Community connector

Teacher cited for helping students embrace their culture

Laitini Matautia-Ulugia (BA/BTch, 2002) is the founder and champion of an alternative teaching program that helps secondary students develop pride in their culture, find purpose in their lives and complete their schooling. Cultivating Creative Cultures with Communities culminates with an annual performance that engages students in event planning, costume design, dance, fundraising and community engagement. The skills and understanding they develop demonstrate learning outcomes that contribute to the completion of Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning units.

Colleagues describe 4Cs as a “game changer” that “takes students on a journey of self-discovery” and Laitini as an “advocate” who “leads by example.” She now directs 4Cs as a community partnership for schools in the South East region of Melbourne. It keeps Laitini busy after school hours. She has joined community groups that support at-risk young adults and has accepted many invitations to attend community events.

The 4Cs program began a couple of years after Laitini began teaching at Carrum Downs Secondary College, her first role at a public school. “I was going to ‘fix’ the students to be more like those I’d taught at private schools. I was wrong! I weathered a few storms before seeing improvements in behaviour and personal development.” Laitini made such a positive impact she received the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence in 2011. Since Carrum Downs, Laitini has set up applied learning programs for Year 10-12 students at Officer Secondary College and, “once my Year 12s graduated,” moved to Cranbourne East Secondary College.

Laitini’s transformational influence in the lives of her students reflects her experience at Avondale. “I was immature and unsure of what I wanted to do with my life, but so many people made a difference.” She mentions staff members in cleaning and food services, in the library, and in the residences, and classmates with whom she became friends. “I could list names, but I’m worried I’ll miss someone. If you were at Avondale with me, you know who you are.”

Laitini’s faith shapes her teaching. “I pray about everything—the good and the bad—and I’m always willing to forgive.” And the support of husband Rex is a “continual blessing.”

The Class of 2002 honours Laitini Matautia-Ulugia for using the arts in a cultural context to help students be their best.