Principals Page

Term one has seen further progress on van Asch's satellite class at Hagley Community College. The numbers of students and staff in the satellite programme has been increased. Many students have been eager to attend this facility and to access the learning opportunities provided there. It is important that they are well supported in their classrooms. This involves careful planning to make the best use of teacher, teacher aide and specialist assistance that is available.

This term we have also trailed having van Asch students attend Hagley part time in order to access some specialist subject areas that they show interest in. This has worked successfully and may be a way of extending the learning experiences of more students from the base school.

A newly organised team of residential staff has also been introduced. The team comprises some people who were previously on the residential staff and some new people. The whole team met for six days before students returned at the start of 2010. This time for induction and planning allowed the team to get to know each other and to develop clear and consistent expectations for students and the operation of the residential service. I congratulate everyone in the residential team for their commitment and professionalism in the development of a safe and friendly residential environment that has an educational purpose.

The process for election of a new Board of Trustees for van Asch Deaf Education Centre for the next three years is under way. Nominations are being sought at present and it is important that those children who receive regional services through itinerant resource teachers, the cochlear implant programme and early intervention programme are represented on the board as well as those of students at the base school. Parents of children receiving regional services can be nominated for the board of trustees by a parent of a student who is enrolled at van Asch. Voting will take place on 7 May.

Two of our long serving teachers retired at the end of this term. We farewelled Rob Allen in Dunedin who has been on our staff in the Otago area itinerant resource teacher team for many years. We also farewelled Jill Irving at van Asch. In recent years Jill has worked in the Christchurch area itinerant resource teacher team. In earlier years Jill worked in a range of roles at the base school and in particular lead the early intervention programme. Both of these teachers have had long careers in deaf education. Their contribution to the service and to the lives of the many children they have worked with has been outstanding and is greatly appreciated. We wish Jill and Rob all the best in their retirements.

In February I informed the Board of Trustees of my intention to retire during term two of this year. The Board is at present in the process of appointing a new principal. If possible the timing of my retirement will fit in with a new principal starting. I thoroughly enjoy the work involved as principal and have particularly appreciated the full support of the Board of Trustees and management staff for the directions taken in my time at van Asch. There is recognition of the importance of continuing developments to further extend services throughout the van Asch region to ensure the best opportunities and outcomes for the children and students we work for.

My best wishes to you all.

Kind regards

Barry Newcombe PhD
Principal
van Asch Deaf Education Centre