On Friday 30 May, Tupulaga gathered together to commemorate the 52nd year of Samoa's independence from foreign rule. Fifty two years ago on 1 January 1962, Samoa were able to rule themselves. However, Samoa celebrate their independence on 1 June every year.
We started the day off with a thanksgiving lotu in the school hall, where we sang a pese lotu, gave thanks to the Lord for all that He has done for Samoa, and sang the Samoa national anthem.
After the official part of the morning had finished, each class presented an item about Samoa's treasures. Some of the treasures were: gagana Samoa (language), le aganu'u fa'a Samoa (culture), mea taumafa (niu), and le tatau (tattoo).
We felt so proud presenting our treasures to the rest of the school, although some of us in Room 5 were a bit embarrassed to sing our "Coconut Song". It was a privilege for us to share our culture with the rest of the school.
Morning tea was held in rooms two and three, where all parents and staff were invited to share some delicious Samoan cuisine. This included fai'ai eleni (cooked fish in coconut cream), sapa sui (chopsuey), fa'alifu talo (taro in coconut cream), koko alaisa (cocoa rice), panikeke (pancakes), puligi (steamed pudding), pai fala (pineapple pie), keke pua'a (pork buns), keke saiga (biscuits), esi (pawpaw), popo (coconut) and pani popo (coconut buns).
Straight after morning tea we were split into teams of ten, and rotated around to different workshops. Due to time constraints, we were unable to get to all the stations. Mr Letoi and Mrs Fesolai demonstrated how to scrape the coconut to make coconut milk. Mrs Seuula and Mrs Mataafa showed us how to weave using paper. Mrs Fitoofau taught us how to play bowling, Samoan style! The teachers ran workshops too, such as making koko alaisa, decorating an 'ie toga, making a pale, playing lape and pele.
What a great day we had, Samoa would be so proud of us and our celebrations! Cheeeeehoooo!!!!
