News views - Van Asch Deaf Education Centre

38 Truro Street,
Christchurch 8081
Voice/TTY (03) 326 6009
Fax (03) 326 5346
e-mail:
info@vanasch.school.nz
contact persons
Chairperson,
Board of Trustees
Dyanne Bensley
Principal
Barry Newcombe
Associate Principal
Marie O'Brien
Deputy Principal
Tess Hillmer
Executive Officer
Lynne Ferguson
Residential Manager
Claire Raisin
Regional Coordinators
James Townshend
Niel Pouwels
Southern Cochlear Implant
Programme:
Audiologist/Manager
Neil Heslop
SCIP Audiologist
Shirley Marshall
VADEC Senior Audiologist
Paul R. Peryman
Specialist
Resource Teachers:
Reading/Writing:
Michele Yonetani
Visual Communication:
Kay Pinion
Speech/Language
Evette Griffiths
NZSL Resource Coordinator
Paul Buzzard
Technicians
Tony Dwyer
Phil Henderson
Library
Margaret Hunt
VAN ASCH DEAF EDUCATION CENTRE
News
& views
TERM 1 2009
Hagley Satellite Class
van Asch
DEAF
Education Centre
supporting
its region
van Asch students enjoying Year 11 Orientation Day activities at Hagley High School
- Joni Grabham, Benazir Kumar, Katherine Hickson, Matthew Flynn and Cruze Kapa
They opted for Theatre Sports and Exploring Urban Art (above).
Stories and photos inside -
In this issue
• From the Principal • Hagley Satellite Class • SCIP News
• Carol Flexer Seminar • vadec Website Update • KIT Days & student work
• Regional & Local News • Student Achievements • vadec Anniversary Day
VADEC News & Views
1

From the Principal
This term we have seen a significant increase in the
number of students on the roll of van Asch. There
has also been a corresponding increase in the
number of students boarding at the school. While
it can be expected that these numbers will rise and
fall over time, the current increases highlight the
importance of having educational options for deaf
and hearing-impaired students to ensure that the
learning needs of all can be effectively catered for.
The current age range of students at van Asch is 5
years to 19 years. Classrooms and playground are
happy, positive places where the students are highly
engaged in learning and interact really well together.
The start of 2009 also saw the opening of a satellite
class of van Asch at Hagley Community College in
Christchurch. This was the result of planning that
took place through 2008 involving the boards of
trustees of both schools and the Ministry of
Education. The Hagley satellite is a very positive
development that extends learning programmes and
options available at van Asch.
The board of trustees of van Asch is keen to ensure
that the interests of all students who receive
services from the centre are represented in the
board’s deliberations and decisions. Two parent
representatives who were on the board have been
unable to continue this year. This means that the
range of representation is not as full as it should be.
In particular, those families whose children receive
services from our itinerant resource teachers, have
cochlear implants, or are in the early intervention
programme are not currently represented. Parent
representatives can be coopted onto the board at
any time. If you are willing to do this please contact
me or Dyanne Bensley (Board Chairperson – contact
details are available through the school).
Barry Newcombe PhD
Principal
Students who attend the satellite class are enrolled
with van Asch and we provide the specialist
teachers and support staff that work with our
students at Hagley. This now provides an
educational placement option that has not been
available in the South Island for some years. Within
the limitations of the capacity of the class, any deaf
school student in the van Asch region for whom this
programme is the most suitable can enrol at van
Asch and attend the Hagley satellite. The present
group of five includes students who are
boarders at van Asch and students whose homes
are in Christchurch.
The students who are currently in the satellite
programme take part in a range of courses within
Hagley that they have selected according to their
interests and needs. They are supported in those
classes and they receive specialist teaching in their
homeroom. These students are participating fully in
other sporting and social opportunities that are
available at Hagley and they are thoroughly
enjoying their experience. The staff of the
satellite class and Hagley staff have all worked hard
to ensure a successful start to this programme and
my sincere thanks go to all involved for their efforts
on behalf of the students.
2
VADEC News &Views

We’re on our way
It is hard to believe that we have only been at
Hagley College for one term. The term has been
very hectic, but fulfilling at the same time. We have
watched students blossom in their new environment,
overcome obstacles and rise to many challenges. It
is very exciting to be a part of this. Students are now
familiar with daily routines, expectations and
responsibilities. All students have been involved in
after school sport, which has enabled them to meet
new friends.
We have hosted many visitors and welcome any
others. The students have practiced their hosting
skills and now make a very good cup of tea, coffee
or milo! They have also practiced their
measurement skills, making a number of lovely
slices.
Students are enrolled in three mainstream subjects
each, spending the rest of their time completing
maths, English, pre/post teaching and a lot of social
discussion in their home room.
Our many new experiences, have given us plenty to
discuss, during class times.
All students are enrolled in science, and then choose
two other subjects. The following are subjects
chosen by the students; they are all NCEA level 1:
• Mahi Raranga (weaving)
• Mahi Whakairo Wheua (bone carving)
• Computing
• Computer Graphics
• Physical Education
• Dance
• Child and Family
I would like to thank the staff and students at Hagley
Community College for their warm welcome and
continual support. It is easy to feel at home in such
a positive environment - a place which embraces
and celebrates difference.
Thank you also to the satellite class staff, who have
worked so hard to make this new initiative work.
Thank you to all who have helped to get our satellite
class running smoothly.
“Take care of the children, take care of what they
hear, take care of what they see, take care of how
they feel. For how they grow, so will be the shape of
Aotearoa.” Dame Whina Cooper.
Kind Regards
Bryanna O’Regan
Bryanna O'Regan, Cruze Kapa and Yvonne Pockson
Welcome to Van Asch Students
Hagley Community College would like to extend a
warm welcome to all of our new students and their
families from the van Asch Deaf Education Centre.
The College has very strong links within the deaf
community providing years of specialised learning
and assistance. This history has meant that
accommodating van Asch students within the
College has been a natural transition and one we are
very excited about.
At Hagley we know the importance of education and
the right for every student to receive the best. We
aim for a positive outcome for every student.
The College has long been recognised for making a
significant positive impact on the learning of
adolescent and adult students. For many students
this is a life changing experience. Our Year 13
students graduate from a New Zealand University at
three times above the national average.
The Hagley campus provides a mature learning
environment for around 1600 adolescent and adult
students in secondary education and the 3000
tertiary education students mentioned above.
The secondary campus has three distinct
colleges that are specifically designed to raise
student achievement and create learning success.
We look forward to celebrating the future success of
the van Asch Year 11 students.
Brent Ingram
Principal
VADEC News & Views
3

Hagley Community College
When it was my first day of Hagley Community
College, I felt a little bit nervous as it was only my
second time in a mainstream school. My confidence
just started to develop when I arrived the Hagley
Community College. I saw some of the people that
I knew. They are my friends now which is very cool.
My subjects at Hagley are extremely wonderful,
I have done a lot of learning so far but it’s hard for
me (ha-ha.). My best subject at Hagley is Computer
Graphics, the computer graphics teacher’s name is
Vincent Raj. He’s the best computer teacher I have
ever seen. He is always smiling and saying positive
things about my work. Sadly he will finish this term as
he was a reliever for computer graphics.
Science is my most annoying subject as I have to
remember some important words. For example:
Aluminium, Nickel, Cobalt; "Grrrrr".
My Subjects at Hagley Community College are:
• Science
• Computer Graphics
• Computer Studies
• Maths
• English
• Wednesday Sport
One of the most awesome parts of Hagley
Community College is the CAFÉ because it has got
yummy foods that I really like, but there’s one more
best thing about Hagley Community College - there is
no uniform (ha-ha.) My teacher at Hagley is Bryanna,
she’s hearing but can sign very well.
I joined Hagley’s Wednesday Sport which is very
cool and gives me some exercise to do. Last Term
I played softball but Term 2 I’m going to do Ten Pin
Bowling and basketball.
Term one at Hagley is almost done, at last, it was a
lot of hard work but I learned a lot of things. Sadly
there’s 3 more terms to go; "sobs". Make the time go
faster please!
Hope you enjoy reading my comments about Hagley
Community College.
Sports
In Term 1 Katherine, Cruze, Benazir, Joni and I
joined Wednesday sports, we picked softball. We
enjoyed the games, it was a lot of fun and we met
lots of other students. I did not like when I got out!
Most of the time we played hard and co-operated
as a team. Our coach was named Jules, he’s really
funny and cool, he always made me laugh. Bryanna
helped us to understand the game and signed for us.
At the end of Term 1 we had Summer sports prize
giving.
I got an award for MVP “Most Valuable Player” in
senior softball. I felt proud of myself. Cruze,
Katherine and Benazir did well playing softball and
Joni was a good supporter. I got awarded a
certificate and drink bottle from Hagley Sports .
For term 2 I picked Ten Pin Bowling for my
Wednesday Sports as it’ll be cold in the winter.
Cruze, Joni and Katherine are going to play too and
Bryanna is coming with us. It will be a lot of fun. I am
also going to play basketball for Hagley on Thursday
after school. Benazir is going to play soccer.
4
VADEC News &Views
From Matthew Flynn

I like it at Hagley…
I have a new teacher, her name is Bryanna. In our
classroom the deaf students are Benazir, Joni,
Katherine, Matthew and the support person is
Yvonne. It’s a wonderful class because we have a
new T.V, computers called Apple and all different
new things. In my Hagley School it is much better and
I’m pleased because I have more challenges here.
I have 3 subjects in the class time. They are Maori,
Science, English - but in Maori I have 2 things I am
learning - bone carving and weaving. That’s where I
go for class time with mainstream students.
My new Maori teacher is Jules and the Science
teacher’s name is Iain. It’s just me and Benazir,
Yvonne is the support person in the science class
with hearing people. I really like it here at Hagley but I
miss my mates at van Asch.
Why? because I haven’t seen them for ages! But I
have made lots of new friends at Hagley College.
Cruze Kapa
Nervous at the start
At the start of the year, I heard that I would go to
Hagley College. I was like “Hagley College? I don’t
think I am ready for that”
On the first day, I went to school. I was nervous at
the beginning. I looked at everyone and thought that
I couldn’t do anything and also I haven’t been in the
Mainstream for a long time since I was little, about
5-10 years old. So I had to get used to it.
I felt better being in the Deaf class because I know
four deaf students in my class, which is great! But I
heard that I had got three classes with hearing
students. I was like “Oh no, I can’t do that!”
I went to PE class with Jean. I was in a panic but I
took time just to watch. A girl talked to me, her name
is TJ. She’s really nice. I took time to talking to her
for a few minutes. TJ is the only one I can talk to and
I couldn’t talk to the rest of them because I was shy.
Then I went to dance class with Katherine and Joni.
I was so excited to dance as I thought it would be
Hip Hop but it wasn’t. We are learning to dance
“Traditional Indian”. I was a little uncomfortable about
it because I would rather Bollywood dance, not the
Traditional Indian. Katherine and I had to dance and
it went so well.
Then the next day, I went to Science class with
Cruze. I was anxious because Science is not
actually my favourite subject. But it was just
interesting to learn. I learned about the Human body.
I took time to learn and I tried to do my best work.
Now I feel great with all my classes because I have
lots of new friends. Sometimes I have a good laugh
with some students. At the moment, I’m worrying
about the dance performance! I have four nights of
performance soon! Ahh, I’m so anxious! But I know I
will be fine! =]
Now, I’m all good at school!
Thanks for reading my short story!
Benazir Kumar
VADEC News & Views
5

Being New At Hagley Community College
Hagley College is new for us
I like it at Hagley Community College, because we
have new teachers and they are very kind. We have
got lots of new stuff like the T.V., bean bags, class
room, teachers, subjects and computers.
At Hagley Community College, there are five
students, their names are Cruze, Katherine, Benazir
and Matthew. I really want all van Asch students to
come to Hagley Community College. Sometimes I
really want to go back to van Asch. I have got new
subjects. My new subjects are science, dance and
child care, I have never done these before.
Hagley Community College is a very big school, there
are lots of hearing students and different cultures. At
Hagley Community College you can buy food at the
café, it is very different at van Asch.
I’m very interested in Hagley Community College,
because they have lots of different subjects. My
favourite subjects are English and dance. I think dance
is so much fun for me. I am enjoying child and family
because I love learning about children and cooking
foods. I am learning a lot in child care.
Joni Grabham
Being a new student at Hagley Community College
was a little nerve-racking. New students, new
teachers, new environment, you name it. But after
time has gone by, I have got used to it.
I’m on the way to this new satellite class in room 303
with Matthew, Cruze, Benazir and Joni, heart beating
fast as we climbed the steps to our new classroom.
The classroom was awesome, everything new. New
furniture, books, bean bags, and computers, even
the walls were painted fresh, in ruby red and cream.
The room looked flash, all settled in very comfortably.
I’m taking dance, childcare, science, English and
maths as my subjects for the year. Dance is really
fun. Childcare’s cool, all the little kids are cute!
Science is alright. English and maths are going well
too. I’m trying to get the credits as fast as I can. So
far, so good.
The positive things about Hagley are no more long
bus trips to school, more students [more friends,
yay], no need for uniforms and a variety of options for
classes. Not many downsides. It is a big school and
sometimes it is a bit hard to get to
classes quickly. Don’t lose yourself along the way!
My aim for this year is: achieve Level 1 NCEA, at
least 80 credits, of course. Wish me luck!
Our teachers are really nice. Our satellite class
teacher Bryanna was my ITOD in Year 8, so I’m
excited that she is teaching me again! In our
classroom, we have special items, one of them is the
‘Positive Turtle’. Whenever anyone is thinking
negative in our class, we throw the Positive Turtle at
them, which is sometimes a bit funny.
Benazir, Joni and I will take part in a four nights
theatre performance, for our dance programme.
Benazir and I are selected as two of the top 8
students in our dance class, so we have to perform
extra moves, which includes lifting a person [I’m a
lifter!] at the beginning and the end of our
performance. It’s going quite well in our practises,
except my upper arm gets a little sore from all the
lifting. I hope the performance will go well!
Katherine Hickson,
VADEC Satellite Class
6
VADEC News &Views

The Southern Cochlear Implant
Programme
The Christmas and New Year period was reasonably
busy with a number of call-outs. There were some
unavoidable delays in sending out some items due to
the statutory holidays. None of the courier
companies operate on these days. Because of this
there were delays of up to 5 days getting parts and
loan processors to some people. We apologise for
this but are constrained by the courier company
schedules.
The planned visit by Dr. Carol Flexer on 27-29
January went very well. We had 100 delegates from
around our region (and 1 or 2 from the Northern
region) for the 2-day seminar.
This year the programme is also delivering a
major professional development project for Resource
Teachers of the Deaf (RTD) and Advisers on Deaf
Children (AODC) in our region.
We are providing a series of 7 workshops, to be held
throughout the year, on “Audition and Spoken
Language”. The workshops are designed to
complement the visit by Dr. Carol Flexer.
We have had 40 enrolments for these workshops.
The workshops will be held in Christchurch for local
participants and are being recorded on DVD and
distributed to those in the regions.
This year in conjunction with the Southern Hearing
Charitable Trust we are also offering an
Auditory-Verbal Scholarship. This scholarship will
enable an education professional the chance to
attend an Auditory-Verbal course at the “Hear and
Say Centre” in Brisbane. By the time this Newsletter
is published nominations will have closed and we will
be planning interviews of the applicants. A report on
the successful applicant will appear in future
Newsletters.
The Auditory-Verbal Scholarship and Dr. Flexer’s
visit were both made possible through Loud Shirt
Day funds.
Nicole Musson on the Spirit of Adventure
Hi, I’m Nicole Musson. I live in Christchurch and I’m
16 years old. Last year I got asked to go on a voyage
on the Spirit of New Zealand – on a special voyage
for people with physical disabilities. At first I was
unsure but I decided to go on it and I’m so glad I did!
It was so amazing! The boat departed from Auckland
Harbour on February 12th. I was so nervous but as I
soon found out there was no need for me to be
nervous at all.
Everyone else felt the same and everyone was eager
to make friends. By the end of the night I was having
a great time with the new people I had met. While on
the Spirit we got to do heaps of really cool stuff. We
got to climb right to the top of the mast. Sail around
on this little sail boat by ourselves in our teams, help
sail the Spirit, raft into a beach for dinner, get up at
6.30am and have a swim and my favourite, sit out
on the bow sprit for ages while the boat was sailing.
The whole experience overall was so amazing. I met
so many cool people who I’ve kept in touch with most
of them. If I got the opportunity to do something like
this again I definitely would!
Neil Heslop,
MNZAS-CCC
Audiologist/Manager
(Paediatric)
VADEC News & Views
7

Carol Flexer Two-Day Seminar
The 2009 school year started off for many with an
inspiring two-day seminar by Carol Flexer (Ph.D.,
CCC-A; LSLS Cert.AVT.) Ninety-six professionals
attended the seminar including Teachers of the Deaf,
Advisers on Deaf Children and Deaf Resource Staff.
Carol was brought to New Zealand using funds from
Loud Shirt Day with Donna Sperandio and a small
committee from van Asch Deaf Education Centre organising
the event. David Kent chair of the Southern
Hearing Charitable Trust introduced Carol Flexer at
the beginning of the two-day seminar and gave some
information about the Trust and its role. He also gave
some background on his journey with his hearing and
subsequent cochlear implant.
The seminar on the first day was entitled Auditory
Brain Development: A New Spoken Language
and Literacy Context for Today’s Infants and
Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Carol challenged the group to think of hearing loss as
not being about the ears. Hearing loss is about the
brain! “Anytime the word hearing is used think
auditory brain development.” She outlined the new
research on brain development and neural plasticity
and discussed the importance of early brain access
and stimulation. This led to a discussion on
effective early intervention. “Think of early
intervention as adult education.” She highlighted
strategies to ‘grow’ deaf babies’ brains! Carol also
spoke about continuing to provide support for those
young deaf children in the mainstream who have age
appropriate skills to ensure they continue to keep
pace with their peers. “We need to use a prevention
and surveillance model rather than a failure model to
manage this generation of children with hearing loss.”
On the second day we focused on Creating
Accessible Home and School Learning Environments
for Listening, Literacy and Learning. Carol talked
about acoustic accessibility for deaf children/students
at home and at school. Audibility is not the same as
intelligibility! Optimising the use of FM and sound
field systems were discussed. Carol also presented
information and research on auditory development
and its links to early literacy development as well as
neurocircuitry related to reading.
Prior to the start of each afternoon workshop two
brave cochlear implant recipients Lachie Bartlett
(11) and Bradley Mc Kenzie (11) gave a short talk to
the large group about themselves and their hearing
journey. Well done Lachie and Bradley. It was great
to have your input!
Carol was a dynamic speaker with an engaging
lecturing style. Little catch phrases she repeated
throughout her seminar are still echoing with me.
There’s no magic! Muddy in, muddy out! We speak
how we hear! It was certainly a great way to start the
year.
Prior to the workshop Carol spent a day in the
paediatric Cochlear Implant Programme with staff
discussing our current practices, protocols,
assessment schedules and exchanging ideas.
Lachie Bartlett
Carol Flexer
Bradley McKenzie
She also shared information on current practises she
has observed through visiting other Cochlear Implant
Programmes around the world.
As a follow on from the workshop the paediatric
Southern Cochlear Implant Programme staff have
offered a series of 7 workshops focussing on
Developing Spoken Language Through Audition for
any professionals working with deaf children in our
region. Workshops will be held in Christchurch and
put on DVD for participants in other regions. The
series is underway with our first workshop being held
on 11th March in the GSE rooms in Christchurch.
There have been 40 enrolments for this series.
Joanne Lake
8
VADEC News &Views

Over seas trip
Hi, my name is Joe
I went on a trip to USA with Koru care.
To be able to go on this trip I had to meet with two
adults before I could go and at last they chose me to
go. Some of my old friends from Van Asch, were on
the trip like Jasmin , Scott and Kasarah. When it was
getting close to going I was getting excited I was
waiting and waiting finally it got to the day to go to
America. We got to the airport we went on to the
plane and waited till we got there. It was a long time
to get there. There was a TV in the plane and you
could play games on it. When we got there we went
to the motel that we were staying at. For the first few
days things that we did were went to an ice hockey
game and got to meet Rachel Hunter because her
boyfriend Jarrett played in the ice hockey team.
Other cool stuff we did was got to go Knott’s Berry
Farm with rollercoasters, we went to Disneyland
four times, Sea World, San Diego zoo, visited chips,
pirates dinner , stayed in two motels, Universal
Studios. We were away for two weeks.
Scott Williams and Jo Herbert
We also went shopping. I bought a present for
everyone in my family and lollies for my class.
IT WAS AN AMAZING TRIP AND THE BEST!
Koru Care Group at Disneyland - Scott Williams, Jo Herbert - Left Hand Side 2nd row, Jasmin - third from right 2nd row,
Kasarah - Middle back row
VADEC News & Views
9

The literacy subsite
http://www.vanasch.school.nz/literacy-index.php
offers a great range of resources for students,
parents and teachers.
In particular the School Journal, Part 1, No. 3, 2008
contains an illustrated article about visiting an
audiology clinic and a brief explanation of how
hearing aids work.
The main sections in the subsite are the literacy links
newsletter, the literacy links archive, students’ work,
reading pieces, book reviews, frequently asked
questions, literacy team support, resources and
useful websites.
The list of instructional readers with deaf
characters has been recently been expanded.
http://www.vanasch.school.nz/literacy-booksindex.php
At the Hearing Clinic
By Moira Wairama
10
VADEC News &Views

The term one Literacy Links is also posted on the
literacy website.
You can read about Carol Flexer, PM Benchmark
Kit 1& 2 Revised Formal Retells, book reviews and
interesting educational internet sites.
http://www.vanasch.school.nz/literacy-links.php
Shannon's story of feeding monkeys.
Benazir's story of playing the part of a boy in the
school drama - Oliver Twist.
The Student’s work area has had new student work
added to it. Inspire the student you work with to write
something for the student pages.
http://www.vanasch.school.nz/literacy-studentwork.php
The Literacy Team are continually looking for
ways to enhance and extend the information
we provide on the literacy website. If you have
any suggestions for additions to the site email
your suggestion to
sbeaton@vanasch.school.nz
Kirstin's memory of the hair
cut she received before her
Cochlear Implant operation
and her new 'pixie' hair cut.
VADEC News & Views
11

From the Regions
South Canterbury Education Support Centre
On 2 April was the opening of the new 'South
Canterbury Education Support Centre' which the
Resource Teachers Deaf are part of. It is attached to
Oceanview Heights School, a primary school in the
northern part of Timaru.
Other services include Resource Teacher Vision,
Resource Teachers Learning and Behaviour,
Resource Teacher Literacy, Truancy Officer and also
spaces for Speech Language Therapists and
Reading Recovery Training. The centre was opened
by Alison Locke from the Ministry of Education.
It was attended by a good number of people
connected to the centre, mainly from schools
supported by services from the centre.
Alison Locke from the Ministry of Education gave a brief history
of how the centre came about before cutting the ribbon
Barry Newcombe and James Townshend represented VADEC.
They are pictured with two RTD's, Kerry Wood and Hermann Frank
Local Kaumatua blessing the centre
The Wind in the Willows
All the animals live in Toad Hall, on the riverbank, in
the wild woods and underground. Ratty's got zigzag
whiskers and a long bright grey tail. Mole has four
hands. Toad has a long tongue. Badger has black
and white hair.
Tamatoa Tuhoe,
6 1/2 years,
Wainoni School
'Wind in the Willows' characters by Tamatoa Tuhoe
12
VADEC News &Views

'KIT Day at the Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition
in Wellington' by Fatu Sialau
Sandi was so proud because I was the first one to make
Leonardo’s bridge. My secret was to start at the top of
the bridge. The wooden sticks have got holes in the
edges because they need to fit together to make it strong.
This machine helps to lift heavy things. To make it
work, turn the handle and it will turn the cog, which
will lift the weight.
Wow! Look at this room. It is full of Leonardo’s
inventions! Can you see Leonardo’s catapult and the
ball bearings I’m touching? The ball bearings are used
for skateboards and rollerblade’s wheels.
Leonardo da Vinci invented cogs, levers, and ball
bearings. These tools were made by using
Leonardo’s ideas.
The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper are the most
famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci. The Mona
Lisa took 20 years to paint.
At the Civic Square, Nicholas and I had a picture
taken with an electric car. People made an electric car
because it doesn’t make global warming, because it
uses power from electricity. The good thing about the
car is it is cheaper to run and the not good thing is it
costs lots of money. The name (model) of this type of
car is Mitsubishi. The models of my family’s cars are
Honda and Toyota. Sandi’s car is a Daihatsu. The
teacher’s cars are Toyota, Fiat, Nissan and Subaru.
VADEC News & Views 13

Ice Skating for K.I.T. day
by Caleb Laughton, aged 7.
On Friday the 27th of March I went ice skating at the
Alpine Centre in Christchurch. When we arrived I
saw some other kids who had hearing aids.
When we got there Bradley and I ate our lunch by the
rink. After lunch I got some skates and put them on
and tried to stand up in them. It was tricky because it
was hard to balance. Next Russell and Karen helped
me to go ice skating on the ice.
I was worried because I thought I might hurt myself.
But I didn’t fall over.
After I had skated I sat on the seats on the other side
and watched the other kids. They were good skaters
and were doing tricks.
14
VADEC News &Views

My name is Declan. I am reading a hard book.
I go to Lyttelton Main School. I like playing in the
playground. I like the swan plants.
Declan Tozer,
Year 3
Camp
On the first day we got to the place we were staying
at. I went to my bright coloured room and I was
on a triple bunk, at the top.
Then we went out to the big dining room for lunch.
Mum made my lunch.
After lunch we went to our rooms to get ready for the
walk. Halfway through the walk we went river
crossing, it was freezing. After the river crossing we
stopped and had a biscuit then we carried on. Then
we were back to the place we were staying at.
It was nearly tea time. We had some free time and
then they called us back in for tea. It was so yum.
Then a man came from Australia. He went on lots of
trips and he told us about the different people around
the world.
When he was finshed we went to our rooms and got
our pj's on and had a milo.
I did not have a good sleep that night.
By Rebecca,
9 years,
New Brighton Catholic School
It was a long trip and a bumpy bus trip from
Addington School to Spencer Park.
We all got lost in orienteering out side in the trees
and bushes and by the yuchy mushrooms.
We sat out side and had lunch.
There were 18 holes to go at mini golf and I had a
golf ball and a golf club.
At night it was cold in my bunk because the window
was open. The second day I had to tidy bunk room 2.
By Chanel Kaa-Luke
2008 – Highlights of a Good Year!
By Oscar Goodwin
My name is Oscar Goodwin. I am 16 years old and
a Year 12 student at Wairarapa College in
Masterton. This was my first year there and so much
was different. They have different uniforms. It was
my first time being based in a unit and going out into
the mainstream. I found there were more people
here who understood my disabilities and I felt that I
had more support and less stress than last year.
I am doing some NCEA Level 1 and some NCEA
Level 2 subjects this year as well as doing some
subjects by correspondence. I have enjoyed
regular visits to the King Street Art Works, which
runs a community based art programme that I have
participated in. I have also enjoyed the opportunity
to take Cooking at school.
April Fools’ Day was one of my favourite days
because I love laughing and playing pranks! The
first prank of the day was telling people the phone
was ringing and that it was for them, but it wasn’t
ringing at all. The second prank was telling people
that people had run out of the unit. The third prank,
and funniest by far, was telling the teachers that
someone was vomiting uncontrollably in a classroom
when no one was! They all laughed and thought it
was funny! I got a real kick out of it and I’m already
planning for next year.
I won a trophy at Senior Prize-giving. The trophy is
called the Falkner Cup and it’s given for achievement
in the mainstream by a student based in the Senior
School. It was donated by Dr. Liz Falkner who is the
former Chairperson of the Board of Trustees here at
Wairarapa College. The cup was donated so that
the kids in the unit who went out into the mainstream
could have a sense of achievement. When I learned
that I was going to get a prize, I felt excited and
curious about what it was going to be for, so I
attempted to pry the information out of some of my
mainstream teachers. With attempts failing, I still
won the award and I found out what it was for.
It was a great end to a good year!
VADEC News & Views
15

My Special Day at Van Asch
One day we got mail from van Asch asking if I would
like to go to a Deaf Culture Studies trip for 1 week
and I said “Yes”. So Mum and Dad signed the form
and waited for the day to come. Conrad, Amber and
Kane were going as well. I was excited to go with
some of my friends that I haven’t seen for a long time.
Monday 3rd of November was when we were going
to depart from Wellington for Christchurch. The flight
took 55mins. We looked for our transport when we
arrived in Christchurch airport to take us to van Asch.
Mr Lloyd Ellison works in Van Asch and he signed to
us rather than spoke. We arrived at Van Asch and we
stayed with Mr Ellison till we were told where to stay
for the week. We had to follow the house rules.
Luckily I got to stay with Conrad and Amber in
Richard’s house.
Tuesday 4th
We went to Orton Bradley Park by ferry to see
Historical buildings and learn about the life of the deaf
people from 1880. We also took a walk through past
long and short ropes courses but we were not
allowed to try them because we were only walking.
The ropes were really high!!! The other high rope was
like high as the sky and frightening!
There were 2 things we saw like a huge rock that we
couldn’t figure out where it came from and sadly saw
a sheep that didn’t move a bit at all or breathe and we
noticed that it had died. We returned to the
mainland by ferry. We went back to VanAsch for
lunch and chatted.
Wednesday 5th
We took a tour around van Asch to see the old
buildings that used to be there and how they were
used or what happened to them. We went to a deaf
house that was right next to the hall to do some
miming and learn daily living in the 1700s, 1800’s and
1900’s that happened around van Asch. Then we did
story telling with sign language which was difficult for
me because I can only sign the alphabet.
Thursday 6th
In the morning we practised our Deaf Drama – a fun
way using sign language to tell the stories. We acted
out like we were on a bus and it was fun! I like
acting my own way but maturely. After morning tea
we played “Treasure Island” in the gym using sign
language to communicate. It was exciting!!!! When we
made to the island we got lollies called “Bounty” and
we did it again but this time I was blind folded.
16 VADEC News &Views
Friday 7th (Our last day)
We had a sort of a meeting but different. Adults
discussed a range of things about Deaf issues and
sports. Sports were one of the biggest and most
important events in Deaf community. After the
discussions about Deaf issues everybody left and we
talked to Heather and Peter about what we liked and
what we wanted next year in 2009.
Later we got ferried to the airport, I said goodbyes to
all my friends who I hope to see next year. When we
arrived back into Wellington I told my Mum and Dad
about what happened in Van Asch and how it was.
It was fun and I hope to go again.
This trip was fun because I like using sign language
to communicate in addition to speaking and I
enjoyed the drama. I have made many new friends
and I tried to participate in all the games.
I felt the Deaf culture trip was to meet other deaf
students and to learn about Deaf culture from the
historical walk and through fun activities organised
by van Asch. It showed me the sacrifice, hard work
and determination that generations of people have
endured to provide the support given to me today.
Nicholas Leow,
Wellington High School,
Wellington

Regional Support
Specialist Resource Team update
Traditionally term one has been busy due to the
number of mainstream courses run throughout the
region in conjunction with GSE Advisors. This year is
no exception as the SRT team have provided
support by organising and presenting these
courses for classroom teachers and teacher aides in
Christchurch, Invercargill, Wellington, New Plymouth
and Palmerston North. Several of these trips have
also involved school visits.
It is marvellous for us to see strategies and
resources covered in the course content being
effectively implemented in the class setting.
This term we have welcomed two new members to
the SRT team: Brenda Sargent (Speech/Language)
and Kay Pinion (Visual Communication).
Brenda is a trained teacher of the Deaf who has
worked in Deaf education since 1995. During this
time she has worked as a Resource Teacher of the
Deaf and as a classroom teacher. Prior to training as
a teacher of the Deaf, Brenda worked as a
mainstream teacher and a special needs teacher.
Kay is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) as both of her
parents are Deaf. She has worked in Deaf education
for 16 years as a communicator for a mainstream
student and an on-base classroom teacher at van
Asch. Most recently she has been a Resource
Teacher of the Deaf, based in Christchurch. This
term Brenda has visited the West Coast, Buller and
several rural schools in the Gisborne area.
Meanwhile Kay has been busy developing some
resources to enhance visual communication
strategies used in mainstream classes.
This term four families have attended preschool
residential courses from Wellington, Taranaki and
Gisborne. As all of the children were under 2½ years
of age we were all kept very busy.
As always, the team have also been planning and
getting started on the development of a number of
new resources. These support the Resource
Teachers of the Deaf and other staff working with
deaf students around the region. We are currently
reviewing all of the resources developed to date and
will be working towards reformatting some of these
(for example, onto DVD). In addition each
department (Speech/Language, Literacy, NZSL,
Visual Communication) has devised a plan of new
resources to develop over the next three years and
work has begun on these.
We would like to wish Olwyn McGibbon (SRT:
Literacy) all the best for a speedy recovery, following
her recent spinal operation. We’re looking forward to
having her back with the team sometime next term.
We hope you all enjoy the holidays.
Paul Buzzard, Sue Beaton, Evette Griffiths,
Brenda Sargent, Michele Yonetani, Kay Pinion
Regional News
My mum took a photo of me and my model takahe.
She gave it to the Postman. It was a runner-up and
they sent me a crocodile.
Cory Myatt,
Governors Bay School,
Christchurch
Congratulations to William Rice, who received the
Devine Family Cup for the best Year 13 achiever at
the NZFDC Excellence Awards to acknowledge his
achievements throughout his High School.
Will received $250 to spend!
We wish William the best for his future in the work
force.
VADEC News & Views 17

Congratulations to Talor Gilmer, who received the
Zis Lurajud Cup for the NZFDC Academic Excellence
Awards. This award is to recognise the highest
achievement nationally of a Deaf or hearing impaired
student in a mainstream school for showing
academic excellence in Year 10.
He received $50 to spend as well.
As well as this, Talor took a remarkable number of
awards from his school:
Talor received the Spirit of Silverstream Award from
the students and staff to acknowledge that he has
exhibited the behaviour which exemplifies the
desired "spirit" of the school, St Pat's, Silverstream,
Wellington. Talor also achieved Excellence in Year
Ten English, he achieved in Year Ten Business
Studies, was acknowledged for his outstanding
achievements in Year Ten PE, as well as the
Diligence Award for attitude and partcipation in
class. He also received the Bronze Scholar Award!
Well done, Talor: what an excellent all round high
achiever!
Sam Birchall – Awards for 2008
Sam is a Year 8 student at Masterton Intermediate
School. He has had a brilliant year with many
achievements. At his final assemblies Sam’s
success was recognised and he received a
Certificate of Special Merit: Mathematics & Physical
Education and a Certificate of Diligence. He was
also presented with the Positive Regard Trophy
for 2008, and as part of it he also received a basket
of fruit and a box of ‘goodies’.
Adrienne Wynne
Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf
Callum Lines, a year 6 pupil at Windsor North
School, Invercargill was recently chosen to
participate in P. A. L. – Physical Activity Leader
programme. This means that he learnt skills to be
able to run organised games at lunchtimes for the
rest of the school.
Well done Callum you have great leadership
qualities.
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VADEC News &Views

Local News
vadec Anniversary Day
VADEC News & Views
19

Orton Bradley Park
On Tuesday we went to Orton Bradley Park. It took
45 minutes from school. In the van we were telling
jokes to Anne.
When we got to Orton Bradley Park we had morning
tea and played around. After that we went to the old
house and dressed up and they took a photo. After
that we went inside the old house, there were
pictures and stuff. Then we went to look around
other stuff.
Then it was time to go back to the camping ground to
have lunch. I had 3 sausages.
After that it was time to go back to school. In the van
everyone was telling jokes to Anne. When everyone
got back to school they were tired.
By Drew Smith
Our Trip to Orton Bradley Park
Yesterday the whole school went to Orton Bradley
Park. Me, Drew, Hanna and Rachel went in the van
with Anne and Ann. Ann pressed the brake and the
van went stop, go, stop, go, stop and the van went
very slowly.
Everyone got off the van and we had morning tea.
We finished morning tea and then went to the
museum. Everyone dressed up in old clothes for a
picture. Everyone finished the picture and took the
clothes off.
Then we went to the Bradley House, we had a look
and I went to the children’s bedroom upstairs.
I walked upstairs and banged my head. Then we
went to the old school and we went inside. It was
so smelly. Then we went to the museum. I saw an
old sewing machine, it was so tiny. Then we finished
looking at the musum and we had lunch. I had three
sausages. Everyone had playtime. We went back to
school leaving at 2.00pm.
By Hamish Rathgen
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VADEC News &Views

Anniversary Day
Yesterday we went to Orton Bradley Park. I was in
Ann’s van. I sat in the back with Hanna. It was a hot
day. The vans stopped and waited for Liz’s van and
Lynley. We went to Orton Bradley Park for lunch.
I enjoyed it in the van. Me and Hanna had a joke with
Anne. I think we had fun.
It was windy up the hill and down the hill and around the
corners and Hanna and I had fun in the back seat but I
got a little bit sick and I got a sore head. Then I felt
better. It was fun at Orton Bradley Park. We drove
a long way there in the van. It was too loud for me,
Hanna and Anne. In the afternoon we drove back to
school. It took 45 minutes to get back to school. We
arrived at 2.45.
It was nearly 3.00 and it was home time. I was tired.
By Rachel Baker
VADEC News & Views
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22 VADEC News &Views

van Asch Sports Day
The annual van Asch Athletic Sports were held on
Thursday 2nd April, on a beautiful sunny day.
The morning began with the grand parade of school
House Teams, with students and staff dressed in
house colours including balloons and some very
elaborate facepaint. The students who were on base
attending a regional course joined in the morning's
events too.
Track events were first, and then House Team
challenges. All students were supportive of each
other, helping the younger ones and
encouraging others in their teams to "have a go".
The afternoon programme had field events - long
jump, shotput, discus and foxtail throw, followed by
a House Team relay won by John Bone.
Results : 1st John Bone (Green)
2nd John Weastall ( Purple)
3rd Helen Tullock ( Orange)
Congratulations to the school champions -
Senior Boy Champion - Khodadad Rezaie
Senior Girl Champion - Nikki Tuari
Junior Boy Champion - Hamish Rathgen
Junior Girl Champion - Santana Ngawharau.
Thankyou to all staff and students who helped make
the day so successful, and it was wonderful to see
so many students excelling on the sports field.
VADEC News & Views
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24 VADEC News &Views

Duffy Book Assembly – March 2009
On Friday, 23rd March we held our first Duffy
Assembly for the year. Our special visitor was Lee
Tuki. Lee is an aerobics champion. She has
competed in and coached aerobics for many years.
She is a past president of the New Zealand
Competitive Aerobics Federation and was a judge at
the World Aerobics Champs 2002 – 2004. Lee was
NZ Fitness Leader of the Year in 2002 and a finalist
in the NZ Maori Sports Awards in 2004.
Lee gave an inspirational speech to us about the
importance of having dreams and setting goals. She
spoke about how important it was to be able to read
and write in today’s world.
After her talk, Lee took us all out onto the basketball
court for a short aerobics session. We were all
puffing and blowing by the time we finished! It was
lots of fun.
Lee then presented each student with two books to
take home.
VADEC News & Views
25

Early Intervention Centre
C.O.D.A Playgroup morning
Every Thursday morning we provide a Playgroup
for Children of Deaf Adults. We have seven families
currently attending. This is a time where parents can
get together and support each other. The children
enjoy their time together too. The older children love
to take part in pretend play. A number of them have
enjoyed pretending to be firemen. Jill Irving took the
opportunity to ask the Fire Brigade to visit the Centre
and show the children a real Fire Engine and the
uniform close up! There was great excitement and
a little fear when the Fire Engine arrived. One brave
child sat in the cab and happily waved to us all.
Notices
van Asch Library News
van Asch Library now doubles as a Student
Common Room with very successful results.
Students can have a bite to eat while relaxing in
warm inviting surroundings during their breaks.
Students are exploring their new look library which
offers a variety of activities at any one time. DVD
signed stories are high on the popularity list along
with interactive CD Roms, games/puzzles &
ebooks on the internet. Browsing is taking them to
the daily newspaper, magazines and enjoying the
many exciting books that are on display. Most
importantly enjoying their library space by taking
ownership and feeling comfortable with their friends
or asking for assistance from the Library Staff.
To keep up with what is happening at the van Asch
library or for update information on recent purchases,
or research article from periodicals please download
the Library Insider from the van Asch web site
http://www.vanasch.school.nz/library-insider.php
or contact me if you would like a copy sent out.
Happy Reading
Margaret Hunt
Library Resource Coordinator
mhunt@vanasch.school.nz
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VADEC News &Views

Farewell Jurgen
At the end of Term One van Asch Centre staff
gathered with his family and friends to bid farewell
to a long serving colleague Jurgen Mann who has
worked at the Centre for 23 years, primarily as a
Technology Teacher.
Jurgen, has in this time, supported many students
who have successfully achieved in the curriculum
areas of Wood and Metal Technology and Graphics
and Design. In more recent years Jurgen has
supported general classrooms programmes at
Primary, Middle School and Senior High School
levels as well as leading Technology programmes.
Colleagues will remember Jurgen for his good
humour, generous spirit and his willingness to
support colleagues during extra curricular activities.
His contribution to annual drama productions has
involved outstanding stage set construction. He
has also played a reliable part in sports events and
school camps.
A permanent reminder of the work undertaken by
Jurgen and students will be the stunning wrought iron
gates on Wakefield Avenue. The design was based
on photographs of the original gates and was drawn
up and constructed as part of a school programme in
metal work technology.
We understand that Jurgen has some interesting
retirement plans including being a full time
grandfather to his delightful grandson Joshua who
appeared to enjoy the farewell enormously and
arrived attached to an enormous helium balloon
which read Happy Retirement OPA.
We thank Jurgen for his long contribution to the
Centre and hope his wife Dawn and daughter
Katherine will see more of him as he enjoys a long
and happy retirement.
Notice for parents/caregivers -
Are you worried about your child's mental or physical
health? Did you know that we have a Public Health
Nurse whom you can talk with about your child's
health concerns?
This is a free and confidential health service provided
by the Canterbury District Health Board.
The Public Health Nurse for our School is
Barbara-Ann Harper. She is a registered nurse who
specialises in child and family health. Barbara-Ann
can arrange with you to meet at home, school or work
to provide health support, child and family
assessments, advice and coordinate any other family
health or support services if required.
She can be contacted through the school
(Beth Ataria, Counsellor, 326 6009)
or by phoning the Public Health Nursing Service
on 383 6877 ext. 99616.
VADEC News & Views
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