Here we are the half way point in the school year - a chance to reflect and a time to recharge the batteries. What better time to snuggle up with a good book and enjoy some R & R.

The WLA have been active over the last term with events as well as planning for future ones...

* Tanya Batt had us laughing and literally rolling around on the floor at Melville Primary School in mid May.

* Many schools throughout the country took part in the National Simultaneous Storytime on the 22nd May. Over a million participants across New Zealand and Australia read the delightful story 'Alpacas with Maracas'.

* Our NZLA Conference 'The Arts as a Bridge to Literacy' this year is hosted in Christchurch and it is not too late to register - Early Bird registrations have been extended until the 10th July.Congratulations to Georgia Moore from Goodwood School, she is this years recipient of the Marie Clay Award - Early Careers. Also our WLA sponsored recipient has been awarded to Pip Stewart from Hillcrest Primary School.

*We had a contingent from the committee that headed to Wellington at the start of June for the NZLA Annual Meeting. Congratulations to Judith Woodham who has taken up the opportunity to be on the National Executive. We certainly have a diverse range of skills and knowledge in our committee.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the different organising teams within our WLA committee. They work hard to bring you well planned, though provoking, fun, educational events that are extremely affordable.

And what is coming up in Term 3...

We are thrilled to bringing Rob Southam the Scholastic Ambassador to present 'The Power of the Book'. Our intended audience for this event is: All Teacher Education students, Beginning teachers (first and second year out) and their Tutor teachers. Rob is extremely passionate about spreading the word about current trends in reading and a few of us were fortunate enough to hear her speak at last years conference in Palmerston North.

Also this term we have our very exciting Young Author and Illustrator event for students- this is for budding young writers and artists. We invite published authors and illustrators to share their work and impart their knowledge. This is strictly a MEMBER school only event.

Sandie Haddock
President - Waikato Literacy Association

'Tanya's workshop was fun and time passed so quickly with her high energy explanations on how to storytell. Tanya took us through all the steps to be able to tell a story using our bodies. She inspired me to try it the very next day and the kids have loved it!' Trace

'Tanya's lively personality captivated the audience. She showed us the magic of telling stories through movement, music and a bit of improvisation.' Melody

'Fun, interactive, inspiring. Great ways of getting children involved instead of just passively listening.' Diane

These are words from teachers who were at "Telling tales'" with Tanya Batt. For those of us who did attend, we definitely felt we were where it was at that afternoon!

Tanya has presented workshops for children and teachers from member schools of the Waikato Literacy Association three times now. She continues to spread her magic dust onto those she works with, encouraging, suggesting singing dancing and storytelling in such a colourful way. Check out the photos!

The WLA would like to send a huge KIA ORA to Bronwyn and Diane at Melville Primary for hosting us all and supporting Tanya's kaupapa. Their tamariki had a fabulous afternoon with our teller of tales provided by the WLA. It was wonderful to be able to gift this children's workshop to the school as they have been members of the association for many, many years.

Thanks so much to Tanya and Mike - for the wonderful musical accompaniment - for sharing your expertise and your passion with us. Kia kaha!

Sandra Neil

WLA

A chance for your budding writers and artists to hear from published authors and illustrators for a day. Open to year 5-8 students from MEMBER schools only (limited to 8). Cost $15 per attendee. Register using the form below.

More information:

https://www.smore.com/czjyt

4.00pm - 5.00pm,

Afternoon tea provided at 3.30pm

Venue Waikato University - Student Cafe/Lecture Theatre -TBC

Intended audience: Teacher trainees, 1st & 2nd year graduates who have started their teaching career and their Tutor teachers.

Cost: Gold Coin for Teacher Education students $10 for Beginning Teachers and $20 for Tutor teachers

Event for Educators

Keep this date marked in your diary! Longworth Education will be presenting Literacy play. More in, we have moved it from our event calendar this year. formation to come in the next Noteworthy.

Sandie Haddock - (Scholastic) President

Todd Burton - (Matangi School) NZLA Delegate, Incoming President 2020

Judith Woodham - (Paeroa Cluster) Secretary, NZLA Executive (June 2019 - 2021)

Mel Sargent- (Manawaru School)Treasurer

Kerry Horan - (St Joseph's Morrinsville) Membership Secretary

Sandra Neil - (Hillcrest Normal School) Noteworthy Editor

Wendy Carss - (Waikato University) Honour Council, ILA Board of Directors

Kylie Te Arihi - (Knighton Normal School) Forum Distributor

Jocelyn Broom - (Knighton Normal School) Forum Distributor

Vicki Stephens - (National Library )Social Media

Therese Cargo - (Kelston Deaf Education Centre) Committee Member

Alison Stockton - (Whitiora School) Committee Member

Megan Bevan - (Knighton Normal School) Committee Member