Fostering connections for the year ahead

In a proud Marsden first, today we held a Fiafia for Māori and Pasifika students thanks to the vision and willing help of parents Pip and Hele Matatia, alongside Māori/Pasifika mentor Sarah Molisa.

The aim of the day was to strengthen transitions for new Māori and Pasifika students, and to foster connections for the year ahead. Stepping into a new school environment brings natural trepidation, and our Fiafia brought new and current students together in a way that was culturally familiar and rich in whakawhanaungatanga.

After a morning of getting to know each other, team building activities and moemoeā (goal-setting), our students were treated to a surprise visit from Black Ferns Lock and 2021 Rugby World Cup champion Joanah Ngan-Woo who shared her journey to success and highlighted how much strength comes from embracing one’s cultural identity and challenging stereotypes. We wrapped up the day with families joining us for kai and reflection.

We look forward to embedding this new Marsden tradition into the future and extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Pip and Hele for their foresight, Joanah for sharing her inspirational story, and for all of the help we received from whānau in extending manaakitanga.