Waikato Deaf Units Schools History

Let’s spotlight one of the teachers.

Kay Deare

Miss Deare, affectionately known by her former deaf students, was more than just a teacher. She was a beacon of inspiration, revered as the most cherished educator of all time at Hamilton West School. I recall one instance when a student struggling with a complicated concept was on the verge of giving up. Kay’s patience and unwavering belief in the student’s abilities led to a breakthrough, a moment that encapsulated her teaching style. Note that her full name was Loris Kay Deare, and everyone called her ‘Kay’. 

I had the privilege of conversing with Kay several months before her passing. She shared with me the immense hurdles she encountered in her early years as a teacher. In those times, there was a need for more funding for essential equipment and school materials, and sign language should have been permitted in the classrooms. Yet, Kay’s unwavering spirit led her to find innovative ways to teach, utilizing visual aids and encouraging students to communicate through writing and oral means. Our discussions further illuminated the uphill battles she valiantly fought for her students. 

The parents of the D/deaf children were not just passive observers in the education process. They played a crucial, active role in making toys, puzzles, blackboards, and other materials for the classroom. This community effort, led by my late father, a carpenter/builder, and other parents, was a powerful testament to their dedication and love for their children’s education. This strong community support, which was instrumental in helping Kay and her colleagues overcome the challenges they faced in their teaching, continues to inspire us all. 

Kay was born in New Plymouth in 1927 and died in February 2016 in Hamilton. She was a strong, devoted Christian woman, and I remember her well. 

I posted one of my blogs about Kay Deare and her biography a few years back on the website page – Deaf History and Culture.

One of the earliest teachers of the Deaf children

Kay’s journey was not a solitary one. She worked in tandem with her esteemed colleagues at Hamilton West School, each playing a crucial role in the education of deaf children. Miss Rosaline Bradbnam, for instance, was instrumental in developing the school’s curriculum. At the same time, Jill Harvey was the first Teacher of the Deaf children, and Myra was a teacher’s aide for the Deaf children and other children with disabilities. As Principals, John Wahler and Athol Jackson provided the necessary support and guidance. Together, they blazed a trail of innovative teaching methods and unwavering advocacy for the rights and needs of their deaf students. Their collective efforts are a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose, inspiring us all. 

Jill Harvey was the first Teacher of the Deaf children, and Myra was a teacher’s aide for the Deaf children and other children with disabilities. Myra was a teacher in the other class. Miss Rosaline Bradnam came a bit later. 

One former deaf student with CP (Cerebral Palsy) told me about the book Kay made for this student on writing and physical activities in the playground. 

Kay first graduated from teacher training school. She got a teaching job near her hometown and her parents, where there was a Deaf girl, but she could not remember this girl’s name for me. Then, after her OE trip, Kay came to work at Hamilton West School. She became an Advisor for the Deaf until she retired. 

I asked Kay about today when there is an official language – NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language)- in New Zealand and the benefit for all D/deaf children, youths, and adults who can communicate fluently in the Deaf community today. However, the Education System allows any D/deaf children and D/deaf with disabilities to use sign language in the classroom today. In the ‘old days ‘, there was a ban on using sign language in mainstream schools, a policy that hindered the communication and learning of deaf students, making Kay’s advocacy for sign language and the tools to help all D/deaf children and D/deaf with disabilities children all the more significant. Kay said it would be better to use both sign language and to speak back in the old days if there was a training course about sign language and communicating with them. She accepted that every D/deaf student should communicate differently by using sign language and speaking D/deaf children’s choices.

Several ex-D/deaf students loved Kay through Hamilton West School because of her warmth, caring, respect, and ability to help. Everyone expected to see her at the 2012 reunion, but Kay’s health took a toll, and she could not attend. I revisited Kay for a couple of days with the result of the reunion, and she was delighted to hear everything was going well. Kay encouraged me to continue to write the book/website about the Waikato Deaf Units so that readers can learn about us. Kay hopes many ex-D/deaf students, teachers of the Deaf, and the parents of the D/deaf children write stories or memories back to me for the book/website without delay. 

A comment from the NZ Herald Death Notices – https://notices.nzherald.co.nz/nz/obituaries/nzherald-nz/name/loris-deare-obituary?id=44937606

“Kay Deare was my first Teacher when I start school in 1965 she warm and friendly care person who help me a lots in early school year always remember your smile Rest in Peace Julie (nee Downes)

Julie Burton”