2013+Lessons


 * TERM FOUR**
 * Lesson One (Tangi)**
 * ** White Sunday ** was a few days ago and is a holiday in [|Samoa], falling on the second [|Sunday] in October. It is also celebrated by the Samoan communities in NZ.
 * It is a day for parents and communities to acknowledge and celebrate children; it's also known as 'Children's Service'. And has been referred to as a 'child's day'
 * On White Sunday, Samoan women and children dress completely in white clothing. Men will wear white shirts with either slacks a lavalava but it does not have to be white.
 * Special programs run during church services which include dance performances and plays; communities spend many weeks preparing for White Sunday. Children receive gifts (often new clothing and/or school supplies) on White Sunday and are allowed privileges normally reserved for elders, such as being the first to be served food at family meal time.


 * Lesson Two (Sharky)**
 * Discuss fundraiser for Aitutaki primary school that was destroyed in the hurricane in 2010.
 * A group of approx 60 people from Aituaki are fundraising to finish the building of the Primary school on Aitutaki that was destroyed in the 2010 hurricane.
 * There aim is to raise between $150-200,000 for finish the building of the school. They firstly travelled to Aussie and there raised $100 000. And now they are travelling through NZ.
 * They were here last Thurs, only for a few hours as they travelled from Wellington through to Napier. A couple churches in Palmerston North fundraised. My Mum fundraised on behalf of her church and part of that was selling puke (banana dish) at the market each wkend; and they raised $1600. The group stopped in, went through formalities and then had a lovely Island lunch that was provided by the Cook Island community in Palmy. People put money in an envelop and presented it to the group, many songs were sung in between as well as dancing/hula.
 * Two days in Wellington saw them gain $20 000; $4000 was raised in Palmy (for the few hours they were here) and they had 3 more stops before they leave for the Islands so are confident that they will raise the money needed to finish the school.


 * Lesson Three (Rina) **

Kia Orana, As we are about to say goodbye to our seniors very soon let’s practice two Cook Island farewells: Aere ra (Eye-re ra) – good bye to someone going (to use when your seniors leave) E no’o ra (air-nor-or ra) – good bye to someone staying (you’re going) Note: these are very similar to saying goodbye in te reo maori.
 * Lesson Four (Leigh) **

Aere ra (Eye-re ra) – good bye to someone going (to use when your seniors leave)  E no’o ra (air-nor-or ra) – good bye to someone staying (you’re going)
 * Today we say goodbye to our seniors. We practiced Cook Island farewells last week (say them if you want, they're just below)
 * This week we will do a Samoan farewell, some of you will remember this: Tofa (get staff to say it), or fa, which is more informal.


 * Lesson Five (Sharky)**
 * Discuss outcomes for my Leadership Inquiry: 2 year 11's have passed NCEA L1 already and I predict we will have 10/11 out of 15 pass; last year only 25%
 * Also, lots of conversations and dialogue have been happening around the place through staff and/or students; a real positive vibe.
 * Again, a thanks to all those staff who have helped out/mentored etc.


 * Lesson Six (Tangi)**
 * Since we are preparing for our end of year prize giving and organising our Excellences, Endeavours etc. here is a quick review of a couple Pasifika ways to say well done: Samoan: Malo lava and Cook Island Meitaki :)


 * TERM THREE**
 * Lesson One (Sharky)**
 * Talofa lava, we’re going to kick off the term with a quick revision of two words that we’ve covered already. These words start the same so sometimes get mixed up:  ‘Fa’afetai’ (thank you) and Fa'amolemole (please)
 * Quick update on how the Y11 Pasifika Mentoring Programme is going. Staff mentors filled out observation sheets and gave feedback – thank you for that extra work. There was lots of positive feedback but also a few hiccups with a couple of students that need some ironing out. I’m continuing to interview students this week to get student feedback on how they feel the programme is going and where we could offer more support.
 * We are looking at organising a Pasifika pot luck. There are two purposes for this: one, to get Pasifika fanau into school and two to target our junior students and provide info on subject choices and pathways.


 * Lesson Two (Rina)**


 * Bula vinaka, today we'll look at a Samoan phrase that can be used in class and means, 'Listen to me' Fa'alogo Mai (Fa-ah-law-ngor My). Reminder, that the ngor sound comes from the back of our mouth. It sounds similar to the Maori phrase, Whakarongo mai


 * If you like you can add on a word we covered last week, Fa'amolemole (please)

Kia Orana, It's Cook Island language week, so this morning's lesson will be dedicated to the Cook Island language and culture:
 * Lesson Three (Tangi, Sharky) **
 * Tangi:**

Let's start with the most common greeting: Kia orana = Hello.

Also, similar to Maori, you can say hello to two or more people (they don't need to repeat this, just hear the similarity to Maori)
 * Kia orana korua = Hello to two
 * Kia orana kotou = Hello to three or more

The Cook islands comprises of 15 small Islands with the capital being Rarotonga. With about 100,000 visitors travelling to the islands each year,[|[6]] [|tourism] is the country's main industry, and the leading element of the [|economy].


 * Sharky:**

Now if you intend on visiting one of the beautiful islands of the Cook Islands (I highly recommend Aitutaki) there are a few things you should know:
 * You can use NZ's currency, so no need to exchange money
 * It helps if you have a little experience riding a scooter, to avoid unnecessary accidents (been there, done that)
 * Pack insect repellent
 * If you are staying with locals the best present you can take over from NZ KFC
 * If your hotel is arranging a transfer, it's very likely that you'll be presented with an 'ei (flower wreth) or even an 'ei upoko (I'll bring a fresh 'ei upoko to school)
 * Finally, ladies if you're single and after an island romance, wear a flower over your right ear (that means you're available).

http://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/Curriculum-resources/NZC-Online-blog/Cook-Islands-Maori-language-week
 * Website for more info: **

The MOE prints a newsletter called 'Talonao Ako' (Tar-law-nor-ah Ah-core) 'Pasifika Education Talk' which includes features to reflect the implementation of the Ministry of Education’s Pasifika Education Plan 2013-2017 in communities and schools. (copy in Manawatu Dean's office). Today I'm going to share with you a success story from the June issue, it comes from a school in Invercargill, Southland Boys High School, where the Pasifika Careers Advisor is using a tracking system to monitor the Pasifika students results which has been opening a dialogue with the students where she talks to them about where they need to improve and how close they are to succeeding (and perhaps need 2 or 3 credits). Although, there are only 34 Pasifika students at the school, before this initiative in 2011 they had no students pass NCEA L1, but in the following year, 100% passed. We're hoping that with the new initiatives introduced this year, including the mentoring programme that we too will see an improvement in Pasifika outcomes.
 * Lesson Four (Leigh) **

It's Tongan language week from 1-8 Sep. I've spoken to Nick and asked if he would like to present something during our Wed. morning Pasifika slot as they lived and taught in Tonga for a few years (and possibly Rose as well). Great presentation by these two. Alu ke fe was presented as another form of greeting used over in the Islands and translate to mean (where are you going?). Other points mentioned were: pointing is considered rude, and lifting of the eye brows is also used as a greeting/acknowledgement and used to indicate a direction or where something/someone is.
 * Lesson five (Nick & Rose)**

Talofa lava, just a quick recap of the greetings we've used over the last few weeks. Last week, for Tongan language week, Nick and Rose used Malo e lelei (Mar low - air - lair lay). Prior to that t we've also heard, Kia Orana, from the Cook Islands.
 * Lesson Six (Rina)**

Also, a reminder that in class praise and constructive feedback goes a long way for all students, Pasifika students in particular, especially for their confidence and self belief.

This evening is our Pasifika Pot luck, from 6pm to 8pm so everyone is welcome. Our careers advisor will talk to everyone re. the importance of the right subject choices. Parents will have an opportunity to look at senior option booklets and to ask teachers questions. Then we'll share kai together
 * Lesson Seven (Sharky)**

I'll also remind mentors to have those learning conversations and see what subjects students need to target before the end of this year; hopefully, some might pull their socks up over the holidays. I'll been meeting our Y12 and 13 Pasifika students and a couple need some 'directing' as they are close enough to gain their goals for this year but they will need to work hard to get there.

Salvation's group will be performing. I'll give a brief report on our Pasifika Pot Luck last Wednesday and introduce the girls.
 * Lesson Eight (Salvation's group)**

Change of plans - girls won't be performing so I will be talking about an event that is currently happening.

Talofa Lava

Teuila - a type of flower (That's Vasa's real name from Shortland St) The Teuila is a Dance Festival which started on Saturday and finishes this Saturday. Each village in Samoa performs in Apia park (the biggest park in Samoa) they perform 2 cultural dances as well as a taualuga and a sāsā. The judges are the Prime Minister and 1 chief from each village. The best group wins $10,000, as well as 2 cooked pigs and 10 boxes of corn beef.


 * TERM TWO**
 * Lesson One (Tangi, Rina)**
 * Tālofa lava, this term we will continue to learn Samoan words, reinforcing what we covered in Term One and then attempting to extend our vocabulary. This is to prevent any confusion with other Pasifika languages & also because the majority of our Pasifika students are Samoan
 * So quick recap on two words from last term: malo lava - well done; fa'amolemole - please (Tangi)
 * Bula Vinaka, but we will look at a few of our Fijian students at school. As you know I am see myself as a Fijian (2nd or 3rd generation?) and so do some of our students, such as: Rakshay Chandra (talk about siblings & family who have come through our school). (Rina)


 * Lesson Two (Irfan Mohammed) **
 * Tim will introduce Irfan (as he is Irfan's whanau teacher) and Irfan has agreed to come in and talk to the staff about how his family migrated from India in 1940 to Fiji and then to NZ in 2009 where he started school at Ross & then onto Freyberg, through some very trying times for his family.


 * Lesson Three (Sharky, Leigh)**
 * We will continue with the Samoan language for the rest of the term but we'll learn a common Fijian greeting: Bula Vinaka (Boo-lar vee-nar-kar) (Leigh)
 * I'll give a brief overview of our excursion to the Regent to see the Pasifika graduation. Points to mention: Steve Maharey's inspirational speech, lovely performances, fanau being a strong presence and part of the celebration of their loved one who is graduating (putting lei's around their necks, singing). Lovely to see one of our ex students, Willy Leiuvaie (Nuiean & Fijian) receiving graduating in...... so we also saw his brothers Lawrence & Anthony. Although, almost didn't recognise them as Lawrence is a solid unit now, much bigger and Willy and Anthony have masses of facial hair - full on beards. Anyway, I hope our students were inspired. We certainly were. (Sharky)


 * Lesson Four (Tangi, Rina) **
 * It’s Samoan language week this week, so we’ll do a Samoan word ‘Fa’afetai’ (thank you) and talk about what’s happening around the place for Samoan language week. (Tangi)
 * Tepapa is holding tours to highlight Artifacts like: textiles, a German flag that was collected when NZ landed in Samoa during WWI, collections of NZ teachers who were in Samoa – like Donald Rutherford who was the director of Ed.
 * On Wed. Whanganui Regional museum has a Samoan arts and crafts day as well as a couple Samoan dance items.
 * Samoan Language week is also on Facebook so you can keep up with what is happening around the country (Rina)


 * Lesson Five (Leigh)**
 * Talofa this morning we will review the Samoan word we learnt last week - Fa'afetai (Far-ah-fear-tie) thank you. And, another that we have learnt: does anyone remember how to say Well done? Mālō lava (Mar-law lar-var),
 * Pasifika fusion is next month so many of our Pasifika students are busy preparing their dance performance or one of the other 9 catagories that they can take part in which includes (wearable art, essay writing, talent, cinematography etc.)


 * Lesson Six (Sharky)**


 * Polyfest is not far away now (10th & 11th July) so students are busy preparing their dance performance or one of the other 9 catagories that they can take part in which includes (wearable art, essay writing, talent, cinematography etc.)
 * I have Fijian Hindi language cards. Which will be especially useful if you teach Irfan, Ammar, Aadela, Rakshay, Sadiah.
 * Alana Madgwick (Secondary Literacy online facilitator) and Kate Birch (Literacy online facilitator) are going to facilitate their first ever webinar this Thursday, 13 June, 3:30-4:30pm. The title is 'Accelerating achievement for Pasifika Learners.' Log on by accessing the link here


 * Lesson Seven (Sharky & Leigh)**
 * Report back on the webinar from last Thurs (Accelerating achievement levels for Pasifika learners). Two Key points that came from that: Initial contact with home should be a positive and encouraging experience (we organised that bbq); Believe in your students and encourage them, as teachers our actions are vital to them reaching their potential and often vital to them succeeding in that subject. This goes for many of our students not just our Pasifika students (Sharky)
 * The Bake sale at Uncle Bills in the wkend was successful, they raised $210 (add any other news from our Pasifika students). (Leigh)


 * Lesson Eight (Tangi) **
 * Talofa, we haven't practiced a Samoan word for a few weeks now so this morning we will say, 'look at me' (or, 'look this way') in Samoan: Tilotilo mai (tee-law-tee-law my). One word we have learnt is the Samoan word for thank you. Does anyone remember how to say Thank you? Fa'afetai.
 * We asked to receive copies of the MOE 'Pasifika eduction plan 2013-2017 and they have finally arrived. We'll place them around the tables in the staffroom for anyone interested in browsing through them.


 * Lesson Nine (Rina)**
 * Talofa lava, and Tena Koutou (as we acknowledge and practice our te reo for Maori Language week)
 * A big thank you to the 14 staff who have been involved with the Y11 Pasifika Mentoring programme, we are hoping to see some positive outcomes and progress from our students.
 * Finally, this Saturday at 4.30pm there will be a dress rehearsal in the hall for the talent & cultural performances in Pasifika Fusion next week. All staff and fanau are invited to attend.


 * Lesson Ten (Salvy & Loto)**
 * Salvy & Loto (students) are performing part of their Samoan dance that they are doing for Polyfest.


 * Term One**
 * Lesson one (All) 13 Feb**
 * Brief intro of our Pasifika group and what we are trying to achieve this year (Sharky)
 * Introduce ourselves and our connection to Pasifika (Rina, Leigh, Tangi, Sharky)
 * We currently have 63 Pasifika students enrolled at Freyberg, the largest majority are Samoan (with 24 students), then we have Cook Island, Fijian, Niuean and Tokelauan students. Others fall under the ‘Other Pacific Peoples’ category (Leigh).
 * As we have a large number of Samoan students we will be exploring the Samoan language and cultural this term (Rina)
 * Our Wed. morning format will be flexible as we would like to include teaching and learning experiences; hence, we invite staff to share a Pasifika experience or activity from your classroom that was a positive learning experience or one that other teachers could use or learn from (need at least two days warning fa’amolemole). You may only see one or two of us presenting each Wednesday morning J (Tangi)


 * Lesson Two (Sharky & Leigh) 20 Feb**
 * **Tālofa lava** - Hello (Formal), **Tālofa** – Hello (Informal). Use an example of when you’re more likely to use Talofa lava (eg: always used when addressing a Pastor or Principal). (Sharky)
 * We have a list of all our Pasifika students that are at school on the notice board if you would like to check it as well as the address for the Whakawhanake wiki (set up by Jacque), where you can find all of last year’s and this year's Pasifika lessons (www.whakawhanake.wikispaces.com). (Sharky)
 * Samoan language cards (the same ones from last year) are available for new staff and any staff that have lost theirs, as well as our Samoan greeting for those staff members who would like one in their class room; especially if you know you have a Samoan student. A big thank you to Lorraine for the tedious task of laminating!! Tofa (Bye) (Leigh)


 * Lesson Three (Rina & Geraldine) 27 Feb**


 * Revise our greeting from last week (Rina)
 * Then introduce Geraldine who is sharing a Pasifika experience from her classroom


 * Lesson Four (Sharky & Leigh) 6 March**


 * Reiterate what Tipene said on Friday about the vowels because the vowels often sound the same in Pasifika. Like last year I will continue to help you with the sounds by writing them out in a way that Eng speakers might read them.
 * And today were are going to look at one of our Samoan Students: Rebeka Tufuga (cousin in Y10 - Nuwyne Mason-Tufuga). Two-for-ngar. (Sharky
 * Remind staff that there will be an assembly for our Pasifika students (we will be inviting their families to an informal BBQ next Wednesday and they will meet our Pasifika team). If there are any staff who would like to attend you are more than welcome just let me know for numbers. (Leigh)


 * Lesson Five (Tangi & Rina) 13 March**
 * Today were are going to look at Two of our Samoan Students (Both in Ruahine) : Matila Ilai Neemia (Mar-tee-lah E-Lie Near-me-ah) Y11, his sister is Puamanu (Y12). Salvation Fiamatai (Fee-ah-mar-tie) Y12, her sister is Ginny Y10 and her brother came through Freyberg too (Tony?). (Tangi)
 * Fundraiser for the Fiamatai fanau (Tangi)
 * Remind staff that there will be a BBQ for our Pasifika students and their fanau at 6pm tonight, we know of a couple staff who have indicated they will be coming and if there are anymore please let us know this morning fa'amolemole :) (Rina)


 * Lesson Six 20 March (Leigh & Sharky)**


 * Let staff know that there is a Pasifika Road Show coming to school tomorrow, lunchtime in the hall. This is the first year a road show has been used to promote 'Pasifika Fusion'. All staff and students are welcome and we will be taking names of students who intend to take part in Pasifika Fusion - 10 catagories (Leigh)
 * Quick story about one of our Pasifika students, Kelsy Squire, who I met with a couple weeks ago and who was really excited about us (as a school) giving her the opportunity to explore her tongan culture and take part in Pasifika Fusion (in the past no one has asked her about her Tongan background). She was so excited that five minutes after she left she returned with her friend, Hohepa Mohi, who is also half Tongan (and half Maori) but who I hadn't identified as Pasifika as he had only put down one ethnicity when he enrolled. He went to the office and added Tongan to KAMAR. Hence, an example that what we are doing makes a difference to those Pasifika students who haven't had a lot to do with 'Pasifika' (as well as the ones who have) but we are giving them a chance to explore that part of their identity and who they are.


 * Lesson Seven 27 March (Rina & Leigh)**
 * A phrase you can use in your classroom is Mālō lava (Mar-law lar-var), which means, Well Done (Rina)
 * As educators you may have heard the term ‘__cultural responsiveness’__. This term includes:

Interacting with fanau to support their childs learning, creating positive relationships with students; challenging personal beliefs and actions and changing practices to engage all students in their learning (where a student’s culture is reflected in the classroom and teaching), incorporating a variety of approaches to learning.

So, as teachers one thing we can each do is to ‘interact with fanau to support our students’ and parent teacher evening is an opportunity to contact parents/fanau and, like Linda said, make it about being pro-active and a partnership to ensure the success of their child. (Leigh)

So, what can we do as teachers?: the lesson to see if they are coping with the task. 2. Be aware that a high portion of our Pasifika Senior students have reservations about seeking help, so again, if practical, try to 'check in' to see how their work is going. (Sharky)
 * Lesson Eight, 3 April (Sharky & Tangi)**
 * Revise from last week: Mālō lava (Mar-law Lar-var) - Well Done (Tangi)
 * Two of our Pasifika students: Grace and Hope Tuisaua, are Y13 students who are sisters. Not twins; Grace was whanau whangai, which is not uncommon in Pasifika (or Maori) culture. Grace is also our Dept. head girl this year, and very recently had her beautiful long hair shaved off at Relay for life (Tangi)
 * Last week we ran two separate 'Pasifika focus groups' One for Y9-Y11 and the other for Y12 and Y13. The reason they were seperated was so the Junior students were not influenced or intimiated by the Senior students. We gathered valuable information from both sessions and it was interesting to see the slight differences in each groups discussions and responses to questions. One question posed was, "Do you ask your teacher for help in class?" If no, Why not? Most of the Juniors said they did ask for help but if the teacher was busy they didn't ask again (this is because they don't want to be pushy or demanding), two of the ten preferred to ask their neighbour. Whereas the Senior students said they would only ask if they thought the teacher was approachable or if they thought the teacher would not be angry or judge them; only 1 of the 8 Seniors said she would still ask.
 * 1) In class, if we see one of our Pasifika students with their hand up at anytime, try to get round to them, if at all practical, at least once during
 * Resources (have posters ready) (Sharky)


 * Lesson Nine, 10th April (Leigh & Rina)**
 * Today we will learn how to say goodbye in Samoan (just a reminder that the macron idicates a longer sound) - Tōfā (Toor-faar) and this can be abbreviated (and more informal) by simply saying - fā (faar) (Leigh)
 * Just a reminder that if a Pasifika student is avoiding direct eye contact with you, it doesn't mean they don't need your help or they are shifty; it is regarded as disrespectful to meet and hold someones gaze, especially someone older than them. (Rina)


 * Lesson Ten, 17 April (Sharky)**
 * This word means please, you may remember this from last year: Fa'amolemole (Fa - a - more-lair-more-lair)
 * Talk about teacher mentors for our Y11 students, guidelines etc. Our aim for this is to build and strengthen relationships between teacher and students, encouraging improved communication, act as a guide and support, more easily able to recognise areas the student is having difficulty in earlier rather than later and be able to liase between other teachers that particular student has. (Put a list on the notice board - students and mentor).