Students from 4 primary schools in the Franklin district participated last Thursday evening the 4th of September at the first annual Franklin Schools Pasifika Languages Speech Competition. The contest was open for students speaking Tongan and Kiribati, with students participating from St Joseph’s, Pukekohe Intermediate, Pukekohe Hill and Paerata. The event was held at Pukekohe Intermediate and organised by St Joseph’s Catholic School.
It was a well attended and enjoyable evening with speakers showing growing confidence and capability to express themselves and make convincing arguments within their first language. Judges commended participants on their developing oratory skills and confidence to speak and talked about the importance of actively keeping their first languages alive, noting language as a key element of identity.
The following students won first place in their respective language category;
Kiribati Year 7 & 8: Atieneta Teremoa from St Joseph’s School
Kiribati Year 5 & 6: Sonia Vanele from St Joseph’s School
Tongan Year 7 & 8: Melenaite Taupaki from Pukekohe Intermediate
Tongan Year 5 & 6: Mele Sakisi from Pukekohe Hill School.

Post supplied by Judith Fromont
Deputy Principal
St Joseph’s Catholic School

Atieneta Teremoa, who won her year 7 & & 8 Kiribati section.
Etikeni Helu who was second in the year 5 & 6 Tongan section.