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Quickchat for Kohi tatea (January) and Hui tanguru (February) 2010

Kohi tatea (January) 2010

Hui tanguru (February) 2010

 

QUICKCHAT For the week ending 26 Hui tanguru (February) 2010

  1. Te Tumuaki Update:
    This week’s key events were:
    • Meeting with members of the ESITO Advisory Group to discuss the Research Project Report on Sector Leadership: Responsiveness to Maori, Pacific Peoples, Migrants and Women;
    • Attending the ACE Professional Development Steering Group meeting;
    • Hosting the first hui for Te Koruru 2010; and
    • A series of meetings with Literacy Aotearoa Management and relevant members of staff regarding reporting for 2009 and planning and projects for 2010.
  2. Website Update:
    New material on the Literacy Aotearoa website includes:
  3. Submitting Assessment Evidence for CALT, NCALE or NCALE-VOC:
    Please ensure that all tutors and trainee tutors are given this information. It applies to assessment evidence for ALL qualifications delivered by Literacy Aotearoa.
    In order to assist us to track assessment evidence, and to return it in a timely fashion, please send all assessment evidence – hard copy only – to the National Office of Literacy Aotearoa.
    Evidence can be submitted by Ngā Poupou, on behalf of trainee tutors or NCALE (Regional or Pathway) candidates.  Candidates may, if they wish, send their own evidence directly to the National Office.
    All evidence submitted must clearly display the name of the candidate, in order that it can be assessed and the correct person credited with the assessment results.
    Please do NOT give evidence to any Literacy Aotearoa National Trainer or National Office Trainer to submit on your behalf or on behalf of anyone else.
    Please do NOT submit evidence electronically, at this stage.
  4. Registrations of Interest in CALT Level 5:
    When Learning and Qualifications team members receive electronic or telephone expressions of interest in CALT L5 we give the contact details of the enquirer’s nearest Poupou. There is no expectation on our part that Te Poupou will automatically enrol them on the CALT L5 Tutor Training.  Ngā Poupou have their own recruitment processes which enable them to assess the match between the skills, experience and attitudes of applicants and what Ngā Poupou are seeking in effective tutors. The template used to respond to electronic Registrations of Interest has been amended to make this clear.
  5. Position Available – Receptionist:
    Literacy Aotearoa’s mission is to develop accessible literacy services to the people of Aotearoa.  Based in Grey Lynn, Literacy Aotearoa is an organisation that promotes student-centred learning in a range of contexts and learning environments.
    We are looking for someone who is customer service focused, has an excellent telephone manner, is friendly and cheerful, has a ‘can do’ attitude and is a team player to be our new receptionist. As well as looking after all aspects of reception and incoming calls, you will be responsible for all mail, some filing, word processing, couriers and making sure the office is tidy and presentable at all times.
    You will need to be well presented, proactive and flexible, organised and highly computer literate.  You might be a school leaver or have had some office experience to bring to the role. If you have an understanding or interest in Te Reo, this will clearly add value to your application.
    For further details or a job description, please contact Julie Davis, phone 378 2080, julie@literacy.org.nz.
    Closing date for applications is Wednesday 3rd Poutu te rangi (March) 2010.  Applications should be sent to Julie Davis, Literacy Aotearoa, Private Bag 78800, Grey Lynn, Auckland.
  6. Training Programmes Starting Soon:
    Certificate in Adult Literacy Tutoring Level 5
    • Adult Literacy Inc 05 Poutu te rangi (March), facilitated by National Trainer Garland Tonihi.
    National Certificate in Adult Literacy Education (Educator)
    • Auckland Regional Programme 02 Poutu te rangi (March), facilitated by National Office Trainer Bruce George.
  7. Microsoft Office Tips – Contextual Spelling
    In previous versions of Word you have only been able to check the spelling and grammar of a document, but in 2007 the contextual spelling feature was added, allowing users to check the context in which they use a word to see if it is correct. For example if you use the wrong 'through' 'there' or 'peace' contextual spelling will identify this and underline it in blue. To turn the contextual spelling feature on:
    1.    Click on the Office Button in the top left corner of your screen.
    2.    Then click on Word Options
    3.    Select Proofing from the menu on the left
    4.    Then tick the Use contextual spelling box
    5.    Click Ok
    NB: For emails, click on the Office Button and then select Editor Options  in the bottom right hand corner. Click on Proofing and tick the box Use Contextual Spelling. Click OK.

 

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QUICKCHAT For the week ending 19 Hui tanguru (February) 2010

  1. Te Tumuaki Update:
    Kia ora - this week was primarily spent preparing for Te Koruru Hui which is due to take place next week on Thursday 25 Hui tanguru (February) 2010.
    Also under preparation are the agenda for:
    •    Managers’ Hui;
    •    Nga Hui Heke;
    •    Audit 2009 (Audit NZ is in next week);
    •    TEC reporting for 2009; and
    •    an RFP to deliver literacy and numeracy in the Public Prisons.
    It is with regret that I would like to inform Nga Poupou that Jessii Murray our Receptionist is leaving us next Friday.  Jessii is leaving to attend Auckland University where she will be working towards a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law Degree. It’s not quite goodbye as Jessii will continue to work for Literacy Aotearoa part time. I know that you will all join me in thanking Jessii for the contribution she has made whilst she has been with us and to wish her all the best for the future.
  2. Database:
    If you have not already submitted your database information, this is to remind you that the database is due for submission on 15th of each month. There are a few Poupou who have not yet sent  in the January return.
  3. Position Available – Receptionist
    Literacy Aotearoa’s mission is to develop accessible literacy services to the people of Aotearoa.  Based in Grey Lynn, Literacy Aotearoa is an organisation that promotes student-centred learning in a range of contexts and learning environments.
    We are looking for someone who is customer service focused, has an excellent telephone manner, is friendly and cheerful, has a ‘can do’ attitude and is a team player to be our new receptionist. As well as looking after all aspects of reception and incoming calls, you will be responsible for all mail, some filing, word processing, couriers and making sure the office is tidy and presentable at all times.
    You will need to be well presented, proactive and flexible, organised and highly computer literate.  You might be a school leaver or have had some office experience to bring to the role. If you have an understanding or interest in Te Reo, this will clearly add value to your application.
    For further details or a job description, please contact Julie Davis, phone 378 2080, julie@literacy.org.nz.
    Closing date for applications is Wednesday 3rd Poutu te rangi (March) 2010.
    Applications should be sent to Julie Davis, Literacy Aotearoa, Private Bag 78800, Grey Lynn, Auckland.
  4. NZ Vocational Education and Training Research Forum 2010
    Registrations have now opened for the New Zealand Vocational Education and Training Research Forum 2010 – New Zealand’s largest event dedicated specifically to research on aspects of Vocational Education and Training.
    A special feature in this year’s forum is a session devoted to showcasing the latest research on Vocational Education and Training by current and recent postgraduate students from around the country.
    A full programme is available at http://www.itf.org.nz/research-forum-2010.html
    When: Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 April 2010
    Where: Rutherford House, Victoria University of Wellington, 23 Lambton Quay, Wellington
    Registration: Register online at http://www.itf.org.nz/research-forum-2010.html
    Earlybird registrations close at 4pm Friday 12 March
  5. Warehouse Stationery Trade Deal
    Warehouse Stationery trade deal agreement will end on 7th Poutu te rangi (March). In place of the discounted trade deal, a reward card called, “bluebiz rewards” will be issued to existing account holders. If you have an account with Warehouse Stationery, you should have received two cards (2 per account) by now. If not, please contact your local store.
    For every dollar you spend, you will earn one reward point. Points can be redeemed for merchandise, retail vouchers, or movies passes. The reward scheme started on 8th Hui tanguru (February). Anything purchased before 7th Poutu te rangi (March) will be at the trade discounted prices as well as earning you the reward points.
  6. Training Programmes Starting this Month:
      Certificate in Adult Literacy Tutoring Level 5
    • Adult Literacy Aotearoa (Kapiti) 19 Hui tanguru (February) 2010, facilitated by National Trainer Sue Clark.
  7. Microsoft Office Tips – Using Text Boxes
    Text boxes can be used to make a document look more interesting or to reinforce an important point. Microsoft Office Word 2007 has a great selection of text boxes you can choose from and easily edit to match the style of your document.
To insert a text box
1.    Go to the Insert Ribbon and click on Text Box
2.    Now click on the text box you would like to use.Once you have inserted a Text box the Text Box Tools ribbon will open and you will be able to change the colour, shape, size, or even the 3D effect of your text box.

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QUICKCHAT For the week ending 12 Hui tanguru (February) 2010

  1. Te Tumuaki Update:
    This week’s key events of particular interest were:
    • Development of promotional material for Nga Poupou to use in workplaces.
    • Meeting with Department of Labour regarding a Research Project evaluating programmes funded through the Intensive Literacy Fund.  This evaluation is part of a wider research and evaluation programme that is looking to find out more about the impact of adult literacy, language and numeracy programmes funded by government.
    • Meeting with members of Strategic Alliance to discuss ACE Sector development and recovery from last year’s budget decisions.
    • Preparation of End of Year accountability requirements for Te Koruru, TEC and Audit New Zealand.
    • Initial discussions regarding the submission of an RFP to Department of Corrections for Delivery of Literacy and Numeracy Education in Prisons.
    • For your information, the National Office of Literacy Aotearoa will be submitting an RFP to the Department of Corrections for the Delivery of Literacy and Numeracy Programmes. If, as a Poupou, you meet the criteria of the RFP, and intend to submit a proposal on behalf of your own Poupou, please advise the National Office that you will be submitting one.
    • This will allow us to advise the Department of Corrections when we submit an RFP, that we will not be seeking to deliver services where our member providers, in their respective region, have tendered to deliver the contract, unless they determine to select one national provider.
  2. Annual Activity Report
    There will be no requirement to submit an Annual Activity Report this year.  We will be analysing the statistics and financial statements submitted and will be contacting individual Poupou if needed.
  3. Dates for Te Hui Heke Tuatahi (Region One)
    Please note that Te Hui Heke Tuatahi will be held on Friday 14 & Saturday 15 Haratua (May) 2010 hosted by Waitakere Adult Literacy.
  4. Nga Poupou Manager Professional Development (PD) Hui:
    Information on this year’s hui will be sent out for feedback next week.  In the meantime, don’t forget to put the dates into your calendar - Tuesday 30th & Wednesday 31st Poutu te rangi (March) 2010.
  5. Website Update
    Literacy Aotearoa Hawke’s Bay recently featured in the local Napier Courier. To read the article, go to:
    Ngā Poupou news: Publications>News Releases  or click here: http://www.literacy.org.nz/news-releases.php 
    If your Poupou ‘makes the news’ and you want to share with other Poupou, send a copy to moana@literacy.org.nz

    Remember Literacy Aotearoa publications are on the website:
  6. Training Programmes Starting this Month:
    • Certificate in Adult Literacy Tutoring Level 5
      - Adult Learning Support (Nelson/Motueka) 19 Hui tanguru (February) 2010, facilitated by National Trainer Hine Lee.
  7. Entry Deadline Approaching for Rural Women New Zealand Enterprising Rural Women Award 2010
    Anticipation is building for this year’s Rural Women New Zealand Enterprising Rural Women Award, with the 17 February closing date just around the corner. “Entries are now coming in and we are expecting a real flurry as the deadline approaches,” says RWNZ National President, Margaret Chapman. “We urge women running small rural businesses to enter the Award. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your business and gain recognition for your work.”
    The Enterprising Rural Women Award 2010 is sponsored by Access Homehealth Limited and Rural Women New Zealand. Entry criteria and forms are available at  www.ruralwomen.org.nz, or by telephone 04 473 5524.
  8. Graduate Diploma in Not-For-Profit Management – Enrolment and Re-enrolment for 2010
    The Diploma team at Unitec encourages sector managers to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Not for Profit Management programme, along with its new, exciting courses in 2010. 
    Information, including all course topics, locations and dates is available online at http://www.specialz.co.nz/onlinenewsletter/view-email-newsletter.aspx?ID=9325067&e=89495&d=+7JKeEVGH0UaepA2okLSzg
  9. Microsoft Office Tips – Save time with Cover Page Templates
    Office 2007 gives you quick easy access to a number of great cover page templates. Once you have selected a template all you need to do is fill in the title, author, date and other information and you’re finished.
    To use this feature
    1.    Go to the Insert Ribbon and click on Cover page.
    2.    Now click on the picture of the cover page you would like to use.
    If you would like to change anything about the shapes that appear on your page – for example the colour, then simply click on the shape and a new tab will appear at the top on your screen called Drawing Tools. Click on this tab and a new ribbon will open allowing you to change things like the colour, style and 3D effect of the shape.

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QUICKCHAT For the week ending 05 Hui tanguru (February) 2010

  1. Te Tumuaki Update:
    This week Te Tumuaki was invited to attend the New Zealander of the Year Awards presentation in support of Robin Robb (Coordinator, Literacy Marlborough).  Last year Literacy Aotearoa nominated her in the Senior Citizens category and out of more than 500 nominees, Robin made the final group. The presentation was held at the Hyatt Kingsgate Hotel in Auckland and officiated by Minister Tariana Turia.  Congratulations Robin.
  2. Training Programmes Starting this Month:
  • National Certificate in Adult Literacy Education (Educator) Level 5:
    Eastbay REAP 15 Hui tanguru (February) 2010, facilitated by National Trainer Garland Tonihi.
  • Certificate in Adult Literacy Tutoring Level 5:
    Adult Literacy Kapiti 19 Hui tanguru (February) 2010, facilitated by National Trainer Sue Clark.
  1. Statistics Submission:
    Statistics for the period 1 Kohi tatea (January) - 31 Hakihea (December) 2009 were due into the National Office by 31 Kohi tatea (January) 2010.  Forms were sent out last month.  If you require additional forms or if you have any queries please direct your enquiries to: Julie Davis, Finance & Office Manager on julie@literacy.org.nz
  2. Ngā Poupou Manager Professional Development (PD) Hui:
    Please put in your diaries the dates for the above hui to be held in Auckland - Tuesday 30th & Wednesday 31st Poutu te rangi (March) 2010.  Further information will be sent to Nga Poupou by the end of next week.
  3. New ACC Levy Rates:
    Ngā Poupou who run manual Payroll processes may be interested in this item and the accompanying link. Indicative rates for individual classifications are now available from ACC.  These are incorporated in a new calculator tool now available on the ACC website, at https://online.acc.co.nz/calculators/workplace-cover-calculator.pdf
  4. Key dates, events and conferences for the Tangata Whenua, Community and Voluntary Sector:
    The Volunteering New Zealand calendar listing events of interest to the community and voluntary sector and the government agencies that work with them now has its own page on their website – you won’t believe how many dates for 2010 are already there – through to June. They even have key events in 2011 to start planning for!  
  5. Survey of Volunteer Managers - Deadline Extended - Reminder:
    More than 400 people have already completed the Victoria University internet-based survey exploring the professional development of volunteer management, but more responses are wanted before the closing date on 15th Hui tanguru (February) 2010.  Click on here to Do it now…
  6. Microsoft Office Tips – A quick way to add a header and footer to every sheet in an Excel Workbook:
    If you have a header or footer that you would like to add to every sheet, or just multiple sheets of your workbook, instead of adding them one at a time here is a quick solution.
  1. Hold down the Ctrl key and then click on the tab of every sheet within the workbook that you would like to add the header or footer to.
  2. On the Page Layout tab, look to the bottom of the tab and click the Dialog Box Launcher (a little box with an arrow pointing downward to the right, to the right of the title banner Page Setup.)
  3. In the box that pops up go to Header/Footer and then click on Customer Header or Customer Footer.
  4. From here you will be able to enter text and header and footer elements that will appear on all the sheets you have selected.

 

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QUICKCHAT For the week ending 29 Kohi tatea (January) 2010

  1. Message from Te Tumuaki and the National Office Team:
    Wow! the end of the first month for 2010 is already upon us.  This is the first issue of Quickchat for 2010 and as we get started on 2010 activities, we wish you all ‘Kia nui nga mihi mo te Tau Hou”, and hope that everyone is returning refreshed, after an enjoyable break with whānau and friends.
  2. Te Tumuaki Update:
    Bronwyn arrived back to the office Monday last week, so ‘Te Tumuaki Update’ is a snapshot of her activities for the past two weeks.  Bronwyn has had meetings with:
  • the  External Advisory Group at NZQA, to further discussions on the development of criteria based on Mātauranga Māori for the National Qualifications Framework (NQF);
  • Te Koruru Personnel Committee; and
  • a series of meetings with Literacy Aotearoa Senior Management and relevant members of staff regarding planning and projects for 2010 and reporting for 2009.
Also, last Friday Bronwyn attended Marian Richards’ farewell party at Adult Learning and Support’s office in Nelson.   There she also met the new manager, Cameron Forbes.
  1. Office Closure - Auckland Anniversary Day
    Just a quick note to advise that the National Office will be closed Monday 1st Pipiri (February) to observe Auckland Anniversary Day.
  2. Training Programmes Starting this Month:
    Certificate in Adult Literacy Tutoring (CALT) Level 5:
  • Literacy North Shore, 25 Kohi tatea (January) 2010, facilitated by National Trainer: Garland Tonihi.
  • Horowhenua Adult Literacy Scheme, 1 Hui tanguru (February) 2010, facilitated by National Trainer: Garland Tonihi.
  1. A Resource for Financial Literacy Tuition – A New Money Management Education Package:
    The Managing My Money package deals with the high risk areas of managing personal money, career, goals, and plans.  Each of the seven packs has been developed from NQF unit standards and include such topics as:
  • Making wise money decisions
  • Making a family or household budget
  • Financial goals and plans
  • Knowing how banks can help you
  • Understanding income, credit and tax

All of the seven packs are available on the Retirement Commission website.
The packs provide an excellent opportunity for developing general numeracy and literacy skills as well as for financial education. They are suitable for foundation skills programmes, adult and community education, and workplace learning. They can be used separately or linked together into a progressive course. Each of them will support learning aligned with a unit standard. (One of the unit standards is level 1, five are level 2, and one is level 3). The initiative is supported by the Industry Training Federation as suitable for inclusion in the Level 2 qualifications of ITOs.
Each pack contains a Workbook, a Study Guide and a Facilitator’s Manual. The workbooks will provide the evidence necessary for assessment against the standards.

  1. Website – Ngā Poupou Contact Details:
    Could you please click on this link: http://www.literacy.org.nz/Our-People.php and check your Poupou contact details. Please email moana@literacy.org.nz with any changes that need to be made.
  2. Database Cutover to 2010:
    Business Services Manager, Thanee Chatsinchai asks that Ngā Poupou please note the following:
1.   There is no need to re-enter the students/tutors for 2010; just carry on as normal.
2.   If students or tutors are no longer participating this year, please ensure all their matches have 2009 Finish Dates.
3.   The Year of Study field on the Personal Details tab for students needs to be changed manually.
  1. Survey of Volunteer Managers - Deadline Extended:
    More than 400 people have already completed the Victoria University internet-based survey exploring the professional development of volunteer management, but more responses are wanted before the closing date on 15th Hui tanguru (February) 2010.  Do it now…
  2. Microsoft Office Tips – Defining Names in Excel:
    A new feature of Excel 2007 is the ability to assign a name to a group of cells.

    Once a group of cells has been given a name and you want to use that group of cells in a formula, all you have to do is type the name of the group into the formula. This even works between different sheets in the same Workbook, for those times you would like to use a group of cells from one Sheet in a formula in another.

    To use this feature:

    1.    Select the cells that you would like to be in the group.
    2.    To select cells that are not next to each other hold down Ctrl while clicking on each cell individually.
    3.    Now go to the Formulas ribbon and click on Define Name.
    4.    Type the name you would like to use for this group of cells into the Name box (Note: you cannot use spaces). You may also if you like include a comment in the Comment box but this is not essential.
    5.    Now click OK.

    Now, when you are writing a formula that requires the figures from this group of cells, simply type in the group name.  For example =AVERAGE(examplegroup).

    To edit or remove a name from a group of cells:

    1.  Click on Name Manager.
    2. Under the Formulas ribbon, select the named group you would like to change.
    3.  You can either click Edit or Delete.

 

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