Past pupils to reunite 50th Anniversary of the Onekawa School Deaf Unit

Tanya Smiley, who attended the school in its earlier years said through her interpreter Lisa Smith that being in the mainstream class was difficult to deal with. Photo / Paul Taylor

This weekend past and present pupils of Onekawa School will be coming together to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Onekawa School Deaf Unit.

From March 22 to March 25, ex-pupils and friends of the Onekawa deaf unit will meet in Hawke's Bay to remember their schooling experiences, share stories and visit the site of the old unit.

The weekend will start with a Powhiri and welcome at the HawkesBay Deaf Club on the Friday evening and a dinner and special cake cutting, featuring both the first deaf pupil and current deaf students of the school on Saturday night.

Sunday will see the unveiling and presentation of a special plaque at the site of where the deaf unit used to be.

Tanya Smiley and one of the unit's first students, Kurt Brandon, read through a book written by a former teacher of the class, Juliet Clarke. Photo / Paul Taylor

Tanya Smiley who attended the school in its earlier years said through her interpreter Lisa Smith that being in the mainstream class was difficult to deal with.

"When I was at school we were told to try and speak and be more vocal, we weren't allowed to try and sign anything which made it very hard and frustrating," Smiley said.

"When I moved to the deaf unit it made it easier, but we still needed to learn sign and try and communicate with others."

At its peak more than 30 children attended the deaf unit, but over time the number of enrolments dwindled as parents wanted their children in mainstream schools.

Nowadays Smiley sees that the schooling for children is much better and since 1996 there has been a Hawkes Bay Deaf Club, which she has been president for the last two years.

"The schooling for deaf children has gotten better now with technology and having the Deaf Club is a great way for us to socialise and come together as a community," Smiley said.

But for Smiley she can't wait for the weekend.

"I'm excited for the weekend, some of my class mates I haven't seen for over 40 years and they are coming from all over New Zealand and Australia for this reunion."