There are a large number of local groups in the Auckland area, offering a myriad of activities, trips and support. As the regional networking group, AHE provides a compilation of them and their activities for its members, updated and published in our newsletter each term. Join us here to enjoy this benefit and many others!

Here are some events which may be of special interest to those who home educate (aka homeschool). For lots of general activity ideas, visit sites like Ak@Play, Tourism Auckland, View Auckland,  Kidspot,  NZ Events Calendar.

We’d appreciate your notifications, comments, corrections or link problems for this page – just contact . Dawn

Event organisers work hard and voluntarily. As a courtesy, please register your interest/book early to ensure your place and that venue/catering arrangements are adequate. If insufficient bookings are received early on, an event may be cancelled.

INCREDIBLE SCIENCE QUIZ – SCIQUIZ
Monday 19 May
Closing date to register for The University of Auckland’s children’s quiz show, SciQuiz, as part of the popular Incredible Science Open Day to be held on 7 July.
Download/Print register form here

YOUTH WEEK
Monday 26 May to Sunday 1 June
www.youthweek.co.nz All about creating a society that values young people and affirms their diversity. The week aims to highlight the amazing things young people (12-24 years) do with this year’s focus on relationships.

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF NZ ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Friday 30 May to Monday 2 June
An exciting part of the conference is the Annual Speech Awards for Secondary Students. The quality of the speeches is always exceptional and professional. UNANZ selects a topic and entrants research this to present their point of view to the audience. The speech is to be between 5 to 8 minutes and each entrant is judged on speech organisation, delivery and overall effectiveness. They must also focus on the aims, work and aspirations of the United Nations. In 2007, the topic was "United Nations: what's in it for New Zealand?" and Laurelin Okan admirably represented Auckland Home Educators Inc in a line-up of 11 students, the others being from local secondary schools. The 2008 topic is "Human Rights in a Sustainable World". If interested in representing AHE this time around, contact Audrey

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PUBLIC HOLIDAY: QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY
Monday 2 June

THE EDUCATION OF GIFTED STUDENTS
Friday 20 June, 7.00pm to 9.00pm
The Faculty of Education
The University of Auckland
74 Epsom Ave, Epsom
Organised by: The Gifted Education Centre (formerly George Parkyn Centre) Political party spokespeople have an opportunity to present their party's view. Hear/pose questions and how they respond. The following have currently confirmed that they will be present:

Chris Harwood (Ministry of Education)
Rodney Hide (ACT Party)
Dail Jones (New Zealand First Party)
Anne Tolley (National Party)
Metiria Turei (Green Party)
Judy Turner (United Future Party)


HEART RETREAT
Friday 20 to Sunday 22 June
Totara Springs Christian Camp
Matamata
A Christian-based, rejuvenating weekend for home educating mothers who come from Whangarei to Palmerston North to attend. Breastfeeding babes only. Speakers, workshops, free time, dashion show, resource displays, craft, shopping, music, etc. Day visitors’ option available. Further details later.

7TH ANNUAL MORRINSVILLE HOMESCHOOLERS’ HISTORY FAIR
Wednesday 25 June, 9.00am to 2.00pm
Campbell Hall
Canada Street
Morrinsville

Cost: $2 per entry, max of $10 per family
Voluntarily organised by: Robyn

REGISTER EARLY TO SECURE YOUR SPACE! It helps plan ahead for another successful event, too! Some Auckland families make a day or two of travelling to Morrinsville for the fair so that they experience TWO homeschool History events during the year. That’s great! Similar idea to a Science Fair, ie, 3-sided stand-up board or similar. Perhaps make implements or models to go with it. Dress up to match your time period if you like! You can present a particular time period or the history of a people group/person or the history of a subject, eg, the history of flight. Kids, be creative! Parents, encourage them but make sure it’s theirs! Bring along parents, friends, family and other supporters to join in the fun – tea and coffee will be provided for them. There will also be a quiz for the older children to complete on N Z History and colouring in pictures for the younger children.

Age groups: 5-7 years; 8-10 years; 11-12 years and High School age. Entries are welcome from other parts of the country or just come along to view, mix & mingle.

9.00am Entry set up
9.30am Judging
10.00am Viewing
12.30pm Prizegiving
to follow Sausage Sizzle (if  you don’t wish to purchase a sausage, BYO lunch or buy something locally)


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TERM 2 ENDS FOR SCHOOLS
Friday 4 July
School terms and holiday times

INCREDIBLE SCIENCE OPEN DAY
INCORPORATING CHILDREN’S SCIENCE QUIZ - SCIQUIZ
Monday 7 July
Faculty of Science
The University of Auckland
For the programme: Email Nicole de Pina
or check the University's website in June

An awesome day aimed at primary and intermediate aged kids, events are free and it’s an AMAZING experience – both in terms of the sheer variety of talks, shows and information available, and in being able to explore the Uni buildings and lecture theatres. There is one downside though – the crowds are INCREDIBLE! Now in its 8th year, it’s gained such popularity that the queues are an absolute pain so be prepared! Several sessions (multiple times) are usually by ticket only though still free. Most other things are queue, queue, queue but it’s well worth it. Suggestion: go through the programme and highlight the parts you’d really like to get to and make your own timetable from that (otherwise it can get very confusing and it’s easy to miss things). Make sure you get there early enough to start queuing if you want to attend the ticket-only sessions. I really wouldn’t take very young ones and prams can be a nightmare!

NEW!!! A chance to show how many bright and enthusiastic minds we have in our community. This year there’ll be an interactive quiz show, SciQuiz, for Years 5 to 8. Maximum age is 13 as at 1 July and capable children younger than Year 5 can enter. Pre-registered teams of 3-4 will race the clock, and each other, to answer a series of  scientific and mathematical  questions.  In previous years, competitions have required preparation of an entry beforehand, with homeschoolers consistently winning, I hear! Use the separate Registration Form for Homeschoolers, Download/Print register form here, developed with input from Auckland Home Educators Inc. Homeschoolers can enter as many teams as they like and the prizes will be shared between team members, not a ‘school’! 1st prize, for example, is a $200 choice of books, and there are individual prizes for winning team members, a series of fun prizes and everyone receives a certificate of participation.

Get fired up and register a team by Monday 19 May. P-l-e-a-s-e avoid embarrassment for yourself and Nicole by honouring this deadline – her job is already extremely busy! If you do enter, let Dawn know how it all went, send in photos, or do a review so that we can add to AHE’s website/newsletter (if you’re willing). It’s great to share and celebrate success as an encouragement to our children and other families!

TERM 3 BEGINS FOR SCHOOLS
Monday 21 July
School terms and holiday times

VARIETY MONSTER BOOK FAIR
Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July
Alexandra Park
Epsom
Contact: Tel: (09) 520-4111

A great chance to pick up some excellent bargains – books, CDs, videos, records, tapes, puzzles, games, etc, as well as support this great charity. In the meantime, sort out your own unwanted items and contact the Variety Bus to collect or arrange to drop them in yourself.

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CAREERS EXPO
Thursday 7 to Saturday 9 August
Greenlane
Cost: Free
Website: www.careers-expo.co.nz

A non-profit, community-based event, providing career pathways, information and opportunities. An opportunity for tomorrow’s workforce to connect with companies, industry groups, employers, training organisations, etc.

1ST AUCKLAND HOMESCHOOLERS’ SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FAIR
Friday 8 August, 8.45am to 4.00pm
Royal Oak Baptist Church*(map here)
Cnr Symonds Street & Erson Ave
Royal Oak

Voluntarily organised by: Katie(Administration enquiries) and Angela (Science enquiries)

Calling all Auckland homeschooled children over 7 years! Parents: put this date in your diary and help your offspring put on their thinking caps! Encourage them to grasp this great opportunity to work towards a goal, enjoy bringing together a project and share it with your wider community. Families, friends, neighbours, prospective homeschoolers and other interested people are very welcome to come along for a small door charge. Register an intention NOW for a child to take part so that we know this event has support! Entries, either individual or in pairs, may be submitted in the following categories:

Experimental Science
Technology
Observation Science Projects
Science History

All entrants will receive a participation certificate.  Book prizes will be awarded to winners of different age groups and in each category (except Science History).  There will also be book displays from resource vendors and, of course, a time to mix ‘n mingle!

Registration closure: Friday 11 July 2008, notifying Angela of participant’s name, age, proposed title, category, and a short description. Final topics/titles required by Friday 25 July 2008

* The venue will be changed if entry numbers exceed the current venue capacity, in which case registered entrants will be notified.


AUCKLAND HOME EDUCATORS INC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) & BBQ
Saturday 23 August 2008
Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn

Attendance confirmation/apologies: Sharon
(For catering, please provide number of adults/children attending BBQ, too)

A chance to come and have your say as a member, find and contribute to what’s in the pipeline and generally network with other members across the wider Auckland region. Come and show your support for the Administration Team (“A Team”) and support crew. Bring the family – there’s a good, gated children’s outdoor play area at the Centre. Last year was well supported and enjoyable.

As for the A Team, offers of help and suggestions are very welcome and encouraged – we need a strong crew to help AHE be a great regional support to the community. Maintaining and developing your skills and experience is highly rewarding. Meetings aren’t onerous and we aim to have fun alongside the satisfaction! We'd like Auckland's regional networking group to grow in terms of activity, credibility, and educational openings.  If you're wondering, "What's in it for me", come and gain an insight.

COURSES AND CAREERS DAY
Saturday 30 August, 9am to 3pm
City Campus
The University of Auckland

An annual event specifically aimed at people who are considering study at The University of Auckland. Activities popular with last year’s 6,000 attendees included:

Lectures and information sessions
Course information stalls
Services and facilties on campus
Accommodation tours
Personalised course advice from staff
Entertainment from bands, dance, cultural performances and others.

Details for 2008 will be found here. In the meantime, check out these video clips of previous University of Auckland courses and careers days (be patient with the downloads!).

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HOME EDUCATORS’ HISTORY EXHIBITION
Tuesday 23 September, 8.45am to 4.00pm
Mt Albert War Memorial Hall (map here)
Cnr Wairere Avenue & New North Road
Mt Albert

Voluntarily organised by: Katie
Cost: to be confirmed

Another great opportunity to come together to present, enjoy and be inspired by lives, events, inventions and more! Exciting details to follow.

TERM 3 ENDS FOR SCHOOLS
Friday 26 September
School term and holiday times

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TERM 4 BEGINS FOR SCHOOLS
Monday 13 October
School term and holiday times

NZ HOME EDUCATION AWARENESS WEEK
Dates to be confirmed

A great opportunity to show the general public and your supporters what you’ve been up to; raise awareness of the home education (aka homeschool) option; encourage others! Link in with your local support group to have a library display, put on an exhibition, have a picnic, make a special trip, etc. Let Dawn know what you’re doing and we could put it right here!

PUBLIC HOLIDAY: LABOUR DAY
Monday 27 October

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EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE DAY
Saturday 6 December
time to be confirmed
Venue to be confirmed
Manukau

Cost: Free
Providers: LearnEX and Better Way Books
Enquiries: Erena or tel (09)  269  3532 or tel 0800 I LEARN if outside Auckland

A combined Open Day between businesses run by home educating families: LearnEX for educational games and curriculum; Better Way Books for Christian books, historical fiction, etc ( email for a catalogue ).

TERM 4 ENDS FOR SCHOOLS
Friday 19 December
School term and holiday times

CHRISTMAS DAY
Thursday 25 December

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PUBLIC HOLIDAY: AUCKLAND ANNIVERSARY
Monday 26 January

School term and holiday times
Tuesday 27 January (at the earliest)
Thursday 5 February (at the latest)

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TERM 2 ENDS FOR SCHOOLS
Friday 4 July
School terms and holiday times

FEBRUARY 2009
PUBLIC HOLIDAY: WAITANGI DAY
Friday 6 February

9TH ANNUAL HOME EDUCATION CELEBRATION
Date to be confirmed, 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
Voluntarily organised by Dawn or 027-435-8922

Our 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 (www.stardome.co.nz) or explore more of the historical Domain.
     
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TERM 2 ENDS FOR SCHOOLS
Friday 4 July
School terms and holiday times

MERC DAY ONE
Monday 9 February, 8.45am TO 4.00pm
Marine Education & Recreation Centre, Long Bay, Auckland
Co-ordinated by: Sandra on behalf of HASCA*

Open to HASCA members only. A fabulous annual event where up to one hundred 7-16 year-old homeschoolers take part in activities which can include abseiling, rockclimbing, team- challenge, canoeing, kayaking & faith leap to name a few. It’s a unique mixture of fun & learning where all the tuition is in the hands of the professional MERC staff; no parental involvement required, although they can observe. The children break into groups, giving everyone good hands-on learning experience.

The event is by pre-registration only, including completion of a Student Medical Form – more details nearer the time.

* Homeschool Auckland Sports & Cultural Association Inc, set up by North Shore home educating parents to promote and unite home educating families’ involvement in sport and cultural events. Contact HASCA for more information.

MERC DAY TWO
Monday 16 March, 8.45am TO 4.00pm
Marine Education & Recreation Centre HASCA*

Open to HASCA members only. A fabulous annual event where up to one hundred 7-16 year-old homeschoolers take part in activities which can include abseiling, rockclimbing, team- challenge, canoeing, kayaking & faith leap to name a few. It’s a unique mixture of fun & learning where all the tuition is in the hands of the professional MERC staff; no parental involvement required, although they can observe. The children break into groups, giving everyone good hands-on learning experience.

The event is by pre-registration only, including completion of a Student Medical Form – more details nearer the time.

* Homeschool Auckland Sports & Cultural Association Inc, set up by North Shore home educating parents to promote and unite home educating families’ involvement in sport and cultural events. Contact HASCA for more information.

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TERM 1 ENDS FOR SCHOOLS
Thursday 9 April
School terms and holiday times

EASTER: GOOD FRIDAY
Friday 10 April

EASTER: EASTER MONDAY
Monday 13 April

PUBLIC HOLIDAY: ANZAC DAY
Saturday 25 April

TERM 2 BEGINS FOR SCHOOLS
Monday 27 April
School terms and holiday times

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YOUTH WEEK Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May
www.youthweek.co.nz

All about creating a society that values young people and affirms their diversity. The week aims to highlight the amazing things young people (12-24 years).

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