SAMOAN LANGUAGE WEEK 2015

This year’s theme is:

“TAUTUA NEI MO SOU MANUIA A TAEAO”

“Serve now for a better tomorrow”

A discussion was held with the Pasifika Group on what they thought the theme meant to them.  Here are some of their ideas:

·         Be nice to each other in the playground, in the classroom, everywhere.

·         Be respectful to our elders, parents, teachers and each other.

·         Always work hard, learn lots and make sure you enjoy what you are doing.

·         If things get a bit too much, don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Encourage and support each other but also try sorting it yourself.

·         If we all do these things our ‘tomorrow’ can be a more peaceful, kind and caring environment to grow, learn and lead.

The children then suggested ways to support this year’s theme:

·         Have a cake stall, all monies raised go to Vanuatu

·         Collection for gold coin donation, all monies go to Vanuatu

·         Throughout the week the use of simple Samoan words to express kindness, respect and friendship e.g. Talofa (TAR-LAW-FAR), Fa’amolemole (FAR-A-MALL-LEH-MALL-LEH), Fa’afetai (FAR-A-FEH-TAY),

As with previous years we will continue with the following format to encourage the use of simple, everyday Samoan Language and encouraging theme for 2015. 

Opening of SML (Monday 25 May 2015): Raising of the Samoan Flag with Samoan National Anthem.

Phrases for each day – these will be announced via the school intercom.

Activities throughout the week: (During lunch hour)

Monday: How to make a Ula’lole – Lolly necklace.

Tuesday: How to play the Pate (drums). (Boys)

Wednesday: How to Siva. (Girls)

Friday: Group to perform at school assembly

Closing of SML (Friday 29 May 2015): Lowering of the Samoan Flag with Samoan National Anthem.

Throughout the week in class:

- Practising the phrase for that day.

- Use of the Samoan App on IPads.

- Singing simple Samoan songs – eg Savalivali,

- Encourage daily - greeting each other, numbers, colours and alphabet.

- Designing your ‘ili’ or ‘fan’ – (template provided). Samoans call this the ili, or fan.  A hand held version of Polynesia’s personal cooling or air conditioning system.  There are of course many other uses for the ‘ili’.  This I will leave to your imagination.

Go hard on this with the kids, get creative, lots of vibrant colours, patterns etc.  Have these ready by Thursday. They will be displayed in school hall on Friday for school assembly & group performance.   

Once again, Fa’afetai lava, thank you all. 

Have a great week celebrating the beautiful Samoan language and culture. 

Woodstock School Pasifika Group