Pepe Toleafoa to open Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School Sāmoan Unit

Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School is thrilled to announce that Pepe Toleafoa, a long-standing and respected member of our teaching staff, will be the teacher opening of ournew Sāmoan unit in the Middle School. Pepe has been a dedicated part of our Middle Schoolwhānau for six years this coming January, and her transition into this role is a milestone for ourPacific community.

Pepe brings profound strengths in fa’asamoa, and we have no doubt that her pedagogy and practice will ensure our students thrive in a space where they see themselves, their language, and their culture reflected daily.
Her approach is closely aligned with the Tapasā Cultural competencies framework and the Action plan for Pacific Education. By utilising these frameworks, Pepe ensures that her teaching practice remains at the forefront of Pacific educational excellence, driving success for our students through identity and belonging.
The simultaneous launch of the Sāmoan and Māori units represents a powerful recipe for change. Together, Pepe and Jono bring a combined expertise that will transform the educational landscape of our Middle School.

Ia so’o le fau i le fau – the connecting of one fibre to another

This Sāmoan proverb speaks to the strength of unity. Just as fibres are joined to create a strong
rope, the collaboration between Pepe and Jono creates a foundation of strength and success
for our Collegiate’s future.