College Celebrates Samoan Language Week

To mark Samoan Language Week at the College, the Cultural Group delivered a rousing performance at full school assembly and were treated to a visit from a celebrity guest! The Cultural Group is enjoying a burst in growth and momentum this year under the leadership of Teacher in Charge, Mrs Caroline Agavale. Open to students of all ethnicities, the Cultural Group provides a sense of family and a fantastic opportunity to support one another while sharing their cultures.

In the week leading up to Samoan Language Week, students spoke at assemblies about what it means to them and gave their fellow students Samoan words and phrases to learn and use. Since Term 1, the 35 students in the Cultural Group have been busy rehearsing various songs and dances during lunchtimes. At last Friday’s assembly, they performed a song and sasa (slap dance), which was followed by a Samoan tona’i (lunch) in the Sports Centre Lounge. Parent, Phil Meleisea had organised for the group to be joined by special guest, former professional David Tua!

David spoke to the students about goal setting and making education their top priority. He gave examples from his boxing career and personal life of how self-determination enabled him to persevere through hard times. He also shared his experience of moving from Samoa to New Zealand and how he remains influenced by his island culture. The students then had the opportunity to ask David questions about his background and sporting achievements.

The students were left buzzing by the chance to perform and inspired by David’s message. Their attention now turns to preparing for the Fia Fia night on August 17. Following Friday’s performance, we eagerly await seeing them on stage again! 

Our thanks go to teachers, Mr Ieti Fetalaiga, Mr Joe Cunningham, Mrs Amanda Raea, Mrs Leigh Henry, Mr Shayne Mikaere, and Ms Emma Bishop for helping ready the students for their performance.