A new group has started at St Joseph's School - a Filipino Cultural Group!

We are so lucky to have a large number (about 20%) of students at school who have Filipino ethnicity. For a while now, I've thought that we should have a group which could nurture our student's pride in their Filipino culture and showcase the beautiful songs, dance and language of the Philippines, like kapa haka does for New Zealand's Māori culture. 

One of our parents, Pauline Fojas, has generously offered her time and energy to help make this group happen. We are meeting every Thursday in the school hall from 2.45pm until 3.30pm, and everyone is allowed to join - any age, any ethnicity. To begin with we are learning a song and a dance to perform at the celebrations for Philippines Independence Day on June 12th. 

Students are welcome to come along and give it a try before committing for the term. If your child is interested in coming, please complete the Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScm0RD43gdjYj7zx8RjPC7zo4AY6UYVVQaCn_j7pZZcjUPEhQ/viewform?usp=sharing

We would also welcome help from any parents, especially those who could teach a song or a dance to the students! Please add your details to the Google form, or email me at melissa.clease@stjopapa.school.nz. 

Salamat!

Tamaiti akona i te pā, tu ana ki te ao, tau ana.
A child educated to be strong in their own identity stands confident in the world.