Starting a new school year brings fresh challenges and opportunities. Whether it’s a new environment, stepping into leadership roles, or simply finding your place, taking that first step can be daunting. At Cranbourne West Secondary College, students in the Pese Mai program have found that embracing creativity and connection through music is a powerful way to navigate these transitions.
Pese Mai Rehearsing
The program’s success was recognised at the 2024 Victorian Education Excellence Awards where Cranbourne West Secondary College received the Outstanding Education Support Team Award for Pese Mai. Pese Mai, meaning ‘Sing Out’ in Samoan, celebrates Pacific Islander culture and was developed in partnership with the Victorian State Schools Spectacular. The program encourages students to embrace their heritage while building resilience, confidence and leadership skills.
For Sadies Hughes, who joined the choir as a Year 7 student in 2018, the program transformed her secondary school experience. Now an education support team member working as a vocal coach, Sadies reflects on how Pese Mai helped her overcome challenges. ‘This choir means a lot to me,’ she says. ‘In school, I wasn’t great at some subjects, but the choir pushed me through life. It became a safe space, and now teaching these students is such a blessing.’
Pese Mai members at Modern Language Teachers Association of Victoria conference
Sadies’ journey highlights the value of trying something new, especially during pivotal moments like starting secondary school. ‘If I didn’t join the choir, I wouldn’t have connected with my Samoan culture or built the confidence I have now,’ she says. ‘It’s amazing to see how much the students grow through this program.’
For Year 11 students Alexia Muliaga and Isha Rana, Pese Mai offered a chance to embrace their heritage while gaining confidence through performance. ‘I’ve been singing since I was a kid because my family is musical, but Pese Mai helped me meet new people and learn about other cultures,’ Alexia says. ‘We’re one big family and there’s not a quiet moment, and if you’re nervous because you’re new, Pese Mai is quite welcoming,’ Isha adds.
Alexia, who joined the program in 2022, performed in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular for the first time the same year. ‘I was nervous at first because it was so different,’ she recalls. ‘But once I got into it, I loved learning and growing through the experience. It’s been amazing.’
Pese Mai performing at State School Spectacular
The program’s values, encapsulated by the acronym P.E.S.E M.A.I (Perseverance, Empowerment, Solidarity, Equality, Maturity, Accountability and Initiative), provide students with a foundation to tackle challenges with confidence.
Year 10 student Taila Shaw joined Pese Mai in Year 8 and became a lead vocalist for the choir. ‘At first, I didn’t think I’d get a lead role, but it ended up being so fun,’ she says. ‘Singing songs we grew up with and showcasing our culture at the State School Spectacular was incredible. I don’t regret it for a second.’
The Pese Mai program demonstrates how creativity and collaboration can inspire students at any stage of their education. For those transitioning into a new year, whether starting prep, Year 7, or preparing for the challenges of Year 12, the message is clear: embrace opportunities to learn and grow.
Pese Mai at State School Spectacular
Sadies and Alexia both encourage students to step out of their comfort zones. ‘Just have fun, live in the moment—you never know where you might end up,’ Sadie says. Alexia adds, ‘If you don’t have fun, you won’t learn; choir is about connecting, learning, and growing together.’
As the Pese Mai program looks ahead to 2025, it continues to offer students an inspiring platform to embrace creativity, connect with their culture and prepare for a future full of possibilities.
Pese Mai at a State School Spectacular rehearsal
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