Celebrating Pasifika - MCS Style
What a wonderful time we had in Week 2 of Term 4 when groups of children presented their unique Pasifika cultures through speech, song and dance. Stunning costumes and proud children, family and friends were the order of the night on Tuesday 19 October and Thursday 21 October.
Jasmeet Singh and Victoria Black were our tour guides and took us for an hour long journey around the Pacific (with a little detour to India!).
We started with the national anthem of Samoa sung in that language by Sharon Luteru and Torina Samuelu
Then first stop was Tonga which was introduced by Leli Tuiaki in his native language.
Malolelei, oku ingoa ko Leli Tuiaki. Oku mau fakamoloatu homo hau ki hene. Koe ingoa oku dedi ko Uoka oku hau ia mea Hapai, koe ingoa oku mumi ko Mele, oku hau ia mea Vavau. Oku mau kole kia mo tolo ke sio ke mau hula tonga. Malo.
Jennifer-Rose Kara introduced us all to the lovely Cook Islands.
Kia orana kotou kotua ta inirkia noa on toai mata ovea kotoa teriki kia orankia oran.
On our slight detour to India, Sweta Dass welcomed and introduced the colourful dance group.
Namaste
Hama naam s
Sweta hai, aag raat hama log ek chota sa nache dekhienge.
Sub log kushi rahyo.
Last, but not least was Samoa. Torina Samuelu introduced the group to perform for our final destination.
Ou te fia faatalofa atu ia te outou matua talofa, talofa, talofa lava. O lou igoa o Torina Samuelu. Ou 10 ou tausaga. Na ou fanau i Niu Sila a'o a'u o le Samoa. O lo'u tama e sau mai Falefa a'o lo'u tina e sau mai Faasito'otai. Usi mai lau faafofoga ma lau silasila o le a faafiafia atu le vaega Samoa.
Also showcased were our Year 6 speech winner Alexus Kaing and runner-up Eucharist Ieremia. Pasefika talent quest winners presented their winning items as well.
Sonatane Kaufasi, Vincent Alexander and Connor Blackburn were "The Polynesian Beats" band who entertained everyone on guitar and drums with great singing.
Neha Ali and Divya Prasad danced to an Indian beat, while Gracie Bruce, Vishay Prasad and Angeline Ball presented their own dance.
The finale was everyone singing and moving to the Samoan love song 'Tele I'a O Sami' and then the audience was invited to join the ta'ualuga and dance with the children.
What a fabulous 2 nights of celebrating Pasifika culture.
We thank Mrs Le Mamea for organising our fantastic production.
