May 2025 Newsletter
- GCSN
- May 14
- 3 min read
Kia ora,
Whaiwhia te kete mātauranga
Fill the basket of knowledge
With Term 2 well underway we are looking ahead to what the rest of 2025 has to offer.
To help you support students' learning alongside the increasing prevalence of genAI we thought it would be appropriate to spotlight our refreshed AI workshops and AI-related resources. Read on below to learn about what these resources include, how they can support you in the classroom, and alongside our recent publication, Harnessing the Power of AI for Future-Focused Learning, how to ensure students are engaging with genAI safely in ways that can benefit learning.
This month we are introducing you to new genAI-related resources, showcasing Wilj Dekkers' Cathedral Redesign Project, and reminding you about the many GCSN supported opportunities available for you and your ākonga across Terms 2 and 3.
If you have any questions please reach out to us at info@gcsn.school.nz
Noho ora mai rā,
The GCSN Team
AI Workshops and Related Resources
The GCSN have created three workshops for kaiako to support them to meaningfully integrate AI in the classroom in innovative and effective ways while ensuring it is used safely and responsibility. Each workshop can be used to support staff professional development either individually or sequentially.
Workshop 1: genAI Concerns and Creative Work - What generative AI (genAI) is, how it works and what it means for schools/kura
Workshop 2: Keeping Safe with genAI - Safety and ethical considerations of genAI and how to ensure ākonga safely use genAI to support learning
Workshop 3: Integrating genAI into Learning - Ways that genAI can be integrated to meaningfully enhance learning, rather than replace it.
Cathedral Redesign Project - A Vision for Christchurch's Future
The Cathedral Redesign Project is an exciting initiative delivered by Wilj Dekkers which brings together 14 schools and 260 students from across Canterbury. Over the course of this project, students have been exploring the possibilities for the future of the Christchurch Cathedral. Inspired by the redevelopment of the Battersea Power Station, the project challenges students to imagine what could have been, had the building been gifted to the people of Ōtautahi rather than being rebuilt as a cathedral.
The images below show the project in action!
Students from Year 5 to Year 8 have been working in teams to rethink the Cathedral's design, considering what amazing functions and community spaces could be created around and within this iconic, listed building. Their work blends creativity, design thinking, and a deep respect for heritage, as they envision a future that celebrates both the past and the community's needs.
We're looking forward to the upcoming showcase event, where the students will come together to present their ideas and share the learning from this inspiring project.
The image above shows a student's planning and how the project incorporates literacy alongside the creative use of digital technologies.
More opportunities for you
GCSN supports many other opportunities for student and kaiako learning. We are looking forward to all that the rest of 2025 has to offer including:
👩🏻💻 Libraries school programmes - Creative Design, Crafting Empathy, Podcasting Essentials, and Miniature Maker are now available at the New Brighton Library with availability across Terms 2 & 3.
👀 Top of the Pods 2025 - Keep an eye out for the 2025 competition which will be launching soon in collaboration with Plains Media and Christchurch City Libraries!
🎙️ Podcasting PD for kaiako - As part of the Top of the Pods 2025 competition, Plains Media will be delivering professional development workshops focused on podcasting in the classroom for kaiako.
📚 GCSN resources - GCSN has many other resources available to support kaiako, whānau and schools/kura. These include workshops, tools and publications about the use of AI, cyberbullying, cybersafety and security, digital wellbeing, and the innovative use of digital technologies to support learning.
Keep an eye out for updates about these opportunities coming soon...
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