Uki school embraces Auslan for inclusivity

UKI PUBLIC School has embarked upon an inclusive learning road, implementing Auslan lessons in its youngest classes at the beginning of this term.

The enrolment of twin girls into kindergarten in 2024 prompted the initiative. Six-year-old twins Nikitya and Eliya Lakaez are hearing children in a family where their mother, Kirsty Cumming is deaf, and their father, Jex Lakaez, is deaf and blind.

The lessons will build knowledge and develop meaningful learning over seven years of primary school, and the school’s plan is to introduce the lessons to older students over time.

In the lead up to International Day of Sign Languages 2024, Uki principal Rachel Watkins said that before meeting the family, she was initially outside the broader movement to introduce Auslan into NSW schools.

“We want all our families to feel that they have a voice in the school, and in particular those who don’t speak English as a first language.

“Learning any other language increases people’s awareness of the needs of others, and Auslan is a language and a culture for a whole community of people.

“It increases students’ empathy and perspective and develops their availability to be inclusive.

“They develop an innate sense of compassion and empathy towards others.”

The school is demonstrating that simple additions to learning diversity reap enormous benefits. The 10 weeks of lessons by deaf teacher Marie Ware are interpreted by local translator and deaf community and culture advocate Michelle Maguire.

The scheme has had a life-changing impact on the family and its immediate school experience.

“Mum and Dad often come to the assemblies, and they come to almost everything, supported not only by Michelle but by the broader school community,” Ms Watkins said.

“At our Father’s Day performance last week, Michelle did hand over hand translation for him, so he knew everything that was going on. The thought that one of our dads would not understand what was happening is heartbreaking. It was important to understand how we could learn more, respond, and make adjustments so all families can fully participate.

“The girls are doing great, and a lot of that has to do with Kirsty, an extremely switched-on and hands-on mother.”

For more information about the international sign language movement, head to un.org/en/observances/sign-languages-day