In Term 3, a group of young teens had a guided tour and art session at Hamilton Museum.

The Resource Teachers of the Deaf (RTD) in the area saw a need for our young deaf people to come together not only to bond and expand friendships within the Deaf community but to build their Deafhood Identity.

We started with RTD sessions, looking at who we are and how our Deaf Identity is building. Some even explored the deaf history curriculum to understand where we have come from and where we can go. We then looked at portraits and how people can express their portrait art, through our guided tour of different New Zealand and international artists' expression of self through art.

We looked at local history and how art has captured the story of being. We then had our own time to explore our Identity through collage. Some created a multi-layered artscape representing the multi-layers of being Deaf in a hearing world. Others used mountains and landscapes to build their pepeha and show their barriers.

We were lucky to have a sponsor for our lunch and extended art session. We want to shout out to NZ Louvres for supporting our community. As always, our teens found a connection through using NZSL and connecting with others who are Deaf and hard of hearing. We shared about barriers we face at school and how others have overcome them. Some of our learners are transitioning into another kura, so we discussed these feelings and supported each other.

We had a successful day and one that we are so proud to have explored and supported.