NZ’s first Pasifika Senior Partnership School Opening 2015

NZ’s first Pasifika Senior Partnership School opening 4th February 2015

Pacific Advance Senior School (PASS), New Zealand’s first Pasifika Partnership School based in Otahuhu, will open its doors to its first Year 11 students on 4 February 2015.

PASS is a new collaboration between the Ministry of Education and The Pacific Peoples Advancement Trust (PPAT), a not-for-profit charitable trust lead by Pasifika community leaders Michael Jones, Emeline Afeaki-Mafileo and Hamish Crooks.

PPAT and its trustees have a wealth of collective experience serving Pasifika youth and fanau primarily through the provision of education, mentoring and social programmes.

PASS will provide a Pasifika teaching and learning framework within a culturally responsive school environment built on Pasifika values and world view.

Information evenings will be held at the school building 42 Atkinson Rd, Otahuhu in December, led by the school’s principals and leadership team.

They will provide an opportunity for interested students, parents, caregivers and members of the community to meet and discuss this exciting new educational opportunity, and find out more about enrolling at PASS for the 2015 school year.

PPAT Chair La’auli Savae Michael Jones MNZM is encouraging those interested to come along and see for themselves what PASS offers. All are welcome.

“To provide our parents and whanau with another vehicle or vaka that could better suit the unique learning needs of these students is our aim. If our Pacific students thrive and succeed, our whanau and community thrive, then we all benefit,” he said.

“Our school will accept all students who apply for entry, regardless of background or ability, so we encourage those interested to attend an information evening and find out more.”

For Joshua Pelo, PASS offers the opportunity of a fresh start after struggling throughout much of his school life.

“It felt welcome when I arrived and more comfortable,” says the 15-year-old Samoan from Mangere.

Joshua was at the first introduction evening with his parents Fa’aigua and Melissa. Melissa says she heard about the school on radio and found out more about it online.

“I liked the presentation and believe it will be good for Joshua,” she says.

Another keen to enrol is Casey Kake, a 14-year-old from Kelston in West Auckland.

“I think this school will suit me. The classes will be smaller and as a student we’ll get more help from the teachers.”

PASS Information evenings will be held at 42 Atkinson Ave, Otahuhu on:
• Tuesday 9th December
• Thursday 11th December
• Tuesday 16th December
• Thursday 18th December
PASS will officially open on Wednesday 4 February 2015:
• 4th February - Official welcome/pohiri, enrolments, uniform fit out (no lessons)
• 5th February - Teacher Only Day
• 6th February - Waitangi Day
• 9th February - School timetable/lessons begin

ENDS

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