net.nz


August throughout NZ – Literature comes alive with Jim Weiss!

Christchurch, Palmerston North, Hawkes Bay, Auckland and Whangarei

What improves listening skills, broadens the vocabulary, improves grammar and helps with reading, at the same time as inspiring, educating and entertaining? The answer is… Listening to high quality stories.

Now you can listen to high quality stories in real life as Jim Weiss, the multi award winning storyteller is visiting NZ in August! Jim is not your average storyteller. He is a classical storyteller with a focus on classical literature and history. (See bottom of the page for more information about Jim Weiss.)

“He is a master; the best I’ve ever seen or heard.”

Further information will be disseminated through local groups and also on our website www.learnex.co.nz , but here is a brief rundown.

Christchurch – Thursday 16 August

9.30am All age family performance. Venue TBA

4.30-6.30 Storytelling workshop (teachers, librarians & homeschooling parents). Upper Riccarton Library

Contact: Dorothy iew@clear.net.nz

Palmerston North – Monday 20 August

Massey University College of Education Auditorium

9.30am Preschool

11.30am Intermediate

1pm Primary

2.30-3pm Signing

4.30-6.30pm Storytelling workshop (teachers, librarians & homeschooling
parents)

Contact: Sandra elliotts@xnet.co.nz

ALSO OPEN TO SCHOOLS SO BOOK EARLY

Hawkes Bay – Tuesday 21 August

Hawke’s Bay Opera House

10am Preschool

11.30am Intermediate

1pm Primary

4.30-5pm Signing @ Hastings Public Library

Contact: Ruth ricy@joshua-corporation.co.nz

ALSO OPEN TO SCHOOLS SO BOOK EARLY

Auckland – Thursday 23 August

IN ASSOCIATION WITH AUCKLAND HOME EDUCATORS

9.30am All age family performance. Ray Freedman theatre, Epsom Girl’s
Grammar

3.20pm Radio Rhema interview with Rob Holding

4.30-6.30 Storytelling workshop (teachers, librarians & homeschooling parents). Hera House. 17-19 Gladding Place.

(This venue is RIGHT by the Manukau off-ramp so is extremely easy to get to.)

Contact: We need a contact to help with enquiries and registrations for this event. Please advise if you would love this job!

Initial interest may be registered with erena@learnex.co.nz

Whangarei – Saturday 25 August

Incorporating the Whangarei Home Educators Conference

Several Keynote sessions plus a workshop for teens

Contact – WHESG; http://www.whesg.orcon.net.nz/index.htm

5pm (time to be confirmed) FREE COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE

Old Library Complex

Contact: TBA

LIMITED NUMBERS AT ALL EVENTS.

Pricing varies depending on location but ranges between $3 and $5 per person. The adult workshop tickets are $20 for home educators and this includes light refreshments.

(In order to get the cost down to the lowest possible level, we are running the children’s performances as a non profit initiative.)

Feel free to pass onto your local group and any interested friends or family members.

Erena Fussell

PS Never heard of Jim Weiss? Scroll down for more information…

_________________________

LearnEX Educational Services Ltd

Superior Resources to Excel in Learning

http;//www.learnex.co.nz

Jim Weiss is much more than an entertainer. This is not ‘froth and bubble; –
it is material of outstanding quality from an extremely experienced performer.

Jim is a multi award winning storyteller who is committed to promoting literacy through the vehicle of storytelling. He is performing in New Zealand for the first time ever during August as part of the ‘Great Tales
Down Under’ nationwide tour. Jim’s focus is on the retelling of classics –
tales from classical literature, cultures from around the world and stories from times gone by. His website – www.greathall.com provides a lot more information about his content and approach; we’re sure you’ll be impressed!

Literature comes alive with Jim Weiss!


11 July 2007 – AHE – THE EDUCATION REVIEW PROCESS – DEMYSTIFIED!

[Please forward freely!]

This event is STRICTLY BY PRE-REGISTRATION ONLY (complete & return the registration slip at the end of this message) – places are limited. There will be no admittance at the door on the night due to Government building security restrictions. Members of Auckland Home Educators Inc are entitled to free attendance and have priority registration until 5.00pm Wednesday 27 June. Non-members may register now but will be placed on a ‘holding list’ until after the priority deadline.

Whether or not you intend to come along, please email me separately at dawn.homeeducation@xtra.co.nz with any concerns, comments, clarifications or
congratulations about ERO visits in the Auckland Region. I’ll arrange to raise them with the ERO representatives on behalf of your group or yourself.

Presenting an evening Forum in association with
Auckland Home Educators Inc (http://www.home-education.org.nz) and The Education Review Office (http://www.ero.govt.nz)

THE EDUCATION REVIEW PROCESS – DEMYSTIFIED!
WEDNESDAY 11 JULY 2007

Time: 7.00-7.15pm admittance & seating; 7.20pm doors close; 7.30pm prompt
start; 9.15pm end
Venue: The Education Review Office, 13-15 College Hill, Ponsonby, Auckland
Cost: AHE Members – free; non-AHE members – $2 per person to cover promotion
(please bring correct cash)
Priority Registration: AHE members only until Wednesday 27 June (5pm).
Non-members placed on a ‘holding list’ until after the priority deadline.
Registration Close-Off: Friday 6 July (4pm)
Admittance: Government building security restrictions mean there will be no admittance without pre-registration – we must supply an attendance list
prior to the event. Please avoid the embarrassment of being denied entry if you are not listed!
Registration: See the slip at the end of this message

Whether we like it or not, to legally home educate in NZ a parent/guardian must obtain an “Application for Exemption from Enrolment at a Registered School” for each child 6 years old and over. We are also subject to
Education Review Office visits at some point (not annually, thankfully!) to satisfy the Education Act requirement that each child is being “taught at least as well and as regularly as in a registered school”. Many of us would have much to comment on about that, but the fact is that Reviews are due legal process and we are (for the most part, I think!) law-abiding citizens.

Come along to this information evening to allay apprehensions, update your knowledge to help those in your support network, prepare for a looming visit, or just to help you anticipate and be informed for the future. The idea is to help you relax so that you aren’t operating through fear or false expectation which can add pressure to the family and actually alter the way in which you home educate!

Hear Rob Williamson (Senior Review Officer, Homeschooling Unit) and Alan Watkins (Review Officer) explain why the system is in place; how it all works; what you can expect. These representatives are keen to form a closer relationship with our community and are supportive and encouraging of the home education option.

I look forward to welcoming you!

Dawn Burgin
Auckland Home Educators Inc
[a democratic, non-profit, voluntary group providing information & support for current & prospective Home Educators]

Want to unite for credibility and networking? Consider becoming a member – visit http://www.home-education.org.nz/join.html or email
membership@home-education.org.nz

T O R E G I S T E R :

Send the following details to Dawn at dawn.homeeducation@xtra.co.nz with “AHE/ERO Forum Wed 11 July” in the heading:

AHE Member: Yes / No (please delete)
First Name:
Family Name:
Email Address:
Telephone:
Mobile:
Suburb:
Support Group (if applicable):

Please do not assume that you are registered until you receive an acknowledgement email.


27th June 2007 – Morrinsville homeschoolers History Fair

27th June 2007 – Morrinsville homeschoolers History Fair

Hi there everyone,

I am just doing a bit of forward planning, seeing as I will be having a baby in January and want everyone to know the details of the History Fair so everyone can at least think about putting it in their diary for next year, and also in your Homeschool Newsletters that will be coming out in the New Year.

Morrinsville Homeschoolers
History Fair

Is to be held on Wednesday
27th June 2007 at
Campbell Hall in
Morrinsville

All interested parties please let me know.

Regards
Robyn
Further details can be found at

http://nowTHEN.bravehost.com/history.html


National Christian Home Educators Family Conference 2007

CANCELLED DUE TO SECTION 59 OF THE CRIMES ACT 1961 taking up so much time this year

20th Anniversary of the first Christian Home Educators Family conference held in Palmerston North February 1987 put on by CHOMES (Christian Home Schoolers of New Zealand)

The plans are to hold the 2007 Family Conference mid to late 2007 in Palmerston North – Watch this space for more information.

Being reviewed due to Section 59 still being debated until possibly June 2007.


HEART retreat

HEART retreat

HEART retreat

22ND-24TH JUNE

Forward notice for those thinking of attending HEART this year: Hoping to have some enrolment forms within the next two weeks. What is HEART? A weekend for home educating mothers at Totara Springs, Matamata. Ladies come from Whangarei to Palmerston North to attend. A number of us went last year and enjoyed the break. More details to follow.

The fixed costs are as follows…
Cabin-$130,
Lodge-$165,
Motel-$185.

Yes, unfortunately the prices have gone up this year, it was unavoidable. There is a great weekend planned though and I’m sure ladies will get good value
for money! Our hope and heart’s desire is (‘scuse the pun!), that ladies will return home refreshed in spirit, rejuvenated in energy and revived in
vision!

Posted from Manukau newsletter.


Competitions for Home educators

HSLDA’s 2006 Poetry Contest for Homeschoolers

Home School Legal Defense Association is very excited to be holding our second annual poetry contest. Along with the art and essay contests, the poetry contest offers an opportunity to reward excellence. Although poetry, and especially poetic form, can seem intimidating, we encourage you to try it.

Read more about it at:
http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=2869

““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““
Photo Competition

Home school only

Open to the following age groups.

Age groups: 7 -10, 11-14, 15-18

Themes:

Age 7-10 The family pet, animal or favourite Teddy Bear(s).

Age 11-14 -Wheels, skateboard, bike, vehicle or just wheels

Age 15-18 – Weather or Seasons

Certificates to the three best in each age group will be issued.

Forward your entry to
HomewithArt@ gmail.com

Rules of Entry
1. Entry must be by email only to

HomewithArt@ gmail.com

2. Photo must be relevant to the competition theme.

3. Name, age and email required.

4. Copyright remains with the photographer but by entering the competition he/she gives permission to post image.

5.To protect online privacy only first name and age will be published.

6. Judges decision is Final, no discussion or correspondence.

7. Email entry to be received no later than Wednesday 13 June 2007

8. Winners will be notified by email.

9. Photo must not have been entered in any other competition.

10. Open to those who Home School only.

11.By entering the competition, the entrant verifies that he/she has read the “Rules of Entry” and agrees to abide by them.


Palmerston North’s 2nd Annual Home Education Curriculum Fair


Palmerston North’s 2nd Annual Home Education Curriculum Fair

Date: 10 February 2007
Time: 10am to 4pm
Venue: Reformed Church Building
541 Ruahine Street
Palmerston NorthProgrammeFor more information please feel free to contact:
Sandra Elliott
PH: 06 323 3499
elliotts@xnet.co.nz

Cost: $2 per family. First 50 home educating mums through the door receive complimentary goodie bags. Spot Prizes.

Café: Nothing over $2.50. Coffee & Tea provided free.

Second Hand Books
There will be a table for homeschoolers to sell their surplus books/Resources. **IMPORTANT** If you wish to do this, please bring a separate envelope for every item you wish to sell, with your name and the amount you would like to sell it for.

On the day you will fill out a *Sticky Note/s for the inside/s of your books to match your envelope (*we will supply these). The envelopes will go to the volunteer supervising the books and any monies will be put in this for you to collect.

Vendors:
LearnEx Education Services
CENZ (Christian Education NZ)
Geneva Books
Tisa Education Services
Creaky Corner
Issacharian Books
Eduquip Ltd
Home Education Foundation

Programme

10:00am – Registration

10:10am – Presentation by Eduquip Ltd (10 min.)

10:30am – Building a Biblical Work Ethic (45min.) by Ray Green of CENZ
11.20am – Discovering Your God Given Design (45min.) by Ray Green of CENZ

12:20pm – Presentation by Issacharian Books (10 min.)
12:40pm – Presentation by Home Education Foundation (10 min.)

1:00-2:00pm – 2 electives:
Is It Possible to Discipline Children in Our Undisciplined Society? by Craig Smith
Staying at Home vs Going to School by Genevieve Smith (To help students determine whether to stay at home or go to school for secondary years.)

2:15pm – LEARNEX (10 min.)

2.45pm – Understanding God’s Way of Handling Money (45min.) by Ray Green of CENZ

3:40pm – Creaky Corner (10 min.)