We welcomed back 256 of our keiki to school on Wednesday at our Welcome Back to School assembly! Fifth graders Ciana Lei Bence and Kaʻōlapa Masuko were our emcees. Our theme this year, “E kuahui like i ka hana” – let everyone share in the work together.
Our morning oli protocol started off our day, followed by a special blessing by our new Kahu Kaunaloa. Our new Poʻo Kula, Mrs. Kāhealani Naeʻole-Wong welcomed and greeted us all too! Next, our interim Principal, Mr. Phil Aganus, formally introduced himself. Mr. Aganus welcomed our 40 new kindergarten students, as well as our 8 new fourth graders and our new fifth grader.
Lots of “new-ness” going on here at our kula! Mr. Aganus introduced our new Hope Poʻo Kumu (vice principal), Kumu Waianuhea Paleka, our new first grade teacher, Mrs. Pikake Wilson-Kealoha, our new fourth grade teacher, Kumu Pua Mendonca, our new fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Corinna Kay, our former fourth grade teacher, Kumu Silva, is now our Hawaiian Language/Culture teacher, Mrs. Michelle Young, is our new Resource Teacher (grades 3-5) and Mrs. Kanoe Pacheco is our new Educational Assistant.
We ended our assembly with Kumu Wai, our hope poʻo kumu teaching us a chant, “E Nā Koa Hoe Waʻa”. Everyone learned this chant which was used as a metaphor that we all must do our part in the canoe and paddle together in this journey to thrive!