This year our students have embarked on an unforgettable journey, breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and achieving milestones in education and community engagement.

2024 has seen our Otago students experiencing rich and inclusive learning experiences.

Teachers in Otago have been focusing on improving literacy skills. They have completed structured literacy training and university courses. They are now using what they learned to help students build strong literacy foundations with the help of visual and hands-on tools.

Using the Duck song as an example, we designed a writing task for the electronic assessment Tool for Teaching and learning (e-asTTle) assessment. Before the task, students watched videos, used visual cues, and had the chance to sign or retell the story. The students created some great versions of the Duck song. By using hands-on activities, visual aids, and interactive experiences, our students can better understand concepts. The First Sign programme has also greatly supported our younger students in their learning.

This year, the Otago One Day School has remained committed to fostering an environment where students can confidently express who they are. We have emphasised the importance of positive role models and leadership within our group.

Senior students, staff, and community leaders have all played a crucial part in mentoring and guiding younger learners. We have found that this leadership model has benefitted the students being mentored and helped the role models grow in responsibility, identity and empathy.

Dunedin Playgroup has seen some changes this year, as we have both changed days and moved to a new location. It has been a positive change as more parents have been able to attend, and as a result, our community has grown rapidly. The new venue is a beautiful space with many exciting toys and more space to run around. It's been a great year for building relationships and growing connections.

Overall, 2024 has been dynamic and inclusive, supporting students through literacy, practical experiences, and solid cultural foundations in sign language.