February 2026 Newsletter

GCSN
6 days ago
3 min read

Kia ora,

Whaowhia te kete mātauranga

Fill the basket of knowledge

Welcome back to what is shaping up to be another exciting year ahead.

We look forward to delivering a wide range of opportunities, events, and resources for ākonga, kaiako and schools/kura across the greater Christchurch region.

We are delighted to continue to offer a range of workshops in partnership with the Christchurch City Libraries team. Read on to find out more about them.

As well as these opportunities, we are proud to be continuing our work with EDOS and Ciena Skinny Jump to deliver affordable home internet connections to whānau across greater Christchurch.

We are rested and ready for another productive and busy year, and we look forward to keeping you in the loop with our newsletters.

If you have any questions or want to get in touch please reach out to us at info@gcsn.school.nz or via the GCSN website.

Noho ora mai rā,

The GCSN Team

Libraries x GCSN Programmes 2026

In partnership with the Christchurch City Libraries Design and Delivery team, we are delighted to once again be offering a range of PLD opportunities for ākonga and kaiako to engage with digital technologies in new and creative ways.

These programmes were met with such great feedback last year, and we are proud to be supporting them again in 2026. The programmes are aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum and enable ākonga and kaiako to develop their digital capabilities.

Learn more here!

Crafting Empathy

Through their efforts to collaboratively build a village in Minecraft Education Edition, ākonga will personally experience frustration, resilience, and privilege in a safe environment. Library staff will then facilitate a conversation where students can share their experiences and explore what it means to be up standers at school and in their own lives.

Miniature Maker

Embark on a hero’s journey with our Miniature

Maker workshop! Ākonga will develop a character

through creative writing, design a 3D model,

create a background using AI image generator and

laser cut a terrain tile inspired by their story. The session includes an hour miniature painting session back at school.

Creative Design Workshop

Ākonga will learn to create a vector artwork using the software Affinity Designer. Select one specific product for ākonga to design for, such as a t-shirt, poster, laptop cover, stickers, or tote bag. Ākonga will then apply their designs to the chosen product, gaining hands-on experience with both digital design and print production techniques.

Podcasting Essentials

Ākonga will take a practical, hands-on approach

to podcast creation, learning essential skills such

as writing scripts for a targeted audience and using

podcasting equipment and audio software. Script

writing is done in small groups, as is the learning of

recording and production techniques. During production,

ākonga will edit mistakes, import music, and layer

multiple tracks to create a polished final podcast.

Coding Creations (Vex Robotics)

Coding Creations is a dynamic, hands-on programme using VEX Robotics and block-based coding (text based optional). Ākonga will learn key computational thinking skills by programming robots and understanding core concepts such as inputs, outputs, and automation. The programme also encourages critical discussion around the role of robotics in the future workforce.

Learn more and register your interest here!

Cathedral Rebuild Project

Delivered by Wilj Dekkers, this exciting initiative saw 260 students from fourteen different schools explore the possibilities for the future of Christchurch Cathedral.

The project challenged students to imagine what could have been, had the building been gifted to the people of Ōtautahi rather than being rebuilt as a cathedral.

Teams come together at Tūranga Library with their concepts and plans to reimagine what could be created around and within this iconic building, with a vision that celebrates the past and meets the community’s needs.

The in-school learning highlighted the Cathedral’s history, and teachers incorporated elements of the project into their structured literacy programmes providing a deeper context for learning in their classes.

The event was a resounding success, and we are delighted to share some photos below of the students in action!