Island School 'Ohana,

This is a special weekend. I am honored to be a part Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala (HKLMOL), along with quite a few Island School students, former students and alumni, parents, and Ms. Sun (Music teacher and 9th Gr Dean). The hard work of preparing for a Hōʻike, as we know from our own here at Island School, brings people together in meaningful ways. When I joined HKLMOL, I was moved and inspired by what an incredible teacher Kumu Leināʻala was. She was a leader in our community, across the state, and even across Japan. She warmly expected commitment, integrity, and respect for all aspects of the practice of hula, and modeled for us to live that way in all aspects of our lives. 

For those of you who grew up alongside, studied with, studied from, or engaged with her through mele and hula, in joy and laughter, in believing in the critical importance of preserving and sustaining Native Hawaiian tradition and practice, thank you for holding her in your hearts this weekend. Through beautiful hula and mele, we will express all that we have learned through her in our Hōʻike this weekend. If you are less familiar with Kumu Leināʻala, I welcome you to learn more about her through the stories of her friends, students, HKLMOL or even through news articles.

All of us, I hope aspire in our own way to have a meaningful impact on our communities around us. Janelle Leināʻala Pavao Jardin, a daughter of Waimea, did that in so many ways, and our community is so lucky to have been impacted by all whom she touched in her life, here in Kauaʻi and around the world.

We had a big week here at Island School - with the final home game for volleyball, a successful book fair, and the kick off of the 2nd quarter. Best of luck to Cross Country runners and to our coaches for hosting the KIF Cross Country championship here on campus Saturday morning.

As always, mahalo for the opportunity to walk with you and your children through these important years.

Together,

Nancy Nagramada P’29

Head of School

n.nagramada@ischool.org