It was a lot more enjoyable during playtime at Christchurch's Wharenui School today than a fortnight ago, when students and teachers were huddled on the grass as the earth shuddered beneath them.

Police have today released 15 further names of victims from last month's Christchurch earthquake. The toll from the deadly 6.3 quake that hit on February 22 is currently 166.

Top school tracks student performance with new software.

Religious-based schools have seen a surge in demand.

Thousands of Christchurch schoolchildren have fled the quake-stricken city and are now attending schools across the country.

More than 200 Christchurch students are being taught in classrooms as far afield as Auckland while their schools undergo inspection and repair.

It may be boring for parents - but reading the same book over and over again to children is the best way to develop their vocabulary.

Parents are being warned that unimmunised children will have to stay away from school for up to two weeks if they come into contact with measles.

About 300,000 welfare beneficiaries who are judged capable of work will face a day of reckoning tomorrow with the release of a report.

I have to go to a barbecue this week. This, in itself, isn't exactly newsworthy - even though it may very well be one of the last barbecues of the summer, which is always a poignant little mini-event worth noting.

Sure, books are one of life's pleasures, but who said every kid has to love reading?

Michael Wang plans to try a few new subjects and take things easy now that he's in his final year of high school.