Newsletter December 2020

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From the Chair

Well folks, that’s a wrap for 2020!

As year’s go, I think I’ll give it just one star!

At SeniorNet Kapiti though, we’ve weathered the storm and come out the other side as a stronger organisation than when we started. Along the way we’ve discovered the power and reach of online learning, firstly during Lockdown and more recently through our participation in the Senior Hangouts Pilot run by The Federation. I think there’s a lot more to come from this technology now we’re all better acquainted with it.

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Newsletter November 2020

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It’s great to see SeniorNet Kapiti up and running (OK, sprinting!) in Term 4. Many of our classes and workshops are full or near full which is exceptionally pleasing for the Tutors and Committee after the significant activity slowdown of COVID-19. With everyone so busy, it’s a opportune time for me to remind our members that everyone involved in the running of SeniorNet gives their time for free. Actually, they also pay their membership fee…. for the privilege of taking your bookings on the phone, managing the membership list, organising the tutors, keeping the computers running and most of all, the special treat of teaching you stuff about computers! With the festive season almost upon us, it’s a great time to thank a tutor or make Elaine’s day by booking one last course for 2020. 

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Newsletter October 2020

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Term 4 has just started and it’s the busiest programme of courses and workshops I can remember. We’re doing a lot of catch-up for sessions missed due to Level 2 and 3 restrictions so I expect The Learning Centre to be very busy for the next 4-6 weeks. Elaine still has places on most courses so have a look at what’s on offer and give her a call.

We’ve received Council’s permission to install 4 bike racks outside The Learning Centre. We’ve noticed that a number of our members are using two wheels to come to Matai Rd and with summer just around the corner, we’re pleased to offer somewhere you can securely leave your transport while you’re attending meetings, courses and workshops. Everything has been ordered and I would expect the racks to be available within a fortnight. Continue reading →

Newsletter September 2020

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As I mentioned last month, the SeniorNet Federation AGM has finally been held after being postponed due to the Lockdown. A very successful meeting was held using Zoom with well over 60 people attending from 37 Learning Centres and the formal minutes will be published shortly.

Some of the important points of note to come out of the meeting were; Continue reading →

Newsletter August 2020

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Well, just when we all thought we could relax a little, COVID-19 snuck up and bit us in the derriere! Our Committee has been hard at work developing a set of guidelines for us to use while we remain in Level 2 – “allowed to do things while being extra vigilant”. You can read the full guidelines on our website here but here’s a summary of the key points as they affect courses and workshops at SeniorNet.

  • The Learning Centre remains open but with restrictions on social distancing
    • Maximum of 7 people in a class with 3 tutors
    • We’ll still have our mid-class break but there will be no morning or afternoon tea served – students are welcome to help themselves to water
    • Tutors will not handle student’s devices and they will wear masks during exercises
    • Students are encouraged to wear face coverings
  • All attendees at The Learning Centre are strongly encouraged to use the official COVID-19 Tracer App and we’ll be happy to assist anyone to get it installed on their smartphone or iPhone (indications are that the latest version works well on both Apple and Android devices). You can also access it yourself here or by going directly to the Apple Store or Google Play Store on your device
  • Key surfaces will be cleaned down after every class (desks, keyboards, kitchen surfaces etc). Hand sanitiser will be provided for everyone to use
  • Regular Workshops (iOS, Android and Q&A) will move to online Zoom Sessions
  • Students attending current (and future) courses under Level 2 will be contacted by the Lead Tutor. If you are uncomfortable about attending a face-to-face course, you are welcome to withdraw and we will give you priority access to the same course when it is next scheduled under Level 1
  • The COVID-19 Helpdesk will be reinstated for members to gain access to technical assistance while we are in Level 2 (see details below)

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