Eight students from the Pasifika ‘Mahino’ mentoring group have been having regular sessions with staff to begin their pathway research and understand opportunities for their future beyond school.

The first three meetings focused on creating dream boards guided by Liz Coster, who formerly worked for the Elicit Dream Academy in South Auckland. She now teaches at the kura and is the Pathways Coordinator. Other mentors are Ann Marie Wilson, the Careers Adviser, Kelly Baxter, Megan Robinson and Louis Morell.

The group recently attended Waikato University Open Day at the Tauranga Campus. They were met and welcomed by Reverend Enosa Auva’a and Emma Packham, Pasifika and Student Engagement Adviser at Waikato University, Tauranga Campus.

“She took us to her lecture room and showed us where the Law and Engineering lectures were held.”

“We heard about what we need to do and what qualifications we need to enter into a University course.”

“The photo booth was awesome.”

“The six-second bike challenge was so hard.”

“We met Magic netball players. They are so tall.”

“As a group, we all thought it could be a good place to study. We wouldn’t need to leave home.”

The group will take part in more trips to community employers and educators they have indicated an interest in. The next is a full-day event at Bay of Plenty Rugby and the Adam’s High-Performance Centre.

The Rising Hibiscus Program on Wednesday mornings is going well. It is open to students from all year levels and is held from 7am - 8:45am on Wednesdays every second week. Students do a traditional dance with a tutor, play games, and have a cooked breakfast - thanks to Good Neighbour - followed by an inspiring guest speaker. The program will continue into Term 3.

Homo Haia Homework Hub (HHHH) has been running once a week at Tauranga Boys’ College after school for the past three years, with the days rotating Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The attendance from our students has been excellent this year! Students spend time working on their studies, learn traditional island songs, and share kai.