An Incredible Response

Auckland's Kids Fair 2009 was well worth the investment. Our 'eLearning @ Home and School' approach attracted parents with students as young as 3-4 years old, with the majority of the market involving parents of the 10-14 year old age group.

Of greatest interest to us, was the nature of interest by parents. Maths tuition was tops and general extension an incredibly close second. Demand for extension honed in our more outside-the-square areas, with a particular focus on small business programming, to virtual field trips and international community service work by students.

Direct enrolments were delightful and we're wading through an astonishing pile of names expressing interest, from subscribing to updates, to continued dialogue and discussion via email. It'll all be a work in progress for the next week at least. Unlike any marketing done to date, this was the most fulfilling style. We're usually made to feel as though we're a little 'too outside the square', but the majority of those we connected with during the Kids Fair/Family Expo were hugely in tune with our mission. So many took handfuls of fliers to distribute to local schools or friends.

But exhibiting at the Kids Fair wasn't the only highlight of this particular weekend. Connecting with other educators with like minds and missions left us with much to talk about and consider on the way home - both at the Kids Fair and 'after hours'. Especially One People One Planet where we caught up with Vivienne Wright & Dai Bindoff (watch this space on that one - next week!). All up, we'd otherwise like to pay tribute to:

• Polkadots: Programmes & materials for preschoolers & parents
  
• KindyRock: Preschool music - movement and dance on CD...
  
• World Buddies: World Vision's connection of students with students

However, ahead now is a new term, returning clients, new teams, programmes, schools and individuals (by way of both staff and students). It's exciting!