Gisborne Speech-Language Therapy

01/10/2025

Feeling very spoiled today as a young client came and gifted me these beautiful flower.🥰
Yes, I get paid for my work- but in each of my session I give a little bit of myself, I think about the client prior to the session, look for activities which will help them practice their area of weakness- in a way that is fun and individual to them. And if my plan does not fit for the day, we adjust. It is totally not necessary for the client to gift me flower- but it touched me deeply and reminded me that the little bit of extra I put into my 'work' is seen and appreciated 💐🙂

01/10/2025

This is exciting news!!

https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/news-and-events/news/2025/world-first-for-literacy-teaching-in-specialist-schools?fbclid=IwdGRzaANJkQRjbGNrA0mQsmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeoOVycGmmUAELIipeKXrYT6DsksX5sgUf-IAP-vKLr8D1aZs3pdoA1ThtzBA_aem_SWvKGlsjLBaPgwwBS4X_EA

Aotearoa is leading the way, implementing a structured literacy approach developed at the University of Canterbury, in all specialist schools.

28/09/2025

How great is this? A colleague created this overview of AAC apps which will be offered for a reduced price in October. Please also note that weave chat is an AAC app which has a robust vocal system and is always totally free of charge. If you have ever wondered if AAC would be helpful for you, your child or someone you know, why not try it out using WeaveChat?

WooHoo! It’s almost October 🎉 …which means it’s almost time for AMAZING deals on AAC apps and special education supports for AAC Awareness Month!

A huge THANK YOU 🙏 to the vendors and developers who make these important supports accessible to more people in our AAC community.

💡 I’ve put together two downloadable versions:
• Graphic (clickable PDF with all the deals)
• Screenreader-friendly, simplified text version

👉 Download them here: https://bit.ly/AACAwarenessDeals2025

Let’s spread the word so families, educators, and professionals can take advantage of these savings all month long!

23/09/2025

Has your child received or is currently receiving Speech-language Therapy in New Zealand? Then now is your chance to have your say and help shape the future of Speech-language Therapy in New Zealand. Your voice matters! Please consider filling in this survey from Canterbury University https://canterbury.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9zv7Q5XGsfjsc7Q?fbclid=IwdGRzaAM_GLJjbGNrAz8YqGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEezTauakEQ1F3QHV3gYhK95ts3ynLwIMajGLo3m3UV87E9mojbWlMiqYTBzWQ_aem_YkbhRoy7akE34rWCQPVe8w&sfnsn=scwspmo

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

19/09/2025

Final day in the Speech-language Therapy awareness week. I will share a photo in the comments...have a lovely weekend, folks! And enjoy your weekend!!!

18/09/2025

Day 4 in our SLT Awareness Week. 'Thursday – Wairua (Spirituality)
✨ Wellbeing Begins with Communication – Kōrero is Connection

Today we turn our attention to wairua, the spiritual dimension of wellbeing.
Wairua is about more than religion; it’s about connection to purpose, values, identity, culture, and the things that give life meaning.'

Soo much is in the word 'wairua'! I got to go for a walk with my husband today. It was the perfect moment to connect with him, the forest around us and discuss a few things that matter to us. We chatted about our live together, how I am often the motor and the sail in his lifeboat- but he is my keel- he keeps me steady and grounded.💕

Grateful for this awareness week which looks at our wellbeing and captures these precious moments!

17/09/2025

Wellbeing begins with connection - kōrero (speaking with someone) and Kai (food) are two great ways to connect people.
My Rāapa (Wednesday) is just beginning but I am looking forward to catch with my dad this afternoon and spend some quality time together ❤️ . So special when we usually live on the other sides of the world!

Who are you going to connect with today?

16/09/2025

Speech-language Therapy awareness week - day 2 (I am currently overseas and it's still Tuesday here;-)l.
Tinana- physical wellbeing. I finished my workday frustrated and slightly overwhelmed as I did not manage to tick off all the things on my to-do list...went to play 2 hrs squash. And guess what? Hitting a small black ball against a wall, shouting for joy (when a hit was successful) or frustration (when I yet again missed) and laughing with friends about their hit and misses was just what my body needed. Finished the day off with a good stretch and not just my Tinana feels better but my overall mood is much better! Such a good reminder that mood can be shifted by physical exercise!

15/09/2025

It is Speech-Language Therapy awareness week - and the next 5 days focus on different aspects of wellbeing.

Can I encourage you to join the challenge? Let's look after ourselves and others!

(And if you feel a little irritation that I first mentioned 'ourselves' in the sentence above - it was on purpose. 🙂 This is not about selfishness, but we can give and care for others best when we ourselves are in a stable place).
What will you say to yourself today that uplifts you? And who will you uplift with you words then?
(My note to self and you is in the comments)

21/07/2025

If you hear about Ministry of Education Specialist staff striking today, here is some more information about the reason why. We don't have enough Speech-language Therapists across the country. In order to attract more people into our profession, they pay does have to be fair. The recent offer from the Government has been less than the increas to minimum pay. This is not a the way to attract more people into this beautiful profession. I stand with my MOE colleagues (although as many of you know I am currently overseas). 💜

07/07/2025

Today I would like to share a post from one of my colleagues who is not only amazingly innovative but also amazingly generous and has a passion to remove barriers. Thank you Nicky-Marie Kohere-Smiler for your mahi, your passion and your generosity ❤️