It has been a busy yet fun term in the residences. Every fortnight Steve and Leanne (Support Workers) have a Masterchef competition where all the students present an Entree, Main and Dessert. Teams are drawn out of a hat and paired and a judging panel sample the dishes and score the teams out of 10. This week Jayden/Linh Da won over Jordan/Ryan for their entree and there was a draw between Libby/Isaiah and Najma/Lachie for the main. Great to see them working competitively together while learning valuable cooking skills.

The girls took a trip out to Hororata with Joni and Nikki for the annual Night Glow event where you get to see hot air balloons launched into the sky accompanied with fireworks. There were also heaps of food vendors with a variety of multicultural meals available (but also very long queues), and some fun activities like learning how to juggle. Unfortunately the weather conditions meant the balloons couldn’t get released but they were able to enjoy the firework display and watch the burner glow.

All students participated in an event run by Deaf Youth at the Crate Escape in the city. Afterwards they enjoyed some gelato and Jordan made a new friend.

We were fortunate to be given some free tickets from “etc media” to watch the Canterbury Rams play against the Nelson Giants in a basketball tournament. Najma, Libby, Thomas, Isaiah with Steve and Leanne had a great night and were able to meet some of the players. The game coincided with NZSL week so Najma took the opportunity to teach them some signs.

Deanna continues to impress her colleagues at Burwood Hospital with her positive attitude and infectious personality. She is nearing the end of her first rotation in the physiotherapy department and loving every day at work. She is an inspiration to us all with her commitment to this project and doesn’t
let any barriers get in her way.

Henry and Isaiah were part of the winning Southern Zone rugby team who competed in the National Deaf Inter-Zonal Rugby Tournament over easter. Well done boys 👏👏🏆

Henry is currently in Auckland training with the Deaf Blacks for their three test games against Argentina.

Go NZ!!!!