Message from the Executive Principal

I started my newsletter with this whakatauki because learning is a journey of discovering, knowing, growing and choosing. Our focus for term 3 was on one of our four values, CHOOSE. At Ko Taku Reo - Deaf Education New Zealand, We strive to ensure that our Deaf and Hard of Hearing students are set up with the right advice, guidance and knowledge to make sure each student has the opportunity to choose their pathway and direction on their education journey as well as their life journey.

Our dedicated staff support each student in filling their toolboxes with the tools needed to support them in their choices today and every day. Good, informed choices result in better outcomes for the future. Our specialised staff guide and support our students as they choose to belong, choose their identity and choose their learning pathways.

There is power in having the confidence to 'choose'. The power to 'choose' results in mana for our ākonga.

The strength in identity for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing tamariki comes from this power to choose. At Ko Taku Reo, we have a huge focus on identity, which involves understanding Deafhood as the journey towards understanding their unique Deaf identity. Deafhood sits across culture and wellbeing, a 'thread' woven through a student's learning pathway.

Throughout a student's educational journey at Ko Taku Reo, we encourage students to be open to opportunities, choosing their pathway at every crossroad they might come to. To 'choose', we need to understand 'Who am I?' and what do I want for my life. We encourage our students to become curious and ask questions about where they come from their history, identity, and their choices to further solidify themselves as unique individuals. 

I want to thank our students, staff, parents, whānau and everyone who has played a part in supporting our learners in 'choosing' their pathways, understanding the choices they have, the power they have to make these good choices, and how the decisions they make will affect their future success.   

Enjoy the well deserved term break, everyone!

Ngā mihi nui,
Dr Denise Powell
Executive Principal (Acting)