A report from Leatuavao Pelenato Petelo

Christchurch Pasifika Polyfest 2016

This year’s Christchurch Pasifika Polyfest was another successful cultural event for Pasifika students from many schools in Christchurch. I have noticed the continued growth in Pasifika student numbers performing every year. It was nice to see a lot of parents, friends and family members attending and making it a family day. Our school performance was again one of the best. Although Albany Peseta was not available to coach the boys this year, many thanks must go to Asovale (fa’afetai tele lava uso) who took over the coaching this year and achieving once again an outstanding performance from the boys. Sebastian Pelenato and Patrick Elia were the two senior student leaders who helped Asovale when required.

Unfortunately, we were not successful with the speech competition this year Regionally and at the Fagasa National Samoan speech competitions. I have been told to expect top results next year. It is also great that more Pasifika students are attending Samoan classes at STC. Leuma is doing a great job running and teaching amongst the cluster schools in West Christchurch. The great news of course is his permanent appointment to the STC staff.

Many thanks to our 2016 Pasifika leaders, Richmond and Sebastian. They have done well and we wish them success in whatever they do. We welcome our new 2017 Pasifika leader Jade Uliano who is a popular student at school.

I am retiring at the end of this year, but it is good to know that there will be four Pasifika teachers working at St Thomas of Canterbury College next year 2017. Lepule Leuma Gali, Andrew Aumatagi, Peleti Peleti and Jonny Leo’o.

I would like to thank all the parents who have always been helping and supporting their son/s during Polyfest all these years I have been a Pasifika teacher here at St Thomas. Not only that but also with cultural activities (eg. umu) and attending PI parents meetings every term. I am grateful and appreciative of your support. One of the highlights of my time here at STC, is the combined teachers’ only day and the Samoan Language week celebration last year. It was nice to see the parents, the teachers and your sons sharing a meal and culture activities together. May it continue into the future.

Ia manuia le Kirisimasi male Tausaga fou.

Leatuavao Pelenato Petelo