Author: admin

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Legacy of Mandela

I like the words of author Seth Godin who wrote this blog post following the death of Nelson Mandela: “For those that seek to make a change in the world, whether global or local, one lesson of his life is this: You can. You can make a difference. You can stand up to insurmountable forces….

Teachers be like . . .
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Teachers be like . . .

Just wanted to give a big shout to all the teachers out there doing inspirational things with their students. It’s easy to hate on teachers, there’s a  lot of negative stereotypes out there: –  teacher said, ‘you’ll never make it, you’re headed for jail!’ –  teacher said, ‘people like you can’t learn.’ –  teacher said,…

Ua ou sau nei ma le mea atoa [Here I come completely prepared]
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Ua ou sau nei ma le mea atoa [Here I come completely prepared]

The title of this post is a line from the “Manu Siva Tau”, the dance the Manu Samoa rugby team performs before test matches. The Manu Siva Tau was written for the 1991 Rugby World Cup, Samoa’s first World Cup. That was the tournament where Samoa scored one of the biggest shocks in rugby history…

“Dark Sparring” / “Afakasi Speaks”
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“Dark Sparring” / “Afakasi Speaks”

2 poetry books being launched this week by inspirational Pasifika heroes. “Dark Sparring” by Selina Tusitala Marsh You Tube promo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6nWZu8wx60&feature=share Some background information: http://www.press.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/notices/template/notice_item.jsp?cid=569290 “Afakasi Speaks” by Grace Taylor ” Does it matter, Sāmoa? I am a fleeing anthem “ (from the poem ‘Samoa Mo Samoa’ ) Here’s info about the launch: https://www.facebook.com/events/170423496491647/

Tangaroa College Level 3 Drama presents: “Gen-Y”
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Tangaroa College Level 3 Drama presents: “Gen-Y”

People born in the years 1980-2000 are often referred to as “Generation Y”. This generation has been labelled many things by older generations: ‘Peter Pan’ generation because they take longer to grow up ‘Microwave’ generation because they want things instantly ‘Internet’ generation because they are always on their phones, Facebook, Twitter This evening the awesome…

I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
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I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar

Last night students from Tangaroa College danced at Vodafone Event Centre with the Auckland Philarmonia Orchestra! The show was called Takarangi and also included Balmoral School, Waitakere College and Unitec Dance students. What an amazing opportunity for these young people to experience professional standard work in art forms they don’t usually have much exposure to:…

We must inspire
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We must inspire

I took my year 13 Drama class to see the musical “Wicked” at the Civic Theatre on Thursday. Such an amazing show! I usually don’t like musicals but this show was awesome. And what made it even more special for me is that one of the lead performers is Jay Laga’aia from Mangere, South Auckland….

Takarangi: the Auckland Dance Project
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Takarangi: the Auckland Dance Project

On Monday Sept 30th students from Tangaroa College, Waitakere College, Balmoral School and Unitec, will dance with the Auckland Philarmonia Orchestra at Vodafone Event Centre in Manukau. Such an amazing project exposing students to new art forms: contemporary Maori dance and orchestral music! Choreography by Moss Patterson of Atamira Dance Company.

Too Much Too Young
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Too Much Too Young

Come to Tangaroa College this Tuesday evening if you’d like to see some local theatre featuring amazing young people of Otara. My year 12 Drama class are performing a play called “Too Much Too Young”. It’s on the theme of teen pregnancy and sexual health, a pretty big issue in our community.  

“Always say yes”
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“Always say yes”

We have a saying in my Drama classes: “always say yes”. It’s to encourage us all to be brave, take risks, explore and try things. We might fail, but that’s fine . . . we learned something. I felt inspired today when I heard about a moment of bravery by Kiwi teenager Ella Yelich-O’Connor […

Presented at South Pacific Language and Literature Conference
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Presented at South Pacific Language and Literature Conference

Presented at South Pacific Language and Literature Conference on Friday. Man, intimidating! There I was, a palagi, speaking in front of Albert Wendt, Reina Whaitiri, Robert Sullivan, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Lani Wendt-Young, Grace Taylor, Michelle Johansson, Mua Strickson-Pua . . . Reina said that the work of palagi researchers and historians is “necessary but problematic”….

Kia ora, hi there!
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Kia ora, hi there!

Having trouble finding interesting reading material for the young people in your life, especially boys? Look no further! As an English and Drama teacher I’ve worked with young people for 15 years and I know what they want to read about. Take a look around my site. I’m sure you’ll find something your young people…