Over 400 students of Samoa Primary School and 35 staff members commemorated 20 years of the school's establishment and marked the achievements and challenges faced in the last two decades.

Held at the school campus in Vailele on Friday, families and friends of the school joined the celebration with the Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane Tuaau, and the Minister of Communication Information and Technology, Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo.

The commemoration was conducted through traditional performances by each class and with the school principal, Mrs Anne Leauga recalling their challenging journey.

"We started the school on rented premises at Sogi with a roll of 214 children and a staff of 10. Primary education was offered from Years 1 to 8, one class per level," she said in her welcoming remarks.

"In 2006, five acres of land was acquired from the Government at Vailele- -uta. We had moved the two prefab classroom buildings from Sogi to Vailele-uta. By means of a private loan from Samoa Commercial Bank, managed by Lemalu Ray Ah Liki, a 10 classroom building was erected to house Years 1 to 8, an office and a library. 

"It took eight years to pay off the loan. As numbers grew, more classrooms were needed so a two classroom building was erected in 2007, again by means of a private loan. 

"School numbers continued to grow and there was a need to provide a six classroom block to accommodate two classes at each level. This was erected in 2008 and took seven years to pay off the loan, again, from Samoa Commercial Bank. Additional buildings were the Fale Samoa and the Mika Young Hall.

"In July 2020, Digicel kindly gifted Samoa Primary, a computer laboratory, fully equipped with reconditioned computers, two television sets, air conditioners and necessary furniture. We are very thankful that all of our classes are able to receive computer lessons; one class (for juniors) and two classes (for seniors) each week.

"Since 2004, school fees have been $600 per term and a one payment building fund of $200 per child. In 2018, with a growing staff and rising costs, fees had to be raised for the first time; $700 per child and the building fund was raised to $300. All operational costs are covered by fees.

"A preparatory class was established in 2013 with two trained pre-school teachers in charge. The fee was $400 per term and in 2018, was raised to $500. In 2020 there was a need for two preparatory classes, one for children aged two and a half to four years and another for four years to five years. Preparatory classes have a roll of 39 and 40, respectively, in 2023."

Meanwhile, the school roll for Years 1 to 8 this year is 417, the teaching staff numbers 35, with 22 class teachers, including the three co-principals who teach at senior level and 10 teacher aides, and there are five support staff.

Samoa Primary was first established in 2004 by three teachers who had each taught in Samoa for 24 years with the initial goal to start a school which fully immersed children in the Samoan language from Years 1 to Year 3 and gradually introduce English in Years 4 to 8 with full instruction in English in Years 6 to 8.

The school's vision was to provide balanced and broad- based education which encompasses academic, social and cultural values that enable young people to realise their potential, thereby contributing to Samoa's future development. 

Mrs. Leauga added that they have hosted several schools from overseas:

"Each year the school plans a special celebration, concert, show and tell in classes, which parents and families are invited to come and enjoy. We have celebrated the Olympics, Commonwealth Youth Games, Samoan myths and legends, Christmas specials, art and cultural celebrations to ensure children have a wide understanding of different cultures as well as being very proud of their heritage," she added.

"Samoa Primary has always supported Government initiatives. Professional development is carried out regularly for our staff. Principals have willingly accepted undertaking professional development training for government teachers."

"We are also very grateful to the Government for the Government grant which has helped in the purchase of essential resources. At this time of rampant inflation, we are very appreciative of the Government Grant. 

"Rotary and Rotarac have also been very generous with their donations of classroom furniture and reading resources.

"Samoa Primary has fostered caring for the environment and beautifying the school environment in particular by creating beautiful gardens for everyone to enjoy. The School Beautification Project run by the Bank of the South Pacific in 2018 was won by Samoa Primary School. For two successive SRWMA competitions to collect the most plastic bottles and aluminium cans, Samoa Primary has come first in both competitions. The second competition was held last year."