Sunday, January 11, 2015
We all arrived in snowy Oulu at various times throughout the day on Sunday. A group excursion to The Santa Clause Village at the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Lapland was planned and enjoyed by many of the Comenius partners that day. Bojan from the Slovenian team described it as being “Very cold, -22 c, but we had the opportunity to stand on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Lapland!” He also said that “It was a fairy tale experience; we saw Santa, reindeers and a lot of beautiful cottages in the quaint village."
On the way back the group had the opportunity to visit the Polar museum. Those who went to the museum found that there was very important information about the history of Finland and they could experience the (artificial) arctic lights. The rest of the group took a long, cold walk along the river.
Once having returned from the fabulous day out planned by the local friends, a small portion of the group popped into a local pub called Hemingway's in the centre of Oulu to try the infamous Finnish drink called Glögi. It was time to tuck in from the dark icy night, as day 1 of the project would come soon enough Monday morning!
From the newsletter-team:
Who hasn’t seen Santa Claus yet, must go to Rovaniemi, a beautiful city in the North of Finland. Rova
niemi is the capital city of Lapland and is the largest city of Europe. Eija and Anna-Kaisa took us to this beautiful city. We went there by train and took a bus to Santa Claus village.We also had the chance to visit the Arktikum, a museum about the history and nature in Lapland. We almost slept outside to see the Northern Light but because of the temperature this was not a good idea. Thank you again to Eija and Anna-Kaisa for this trip!
We all arrived in snowy Oulu at various times throughout the day on Sunday. A group excursion to The Santa Clause Village at the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Lapland was planned and enjoyed by many of the Comenius partners that day. Bojan from the Slovenian team described it as being “Very cold, -22 c, but we had the opportunity to stand on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Lapland!” He also said that “It was a fairy tale experience; we saw Santa, reindeers and a lot of beautiful cottages in the quaint village."
On the way back the group had the opportunity to visit the Polar museum. Those who went to the museum found that there was very important information about the history of Finland and they could experience the (artificial) arctic lights. The rest of the group took a long, cold walk along the river.
Once having returned from the fabulous day out planned by the local friends, a small portion of the group popped into a local pub called Hemingway's in the centre of Oulu to try the infamous Finnish drink called Glögi. It was time to tuck in from the dark icy night, as day 1 of the project would come soon enough Monday morning!
From the newsletter-team:
Who hasn’t seen Santa Claus yet, must go to Rovaniemi, a beautiful city in the North of Finland. Rova
niemi is the capital city of Lapland and is the largest city of Europe. Eija and Anna-Kaisa took us to this beautiful city. We went there by train and took a bus to Santa Claus village.We also had the chance to visit the Arktikum, a museum about the history and nature in Lapland. We almost slept outside to see the Northern Light but because of the temperature this was not a good idea. Thank you again to Eija and Anna-Kaisa for this trip!
Monday, January 12, 2015
-21c
It was the opening day of the 3 day conference at the Tervaväylä Learning and Consulting Centre, Lohipato unit (later to be known as home base); all of the project partners were finally reunited! Principal Anne gave the very warm welcome, stressing the importance of education in Finland. Eija followed, going through the programme for the 3 days to come. Kimmo gave the group an overview on the Tervaväylä Learning and Consulting Centre. We were presented with a great deal of information on the history of the school, the 2 units, vision, values and philosophy. It was highlighted that “Rehabilitation at school is very important”, the teachers and other professionals work very hard as a team to try to offer all the support they can for the students at school. Sanna then presented the Finnish education system explaining that comprehensive school started in the north and gradually it reached the Southern Finland and that curriculum reform in the country happens every 10 years.
We were treated to a very hearty and healthy lunch in the cozy dining hall. After lunch, wrapped up in our warmest winter gear, we were kindly transported by the school buses to Kastelli Comprehensive School where we were greeted by Principal Timo Salmi. This grand structure and state of the art school and community centre is the largest school building in Northern Finland and is comprised of 4 schools, a youth center, massive sports halls and a day care. After a very informative presentation Mr. Salmi took us on a tour of the massive complex where we saw the impressive art, design and tech and music classrooms. After the visit ended we borded the bus back to home base.
The work day ended and the various country groups disbursed among the centre of Oulu to shop, explore or head back to the hotel for a rest before we met for the "get-together party" in Myllyoja Residents House on the Oulu River. The setting of the small chalet was picturesque, sitting along the glistening snow and ice covered river. We were treated to a lovely and cosy dinner of sausages and salads, having the opportunity to fire our own sausages in the small "kota". There were also some who took the exciting opportunity to experience the traditional Finnish sauna and hot tub by the river.
It was the opening day of the 3 day conference at the Tervaväylä Learning and Consulting Centre, Lohipato unit (later to be known as home base); all of the project partners were finally reunited! Principal Anne gave the very warm welcome, stressing the importance of education in Finland. Eija followed, going through the programme for the 3 days to come. Kimmo gave the group an overview on the Tervaväylä Learning and Consulting Centre. We were presented with a great deal of information on the history of the school, the 2 units, vision, values and philosophy. It was highlighted that “Rehabilitation at school is very important”, the teachers and other professionals work very hard as a team to try to offer all the support they can for the students at school. Sanna then presented the Finnish education system explaining that comprehensive school started in the north and gradually it reached the Southern Finland and that curriculum reform in the country happens every 10 years.
We were treated to a very hearty and healthy lunch in the cozy dining hall. After lunch, wrapped up in our warmest winter gear, we were kindly transported by the school buses to Kastelli Comprehensive School where we were greeted by Principal Timo Salmi. This grand structure and state of the art school and community centre is the largest school building in Northern Finland and is comprised of 4 schools, a youth center, massive sports halls and a day care. After a very informative presentation Mr. Salmi took us on a tour of the massive complex where we saw the impressive art, design and tech and music classrooms. After the visit ended we borded the bus back to home base.
The work day ended and the various country groups disbursed among the centre of Oulu to shop, explore or head back to the hotel for a rest before we met for the "get-together party" in Myllyoja Residents House on the Oulu River. The setting of the small chalet was picturesque, sitting along the glistening snow and ice covered river. We were treated to a lovely and cosy dinner of sausages and salads, having the opportunity to fire our own sausages in the small "kota". There were also some who took the exciting opportunity to experience the traditional Finnish sauna and hot tub by the river.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
-14c
It was an early and exhilarating start to the day for two very brave project partners from the Slovenian team. Jezerka and Andreja took the opportunity to take a quick dip in Oulu's open river. "It was great and something special...I'd like to do it again!" exclaimed Jezerka when asked about the experience. The rest of the not-so-brave and reserved group met in front of home base at 8:30 am and were driven to Koskela School, Oulu University’s Teacher Training School. There we were greeted by the Principal, Seija Blomberg. We had the opportunity to split off into different groups where we were privy to observing various lessons and classes. After the tour and observations, the group reunited in the computer lab where Seija gave an in depth presentation on: “Teacher Training and Teaching Practice in Finland and in Oulu”. She highlighted the unique way of organizing teacher training in Finland and stressed the importance of quality education and teaching, as well as the values that make a good teacher.
After finishing at the Koskela School we were on our way to the Tervaväylä Learning and Consulting Centres’ second unit- Merikartano. We were greeted by a grand display of pride and glory, a sparkling snow castle that was well on its way to growing above the heads of the students who were building it! We were invited in the snow castle and many photos were taken. It was time for lunch; yet another fresh, warm and healthy one! Thank you so much dear Finnish hosts! After lunch, we had the opportunity to visit a couple of classes to observe the set up and the beginning of lessons. The afternoon was reserved for meeting in our various working groups; toolbox/ conference content, digital team, glossary team, newsletter and blog teams, and the conference/organisation/ inclusion team. We finished the day at 4pm and headed back to our hotels for some downtime before we were to meet again for a “walking tour of Oulu”, followed by a cosy traditional dinner at Sokeri Jussin Kievari, a beautiful old rustic restaurant. Reindeer and Arctic Char were available; and delicious!
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
-10c
The group met at 8:45am in front of home base and walked together to the Luovi Vocational School. We were welcomed by Miia Pyykkö, who is the Assistant of International Affairs at the College. Miia gave a very in-depth and interesting presentation of the College, happily answering questions and inquiries along the way. The best part of any visit is always the walking around and observing… we all split off into various directions, where we had the opportunity to visit the preparatory class. Here the ultimate goal is for independent living and work. The students are able to practice their work skills for between 1-3 years in the preparatory classes. I think it is safe to say that we were all very impressed by the class content and the support and encouragement that is available for the students in the preparatory class at Luovi Vocational School.
After the visit, we walked back to home base for the last time to have coffee and lovely snacks! Half of the participant counties had the opportunity to present their State of Play and the impact of the project on their school before we had our lunch break. We also had the opportunities to observe 2 students model two different technology aids: the first being a smart phone which operates various electrical devices that the student uses most in her daily routines; allowing for independence and confidence building, and the second, an electric device which enables the student to manoeuvre two separate switches with his/her head to operate a tablet independently. Incredible opportunities for the students!
Lunch was served; delicious and nutritious yet again! The final groups presented their State of Play and impact of the project on their school. We had the opportunity to really see how the Comenius Project was making its mark on all of the participating professionals, their schools and ultimately, their communities. Eija gave a brief presentation on ICF ( http://www.who.int/classifications/icf/icf_more/en/ . Our last opportunity to split off into the working groups and finally the local teams before we said our goodbyes until March in Graz!
Kiitos to our very hospitable and kind Finnish friends for such an incredible programme and exciting learning experience!
-14c
It was an early and exhilarating start to the day for two very brave project partners from the Slovenian team. Jezerka and Andreja took the opportunity to take a quick dip in Oulu's open river. "It was great and something special...I'd like to do it again!" exclaimed Jezerka when asked about the experience. The rest of the not-so-brave and reserved group met in front of home base at 8:30 am and were driven to Koskela School, Oulu University’s Teacher Training School. There we were greeted by the Principal, Seija Blomberg. We had the opportunity to split off into different groups where we were privy to observing various lessons and classes. After the tour and observations, the group reunited in the computer lab where Seija gave an in depth presentation on: “Teacher Training and Teaching Practice in Finland and in Oulu”. She highlighted the unique way of organizing teacher training in Finland and stressed the importance of quality education and teaching, as well as the values that make a good teacher.
After finishing at the Koskela School we were on our way to the Tervaväylä Learning and Consulting Centres’ second unit- Merikartano. We were greeted by a grand display of pride and glory, a sparkling snow castle that was well on its way to growing above the heads of the students who were building it! We were invited in the snow castle and many photos were taken. It was time for lunch; yet another fresh, warm and healthy one! Thank you so much dear Finnish hosts! After lunch, we had the opportunity to visit a couple of classes to observe the set up and the beginning of lessons. The afternoon was reserved for meeting in our various working groups; toolbox/ conference content, digital team, glossary team, newsletter and blog teams, and the conference/organisation/ inclusion team. We finished the day at 4pm and headed back to our hotels for some downtime before we were to meet again for a “walking tour of Oulu”, followed by a cosy traditional dinner at Sokeri Jussin Kievari, a beautiful old rustic restaurant. Reindeer and Arctic Char were available; and delicious!
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
-10c
The group met at 8:45am in front of home base and walked together to the Luovi Vocational School. We were welcomed by Miia Pyykkö, who is the Assistant of International Affairs at the College. Miia gave a very in-depth and interesting presentation of the College, happily answering questions and inquiries along the way. The best part of any visit is always the walking around and observing… we all split off into various directions, where we had the opportunity to visit the preparatory class. Here the ultimate goal is for independent living and work. The students are able to practice their work skills for between 1-3 years in the preparatory classes. I think it is safe to say that we were all very impressed by the class content and the support and encouragement that is available for the students in the preparatory class at Luovi Vocational School.
After the visit, we walked back to home base for the last time to have coffee and lovely snacks! Half of the participant counties had the opportunity to present their State of Play and the impact of the project on their school before we had our lunch break. We also had the opportunities to observe 2 students model two different technology aids: the first being a smart phone which operates various electrical devices that the student uses most in her daily routines; allowing for independence and confidence building, and the second, an electric device which enables the student to manoeuvre two separate switches with his/her head to operate a tablet independently. Incredible opportunities for the students!
Lunch was served; delicious and nutritious yet again! The final groups presented their State of Play and impact of the project on their school. We had the opportunity to really see how the Comenius Project was making its mark on all of the participating professionals, their schools and ultimately, their communities. Eija gave a brief presentation on ICF ( http://www.who.int/classifications/icf/icf_more/en/ . Our last opportunity to split off into the working groups and finally the local teams before we said our goodbyes until March in Graz!
Kiitos to our very hospitable and kind Finnish friends for such an incredible programme and exciting learning experience!