Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Monday 9AM - 12PM
Where: SkillWise Cafe
Extra Fees: $5 per session

Description:
Participants continue to develop their cooking skills while working together as a team. The focus is on healthy food preparation, keeping the kitchen clean.

Please note that food is not gluten-free. 

You will learn:
• How to extend your cooking skills.
• How to work as part of a team.
• How to wash and dry dishes.
• About health and safety in the kitchen.

What to bring:
• Suitable kitchen attire.
• Enclosed shoes.

Other Info:
• Please note that food is not gluten-free.
• Must have some cooking experience.

Facilitator: Jonny
When: Monday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise
Extra Fees: $5 per session

Description:
Play minigolf in small groups at various locations around the city. Games are scored to determine trends and Fridayendly competition.  

You will learn:
• How to play and score minigolf. 
• How to improve technique, power and strategy. 
• To track progress and personal development. 

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
Due to space in the SkillWise Van, accommodations will be arranged for golfers with mobility aids.

Facilitator: Michelle
When: Monday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise or Risingholme
Extra Fees: $5 per session

Description:
Working with clay, using hands, tools, foliage to work and decorate pieces that will be glazed and fired.

You will learn:
• ASDAN Pottery and Ceramics
• How to explore creativity using clay

What to bring:
You can bring an apron if you wish.

Other Info:
• Based at Risingholme and goes for 8 weeks: 4th May - 22nd June.
• This class will do an alternate creative activity outside of those 8 weeks.

Facilitator: Nelleke
When: Monday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
This class focuses on creating a small-scale theatre through the art of puppetry. Students will explore hand-puppet making, as well as the design and creation of backdrops and props. The course encourages hands-on experimentation with materials such as fabric, cardboard, and recycled items. Alongside making, students will research puppetry to better understand its history, techniques, and role as a creative art form.

You will learn:
• To develop practical skills in the elements of puppetry creation.
• To strengthen storytelling and creative expression.
• To build understanding of puppetry as a form of creative expression.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Nick and Lauren
When: Monday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Together the class will explore a range of different aspects of Māori culture, learning about history in Aotearoa, before, during and after the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This class aims to be driven by learners' interests, exploring Māori art forms, tikanga (customs), different iwi, and celebrations (Waitangi Day, Matariki).  Participants will also build a collection of te reo māori words through waiata, karakia and stories.

You will learn:
• Te Tiriti Understanding: explore the history and ongoing significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Te Reo Māori Vocabulary: build a growing collection of everyday kupu (words) and phrases
• Whakapapa Connection: reflect on personal ancestry and its place within wider community
• Waiata Learning: learn and practise Māori songs to connect with language and culture
• Cultural Awareness: gain insight into Māori values, customs, and worldviews
• Place Name Knowledge: understand the meaning and stories behind Aotearoa’s place names
• Respectful Engagement: build confidence interacting with te ao Māori in a meaningful way
• Group Reflection: share learning journeys and deepen understanding together through kōrero and collaboration

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
• An interest in te ao māori (the Māori world) and te reo māori (māori language) is preferred. If people have goals around this learning, that is also preferred. But anyone is welcome.
(please let us know if low literacy so we can plan accordingly) 
• The material in this class are a repeat of previous semesters. It is not recommended to join if you have completed this class previously.

Facilitator: Danielle
When: Monday 9AM - 12PM 
Where: Auditorium
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
This class helps participants understand and manage their emotions by exploring different situations and ideas through discussions, videos, and written materials. Participants will develop their skills in communication, setting boundaries, recognizing and processing emotions, teamwork, respect, saying no, and empathy, all aimed at fostering healthy and positive interactions with others.

You will learn:
• To recognize and understand emotions by exploring feelings and reactions in different situations through discussion and learning resources.
• To build positive communication skills, including respectful listening, teamwork, and empathy when interacting with others.
• To develop healthy relationships by practicing cooperation, empathy, and positive social behaviors in everyday life.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
The material in this class are a repeat of "Understanding Emotions" and "Boundaries & Communication". It is not recommended to join if you have completed these classes previously.

Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Monday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Visit Christchurch Heritage sites using the CCC trail map, with a focus on the beach and coastline.

You will learn:
• About Christchurch Heritage buildings.
• To build relationships through sharing conversations on local heritage and history.

What to bring:
• Appropriate clothing and shoes for walking.
• Afternoon tea and a bottle of water.

Other Info:
• Class will depart at 12:45PM sharp, meet at the outside table.
• Mobility is required for long walks (Must be able to walk confidently from SkillWise to The Art Gallery and back).

Facilitator: Lou Term 2, Stan Term 3
When: Monday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Auditorium
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Sing, dance or just listen to music, poems & readings. 

You will learn:
• How to build confidence to sing out loud.
• How to work together.
• About different types of music.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Nelleke
When: Monday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
Participants will work on projects such as completing take-home textile pieces, which may include knitting, crocheting, or sewing, as well as collaborating on larger group projects if time permits.

You will learn:
• To improve skills in textile-related projects.
• How to create projects based on your interests.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Danielle
When: Tuesday 9AM - 10:30AM
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
This class helps participants learn about elements of being part of their community, looking at topics such as their rights and responsibilities, how communities work, the basics of government, voting and law, managing money, and being a responsible global citizen.

You will learn:
• About your rights and responsibilities and how communities function.
• The basics of civic systems, such as government, law, and voting, and how these affect everyday life.
• To develop responsible citizenship skills, including managing money and understanding global citizenship.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Nelleke
When: Tuesday 9AM - 10:30AM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
Participants will explore their creativity through individual craft projects during class-based sessions, working with materials such as paper, fabric, textiles, and recycled items.
You will get to complete simple projects, creating things to take home.

You will learn:
• New craft skills through hands-on activities. 

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
Learners may join both "Make & Create" sessions if they need the time to work on their projects.

Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Tuesday 9AM - 10:30AM
Where: Auditorium
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Join a class of independent singing, run by the participants and supported by the Learning Facilitator.

You will learn:
• How to build confidence in singing
• To create new social connections through shared interests.
• To undertake leadership roles.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
Active singing participation is optional.

Facilitator: Jonny and Lou
When: Tuesday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise or the Sydenham Indoor Centre
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
Play cricket at a great indoor facility. Teams are mixed weekly to create varied games. Everyone gets to bowl and bat. Games are played with a rubber ball.

You will learn:
• To develop all physical cricketing abilities (bat, bowl, catch, throw, wicket keep)
• How to play in a partnership (using teamwork and communication so that you, and your batting partner avoid getting run out).
• That playing cricket indoors creates a very different game to standard cricket, where strategy can be more useful than shear power.

What to bring:
• Some morning tea and a bottle of water.
• Warm clothing is advised.
• There is a small walk outside to the bathrooms, so if raining, an umbrella or raincoat is ideal. 

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Hilary
When: Tuesday 9AM - 12PM
Where: SkillWise Cafe
Extra Fees: $5 per session

Description:
Building the core fundamentals and knowledge of cooking. 
Please note that the food is not gluten-free

You will learn:
• How to make simple, tasty meals: focusing on easy recipes with everyday ingredients.
• Safe Food Handling: learn essential hygiene, storage, and knife safety in a gentle, guided way.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
• Please note that the food is not gluten-free.
• This class is for people new to cooking.

Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Tuesday 10:45AM - 12PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Choose to garden onsite independently or join a short social walk.
The short social walk is held at a slower pace to foster conversation.

You will learn:
• How to garden independently or with others.
• How to build connections through conversation.

What to bring:
• Appropriate clothing for winter and optional water bottle.

Other Info:
• Those who choose to join the walk will leave at 10.45AM, meet at the outside table.
• Can choose between independent gardening or attending the local walk.
• Walks are held at a slower pace, so all skill levels welcome.

Facilitator: Nelleke
When: Tuesday 10:45AM - 12PM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
Participants will explore their creativity through individual craft projects during class-based sessions, working with materials such as paper, fabric, textiles, and recycled items.

You will get to complete simple projects, creating things to take home.

You will learn:
New craft skills through hands-on activities. 

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
Learners may join both "Make & Create" sessions if they need the time to work on their projects.

Facilitator: Stan
When: Tuesday 10:45AM - 12PM
Where: Auditorium
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Learn confidence using cash & cards, shopping & looking after your money. 

You will learn:
• About cash and cards.
• About spending & saving.
• About money safety.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
It is recommended to have finished the ASDAN module "Money: Introduction" (or have some basic Money skills).

Facilitator: Danielle
When: Tuesday 10:45AM - 12PM
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Exploring how to manage and improve personal wellbeing in everyday life, with topics including confidence, self-care, assertiveness and self-management in practical ways.

You will learn:
• To understand personal wellbeing and how everyday choices affect confidence, mental health, and overall self-care.
• To develop practical self-management skills, including strategies for managing stress, emotions, and daily challenges.
• To build assertiveness and confidence, enabling effective communication, healthy boundaries, and positive self-esteem. 

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Stan
When: Tuesday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Join this class to learn all about model railroads, along with a hands on element, building and operating the SkillWise model railroad.

You will learn:
• Various tool skills.
• How to exhibit in front of the public.
• How to work as a team.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Nelleke
When: Tuesday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
During class-based sessions, participants will be encouraged to create a multi-layered journal that reflects their interests, ideas, and learning.
Through sharing and engaging with diverse perspectives, participants will deepen their understanding of themselves and others.
The learning space will support exploration of culture, identity, and creative expression, using visual forms to communicate personal experiences and ideas.

You will learn:
• How to create a journal which explores your choice of visual storytelling.
• To collaborate on exploring and collating information about other cultures to understand diversity.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Cherry
When: Wednesday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Auditorium
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
We learn about movies. We also go through the process of making short videos such as planning, filming, and editing. 

You will learn:
• The process of making movies.
• More about using a camera, acting, and/or editing.
• What makes popular movies great.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Lou
When: Wednesday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Deliver meals to members of the community, while also checking in on their wellbeing by having a brief chat with them. 

You will learn:
• The power of small actions and community connection.
• Communication Skills: Having gentle conversations and noticing when someone might not be okay.
• Google Map skills.

What to bring:
• Bring your lunch and a warm jacket.

Other Info:
Good mobility is required for getting in and out of the SkillWise Van.

Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Wednesday 9AM - 12PM
Where: SkillWise Cafe
Extra Fees: $5 per session

Description:
This class focusses on independence and confidence with cooking.
Learners are expected to have a high level of experience cooking and food preparation.
Please note that food is not gluten-free.

You will learn:
• How to cook on your own.
• How to evaluate health and safety risks.
• How to research for recipes.
• How to shop for ingredients.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
• Must have a high level of cooking experience.
• Please note that food is not gluten-free. 

Facilitator: Danielle
When: Wednesday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Class participants will learn practical skills necessary for living independently in a flat or apartment, particularly suited for those transitioning from family environments seeking more independence.

You will learn:
• How to manage daily routines, household tasks, and personal responsibilities.
• Practical self-management, such as budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a safe living environment.
• To build confidence for transitioning to independent life, especially for those moving from family support to living on their own.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
The material in this class are a repeat of previous semesters. It is not recommended to join if you have completed this class previously.

Facilitator: Stan
When: Wednesday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
This class is an introduction to money skills.
Start to learn about cash, cards, spending and saving money. 

You will learn:
• About cash and cards.
• About spending & saving.
• About money safety.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
This class is designed for people interested in starting to learn about money skills.

Facilitator: Cherry
When: Wednesday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Practice writing in your way. 
We publish the SkillWise newsletter at the end of each Monday.
We also practice scrapbooking to learn how to put pages together. 

You will learn:
• How to develop your own writing.
• What is involved in creating the SkillWise newsletter.
• How to use Canva (for tech-savvy learners).

What to bring:
• Your own writing stationary (optional).

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Wednesday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: SkillWise Cafe
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
Explore designing craft and jewelry projects using templates and colour charts.

You will learn:
• About design, patterns and colours.
• The steps and skills needed to make jewellery and craft projects.
• How to use different craft and jewelry making equipment.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
All skill levels welcome.

Facilitator: Lou
When: Wednesday 12:45PM - 3PM  
Where: Meet at SkillWise
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Sign up to be a volunteer at the SPCA, helping to wash, dry, fold and store cat and dog bedding.
There may be other tasks, such as washing dog/cat bowls or filling heavy bags of pet food.

Contact with animals is limited.

You will learn:
• The importance of hygiene: how clean bedding directly affect animals’ health, comfort and stress levels.
• Teamwork: volunteers learn they are part of a team and how every task, no matter how unglamorous, keeps the whole system running.
• Compassion through care: even without direct animal handling volunteers are contributing to their wellbeing.

What to bring:
• Warm jacket (volunteers will be working outdoors).

Other Info:
New participants MUST attend the first week session to attend orientation.

Facilitator: Stan
When: Wednesday 12:45PM - 3PM 
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Plan a radio show at SkillWise, and, once a month, record a radio program at Plains Media. 

You will learn:
• To build confidence in front of a microphone.
• How to plan a script.
• To be part of the music selection process.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Jonny
When: Wednesday 12:45PM - 3PM 
Where: Auditorium
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
• The class collaborates with the Learning Facilitator to edit various footage. This could be “Activity Trailers”, as seen on the website, Staff interviews, and editing the Reel Tree footage.
• Participants generally sit and contribute by sharing their ideas and help decide aesthetic/audio related decisions. Editing processes are explained on a large screen so participants can get an insight of how movies are edited, such as the process of greenscreens and seamless cuts.
• Depending on interest there is occasionally opportunity for the participant to work with a video camera, greenscreen and lighting rigs. 

You will learn:
• About the process of editing films.
• How to contribute your ideas to shape video projects.
• Specific editing techniques, such as using a greenscreen, merging shots together, altering audio and colour to suit projects.
• Learn how to set up a greenscreen, lapel microphones and lighting. Learn how to use a video camera and upload footage.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Lou
When: Thursday 9AM - 12PM 
Where: SkillWise Cafe
Extra Fees: $5 per session

Description:
This is a new cooking class which will be completing the Meal Preparation: Sensory ASDAN book.

Some activities will be: exploring food textures, temperatures, cooking sounds and cooking tools.

You will learn:
• How food looks, smells, feel, sounds and tastes. Learning about your preferences (e.g. crunchy vs soft, mild vs strong smells).
• Life and Independence skills e.g. cleaning up, following steps in order, measuring, pouring, stirring and chopping.
• To build confidence and pride: “I made this and it tasted great!""

What to bring:
Learners with long hair need to have it tied back.

Other Info:
This is a great introductory cooking class for learners with no experience."

Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Thursday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
This class explores different creative themes involving all things paper and fabric. The class will have a series of projects to work on together.

You will learn:
• How to make paper, papier mache and paper clay.
• How to work with fabric/paper/collage/print.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Michelle
When: Thursday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Supporting the Christchurch community by delivering hot meals for the Red Cross Meals on Wheels programme to approximately 10 addresses.    

You will learn:
• Community Spirit – giving time and effort to help support the Red Cross / Meals on Wheels.
• Supporting staff by helping with locations.

What to bring:
Morning tea if you want it.

Other Info:
• We leave SkillWise by 9:30AM, go for a drive somewhere in the city and we have to be at the pick-up location (Hillmorton or Linwood) by 10:45AM. If possible, meals should be delivered by 12:00PM.
• Depending on the route we do and the number of meals to deliver we may be back late for lunch (12.45PM)

Facilitator: Cherry
When: Thursday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Learn about work and what makes a good employee. 

You will learn:
• About health and safety in various workplaces.
• What jobs are available and tasks expected for those roles.
• About expectations at work, like being on time.
• Your rights and responsibilities.
• How to make CVs.

What to bring:
• Basic stationary.

Other Info:
The material in this class are a repeat of previous semesters. It is not recommended to join if you have completed this class previously.

Facilitator: Michelle
When: Thursday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Volunteering at the SPCA, providing practical support behind the scenes, such as laundry and cleaning.

Please note that the volunteering at the SPCA does not mean looking after the animals and there may be no animal contact.

You will learn:
Community Spirit – giving time and effort to help support the SPCA

What to bring:
Afternoon Tea if you want it

Other Info:
• Leaving Skillwise at around 1.00PM (may need to wait for morning volunteer group to get back and have a lunch break).
• There MAY be an opportunity to see some kittens if there is time and SPCA staff available to facilitate this.

Facilitator: Stan
When: Thursday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Join this class to learn all about model railroads, along with a hands on element, building and operating the SkillWise model railroad.

You will learn:
• Various tool skills.
• How to exhibit in front of the public.
• How to work as a team.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Lou
When: Thursday 12:45PM - 3PM 
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
Make a range of craft and jewellery, from stringing beads, making cards or clay decorations.

You will learn:
• How to follow simple instructions with support.
• How to make choices about colours, shapes, materials and design. 
• How to cut, glue and tear. 

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Friday 9AM - 12PM
Where: SkillWise Cafe
Extra Fees: $5 per session

Description:
This cooking class focusses on creating baked goods. This involves learning the steps taken, such as measuring and reading recipes.

Please note that the bread and baking is not gluten-free.

You will learn:
• How to measure out ingredients.
• How to properly clean and maintain baking equipment.
• How to understand and follow recipes.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
• 9:10AM start, participants must be on time.
• Some cooking experience is helpful.
• Please note that the bread and baking is not gluten-free.

Facilitator: Stan
When: Friday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Join this class to learn all about model railroads, along with a hands on element, building and operating the SkillWise model railroad.

You will learn:
• Various tool skills.
• How to exhibit in front of the public.
• How to work as a team.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Jonny
When: Friday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise or Risingholme
Extra Fees: $5 per session

Description:
Small groups work with the SkillWise Facilitator and Risingholme Tutor to create various individual items.

You will learn:
• How to mold clay.
• How soft clay is fired in a kiln to produce a final product.
• Various techniques using a range of tools to achieve different textures and aesthetic results. 

What to bring:
• Clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.
• An apron.

Other Info:
• Participants using their own transport must be picked up by 11:40AM.
• Based at Risingholme and goes for 8 weeks: 8th May - 26th June.
• This class will do an alternate creative activity outside of those 8 weeks.

Facilitator: Cherry
When: Friday 9AM - 12PM
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Learn reading and number skills to help with day-to-day tasks at your pace. 

You will learn:
• To tell the time.
• To be able to read a menu and pay the correct amount of cash.
• To be able to read recipes and measure ingredients.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
This class is great for beginners.

Facilitator: Jennifer
When: Friday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: SkillWise Cafe
Extra Fees: $2

Description:
Lean about some of the famous artists in history, and their work. Have a go at sketching and researching art history.

You will learn:
• About art history, artists and their lives.
• About the meaning behind famous paintings.
• The basics of sketching.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
Optional walking involved.

Facilitator: Jonny
When: Friday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise or Cowles Stadium (170 Pages Road)
Extra Fees: $2 per session

Description:
Play badminton at Cowles Stadium.

You will learn:
• How to play a game of singles/doubles badminton (with scoring).
• To physically improve or learn how to play badminton.
• To play competitive or social matches based on your ability/and pace.

What to bring:
• Drink bottle.
• Healthy afternoon snack like a banana or muesli bar.

Other Info:
Courts are booked from 1:30PM until 2:30PM. These times are sharp.

Facilitator: Stan
When: Friday 12:45PM - 3PM
Where: Meet at SkillWise
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Learn how to get around the city safely.

You will learn:
• How to get around the city by bussing & walking.
• How to be safe in the community.
• How to be confident in public.

What to bring:
Please bring your own MetroCard.

Other Info:
Mobility is required for long walks.

Facilitator: Lou
When: Friday 12:45PM - 3PM 
Where: Discovery Hub
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Learn the NZ road code through a variety of different mediums. e.g. bingo, driving games, tests and quizzes.

You will learn:
• Why and how the road rules are enforced.
• To feel confident and comfortable and safe using the road.
• How to study towards a learner’s license.

What to bring:
N/A

Other Info:
N/A

Facilitator: Cherry
When: Friday 12:45PM - 3PM 
Where: Model Making Room
Extra Fees: N/A

Description:
Become more confident in using your device and how to keep yourself safe online. 

You will learn:
• How to tell if something is a scam.
• What to do when you receive suspicious messages or are being cyberbullied.
• Basic functions like taking screenshots, how to change your settings etc.

What to bring:
• The device you want to learn how to use more.

Other Info:
This class is the same as last semester. Learning material is repeated.