DSB Students Shine in the House!

Four Year 8 students have made history by becoming the first St Paul’s Way students to speak in the House of Commons.

The four boys, Ahtik Ahmed, Agibou Deen, Boody Hassan and Samiur Rahman of 8T, were invited by the NDCS (National Deaf Children's Society) to take part in the launch of their Change Your World report in Parliament on Tuesday June 10th 2008.

Ahtik, Agibou and Boody gave speeches to a group of around sixty MPs, TV celebrities and professionals from the NDCS and other schools. The meeting, hosted by Dr. Tyron Woolfe of the NDCS and Malcolm Bruce MP, took place in the Stranger's Dining Room, near the famous Lobby in Parliament. Ms Bentham and Ms Wild accompanied the students on the trip.

The boys paid tribute to SPWCS and their teachers and spoke about their experiences of being deaf and their ambitions and hopes for the future. "I am extremely proud of our students for bravely standing up in front of so many important people and speaking so well – many adults would not be able to achieve what they did," said Ms Bentham. "The boys were a credit to the school as they behaved with confidence, impeccable manners and charm."

The day, which began with a tour of the NDCS headquarters near the Barbican, and included a 'flight' on the London Eye, was a great success. "It was good fun," said Samiur Rahman. "The NDCS staff were great," added Ahtik Ahmed.

The boys are now hoping to get NDCS support to set up a football league for deaf and hearing players from schools in East London, and an after school snooker club at SPWCS.

We're Deaf Aware!
Do you know what a Malleus is? Or what an Incus is? Or maybe even what an Audio Shoe is? Do you know what sound is like through a hearing aid? Or how to make life a bit easier for those with a hearing loss? The chances are that if you ask someone from 7T they will know the answer.

This term, 7T have been doing a course called 'Deaf Awareness' taught by Ms Bentham, Head of the Deaf Support Base. We have learnt a lot about how the ear works (it is very delicate and complicated) and about what can happen when you have a hearing loss. We worked out how sound is produced and what kind of equipment can help those who are deaf. We have also talked about the prejudice deaf people face in their lives.

And in lunchtimes, we have all been learning British Sign Language with Sonia Marquis. All 7T students have their own 'sign names' (like a nickname), know how to fingerspell, how to sign numbers and have everyday conversations in sign language. Sayidul Alum and Nadira Choudhury were awarded special British Sign Language certificates in assembly for outstanding commitment and achievement. It has been great fun and we have been lucky enough to have six DSB students to help us. Thanks Tahmina, Banu, Fhabia, Charlie, Sahera and Ezekiel - we love having you in 7T.

How to be more listener friendly...
• Face people when you are talking to them;
• Don't shout (your face scrunches up and makes you look angry);
• Don't whistle, screech, tap or make loud noises;
• Speak one at a time.

And lots more. Look around the school for posters. Thanks to Ms Bentham, Sonia and Hassan too. 

Ms Evans, 7T Tutor

A Letter from Louis!
Four boys from 8T have received a letter from the famous author Louis Sachar, who wrote Holes. Agibou Deen, Ahtik Ahmed, Boody Hassan and Samiur Rahman wrote to Mr Sachar in December to ask him some questions about his life and his writing. "We enjoyed his book so much, we asked him to come and visit us!" said Ahtik Ahmed. "My favourite character was Armpit and I enjoyed watching the DVD of the story," said Agibou Deen. Louis Sachar sent the type-written letter from his home in America. He wrote:

Dear Agibou, Ahtik, Boody and Samiur,

Thanks for your very nice letters. I'm glad you like my books so much. I live in Austin, Texas, with my wife, Carla. She was a school counsellor when I met her, and was the inspiration behind Carla, the counsellor in 'There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom'. Our daughter is away at college. Our dog, Watson, is barking as I type this. He's a mutt we rescued in the pound, which is where all the best dogs can be found. He takes me for a walk every morning before I write. My most recent book is 'Small Steps'. It took me two years to write, one small step at a time. The main character is Armpit, from 'Holes'. My first book was 'Sideways Stories from Wayside School'. I wrote it in 1976 after working as a playground supervisor at an elementary school. You can see me in the movie version of 'Holes'. Sam sells me onion juice to make my hair grow. I'm wearing a fake moustache.

In my spare time I like to play bridge. If you're interested, there is more information about me at www.louissachar.com.

Your friend,
Louis Sachar