Speech To Kelston Deaf Education Centre Annual Christmas Assembly

Good afternoon everyone – it’s great to be here today.

Today I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Meghan Coppage and the students of Room 21 at Kelston Primary School.

One of the first things I learnt since becoming Associate Minister of Education is that being Deaf is a difference, not a disability.

You are proud of your unique language and values.  You are proud to be part of a passionate and energetic Deaf community.  Most importantly you are proud of who you are. 

Today we've come together to celebrate your achievements this year.

I congratulate everyone receiving awards.  They recognise your hard work and determination.

I acknowledge the support and encouragement of your dedicated parents and families.

Today is also a time to look forward to what the New Year will bring.

I am really excited about 2011.  This Government will be making changes to ensure every young New Zealander gets a fair go at school.

Being deaf shouldn’t be a barrier to learning or stop anyone from reaching their full potential.

Earlier this year more than 2,000 people told us what is working and what isn’t working well for young people with special education needs. 

We listened and I launched a plan of action called Success for All – Every School, Every Child.

I want it to be quicker and easier for young people with special education needs and their families to get extra help.  I’ll find better ways to bring together the support you receive.

Eleven hundred more young people will get Ongoing and Reviewable Resourcing Schemes support, and a further thousand will be able to get specialist support in their first three years at school.

I want you and your parents to have more choice when choosing the best place for you to learn.

Many of you go to regular schools across Auckland – and I’m sure they are doing a good job at making sure you can take part fully in school life.

And if they’re not I want to hear about it.

I believe all schools in New Zealand can be welcoming and inclusive by 2014.

I take this goal seriously.  I want every young person to learn and succeed in every school.

Others of you attend the Kelston Deaf Education Centre. 

Special schools like yours will have a different role in the future.  They will make their skills and support available to more students around New Zealand through outreach specialist teaching.

I will change the support for deaf and hearing impaired students.  Services are uneven across the country, and many schools don’t have teachers with the skills you need like New Zealand Sign Language.

I will move the existing resources to two deaf education centres.  They will then develop a specialist workforce to work with schools.

In four years time I expect to see:

• Schools welcoming and including every student
• All young people learning and succeeding, and getting extra help when they need it
• Parents who can see that their child belongs, has friends and is learning and succeeding
• Parents receiving good information – without being knocked back.

I know it can be done as there are schools out there that are already doing it.

So, a lot will be happening in education next year.  I reckon we’ll be well on our way to a future where all young New Zealanders succeed.

I can’t wait to join you all at your barbeque lunch and learn more about our vibrant Deaf community here in Auckland.

Thank you – and I wish you all the best for a well-earned break and a happy and safe festive season.

ENDS