This plan was formulated some time ago that a group of teachers and students would attend a school in Tonga and experience the teaching and learning of Pasifika students and how the education system works in Tonga. The rationale was that we have an increasing number of Pasifika people in our community, and this was a great learning experience for our teachers and also the Tongan students to learn first-hand how their parents went through school in Tonga.

In partnership with the Ministry of Education (Pasifika Homework Club), a group of three teachers and three students were able to take part in the trip.

We attended Ha'apai High School for a week. Laura Keep was teaching Physics and Science, Andy Lane was running Physical Education sessions and Aisea Fifita was teaching Mathematics. We also ran professional development with the staff.

The students, Viliami 'Ala, Apisai Tapa'atoutai and Isi Manu attended classes (Yrs 11 and 13).

We spent our weekend at the tiny island of Ha'ano Island catching fish, whale watching and being part of a self-sufficient community, seeing how they sustain life, gardens and cook food.

The people in the communities visited were welcoming and generous. The students were able to connect directly with family and their culture. For the teachers, it gave us a great insight into education background of families coming to Waitaki Boys'. This will have positive impacts for the teaching and learning of all students at Waitaki Boys' High School.

The second week was spent in Tongatapu visiting Liahona High School, Beulah College and Tupou College. Three vastly different schools providing both day and boarding options.