Good natured; not easily provoked; good humored as applied to a nature of ease and cheerfulness.
Parker, A Dictionary of the Hawaiian Language, 1865
ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: ʻOLUʻOLU
On Saturday, I was treated to an impressive performance of hula kahiko at the Taste of Kalihi celebration. Mrs. Kreidler’s son was one of the performers and I welcomed the invitation to enjoy his talent and that of his halau. And I don’t think I am being hyperbolical when I say the performance was impressive. In addition to being highly poised and precise in their movements, every dance was performed bare foot on the unswept, asphalt parking lot adjacent to Dillingham Boulevard.
Watching the halau perform this feat, I wondered how they controlled their movements, looking amazingly graceful while enduring the pain. Every pivot on the balls of their feet, every sweeping vamp, risked scraping their feet against the jagged rocks. Yet, they continued to smile and hold themselves tall.
I think that it took incredible strength to appear so graceful and gentle in their movements – not just physical strength and muscular control, but inner strength to keep dancing while blocking out any distractions, especially ones causing blisters to form on the soles of their feet. Their effort serves as an inspiration for ʻoluʻolu. Uncle Pono and Aunty Pilahi Paki teach us that to be ʻoluʻolu we must be simultaneously strong and gentle. We must control our actions to maintain that careful balance.
If the halau were too strong, their attempts to guard against the pain would make their movements appear rigid and forced. If too gentle, wincing with every jab, babying their feet, the dance would not have been as graceful. Like the halau, when provoked, even in the harshest conditions, we must remain both strong and gentle; be resilient and filled with grace. By doing so, we are able to show aloha even in the most challenging situations.
5 PURSUITS of ʻOLUʻOLU
Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad
Please watch this: Just Kidding written by Trudy Ludwig. Then with you child, answer the following:
- IDENTITY: In the story, DJ’s father plays catch with him to help him calm down and get ready to talk about why he was angry. What are things you enjoy doing with your family that helps you calm down?
- SKILLS: Create a Bubble Map describing the main character, DJ.
- INTELLECT: Bullying behavior can be found in many different settings, from the home, in school, and even at people’s places of work. Research what is defined as bullying behavior and, like DJ, how can it be addressed and prevented.
- CRITICALITY: Have you ever teased someone, like a friend or family member? How could you tell how they felt about it? How can you make sure that you are not hurting someone when you think you are just having fun?
- JOY: With a friend or your ohana, play the game DJ, his father, and older brother play to neutralize the means things someone who teasing might say. (Remember the rule is to not say anything mean back to the person teasing.)
NOTE: Showing aggression is part of the normal development of children. Most grow out of it once they learn to better manage their anger and build their social skills. However if aggression persists and gets worse, it would be best to seek help from our school. Our counselors and school social worker are ready to assist.
WANTED: SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON
The School Community Council (SCC) supports the school through policy making, advising school administration, and developing school improvement initiatives. It is comprised of parents, community members, teachers, classified staff, students and administrators. We are currently seeking nominations for anyone willing to serve on the SCC as it’s chairperson. The chairperson presides at all meetings and signs letters, plans, reports, and other SCC communications. If you are interested or would like to nominate someone for this role, please complete this nomination form by Monday, September 25.
WEAR PINK FOR MAUI WEDNESDAYS
We are continuing to Wear Pink for Maui on Wednesdays and invite all to continue joining us in letting “that light, that divine inspiration that Aunty Pilahi Paki says is given to you at your very beginning, come through and let your ALOHA join with the ALOHA of the collective to bring about healing.”
DAILY VIRTUAL PIKO – please join us
The Daily Piko helps us become centered and ready to learn. It helps us get on the same page, hearing one message of focus for the day and the week. If you are able, we begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesday when we conduct the piko in-person.
https://hidoe.zoom.us/j/89410873182?pwd=dERWOEs2SldQdW5aZHpDM29vdWdhdz09
UPCOMING EVENTS
| Tue, Sept 26, 2023 | Fall Picture Taking Day |
| Wed, Sept 27, 2023, 4:30 PM | School Community Council Meeting Join by Zoom |
| Wed, Sept 27, 2023, 6:30 PM | KES Ohana Mtg – Hybrid Attend in-person at the library -or- Attend via Zoom |
| Thur, Sept 28, 2023, 8:15 AM | Off-Campus Evacuation Drill |
| Fri, Sept 29, 2023 | Deadline for Federal Survey Cards |
| Sat, Sept 30, 2023 | Campus Beautification Day |
| Oct 2-6, 2023 | KES Book Fair |
| Fri, Oct 6, 2023 | Silver Linings Day End of Quarter 1 |
| Oct 9 – 13, 2023 | Fall Break Intersession – no school |
| Oct 23 – Nov 3, 2023 | Parent-Teacher Conferences early release 12:45 PM daily |
| Wed, Nov 1, 2023 | Complex PC Day – No Students |