News & Events

We’re delighted to share a positive update on our ongoing journey of growth and improvement at Ko Taku Reo. As part of our commitment to delivering excellent outcomes for all our ākonga, we recently welcomed the Education Review Office (ERO) to visit our Enrolled School provisions. Their visit focused on how we’ve progressed since our last evaluation, and we’re proud to report that significant steps forward have been made.

Here are some highlights from the feedback and our ongoing mahi:

• Student Voice and Wellbeing: Students shared positive reflections about their wellbeing and learning experiences. Interestingly, many indicated that their work was too easy. In response, we’re adapting our teaching programmes to ensure all students experience appropriate challenge, with high expectations and rich learning opportunities that support deeper engagement and achievement.
• Teaching and Learning: We’ve strengthened expectations for collaborative team planning, and Deaf Studies is now intentionally woven through our teaching programmes and specifically named in our School Schema. This reinforces Deaf culture, identity, and language in meaningful and authentic ways across the curriculum. Teachers are receiving increased support and guidance, with a renewed focus on literacy and numeracy as key areas for learner success. We have had very positive feedback from parents on the new IEP design, which now focuses on reading, writing and maths. 
• Leadership and Oversight: A new leadership role has been introduced to drive change and ensure progress is sustained across our school action plan. Leaders are closely monitoring teaching practices and supporting continuous improvement.
• Professional Growth: Staff development remains a priority, with a stronger emphasis on professional learning cycles linked to student progress in reading, writing, and maths. Staff will hear more about this in the coming term. Staff meetings now include more targeted discussions on how to improve academic outcomes for all learners.
• Student Achievement and Attendance: We’ve seen promising progress in attendance and a rise in NCEA achievement results. Our team is working closely with whānau to build strong partnerships around regular attendance and learner success.
• Strengthened Classroom Practice: Many classrooms now reflect more consistent use of NZSL, visuals, and written and spoken language, which is helping to deepen students’ understanding and engagement.

We’re incredibly proud of the progress made so far and are committed to continuing this momentum. Our next meeting with ERO is scheduled for the end of Term 2, with another visit planned for early Term 3. This will include a follow-up on our residential hostels and our ongoing review of the Outreach School.

Thank you to all our kaimahi, whānau, and partners for your dedication, collaboration, and belief in the vision of Ko Taku Reo. Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of our ākonga.

Ngā mihi nui

The Ko Taku Reo Leadership Team