Earlier this term we welcomed ninety students and staff from our sister school (Lelean Memorial) in Fiji. As part of the choir group tour, they spent three days with us sharing their culture and attending classes.
Lelean Memorial School and Botany Downs Secondary College have been sister schools for seventeen years. During this time, we have travelled to Fiji six times with a focus of providing service activities and our last trip was in July last year. This was Lelean’s third group tour to our school.
Our school kapahaka group led by Whaea Roimata welcomed our sister school with a formal powhiri. During the three days at BDSC, Lelean students and staff were given a tour of the school, attended some classes and enjoyed the hospitality provided. It was great to see how well the students from both schools got on together.
The choir group performed to a houseful on Thursday night and the audience was treated to some great songs and hymns. Prior to the performance, our school hosted a dinner for our visitors. Students and staff of our school were treated to another amazing performance by the choir group on Friday at lunchtime. As we said our goodbyes, the BDSC first fifteen team farewelled our visitors with our powerful school haka followed by a moving performance of the Fijian farewell song Isa lei” from our sister school choir group.
My thanks and appreciation go to staff and students who helped with hosting students and staff from Lelean Memorial School.
~ Dip Achary