Talofa lava CHEHOOO! Bula Vinaka, Faka’alofa atu, and Kia Ora!
What an incredible time we had at our recent EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) adventure with our Tapasa o le Folauga Fou Aiga.
One of the most important lessons we learned was about showing respect for our elders. Through stories and activities, we saw how this value is woven into the fabric of Pasifika communities. We practiced traditional greetings from different islands, which was a fantastic way to connect with each other and the cultures we were exploring. It was amazing to see how a simple “Talofa” or “Bula” could bring a smile to someone’s face!
Our creativity blossomed as we made our own ula (flower garlands). It was a fun process, and the result was a beautiful, colourful garland that we could wear proudly. Speaking of creativity, our rhythm came alive as we learned to play the pate, traditional Pasifika drums. The sound of everyone drumming together was so powerful and filled the room with so much energy.
And who could forget the dancing? We learned some traditional Pasifika dances, and it was so much fun to move our bodies to the music. We laughed, we stumbled, and we supported each other, creating a space of joy and friendship.
By the end of the day, we came back to school looking like we’d just returned from a Hawaiian holiday! Dressed out in our bright blue Homai tops and our vibrant, handmade ula, we felt a sense of connection and pride.
We had an absolutely fantastic time, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun together with our Tapasa o le Folauga Fou Aiga. We can’t wait for our next adventure!