'Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā – A well-grounded self, is a successful self'.
Last week we proudly celebrated le Vaiaso ole Gagana Samoa/Samoan Language Week honouring gagana (language), aganu’u (cultural traditions) and fa’asinomaga (identity). A wonderful week full of activities and assembly presentations organised by the Komiti Pasefika with the support of staff.
The Ministry of Pacific People’s Samoan Language Week Committee explains the theme:
"A well-crafted ocean sailing vessel, built with care and precision, ensures a safe and steady journey. When all its parts are thoughtfully constructed, the vessel remains balanced, strong and ready to face the open seas. Similarly, people who prepare thoroughly and with intention become grounded and resilient and well-equipped to navigate life’s challenges and succeed in their endeavours. No matter the challenges and hardships of life, a well-grounded person will not be easily shaken or defeated because they are firmly rooted and well-prepared".
This year our very own Komiti Pasefika put together the following in celebration of keeping Gagana Samoa alive:
Assembly Presentations: - each member took turns throughout the week to promote the week’s activities to each year level, teaching each group a few phrases in Samoan.
Pavement Art:- showing pride in the Samoan culture through art. A lot of the drawings held cultural significance such as the teuila, tanoa, tuiga, fue and mamanu patterns. It was a creative way to promote the language and engage everyone visually in the celebration.
Lape: - a Samoan favourite. A game very similar to softball without using a bat. A great way of counting in Samoan as students moved through the bases. A good fa’amalosi tino (exercise) for the week!
House Relay:- at lunchtime the Komiti hosted our annual How Samoan Are You Relay for our houses. Three stations of peeling a green banana, head shoulders knees & toes in Samoan, cracking a coconut and saying the theme in Samoan. It required speed and great skill, once again Tama Nui Te Rā took out first place! Malo lava!
We ended the week starting with our first ‘Ava Ceremony for staff and the raising of the flag. This sacred ceremony is an important cultural ritual in Samoa, used to welcome guests, show respect, and bring people together. The following students played an important role in the ceremony - AJ Muliaga who did the fa’afeiloaiga to staff, Nia Su’a our taupou, Vilfred Crawley our tufa’ava, Siliva Tuli and Vince Pelesuma our tautū’ava. It was beautiful to see the staff watch with respect and admiration. It was a moving and educational experience that gave insight into the values of respect, community, and tradition in Samoan culture. Special thanks to Miss Tolova’a, Mrs Taula, Lemoa Henry Fesulua’i, E.F.K.S Te Atatu, Ali’imalemanu Faleupolu and Nanai Fa’amanu Falaniko for organising and your guidance with all the preparations for this special ceremony.
Samoan Language Week reminded us how important it is to celebrate our cultures and the languages that keep them alive. We are proud of our Samoan students and community and look forward to continuing to learn, share, and grow together.
by Kerry Taula
