'Ātuitui'ia au ki te au peu o tōku kāinga Ipukarea' was the theme for Cook Islands Language Week for 2023. This means, "connect me to the traditions and culture of my homeland".  

What a way to begin as most students who identify as Cook Island at St Paul's College did not know the language/traditions or where they are from in the Cook Islands so it was a great opportunity for them to discover and start to make those connections, learn some of the language and participate in the activities planned. Our non-Cook Island students and staff also loved getting to know more about our beautiful islands (all 15 of them!) and learning about the rich culture and traditions of our boy’s homeland.

Meitaki ma'ata (thank you) to Christian Fa'aui, Talib Aleni Taura and Juel-Sardius Turua for taking on the challenge to speak so beautifully in their language during our assemblies.  

A big meitaki ma'ata to Psalm-Muzeio Turua, Mana Daniela, Kasius Punga, Hyrum Makata, Tobias Christensen-Powell, Naea Williams, Christian Fa'aui and Juel-Sardius Turua who planned the chapel, social media videos and lunch time activities.  What a way to start celebrating Cook Islands Language Week here at St Paul's. The boys are very excited for next year to grow our language week further and share our culture with the St Paul's College community even more.

Kia Manuia!