On a mission: September 2018

This week was packed with activities and farewells; consequently, this is a long post. We try not to say good-bye, just "Until we meet again..."

MONDAY - TVET

The Hospitality class under Sister Purcell's teaching expertise prepared, cooked, and served Vaiola College staff a luncheon as if at a restaurant. Much preparation went into the food preparation and the room setup. This was a culminating project and staff each had a checklist to assess hands-on performance of students. What a remarkable difference from the time we first arrived until now. The Hospitality students have caught the vision through Sister Purcell's guidance.

Making Smoothies

Amazing floral arrangement by Sister Purcell. The flowers are always fresh.

Napkin folding was part of the assessment.

Sister Purcell on the right.

Donned in their health safety attire.

Tropical fruit smoothie garnished with mint leaves.

Teriyaki station

Tuna Salad

Right next door to the Tourism & Hospitality classroom is the wood shop. Here are snapshots of a few completed wood projects:

WEDNESDAY - PRIMARY SCHOOL ENGLISH DAY
As guest presenter, I prepared around the theme: "English is the Passport to Freedom".

I spent the prior week talking about English to some of the students. Here are some of my young friends who were my helpers:

Clayton, Sidney, Bele
Level 2 (first grade)

Naidra (sp?), Tom, Debra
Level 4 (third grade)

On the morning of English Day I had these six come to the front to share why they liked English. Their answers included traveling abroad, speaking at school, watching movies, and singing.

Then students were invited to come pull an item out of my surprise box and I related it to the benefits and advantages of English. For instance, a world map represented traveling abroad; an apron (which Ron gracefully modeled) for reading recipes; money for managing business; a ball for having fun speaking English; and so on. We piled the objects on Elder Rees who was a good prop and a good sport. One card was for the ABCs & Yr 1 (Kindergarten) sang it:

Surprise---immediately following our part students and teachers overwhelmed us with many, many gifts. There were hugs and tears all around.

Each primary school class shared a presentation or activity. Below is a sample of one class saying the tongue twister "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers...", each time a little faster. Teacher Maria is a hoot! (She's been one of our ITEP students.)

THURSDAY EVENING - WARD DANCE

The ward hosted a youth dance to honor them for their recent school accomplishments. Again, we are always pleased to see the little ones mingling around the teenagers and the youth are so kindly to watch out for them while they are dancing. Adults dance too. When the boys ask the girl to dance they signal with a downward wave...and the girl never refuses. When the dance ends they give each other a friendly high-five. Yes, both Ron and I were asked to dance.

The little kids have Bishop Obley dancing with them.

Young girls group dancing

With Sapphire.

FRIDAY - CULTURAL DAY

Friday morning we assembled under tents on the basketball court and listened to the keynote remarks on the theme, "Samoa---Lest We Forget". This year they provided games and activities that are specific to Samoan culture. Yes, a concern is that not all the younger generation know about these unique parts of their culture. It was really fascinating. Students are divided into four "Houses" and they compete to see who accumulates the most points---competitive fun.

Kickoff

Sister Alesana, Head of Social Science Dept.

Video clip as student skins the bark off a log:

This group was doing javelin throw.

Mats were used for a game in which they throw a tah.

Jousting with pillows on that skinned log. They joust till one or usually
both fall off (there is a high jump mat under them).

Basket weaving.

Several Cricket games took place (they asked us to move our car!)

Spectators

These are the beautiful blossoms of the Mimosa tree that the spectators are sitting under.
They are so feathery.

Milaneta is helping to man the Canteen where snacks are available.
(She is a substitute teacher enrolled in our ITEP classes.)

Break at the Canteen

Surrounding the Malae for the pig chase.

This young pig was oiled and turned loose for the chase. (It is Samoa.)

Seeing who can climb the highest---up the oiled poles. Comical to watch.

End of the Culture Day & students load on buses to be taken home
two weeks for school break (end of Term 3).

Siu Papalii modeling her woven attires.
(She is the computer teacher who takes ITEP classes from us.)

Miracle in the front & Brother Semeatu on the right.

WEDNESDAY - AFTER CULTURE DAY
Teachers gathered in the Resource Room for a late lunch. They took time to honor us with matching Tee-shirts and a beautifully engraved wooden bowl. Memories of working with staff day in and day out will linger forever in our hearts. They are incredible.!

This picture was taken the next day but shows the T-shirts.

Also, during lunch we presented certificates to very deserving teachers:

Tele Leiataua earned her Teaching Certificate having completed all 9 ITEP
courses and her student teaching end of July.

Asomaliu Laulu just barely completed her Teaching Certificate having completed
all 9 ITEP courses and her student teaching earlier this month of September.

Eteauti & Lima Salanoa have completed all 8 courses plus their Internships
to earn their ITEP Administrative Certificate.

Luise Siu Lai has completed all 8 courses plus her Internship
to earn her ITEP Administrative Certificate.

Ryan Nemes has completed all 8 courses plus their Internship
to earn his ITEP Administrative Certificate.

Rosa Agavale has completed all 8 courses plus her Internship
to earn her ITEP Administrative Certificate.

This Administrative group really pushed to earn their certificate before we leave. Their internship was extensive including a research project. They persevered and Elder Rees did too.

These are the successes that have made our mission so meaningful!

SATURDAY - WARD BEACH ACTIVITY
The Ward got together for a swimming activity. Here are a few pictures.