Vae Falaniko

My name is Vae Falaniko and I’ve been teaching at Rongomai School for 4 and a half years. I am a humble, easy going, approachable person, born and bred in South Auckland and raised in the suburb of Papatoetoe. I attended Puhinui Primary School, Papatoetoe Intermediate, Papatoetoe High School and graduated at the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Education degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

My interests include spending time with family and friends, church, eating, exercising and anything that is linked with sports; (I am also the sports coordinator at Rongomai School).

My parents migrated from Samoa to New Zealand to seek a better future. Being born in New Zealand, I was fortunate and grateful to have received an opportunity to receive quality education. As I can relate to most of our tamariki at Rongomai School, I intend to provide them with the best opportunity possible by doing my utmost best to help them succeed in their learning.

As a teacher, I aspire to serve as a mentor, as a facilitator, as a coach, encourage life-long learning, create meaningful learning experiences, opportunities to critically think and create a safe learning atmosphere which caters to all needs of our diverse students in a multicultural environment.

South Auckland I believe is my calling which is a reason for teaching in Otara – Rongomai School. I love the students, the staff and the community. I want to give back to our children and our community. I forgot to mention, teaching is also one of my interests too!