The second weekend of Term 4 was bright and filled with connection and culture for Torres Strait Kaziw Meta boarders.
On Saturday, boarders visited their Elders at Star of the Sea (SOS), learning from their akas and athes who passed down generational knowledge and cultural stories. To express their gratitude, boarders danced and sang ailan songs and hymns with elderly residents who were visibly uplifted.
House Parent and Wellbeing Coordinator Uncle Oliphanu Jackonia said Elders welcomed boarders, sharing laughter, tears and meaningful company.
“At Torres Strait Kaziw Meta, we ensure our boarders practice respect for their Elders, showing gratitude to the legacy that they have created for us,” Uncle Oliphanu explained.
“We encourage our boarders to yarn with yumi Elders; to hear their stories and words of wisdom,” he added.
Torres Strait Kaziw Meta Boarder Samlico Zitha (Yr 11) said he enjoyed his time, yarning with his Elders.
“It was really nice, I got to know them, and hear them yarn stories of when they were young,” Samlico said.
After the SOS visit, Torres Strait Kaziw Meta erupted in colour as boarders participated in their annual Colour Fun Run from the Rose Hill Playground to the Boarding House.
This activity brought boarders together from all year levels, encouraging teamwork, laughter, and friendship as they made their way through the colourful course. For many, it was a refreshing way to bond with fellow boarders outside of Torres Strait Kaziw Meta and create lasting memories.
The energy continued the next day with a community volleyball afternoon at Bach Beach. Families, staff, and community members joined boarders in friendly matches that encouraged laughter and playful ailan banter.
Torres Strait Kaziw Meta CEO Thomas Dunsmore said the weekend was a great opportunity for boarders to strengthen relationships and ground themselves in the values of culture, respect, and community.
“This weekend really showed what boarding at Kaziw Meta is all about,” Mr Dunsmore said.
“For our boarders, connection doesn’t just happen in the classroom during the school week, it also happens together as a boarding house and extends beyond the boarding facility, into the Waiben community,” he added.
As Torres Strait Kaziw Meta enter their final term for 2025, the boarding house has organised a range of activities, including graduation fun for seniors. Community is encouraged to get involved wherever possible.
