Talofa, Students and staff of Otago Boys' enjoyed celebrating le Vaiaso O le Gagana Samoa this week.

Staff Professional Development

Enoka Taufua led our staff in PD this week. The focus was on pronunciation of Samoan student names. Staff were able to identify our Samoan students and learnt some background about their families and the importance of names in the Samoan culture. Tips were given on pronunciation as well as time given to practice names every morning this week. Staff were treated to sua fa'i on Thursday morning, served to them by our pasifika students.

Canteen

Our canteen took on a transformation this week with all food being relabeled in Samoan. Students gave words such as Sanuisi, vai inu, pai and soisisi a go. A competition ran daily encouraging students to use selected words while ordering food. As reward, they would receive a little prize from our lovely canteen staff.

Music

A Samoan music playlist was created and sent out to staff to play during class time while students worked. The warm, easy listening and tropical tunes were a welcome during the cold days this week.

Ie faitaga

As it has become a tradition here at OBHS over the last couple of years, our Pasifika students wore there traditional ie faitaga or tupenu to school to mark the end of SLW. This also coincided with the first frost this winter so well done to our lads for braving the cold.

Library

Our awesome librarian put together a colourful display in the library showcasing famous Samoan old boys as well as phrases and words for students to learn. This was also accompanied by photos from Mrs Vare's recent trip to Samoa.