Pasifika Festival

'Know Your Roots'

On Saturday 24th November, many of our Pacific Islander students at Shepparton High School performed at the Shepparton Lake as part of the 'Know Your Roots' Pasifika Festival. Hundreds of people gathered on the day, overlooking the water to enjoy a celebration of Pacific Islander arts and culture.

 

One of the highlights was watching a New Zealand canoe (Waka – a replica of a hand-carved wooden Maori Warrior Boat) paddle across the lake by male students from Shepparton schools. They performed a traditional chant as they rowed towards the shore.

 

Shepparton High School students performed in a number of items throughout the afternoon, but their representation of the Samoan culture in their school performance was a highlight. Amelia Mafi won the most outstanding leadership award for her school.

 

Trish Baggs

 

Instrumental Music