prepping for filming

While my poor former colleagues had to suffer through a painfully tedious teacher only day today i was out getting my hands on a new, signed, Manfrotto Fig Rig - a very cool simple solution to steadycam for the non-rich n famous.
I will be using it this week to film doco style footage of a homeless guy as he survives on the streets of Hamilheaven. The footage is for a mental health training video. A cool project.
:-)

Good luck to the former Woodmonstas who will hopefully get the chance to use the TVFI studio this year, despite my absence. You squiddlers are capable of great things if you think creatively and apply yourselves. Don't let anyone hold you back. You have many great resources available to you at FIS, so try to convince your controllers to let you use them in creative ways. I know Mr Noble is keen to let people be innovative.
You could make a programme about your worm farming.

Hi Kids - Bye Kids

I have news - I won't be coming back to Fairfield this year. I have taken a chance to try working with Sasha running our own business as it is taking off. This is good news, as I needed a change after ten years of teaching. The stink part is I won't get to see you guys much this year. I will really miss you, but I will visit!

As for your programme for 2010, please keep running the worm farm. The success or failure of the first bit of enviro learning for Fairfield is in your hands. No teachers are interested so it's up to you guys! The PTA has invested time and money in the project and it would be a great shame if one of NZ's supposedly "most progressive schools" was one of the only ones in the country seemingly unaware of the fact that there is a global environmental crisis precisely because not enough of us care about making a difference.
You know you can do it. With Isaac, Jordan, Kieran and Sean already trained up you can keep the project going if you have the courage and determination. I suggest you only give bins to classes after you have trained them in how and why to use it and then get studetn monitors for each class.
Another thing to help Mr Noble like the project is if you could make the big worm bins [baths] look more attractive somehow. It is very important that no mess or extra work gets made for teachers. So go on - make a difference to your world!
Remember hwo shokced you all were that no enviro schools stuff happens at FIS? No paper, plastic, food or ANY recycling! Unbelievable in today's world. Everyone recycles at home don't they?
See what you can do. Make it fun and solve any problems.

So enjoy 2010 young squiddlers. You can start afresh and be a good example to your new yr 7's.
Keep blogging also - I have kids from years ago at Peachgrove still using their blog so you can too. It's a great way to stay in touch.

Ciao for now :-)

What's happening?

I haven't heard from you for a while - Room5ians have been yacking away, but no Woodmonstas...
My summer is going well - very relaxing. I will be going to Kawhia for a week next week - it's great there - endless beach, panoramic views from the bach we stay in. We are very lucky :-)

Remember to drop food into the worm bin if you're passing - the back gates are open these days and you may go in to feed them.

I am learning to edit film today with Sasha.