Pasifika Update
By Scotty Opetaia | Posted: Thursday November 11, 2021
Welcome to the last few weeks of the term. What a year it has been!
As we head into the last few weeks of 2021, we look to remember one of the highlights from the year. Facing lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions we were still allowed to perform at the Otago Polyfest festival participating in the online version of the annual festival. Our students showed great perseverance and resilience managing lockdowns, sporting cancellations, study commitments and assignments.
The students were tireless in their approach for preparation, spending every spare minute of their free time rehearsing and planning for Polyfest to ensure that were able to produce a show/performance that honoured their school, the group and past old boys.
The 2021 groups senior’s and leaders invited past members to join the group on stage in recognition and celebration of such an important event.
This year’s Polyfest theme was focused around honouring Tama o le aisa, its past, present and its future. This year’s Pasifika festival celebrated its 10 year anniversary of the group’s conception.
So, after months of hard work, preparation and rehearsing for the annual 2021 festival it was great that our students were finally able to perform on the big stage back in the month of October. Celebrating several different cultures on stage through the talented creativity of our students and tutors.
It was a great opportunity for the school to show case its Tama Pasifika. Working alongside so many talented young individuals was a real pleasure, having input and collaboration with past Pasifika old boys, and our new students were fantastic.
Keeping the connections and building strong relationships that continue the legacy for future generations was a real pleasure. Watching the dynamics of the seniors, juniors and those old boys working together brought additional value to the group and the journey.
A special thanks goes out to our tutors, the Dean aiga (drummers), Josh Fitzpatrick, Sunia Uele, Siosifa Pole, Ben YoHoi, Akelisi Tioti, Osasa Neilson-Caldwell, Paula Pasilio, Vainiu Sinapati Teo, Solomon Pole and old boys Kilfi Uele and Layne Opetaia.
Big shout out to our powerhouse Year 10’s who worked tirelessly and were committed to getting to rehearsals not to mention the powerhouse voices of Siaosi Asi, Penisimani Taufa and Mac Yabakirua and our future Cook Island tutor Tepuretu Piri. Our Year 11’s showed that the future of the group is in great hands.
Thanks to all the parents that helped with providing food and assistance throughout the last 5 months in preparation for polyfest and a special mention goes out to all those students that helped along the way and behind the scenes.
The students really appreciated the teachers who popped in from time to time for a sneak peek at the show. A massive thanks to the school’s office staff, the students really appreciate you and what you do every day for the school and our Pasifika students.
Also, a massive thanks goes out to the Yohoi aiga, especially Julie also known as Aunty, who was a real powerhouse for the group, keeping the boys sharp and on task.
Having the privilege of working alongside so many of our talented Tama Pasifika was a real pleasure. On the night of the Polyfest, the students surprised the office staff with a small pre Polyfest concert in the main foyer of the school, performing 2 items from our performance bracket. As a way of saying thank you.
Fa'afetai tele lava to all our Pasifika Year 13 students for your service.
"Ole ala ile pule ole tautua" -The path to leadership is through service. By serving others, we can create a meaningful path to success. Samoan Proverb.
Image Gallery
