Every Thursday, students aged 5 years to 12 years come together at the Christchurch NZSL Hub based at Redwood School.

We have had a wonderful year of learning at the Christchurch NZSL hub. Deaf studies have been a big part of our programme. Some of the topics we have explored have been: Deaf Rugby - Max brought jerseys that his Dad has worn representing the NZ Deaf Blacks and Southern Zone and shared photos of his Dad playing rugby. Many of our students were excited to see their whanau, fathers, uncles, and grandfathers had represented NZ and their Zone in Deaf Rugby. Go Southern Zone!! 

Nurturing Hands - We found out about why the Nurturing Hands sculpture, in Sumner, is important to the Deaf community and learnt about Donald Gibson, a Deaf Blind sculptor who created the artwork.

Deaf Astronauts - During our Space and Matariki Topic we found out about 11 Deaf astronauts that helped with the testing of the first spaceships in America.

Deaf Role Models - we have learnt about Deaf Role models like DHH Olympians and Paralympians, Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, the Incredible Hulk- Lou Ferrigno, and of course our very own Ann Croy! 

This year we have been lucky to be right next to the kitchen so we have had some yummy language experiences. We have found out where bread and butter come from and how it is made. We even made our own bread and butter. We have followed recipes to make brownies in a cup, pancakes, and pinwheel scones.

We have learned a lot about ourselves and our own identities, our emotions and feelings, and of course, our beautiful language – NZSL.