Taking Flight Together: Celebrating Our Whānau with Gratitude and Joy

By Dollie Domingo and Suman Lata Narayan

As our DRT learning journey continues, we pause to reflect on two unforgettable culminating activities—events that reminded us of how far we’ve come and how much stronger we’ve grown together. These moments were more than just celebrations; they were expressions of gratitude for those taking flight into new beginnings and a chance to honour the shared aroha of our whānau.

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At Devonport Beach, we celebrated Waitangi Day with laughter, learning, and heartfelt goodbyes. This was a special day—not only because we honoured one of Aotearoa’s most important commemorations—but also because it marked the culminating activity for our beloved friend and classmate, the legendary - Jill. Surrounded by the sea breeze and sunshine, we played culturally inspired games, jumped with shouts of “Māui” and “Matau,” and ended with a meaningful activity—drawing admired people on leaves and reflecting on their qualities. Most of us drew our parents, a touching reminder of how much family means in shaping who we are. Our programme leader AJ who has more than 24 hours in his day with all the things that he do managed to pop in and blessed our 2 special people flying on, despite having another meeting across the bay, it was his way to make us feel we are very important.

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Yet, a bittersweet moment was shared too. We learned that Miss Rhea, a guiding light throughout our course, was stepping into a new leadership role. Though we will miss her presence in class, we celebrate her promotion with full hearts. Her wisdom, encouragement, and quiet strength will continue to echo in all we do.

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Just a few weeks later, on March 19th, we gathered at Jesus Is Lord Church in Henderson to celebrate International Happiness Day, led by our incredible facilitators: Shaine Allyzon Medina, Sumit Thapa, and Maheep Kaur Ahuja. This event marked their own culminating activity—a vibrant showcase of everything they’ve learned and the joy they now bring to others.

The day was filled with energy, teamwork, and connection. We tackled a Math Relay without words, raced with cups and straws in a Cup Relay, floated balloons while swapping jackets, and built Cup Pyramids without using our fingers directly. Every challenge sparked laughter, creativity, and togetherness. We celebrated each win not as individuals, but as one united group.

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But the most moving moment came during the Letter of Happiness activity. Tasked with writing to one person who brought us joy, many of us couldn’t choose just one—we wrote to everyone. The room filled with smiles, tears, and gratitude as we read heartfelt words aloud. It reminded us that here, we’re more than classmates. We are whānau.

To Jill, Shaine, Sumit, and Maheep—we honour your journey and the love you’ve poured into this space. To Miss Rhea, we celebrate your next chapter and thank you for lifting us with your leadership.

And to our fellow students taking flight—may your wings carry you far, and may you always remember where your strength was formed.

This is not just learning. This is legacy. This is not just community. This is whānau. And in whānau, we rise together.