Tonga Language Week 

Mālō e lelei! 

The Tongan Language Week was celebrated from Sunday 4 September to Saturday 10 September. This year’s theme was: Ke Tu'uloa 'a e lea faka-Tonga 'i Aotearoa, which means Sustaining the Tonga Language in Aotearoa. This is a national event and we took this opportunity to celebrate the Tongan culture within our school. 

From learning some basic Tongan words to a grand celebration at the library, we have tried to encourage our school whānau to celebrate and learn about Pasifika culture in every way. The celebration event was held in the Upper Riccarton Library and we invited the public to join us. The space was beautifully decorated in red and white to represent Tonga, and participants were welcomed to wear Tongan attire, enjoy beautiful performances, and have delicious Tongan cuisine, prepared by our Pasifika staff and students.

We are fortunate enough to have such an amazing Pasifika team who coordinate the Pasifika languages class. Big shout out to our Pasifika team Milika, Poe, Ms Fry and all Pasifika studies students for organising the event. Malo 'aupito to the staff members especially Mr Haywood for joining us and enjoying the event dressed up and treated as a Tongan royal! 

Chinese Mid Autumn Festival

Chinese Mid Autumn Fest is one of the most famous events in China, and all around the world people join in the celebrations. The festival takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. On this day, the Chinese believe that the Moon is at its brightest and fullest size - it is also called the moon festival in Chinese culture. In 2022, the date falls on September 10 in the Gregorian calendar, and our school celebrated the occasion through various events.

The Chinese dancers performed, and a couple of students from the dance group explained the event to the staff. We lit up traditional Chinese lanterns and hung the lanterns in many places throughout the school. The Culture Council students put up a moon cake stall and sold moon cakes which were hand-crafted by them. It was another successful event led by the Culture Council and a big shout-out to the leaders, Elnathan and Prince, and the team members who were involved.