Kia orana! Ni sa bula! Mālō e lelei! Talofa lava! Faka’alofa lahi atu! Fakatalofa atu! Gude! Kia ora koutou! Warm Pacific greetings!

The Pasifika o Te Puna Wai o Waipapa group that we started up last year for Hagley Pasifika students has continued to grow. We have been meeting each week.

On March 30th we were very happy to invite families and community members to join us for a fiafia community evening hosted by Fa’atu Tamate, our Pasifika Liaison, and student Slade Clarke. Students sang a Samoan pese lotu that they have been learning in lunchtimes, we had beautiful dance performances from the Fili sisters, as well as inspirational guest speakers. Fara Aulaumea spoke about her journey from Samoa to becoming an Early Childhood Teacher, with a special message for parents to encourage their children in school. Sailasa Saukuru talked about his journey to becoming a teacher himself, and some of the changes he has seen since his time as a student at Hagley. Daisy Lavea-Timo led discussions to find out how we can support Pasifika students better at Hagley, and there were some great ideas from students and families. We appreciated Associate Principal Rowan Milburn’s words of welcome and commitment to our Pasifika community, as well as the attendance of Deputy Principal Jenni Holden. We also welcomed wise words from Siatua Evalu at the Ministry of Education, encouraging us to work together as community and school.

It was a lovely chance to get together and meet other community members, especially those new to Hagley College this year. Thank you to all those who were able to come along. We look forward to another opportunity next term.