Welcome to the

Winter Semester

Term Dates

Final Day for the Summer Semester: Friday, 11th April 2025
First Day for the Winter Semester: Tuesday, 22nd April 2025
Winter Semester Break: Monday, 30th June - Friday, 4th July 2025
Final day for the Winter Semester: Friday, 19th September 2025

Sports Classes

Badminton

When: Friday, 12.45PM - 3PM
Location: Meet at SkillWise
or Cowles Stadium (170 Pages Road, Aranui)
Facilitated by: Jonny
Additional Fees: $2 per session
Transport: Transport can be provided
Class Size: Medium

  • This badminton class focuses on improving fitness and general badminton skills, including team sportsmanship, serving techniques, and scoring. The group will work towards hosting a doubles tournament, or a singles tournament if numbers are low. A great opportunity to get active while learning the fundamentals of badminton in a fun, supportive environment.

Indoor Sports

When: Thursdays, 12:45 pm - 3 pm
Location: Meet at SkillWise
or Action Indoor (7 Iversen Terrace)
Facilitated by: Michelle
Additional Fees: $2 per session
Transport: Transport can be provided
Class Size: Medium

  • Join this active group to improve your fitness and cricket skills in a supportive, team-based environment. No prior cricket experience is needed. The group focuses on team sportsmanship, batting, and bowling, with occasional indoor football sessions for variety.

Golf

When: Mondays, 9AM - 12PM
Location: Meet at SkillWise
or at golfing venue (change week to week)
Facilitated by: Jonny
Additional Fees: $5 per session
Transport: Transport can be provided
Class Size: Medium

  • This group focuses on improving golf putting skills while engaging in light fitness activities to enhance overall performance. Participants will work on individual development, including a player of the season tournament. SkillWise transport is available for those who need assistance attending.

Indoor Cricket

When: Tuesdays, 9AM - 12PM
Location: Meet at SkillWise
or Action Indoor (7 Iversen Terrace)
Facilitated by: Jonny and Lou
Additional Fees: $2 per session
Transport: Transport can be provided
Class Size: Large

  • This group is all about having fun while improving fitness through indoor soccer, cricket, tee-ball, and warm-up exercises. You'll also explore discussions about health and fitness, and work on team-building skills. It's a great opportunity to increase fitness, improve existing skills, and understand the importance of regular exercise in a supportive, energetic environment.

Life Skills

Cooking

When: Monday to Friday, 9AM - 12PM
Location: SkillWise Cafe
Facilitated by: Louise (Monday), Hilary (Tuesday) and Jennifer (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday)
Additional Fees: $2 per session
Class Size: Small

  • Join this hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn the basics of preparing meals and baking, with a focus on understanding ingredients, techniques, and nutritional balance. Perfect for those interested in exploring teamwork and cooking skills in a supportive environment.

Boundaries and Communication

When: Tuesdays, 12:45PM - 3PM
Location: Auditorium
Facilitated by: Teresa
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Medium

  • This group focuses on developing interpersonal communication skills, understanding healthy versus unhealthy friendships, and setting boundaries in relationships. Participants will learn how to assertively communicate and practice saying "no" when needed. Through collaborative projects and activities, the group will strengthen their interpersonal skills and work together to achieve common goals.

Getting Around Christchurch

When: Mondays, 9AM - 12PM
Location: Model Making Room
Facilitated by: Stan
Additional Fees: None, but learners must have a topped up Metro Card
Class Size: Small

  • This group focuses on developing interpersonal communication skills, understanding healthy versus unhealthy friendships, and setting boundaries in relationships. Participants will learn how to assertively communicate and practice saying "no" when needed. Through collaborative projects and activities, the group will strengthen their interpersonal skills and work together to achieve common goals.

Healthy Relationships

When: Fridays, 9AM - 12PM
Location: Imagination Station
Facilitated by: Michelle
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Medium

  • This group is designed to foster healthy relationships by enhancing communication, empathy, and understanding in group interactions. Participants will engage in discussions, role-playing exercises, and community projects aimed at improving teamwork and personal care.

Reading and Numbers

When: Tuesday, 9AM - 12PM and Fridays, 9AM - 12PM
Location: Meet at SkillWise or Literacy Aotearoa, (81 Buchan Street)
Facilitated by: Teresa (Tuesday) and Cherry (Friday)
Additional Fees: None
Transport: Transport can be provided
Class Size: Small

  • This group helps participants build confidence in handling money, from using cash and cards in shops to understanding basic financial concepts like income tax and GST. By the end of the course, participants will have practical skills for managing their finances in everyday situations, including completing the ASDAN Introduction to Money Skills module.

Independent Living Skills

When: Wednesday, 9AM - 12PM
Location: Model Making Room
Facilitated by: Denise
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This group focuses on equipping participants with practical skills for living independently, ideal for those transitioning from family environments. The course covers essential household tasks like budgeting, using appliances, and preparing drinks.

Intermediate Money Skills

When: Thursdays, 9AM - 12PM
Location: Model Making Room
Facilitated by: Stan
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This group focuses on building personal finance skills, ideal for participants who have already completed the ASDAN Introduction to Money Skills Module. Through hands-on activities and discussions, participants will enhance their understanding of budgeting, saving, and making informed financial decisions. It's designed to boost confidence in managing personal finances and handling everyday financial tasks.

Tools for Wellbeing

When: Tuesdays, 10:45am - 12:00pm
Location: Auditorium
Facilitated by: Jennifer
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This group focuses on building self-awareness through creativity and well-being practices. Participants will engage in Mandala drawing, journaling, and group discussions to reflect on personal growth and well-being.

Basic Money Skills

When: Tuesday, 10:45AM - 12PM
Location: Model Making Room
Facilitated by: Stan
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This group focuses on improving basic literacy and numeracy skills, including reading and writing simple texts, solving basic arithmetic problems, and applying these skills in real-life situations. Participants will gain confidence in using their skills to navigate daily tasks like reading labels and completing forms.

Volunteering

When: Wednesdays 9:00am - 3:00pm and Thursdays, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Meet at SkillWise
Facilitated by: Lou (Wednesday) and Cherry (Thursday)
Additional Fees: None
Transport: Transport provided
Class Size: Small

  • Participants will gain hands-on volunteering experience through community-focused activities such as MOW, SPCA, graffiti removal, and rubbish collection. The group aims to improve confidence, foster a sense of community, and develop practical skills like using Google Maps for navigation.

Understanding Emotions

When: Monday, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Auditorium
Facilitated by: Teresa
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This group focuses on exploring personal boundaries, emotional recognition, and learning to express and process emotions. Participants will engage in activities aimed at improving emotional awareness and assertiveness.

Work Skills

When: Wednesdays, 12:45pm - 3:00pm
Location: Imagination Station
Facilitated by: Cherry
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This group focuses on learning about various job positions and understanding workplace conduct. Participants will explore job responsibilities and workplace behavior codes, helping them build skills for future employment.

Creative Classes

Basic Craft Skills

When: Tuesdays, 9AM - 10:30AM
Location: Imagination Station
Facilitated by: Nelleke
Additional Fees: $2 per session
Class Size: Small

  • Explore your creative side in this craft-focused group, where you'll learn new skills and complete exciting projects such as bookmarks, shadow boxes, and paper puppets. Perfect for those interested in hands-on crafting in a fun and supportive environment.

Creative Writing

When: Fridays, 12:45PM - 3PM
Location: Imagination Station
Facilitated by: Cherry
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Medium

  • This group focuses on developing writing skills through the creation of a monthly newsletter. Participants will engage in producing content for SkillWise newsletters using Canva, learning about community sharing and the process of collaborative writing.

Jewelry Making

When: Tuesdays, 12:45PM - 3:00PM
Location: Meet at SkillWise
or St Albans Community Center (1049 Colombo Street)
Facilitated by: Louise
Additional Fees: $5 per session
Transport: Transport can be provided
Class Size: Small

  • This jewelry-making group is perfect for those interested in creating beautiful and unique pieces. Facilitated by Louise, participants will use various materials to design and craft jewelry such as bracelets and necklaces. Ideal for individuals with good dexterity and eyesight, the group provides an opportunity to explore creativity and develop crafting skills while making stunning, personalized jewelry.

Papier Mache'

When: Tuesdays, 9:00AM - 10:30AM
Location: Auditorium
Facilitated by: Jennifer
Additional Fees: $1 per session
Class Size: Small

  • In this group, participants will work with recycled materials to create papier-mâché vases and bowls. The focus is on developing hand skills, texture handling, and coordination, with an emphasis on experimenting with different sealing materials.

Printmaking

When: Thursdays, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Imagination Station
Facilitated by: Lou
External Facilitators: Carla from Imprint Studio
Additional Fees: $5 per session
Class Size: Small

  • In this hands-on group, participants will learn craft skills like stitching patches and creating personalized projects. Through creative activities and potential visits to craft exhibitions, the group aims to inspire imagination and allow individuals to express their creativity. Ideal for those looking to explore and improve their craft skills in a supportive environment.

Intermediate Craft Skills

When: Tuesdays, 10:45AM - 12PM
Location: Imagination Station
Facilitated by: Nelleke
Additional Fees: $2 per session
Class Size: Small

  • This group focuses on equipping participants with practical skills for living independently, ideal for those transitioning from family environments. The course covers essential household tasks like budgeting, using appliances, and preparing drinks.

Stone Carving

When: Mondays 1PM - 3PM
Location: Meet at SkillWise or 322 Pages Road
Facilitated by: Louise
External Facilitators: Raphe
Additional Fees: $5 per session
Transport: Transport can be provided
Class Size: Small

  • In this group, participants will explore the art of stone carving, enhancing their creativity while learning to use carving tools. No prior experience is required—just basic dexterity and the ability to identify numbers and colors. By the end of the group, participants will have created individual pieces of stone art.

Rug Making

When: Thursdays, 12:45 pm - 3 pm
Location: Imagination Station
Facilitated by: Louise
Additional Fees: $5 per session
Class Size: Small

  • In this group, participants will learn to design and create their own decorative rugs. Using upcycled fabric scraps and basic weaving techniques, they will craft functional and aesthetically pleasing rugs. Participants will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other groups for shared materials and ideas.

Creative Sustainability

When: Mondays, 9AM - 12PM
Location: Imagination Station
Facilitated by: Nelleke
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This group is designed for those with drawing and cutting skills who are interested in design. Participants will learn to ink, roll, and transfer their designs onto fabric using techniques like screen printing and stenciling. They'll create personalized items such as tote bags, t-shirts, and pillowcases. The goal is to develop students' own stencil and screen designs, allowing them to print their own creations.

Textiles

When: Tuesdays, 12:45PM - 3PM
Location: Imagination Station
Facilitated by: Nelleke
External Facilitators: Potencially
Additional Fees: $2 per session
Class Size: Small

  • This group focuses on enhancing skills in textile arts like knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Participants will work on individual projects aligned with their personal interests, completing take-home creations. There may also be opportunities for collaborative projects, depending on time. A basic understanding of the tasks is necessary, and the group encourages creativity and personal expression.

Virtual Reality Art

When: Monday, 12:45pm - 3:00pm
Location: Model Making Room
Facilitated by: Jonny
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This group introduces participants to virtual reality (VR) technologies, focusing on using VR headsets, controllers, and art programs. Participants will create individual artwork books featuring printed VR images, with the project evolving as new ideas come up.

Hobby Classes

Guitar

When: Wednesday, 9AM - 12PM
Location: Imagination Station
Facilitated by: Jonny
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This guitar group is designed for those looking to learn the basics of playing guitar. Participants will focus on learning chords and melodies with the opportunity to create a personalized chord/song/riff booklet. Guitars are provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own. Ideal for beginners with some basic musical notation skills.

Intro to Drama

When: Thursdays, 12:45PM - 3:00PM
Location: Auditorium
Facilitated by: Paul
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Medium

  • This group allows participants to explore and develop their theatrical skills through creating and performing original works. With guidance from external facilitator Paul, members will collaborate on devising performances, rehearse, and showcase their lived experiences creatively. No prior experience is needed, as the focus is on self-expression and teamwork, making it an ideal space for participants to shine through theater.

Radio Show

When: Wednesday, 12:45PM - 3:00PM
Location: Model Making Room
Facilitated by: Stan
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This group gives participants the chance to record a radio program broadcast monthly on Plains FM. Participants will plan and write scripts, select music, and learn about the different genres of music associated with various programs. The group will also engage in live commentary and interviews, creating a dynamic radio show experience.

Telling Your Story

When: Tuesdays, 12:45PM - 3PM
Location: Imagination Station
Facilitated by: Nelleke
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This group explores cultural diversity through storytelling and collaborative activities. Participants will create personal cultural journals and share stories, fostering empathy and understanding through diverse perspectives. No specific skills are required, just an open mind towards exploring and celebrating different cultures.

Healthy Relationships

When: Fridays, 9AM - 12PM
Location: Imagination Station
Facilitated by: Michelle
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Medium

  • This group is designed to foster healthy relationships by enhancing communication, empathy, and understanding in group interactions. Participants will engage in discussions, role-playing exercises, and community projects aimed at improving teamwork and personal care.

Gardening

When: Monday, 9AM - 3PM
Location: Meet at SkillWise
Facilitated by: Jennifer
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This group offers a hands-on experience in gardening and horticulture, providing opportunities to collaborate with peers, engage with the community, and enjoy outdoor activities. Ideal for those looking to develop leadership skills or enhance their outdoor work abilities.

Music and Movement

When: Mondays, 12:45 - 3:00pm
Location: Auditorium
Facilitated by: Teresa
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This group explores various music styles and includes opportunities for participants to share songs and dances. The learning culminates in a performance at the end of Term 3 as part of the talent show.

SkillWise Editing

When: Wednesday, 12:45PM - 3PM
Location: Auditorium
Facilitated by: Jonny
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Medium

  • This group focuses on learning video editing, with hands-on experience in setting up and using greenscreen and filming equipment. Participants will collaborate on creating and editing trailers for SkillWise groups, with a goal of uploading them to a new website. No prior video editing experience is required, but basic knowledge of video editing concepts and filming equipment is helpful.

The Reel Tree

When: Wednesdays, 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Location: Auditorium
Facilitated by: Cherry
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Medium

  • In this group, participants will work together to produce a short film, gaining an understanding of the filmmaking process from start to finish. There will also be movie outings twice a year with SkillWise Editing.

Tools for Wellbeing

When: Tuesdays, 10:45am - 12:00pm
Location: Auditorium
Facilitated by: Jennifer
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Small

  • This group focuses on building self-awareness through creativity and well-being practices. Participants will engage in Mandala drawing, journaling, and group discussions to reflect on personal growth and well-being.

Yoga for Beginners

When: Fridays, 12:45pm - 3:00pm
Location: Meet at SkillWise
or St Albans Community Center (1049 Colombo Street)
Facilitated by: Jennifer
Additional Fees: $2 per session
Class Size: Medium

  • Engage with the community through gentle yoga sessions designed to improve balance, flexibility, and breathing awareness. The group fosters social connections, with shared tea and an optional creative session to conclude the term.

Model Making

When: Tuesdays, Thursday and Friday, 12:45 PM - 3:00 PM and Fridays, 9AM - 12PM
Location: Model Making Room
Facilitated by: Stan
Additional Fees: None
Class Size: Medium

  • This group focuses on building and displaying model railroads, where participants learn to use tools, create layouts, and showcase their work at public events. It’s designed to enhance technical skills while fostering community involvement.