This week, the Rector received the following note of thanks from the Manager of the Pacific Islands Centre at the University of Otago, acknowledging the contribution of our cultural Dean for Pasifika, Mr Scotty Opetaia.

Talofa lava uso.

I thought I'd take a moment to thank and acknowledge your contribution to the fono this morning, at the College of Education, University of Otago.

It was a great opportunity for the Masters cohort of students to engage with local Pasifika people who work with Pasifika students and their families, across the breadth of the education sector.

The information you shared about building relationships and how that was key for them as new teachers was relevant and important for them to hear. It was well received and acknowledged by all.

It was great that you were able to share the success' and challenges of the Tama Tula'i programme to highlight where teachers, the school, students, their families and the community could potentially work towards moving from working relationships to working partnerships.

It was a pleasure to 'tag team' with you this morning and I look forward to other collaborative opportunities between Otago Boys' High School and the Pacific Islands Centre, University of Otago.

soifua ma ia manuia,
Tagiilima