John Taylor Gatto's book "The Underground History of American Education"

From Jewel via NZUnschoolers@yahoogroups.com:

Hi all, John Taylor Gatto's book "The Underground History of American Education" free to read online in it's entirety: http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/chapters/index.htm

"You aren’t compelled to loan your car to anyone who wants it, but you are compelled to surrender your school-age child to strangers who process children for a livelihood......"

Cheers Jewel

Swim for Life Passport

Water Safety New Zealand are encouraging children to improve their swimming by giving them a free swimming passport booklet. As they achieve certain goals, parents or coaches sign them off, and there are also chances to win various prizes. To register for a free swimming passport, go here: http://swimforlife.co.nz/register

Next Big People’s Night Out

At the last BPNO we discussed trying a new venue, so next month will meet at
The Church café at 50 Dundas St, 7:30pm Wednesday 23 March. All welcome!

Girl Guide Biscuits

From Stacey:

Ella is selling Girl Guide biscuits this year. Please contact us if you would like some!

• plain - $3pkt. 15pkts per carton. $45 per carton
• chocolate - $3.50 pkt. 18pkts per carton. $63 per carton
• minis - $3.50pkt. 16pkts per carton. $56 per carton

No order too big, no order too small :)

NCEA and NZ curriculum resources

For past exam papers, exemplars and details of each NCEA subject & standard: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/ncea-subject-resources/

The New Zealand Curriculum is available online at
http://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/Curriculum-documents
or to order print copies phone 0800660662. You might need to supply the number on your exemption certificate, so have it handy.

Preparation of survival kits

We’ve been very slack at organising a survival kit our emergency plan at our house, but I’m feeling very motivated after the earthquake. Here are a few useful links regarding setting these up:
What’s the Plan, Stan? Civil Defence site for family preparation
Frugal Kiwi DIY Emergency Survival Kit preparation on a budget
Survive-It complete survival kits available for purchase from Civil Defence for those not on a budget! (you can also buy individual bits that might be lacking from your own kit - like those reflecty survival sleeping bags, or water purification tablets)

Canterbury Earthquake

From Nicola:

After the terrible earthquake in Christchurch last week, everyone seems to want to do something to help our northern cousins. Here are a few links I’ve come across recently, not all of which involve giving money, as I know this can be a struggle for many of us at times.
There were some great ideas and links in the latest (free) email newsletter from NZ Gardener magazine. If you don't subscribe, have a look at their website - they allow open access to past issues once the new newsletter is mailed out, so the Feb 25 newsletter will be available this Friday.

There are many crafty auctions being set up to raise funds for Christchurch—here are a few I found via Facebook Ginger Pye blog
Adopt a Cantab - looking for volunteers to connect with Cantabrians who just need a friendly ear on the phone to talk to.
Quake Escape— matching up those offering accommodation with those who need it (also Accommodation for Earthquake Stricken Cantabrians)
Otago Quake Help— collating Dunedin offers of accommodation
BabyJam — will donate 50c for everyone who signs up for their free online goodie bag offer (for parents of children 0—10 years)
CurrClick - have put together a fundraising package for NZ Red Cross: I’ve just had a quick look at this bundle and it seems to include mostly downloadable products, with a Chrsitan perspective. From Tanya Burge via NZHomeEducators@yahoogroups.com: “CurrClick and several publishers have teamed up to raise funds to aid those affected by the Christchurch earthquake. We have a new bundle with over $234 of great products available now for a $20 donation. All donations will go to the New Zealand Red Cross.”