Maugafa Tigafua

I come from a very musical family and so grew up surrounded by music, singing and dance. I was in a variety of cultural dance groups myself. Have taken on responsibilities within my full-time teaching of running school choirs and Pasifika cultural dance groups. Church member of West Auckland New Life Church, Fluent speaker of Samoan, including reading and writing. Hold CELTA – Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, as well as a Certificate in Language Teaching, Literacy – I have always loved reading and writing and I believe that the development of children’s language and literacy skills are very important for their cognitive development. This includes their literacy achievement and academic skills, as well as their social skills and mental well-being. It is not only a form of communication, but also a way of gaining information and knowledge that will help them to successfully function as an individual within society., Inquiry/Social Studies - I am also passionate about Inquiry/Social Studies because it helps young people to develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions as citizens within their own society and in life.

Previously I have also worked as a Sunday school teacher assisting with the Nursery and Kindergarten Department, and as a Sunday School Youth Leader at the Pacific Island Presbyterian Church (PIPC), Newton.

My philosophy has developed not only through my teaching experience but also as a mother and grandmother. Having brought up my own four children and a family member’s children, I went on an incredible learning journey as I navigated each child’s needs and ways of being. As an educator I believe in the importance of building relationships with students’ families and communities, thus helping students to first make sense of the worlds they live in both at home and at school. This will enable children of any ethnicity to navigate the worlds they move in, which are their own culture and the society that they live in. Giving the same opportunities to all children, recognizing the wealth of knowledge children bring and building on that, providing a safe environment where children and their families are genuinely cared for, where they can express their thoughts and ideas and as a teacher, I model everything I teach.

359914, Full, 12/15/26

• Bernice Matautia, Tumuaki/Principal, Mangere Bridge School, 25 Coronation Rd, MANGERE BRIDGE, (09) 6367304, 02102791901, bernicem@mangerebridge.school.nz
• Jan Bills, Deputy Principal, Mangere Bridge School, 25 Coronation Rd, MANGERE BRIDGE, (09) 6367304, 021754368, janb@mangerebridge.school.nz
• Lyrentia Gerber, Team Leader, Mangere Bridge School, 25 Coronation Rd, MANGERE BRIDGE, (09) 6367304, 0210442736, lyrentiag@mangerebridge.school.nz