We are proud to share with you one of our most meaningful initiatives here at Mount Albert Grammar School — our Siapo Mentor Class, established in 2021 as a direct result of valuable fonotaga (consultation) with our Pasifika families and wider school community.
Siapo was created to provide a space where our Pasifika learners can grow, lead, and learn in a setting that reflects and values who they are. While still in its early stages, Siapo has become a vital pathway that supports our Pasifika students’ journey through MAGS, allowing them to experience school life through a strong cultural lens.
The name Siapo itself reflects unity and strength; “Individual cords are strong, but when woven together we are an unbreakable rope.” All Pasifika nations are represented in this class, and students are encouraged to embrace their identities while working together across cultures.
Key Features of the Siapo Mentor Class:
- A vertical form class structure: This means Year 9–13 students work together in a Tuakana-Teina model, where older students guide and support our juniors.
- Term AMP Pasifika assemblies featuring Pasifika guest speakers who inspire and reinforce the importance of cultural identity, leadership, and academic excellence.
- Full participation in all school activities such as year-level assemblies, sports days, and academic mentoring – while maintaining their place in this unique cultural space.
- Peer mentoring from senior students, building leadership, connection, and belonging across all levels.
Siapo is led by Ms Nikita Kolose and Mr Leti Maupese supported by Ti’a Danny Liuliu-Afoa, with a current roll of 40 students: 20 from Years 9–10, and 20 from Years 11–13.
Each year we welcome ten new Year 9 students through an application process. In addition should a student wish to join Siapo as a year 10 -13 student we welcome their applications as we acknowledge that Siapo may not be for everyone when they are year 9.
If your child is entering Year 9 in 2026 and you would like them to be considered for the Siapo Mentor Class, please contact:
Mr Corey Todd – Deputy Principal, MAGS Pasifika
Email: [email protected]
We are excited about continuing to grow and strengthen this space together with our families and wider community.
Ia manuia, fa’afetai tele lava, malo ‘aupito, meitaki, fakaaue, vinaka , and thank you for your ongoing support.
Siapo 2024