Pacific Project 2023

It's been a few years since I've posted to my professional blog. Today I feel inspired to do so with purpose and from a professional aspect. 

I had the pleasure of participating in a Professional Development for Pacific Project Manurewa Wayfinders. It was held at the Nathan Homestead in Manurewa and led by our Pacific RTLB cluster. Side note: I am now an educator of Year 6 at Weymouth Primary School and I am very grateful to be part of this initiative. 

The Fono started with prayer and a hymn. There was lots of discussion about: Pacific Engagement Strategies and how to come alongside other educators of non-Pacific descent and support them with some understanding of our Pacific culture. Discussion around: Le Vā (the space between us) and Fofola le Fala (unfurl the mat, so we may speak as equals). Some statistics from today and how the Pacific demographics in Auckland and New Zealand shows that the population is projected to grow quite significantly. The three aims of this project is: Effective Pedagogy, Strategies to engage with parents and to have access to more Pacific resources.

We talked about the Action Plan for Pacific Education (2020-2030). We shared about how we encourage and implement Pacific education in our schools. At Weymouth Primary School all cultures are valued and celebrated. During Pacific Language Weeks, teachers implement cultural activities in the classroom that integrate into all curriculum areas. For example, a literacy activity is to retell a legend from the Pacific Island. We also have special assemblies which our children perform in, speak, sing and share items with the whole school. Parents and families are also invited to come along and help celebrate too.

The discussion led into Tapasā. We talked with a buddy about where we were from and how our family came here to Aōtearoa, New Zealand. Our presenter talked about the Tapasā - Turu. Turu 1: Identities, language and culture. Turu 2: Collaborative and respectful relationships and professional behaviours and Turu 3: Effective Pedagogies for Pacific learners. The question was asked: How do you implement Tapasā in your school?

We talked about our values and for us Pacific people, values are very important. In the book Pacific educators speak: Valuing our values, there are nine. They are: service, respect, leadership, family, belonging, love, inclusion, reciprocal relationships and spirituality. At the end of the book there were four more values included. Our focus today was around 'Belonging'. 

It was great to be there, learn alongside and connect with other Pacific Educators from the Manurewa area. From the discussion and activities, it has given me a lot to think about in terms of my own practice, regularly reflect on: how I can help my Pacific learners in the classroom and make better connections and build relationships with Pacific families.