In November, seven Deaf and Hard of Hearing children aged between 6-14 Years, three adult whānau members, a representative from Deaf Aotearoa and the two Resource Teachers of the Deaf (RTD) gathered at Salisbury School in Nelson for a Keep in Touch (KIT) Day.

The focus of the KIT Day was ‘Belonging’, i.e., belonging to the community of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and beginning to gain a sense of belonging to Ko Taku Reo Outreach School. The RTDs used this opportunity to highlight Ko Taku Reo, who we are, our sign, colours and the significance of the cloak/Korowai and discuss belonging to two schools. 

The day began with the children signing their introductions to the group, followed by NZSL games then a group discussion on where we belong and who we are as part of Ko Taku Reo. All children participated and shared their perspectives on ‘belonging’. Before making their own, learners were shown images of other students wearing and holding a cloak for inspiration.

The children were fully engaged with colouring feathers in Ko Taku Reo colours and glueing these and other feathers to make the korowai. Some learners enjoyed platting the ties and attaching them to the cloak. They then took turns wearing their korowai and posing for a portrait placed into a photo frame they had personalised.

The day was successful; the children relaxed, connected, and enjoyed each other’s company. All contributed to discussions and engaged in the making activities. The adults fully participated, modelling conversation, asking questions and thoroughly enjoying the day. We were thankful for Meghan’s (Deaf Aotearoa) presence. The children and parents enjoyed meeting her and welcomed her contribution as a Deaf adult. The feedback from the participants was positive. All asked when the next KIT Day would be and offered suggestions on how they’d like to get together next time.