The school community came together in a vibrant celebration of Tongan Language Week, capped off by a delicious island lunch

The school community came together in a vibrant celebration of Tongan Language Week – Uike Lea Faka-Tonga, capped off by a delicious island lunch hosted by our dedicated Pasifika Committee and wonderful parent helpers. The school was fortunate to welcome two distinguished guests: rugby league legend Duane Mann and esteemed old boy Dr. Puliuvea, both of whom took time to share in the festivities and inspire our young men. 

Mālō ‘aupito for the unwavering support our community continues to give our fānau ako, and to everyone who helped prepare, serve, and join in the celebration—mālō ‘aupito e poupou lelei ki he’etau fānau!

Behind the scenes, three student heroes worked tirelessly to supply our staffroom and classrooms with valuable cultural resources throughout the week. Izack Faonevai took the lead on faith, co-writing all of our daily Tongan prayers alongside his family, including translating the school prayer (below) crafted with his father. Justin Naufahu helped keep the language alive by designing and putting together the daily "Sentence of the Day" learning cards. Patrick Lemeki organised form class resources and researched the meaning behind this year's theme: Ko 'etau hiva, ko e fe'unu mahu'inga ia ki he mo'ui 'a e Tonga (Our music is a vital strand of our Tongan culture).

It was a truly fabulous week watching our young men stand tall, demonstrate personal pride, and generously share their rich heritage with the entire school.

'Eiki,
Ke Ke tokoni'i mautolu ke mau hoko ko ha ako’anga 'o e faka'apa'apa, angatonu, mo e faitotonu, 'i he'emau feinga ke mo'ui'aki 'a e ngaahi akonaki 'a Antonio Rosmini;
ke mau holi pe, 'o ta'efakangatangata, ke fakahounga’i 'a e 'Otua mo fai 'a e totonu,
ke fakahanga 'emau ngaahi fakakaukau mo 'emau ngaahi ngāue ki he hufia 'o e Siasi 'o e 'Otua, ke mau tali 'i he nonga 'a ia 'oku finangalo ki ai 'a e 'Otua ma'amautolu,
'i he'emau 'Eiki ko Kalaisi,
'Āmeni.

Lord,
Help us to be a school of dignity, integrity and fairness as we try to live out the maxims of Antonio Rosmini;
to desire only, without limits, to please God and to be just,
to direct our thoughts and actions to the glory of God's Church.
To accept calmly what God wills for us through Christ our Lord,
Amen.