Samoan Group Journey to Polyfest 2024
What is Polyfest?
Polyfest is an opportunity to demonstrate the pride of cultural identity, and to bring schools and the different cultures between them together. An event where all are welcome to experience the many different cultures, and just be in an atmosphere that embraces diversity. On Saturday 23rd March 2024, the Samoan Group had the utmost privilege to represent Rutherford College and their families on the Samoan stage.
A New Samoan Group.
Compared to other schools, Rutherford hasn’t had a Samoan Group perform at Polyfest since Covid-19 cancelled the festival in 2019. At first, it was a no-brainer that Rutherford wouldn’t form a Samoan Group to take to Polyfest but one of the tutors, Gebora Crawley, insisted as well as believed in the Rutherford students. She reassured the teachers, Miss Tolova’a and Mrs Taula that even though weeks have passed the students can learn everything in the amount of time that was left. Because of Geobra’s constant push for the group to be formed, the teachers trusted her and from there onwards Rutherford College finally had its very own Samoan Group.
With only 3-4 weeks of preparation, the 35 students set out to compete in one of the biggest festivals in Tamaki Makaurau. The group had to create a 20-minute set that included an entrance, maulu’ulu (dance), sāsā, pese o le aso (song of the day), taualuga, and the exit. All of which were sung in the Samoan language (gagana Samoa). As there were only 3-4 weeks left, practices were held every day after school from 3:30 pm-6:00 pm as well as Saturday practices. During the practices, the tutors taught parts of the performance and guided the students through learning the words for the songs, and the actions for the maulu’ulu and sāsā. It felt like a long process as there were difficulties when students struggled with pronunciation of the words but the more practices that went by, the more confident students were in expressing themselves in learning more about the Samoan culture and the meaning behind the songs they sang. What sets the Samoan Group apart is the students, this year’s group had not only Samoan students but there were other students from various Pacific cultures. The group had a student, Mauricio, a Chilean who took on the challenge of being the group's guitarist. With this being said, although the student did not have much experience in the Samoan language he pushed through with the guidance he received from another tutor, Varani Crawley, and the teacher’s support. As he was eager and tried his best to learn the Samoan language, he too gained confidence and pride in the role he played in the group.
On Tuesday 19th March, the Samoan Group had their final rehearsal before they were off to prepare themselves for the night. At a time like this, it was about remaining confident and prideful in the Samoan culture. The students, tutors, and teachers gathered in a circle, they prayed, sang uplifting songs, and prepared themselves mentally for the performance. When the time was up and the group finally entered the sports hall, the students went out there and put on the best performance they could for their families. A performance their families and friends would be proud of but also a performance they can be proud of.
On Friday 22nd March, the Samoan Group went to EFKS Te Atatu, the church that kindly welcomed and hosted the live-in for the students and teachers. That night, the group had one last run-through of their performance in their costumes and in front of a few parents who wanted to watch and give the group feedback. This helped the students and was another reminder to do their best, keep smiling, and keep the energy up.
Saturday 23rd March, finally, the Samoan Group arrived at Polyfest. When they arrived, all the students got dressed in their costumes and added the final touches like lipstick on their cheeks, a sei in their hair, and oil on their bodies. Five minutes before going on stage, the group gathered in a circle once again where they all applauded for one another and shared encouragement. Everyone was nervous but they were excited. As the drums sounded, that was the cue that the long-awaited performance at Polyfest was about to begin. During the performance, the students did their best, they gave it their all and kept a smile on their faces. Hearing the cheers from the crowd when a segment of their performance was finished put even more confidence in the students and motivated them more to give all their energy. When the performance came to an end, the students all got off the stage with cheers from the crowd along with compliments from the teachers who stood on the side. Everything was well, it started well and ended well.
Rutherford College’s Samoan Group 2024 received two prizes. One of the awards the group won was 1st place in Fuataimi (conductor) and the other was 3rd place in Pese O Le Aso (song of the day). Hearing that the Samoan Group had received these prizes made not only the families proud but also the students. Knowing that the group was recognized for their work, especially for Pese O Le Aso which is the most important part of the Samoan stage performances where most of the points come from really gave that boost of pride in why the group worked so hard for the past weeks. This showed that the students worked together as a group/team and achieved it together.
It was a long journey but the experience of performing in front of our parents and supporters was all worth it. Prize or no prize we were grateful to have represented our school. For most of our Y13, this was a memorable memory we will not forget. We want to thank our parents and family who have supported us along the way. Special thank you to our tutors, Geobra, Varani & VJ who took the time to teach us. We also want to thank the teachers who gave us this space to grow as individuals and learn more about the Samoan cultures. Miss Tolova’a, Mrs Taula, Miss Kim & Miss Van Geenhoven. We also thank other teachers for supporting us, especially Mrs Ferguson for making the boys costumes. Lastly thank you God for his continuous guidance and protection over us throughout the journey. Viia le Ali’i.
by Elizabeth Iosefo
