Māori and Pacifica Study Group: Ofaga A'oa'o

Talofa Lava, Kia Ora, Malo e leilei and warm Pacific greetings to all.

After some reflection and consultation with my fellow Moana colleagues, it was agreed that our original name “Su'esu'e Ofaga” didn’t fully reflect what the purpose of our Māori and Pacifica study group is. As a result, we have decided to rename our group, “Ofaga A'oa'o" - which in translation means to learn, teach, train and guide. These four principles are a true reflection of our group's purpose.

Ofaga A’oa’o is two weeks in and it has taken off with a bang! Students that have attended the first two sessions have been given the opportunity to engage in learning and develop their knowledge, both in their study skills and subject knowledge.

Our Programme Coordinator Ms Jenny Bennett, from the Pacific Health Science Academy, a division of the University of Otago, has already established meaningful connections with students, which in turn, has enabled a supportive space for teaching and learning to begin growing. Students have undertaken literacy and numeracy tasks, as well as working on their own work from subject areas.

Senior and junior students have been working alongside one another with a shared vision of enhancing their learning.

We can’t wait for our next session!

A reminder of details:

When: Every Tuesday during Term time

Time: 4.30pm until 6pm (this will start straight after Tangata Moana practice)

Place: Te Kaika Moana

Year Levels: Years 9 to 13, but Year 7s and 8s are more than welcome!

Focus: Literacy and Numeracy but also the ability to support other subject areas as

needed.

Kai will be provided to keep the energy levels up!

Fa’afetai Lava

Marina Harris

Moana Academic Co-ordinator