Principal's Page

Talofa Uo - Greetings Friends  

Talofa Lava - welcome to Samoan Language Week at Western Heights.

In 2018, I was very privileged to travel to Samoa and the stunningly beautiful island of Savaii. We stayed there for a week, visiting local schools, touring the island on a rental motorcycle, and enjoying the beautiful scenery, warm waters and hospitable local people. It was an experience we will never forget.

Visiting local schools was a real highlight. We donated books and sports equipment at each school we visited, and most of the school would join me for a game of keep-ball at break times. 

Another highlight was swimming with turtles - I managed to (gently) hold a couple of big turtles, and coming from the school of turtles, it was another unforgettable experience.

The people were warm and welcoming everywhere we went in Samoa, and the food was another highlight.  

We have about 80 children from the Pacific Islands at Western Heights, 20 of whom are Samoan. This week, we are flying the Samoan Flag, and the music selections for our Dance Stage lunchtime music sessions will include plenty of Samoan songs. Samoan Language Week is always special here, as our Samoan children take the opportunity to be "loud and proud," bringing awesome energy, enthusiasm, and cultural colour to our school.

Reminder:

We have a Ministry-Mandated Teacher-Only Day this Friday, May 31. There will be no school for children on Friday, but lots of learning will happen for teachers.

As always - if you have questions or concerns about anything school-related - email me at macash@mac.com, and I will get back to you asap.

My very best regards to you all,

Ash Maindonald

Principal.