Student Excellence and Leadership 

Vaka Pasifika

On Friday 19th of June, a selected group of year 10 and 11 students were invited to attend the University of Melbourne for the Vaka Pasifika day. This day aimed to empower Pasifika students to view higher education as their vaka | vessel in navigating career and educational

aspirations. The day started with the students meeting at the train station and heading into Parkville. Once they arrived at the University students were welcomed by the Oceania Institute's research fellow Dr Rita Seumanutafa-Palala who is a Samoan ethnomusicologist, advisor, educator and community leader within the Pasifika communities of Victoria. Students were also welcomed by the co-ordinator of the Pasefika Schools Network Samuelu Brown. 

Throughout the day, students attended 3 lectures in Science/Agriculture with Te’o Dr Vili Iese (Senior Research Fellow for droughts and climate studies at the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences), Health with Prof. Tu’uhevaha Kaitu’u-Lino (Professor at the University of Melbourne leading a research team focused on improving predictive tests and treatments for serious pregnancy complications such as stillbirth and pre-eclampsia) and Performing Arts with Dr. Rita Seumanutafa-Palala. Students also heard from a Leadership Workshop with Samuelu Brown who spoke to students about his life story and encouraged students to make positive choices and to remember the importance of leading themselves well. The day ended with a discussion about entry requirements, pathways and scholarships  in order to attend the university. Students were also provided with lunch and snacks throughout the day.