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The **T**aumarunui **A**rea **S**olecharge **S**chools Networking Group

The TASS group is a group of 6 sole charge rural schools in the Taumarunui area. Through general discussions between the principals of these schools it became apparent that many of us shared similar issues. We were particularly concerned about the effects being experienced for both students and staff as a result of our social and physical isolation. We wanted to explore ways we could overcome the disadvantages of being small isolated schools with the use of ICT.

With the support of Massey we have set up a networking group with two main goals in mind. 1) To develop opportunities for students to become "connected" by relating to peers outside of their own small schools and by making effective use of communication tools to implement the vision of the NZ Curriculum.

2) Build a network of schools, with the commonalities of physical and social isolation, through which teachers can develop confidence and creativity in the use of ICT to implement the vision of the NZ Curriculum.

At our first meeting we discussed and used surveys to consider the questions:

How are our kids connecting?

How are we connecting?