Salutation:
Warm Greetings to Your Eminence and fellow Apifo'ou Family! I'm aware that there were no updates during the two weeks break as I had to attend our Council of the Province Meeting for the Marists in Suva, Fiji.
Admin Briefs
Even though the college had a two weeks break, there were ongoing activities which engaged some of the staff and students. All the sporting competitions were still on. Likewise, there were holiday classes for some of the levels as they wanted to help those students who needed extra help.
Staff Recollection Day
A new strategy that we adopted this year is to conduct a Recollection Day on the first day of each Term. This is a golden opportunity for the teachers to collectively evaluate the previous Term and together search for ways to improve the quality of our service to students under our care. The teachers still adopt the Marist Motto 'One in Heart and Mind' but added the following qualification: 'For Quality Service'.
Seen here is Dr. Leonaitasi Hoponoa who facilitated the Recollection Day. The next set of photos are the different groups of teachers engaged in sharing and finding ways to improve the quality of their service to the school.
Seen above is the Deputy for Curriculum, Ms. Laumanu Ma'afu, guiding the staff through the Planned activities for Term 3. Seen below is the Dean of Apifo'ou, Mr. Haukinima Mafi, highlighting the various issues concerning discipline.
Seen above is Fr. Valu, the Deputy for Administration, recapping some issues towards safeguarding both teachers and students as far as the Child Protection Policy is concerned. Below is the Chairperson for the PTA, Mrs. Malia Lita Fisilau, presenting the planned actions for the remainder of the year.
Weekly Eucharist
The college treats the weekly Eucharist as the key activity of each week. It fittingly concludes the week while setting the pace for the following week. This week the teachers led the Assembly and the liturgy of the Eucharist. In essence, it's wonderful for the students to see their teachers participate in such key activities as the Mass.
Sports
This week the Rugby Teams had their semifinals. As it stands now, only the Grade 1B made it to the final. It was unfortunate for the U17 as they went down to Liahona 24-27. The Senior 1XV awaits eagerly their quarter final this coming week.
Meanwhile, the Netball and Soccer Teams continue their respective competitions. All our Teams are doing well. The Netball's Senior A & B both won their games against Tonga High School and Liahona High School, respectively.
Seen above is the Head Coach, Mele Leakona, laying down the plan of play for the senior soccer Girls Team. Below is Taniela Tali, the Head Coach for the boys, giving the final pep talks to his soccer players.
Sports Awards
Every week at the school's assembly there are a few awards presented to outstanding individuals from each sport. We're indeed grateful to the 'Afea e Lalo Kasia' Alumni from Sydney who so generously provides the fund for these awards.
St. Bede's College 2024 Tour
The U17 Tour of St. Bede's College in Christchurch is gaining momentum in terms of preparations. A few Saturdays now the Team sells BBQ food beside the main entrance to the college. At the same time, the rugby boys lined the road to appeal to the public. They get an average of $3,000 per Saturday which is not bad at all!
Uprising Tour Group from NZ
This week the college hosted the Uprising Tour Group from NZ. They presented wonderful messages of hope and endurance via songs and dances.
Seen here are the Levels 1 & 2 students with their teachers leading the Assembly and also welcoming the Touring Group from NZ.
The Touring Group thoroughly enjoyed their time at 'Apifo'ou, as they mingled with the students to sing and dance together.
Staff Quarter
The new staff quarter is progressing well. Mr. 'Alani Mahoni and contractors are doing a grand job. Hopefully, we'll get another one or two more quarters later on!
Special Visitors!
This past week, lots of visitors were in Tonga for the Heilala Festival which coincided with His Majesty's 65th Birthday. However, we also had a few of the Apifo'ou Family who came to Tonga for other reasons.
Seen above is Felise Tavo and his wife Kara during a family function. Below is a farewell breakfast for 'Emeli and Maika as they prepare to head back to Texas. They were here primarily for the funeral of ex-student Mrs. Taiana lavakei'aho, RIP.
Seen above is Mr. Busby Kautoke meeting up with his former classmate, Laupoini Tavo from Florida. Also shown is Vaelua Tavo with the Principal after a game of golf!
Below are the Marist confreres in Tonga welcoming the Vicar General of the Pereina Diocese in PNG, Fr. Vaioleti Tu'ione, here squeezed between Frs. 'Anaua & Steven!
Seen below is Her Royal Highness, Princess Angelica Tuku'aho joining the morning Zumba sessions at 'Apifo'ou. As the Patroness of the Catholic schools in Tonga, the Princess feels somehow at home here at the college.
St. Anthony of Padua AFC Ex-Students' Aloha Nite!
Last night at the Bishop Patelisio Finau & Knight Sofele Kakala Hall, the Apifo'ou Family from the Parish of St. Anthony of Padua had their Annual Ball. It was really wonderful to witness the good spirit among the ex-students and their families.
COP Meeting 2024
I attended the Marists' Council of the Province Meeting in Suva during the break. It was an opportunity to reunite with my families and friends in Fiji. However, the most important item in this meeting is the re-affirmation of the commitment of the Society of Mary (aka Marists) to 'Apifo'ou College well into the foreseeable future.
Seen here are the Sector Leaders from PNG, Fr. Vaioleti Tu'ione, Fr. Lolesio Tupa from Vanuatu, and Fr. Patolo from Samoa, all awaiting their flights back home.
Seen above are the Cawaci Family celebrating their Feast Day of St. John the Baptist. It was great to catch up with Fr. McGuire, Pio Bosco, and others.
Seen here above and below are the Council members of the Oceania Province.
Such joy to see our lone Marist seminarian, Pouono Vea, as the Choir Master at PRS!
Seen above are the confreres after the Eucharist. Below is Pouono Vea, the former Head Prefect of 'Apifo'ou in 2020 now studying to become a Marist priest.
Mrs. Taina Lavakei'aho, RIP
I returned just in time to farewell the late Taiana Lavakei'aho. We did spend sometime at the hospital and at home when she was told that there was nothing more that they could do. It was a fitting sent-off for Taina, an ex-student, as the college were there in force to celebrate her life, lived to the full.
Seen here is the final walk from home to the Church. Likewise below, the last walk from the Church to Kalevalio. Folau a Taiana.
Conclusion
Thank you all for your continuous prayers and support for our beloved college. Let's continue to journey together in this Term by keeping each other in mind and prayer.
VIVA AFC!
Ekuasi
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