Kia ora koutou

As we come to the end of another hectic year, it's important to acknowledge all the fantastic work that has happened throughout 2022. I hope you'll take the time to enjoy this yearbook and reflect with us, as we look back over another year in Deaf Education.

From a Governance perspective, this has been a challenging year. The Board of Trustees worked very hard during the year until they were dissolved in October when, unfortunately, the election process did not allow a new Board to be formed. I was subsequently appointed as Commissioner and I wish to thank those who have supported me in this role.

As a school, Ko Taku Reo has continued to see progress being made by our leaders as they develop new ways that Ko Taku Reo can deliver a range of nationwide services. Improving student achievement and wellbeing has been a real focus.

Examples of new initiatives this year include the continued expansion of NZSL Immersion Day Schools around the country where Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners enrolled at mainstream schools can come together once a week to access the curriculum and develop their identity and NZSL skills. In addition, we have continued to develop the Virtual Deaf Space programme for secondary school learners and there is a story in the yearbook about this exciting learning opportunity which will continue in 2023.

Of course, 2022 has also ended with the resignation of our Executive Principal, James Le Marquand. I want to acknowledge all the hard mahi James did for the school over the last three years, and particularly since the merger. The role of Executive Principal is difficult, and James worked tirelessly to move the school forward and into a positive future.

I hope you enjoy this yearbook and can reflect positively on all the great things we have achieved for our learners all around the country. I wish you all some well-earned time with family and whānau over the summer and we look forward to another successful year of working together to benefit all our learners.

Na mihi nui,

Michael Rondel 
Commissioner