Blackball embraces sign language

Paparoa Range School’s Blackball site is leading the way with sign language education to help deaf pupil Jake Kilpatrick, and has been recognised nationally for its efforts. Teacher Karen Stanford said Jake was born deaf and as a result could not talk.

“He relies on signing for all communication.”
Upon receiving word that Jake would be joining Blackball School last year, everyone went out of their way to ensure his transition would be smooth, she said. Mrs Stanford and a teacher-aide were released from their jobs for a week to attend sign language training at Van Asch Deaf Education centre, in Christchurch. The school also put up sign language posters in the classrooms so teachers and pupils could learn it. A deaf adviser, Karey Considine, has been visiting as well to help teachers, pupils and Jake. She nominated the school for an award because he was now fully integrated and was a happy and relaxed child with lots of friends.
“The children are so good and are really trying to communicate with him,” Ms Stanford said.
A book of different signs sits at the front of the classroom and children often looked through it for the one they needed to talk to Jake. Jake’s mother, Denise Kilpatrick, said Jake’s confidence had really grown since he had been at Blackball. On Saturday Mrs Stanford was presented with the New Zealand Sign Language in Schools national award, in Nelson. It was the only school in the South Island to get an award.