'Connect NEWS' - No. 17

DIRECTORS KŌRERO
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We would like to dedicate this issue of our newsletter to Dr Terry Caseley. We recently learned of Dr Caseley's passing and wish to acknowledge his great contribution to our centre and honour his work.

Dr Caseley was a dedicated Paediatrician who served the children and families of Christchurch for many years. He was also instrumental in supporting Dr Patricia Champion to establish the Champion Centre over 45 years ago. Terry and Patricia shared a fundamental belief that every child - regardless of physical, cognitive or social capacity - has the right to be educated, to learn, grow and reach their individual potential. This philosophy remains the foundation of the Champion Centre today. Without Dr Caseley’s huge contribution to establishing and supporting the Champion Centre, we would not be who we are today. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family.

Nearly five decades on, The Champion Centre continues to deliver our early intervention programmes. Every week, our multi-disciplinary teams join children with their parents and caregivers, attending to all aspects of the child’s development. The programmes take a holistic approach to development, always starting with each child's unique strengths and capabilities, and building a holistic approach together with the parents and whānau. We work together throughout the years, from birth through to school.

At this time of year, winter is in the air and we near the end of another term. Matariki too will soon be here. Twinkling in the winter sky, Matariki (the cluster of stars) marks the beginning of a new year in the Māori lunar calendar. For Māori, the appearance of Matariki signals a time of remembrance, joy and peace. It’s a time for communities to come together and celebrate.

We wish to acknowledge all of our hard-working staff, the children and whānau who join us, and all of our supporters who help make it possible for us to continue our work. Thank you. We are a community worth celebrating.

In this edition of Connect, we are delighted to share Eva and Hannah’s story. We are grateful to Hannah for sharing Eva's journey, from birth to her joining us at the Champion Centre and the progress and reflections on their time together with us. You can also read about Matt Rose’s inspiring ‘Good Walk’ which raised over $236,569 for a number of charities, including the Champion Foundation Trust. 

Happy Reading!

​Wendy and Lauren