Tēnā koutou katoa,

I’m so pleased to be able to provide this update on behalf of the Ko Taku Reo Board. The theme of this newsletter is “Grow”, which is vital for all of us; our students, staff and our school. Ko Taku Reo has been growing into a new and exciting school with definite goals. The Board’s primary focus is on improving student achievement. It has been a privilege to see the way our staff and students are embracing, in a positive way, the future path of deaf education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

I want to take the opportunity to remind you that our Board elections are coming up shortly. Being part of the Board is a privilege, and we are currently looking for people who can contribute to Ko Taku Reo’s continued growth. Parents can nominate parents/caregivers and other people in the wider community to be their representatives. Our Board must represent the diversity of our school community to ensure a bright future for all our Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.

Board elections allow us to nominate and vote for candidates who will make a positive difference in our DHH student’s education. Every board member brings their own unique set of skills and experiences to the Board. Board members need to work well in a team and have good communication skills. Understanding the education sector, having financial skills and experience in managing people, knowledge and understanding of particular communities within your school, or experience working within wider communities are all extremely valuable.

If you, or someone you know, are willing to use their skills and experiences to benefit DHH ākonga in Aotearoa New Zealand, then we want to hear from you!

So for now, noho ora mai - stay well, look after yourselves and enjoy the fantastic range of articles in this newsletter!

Denise Powell
Board Chair