Salutation:
Greetings your Eminence and fellow 'Apifo'ou Family!
Admin Briefs
Even though the college started its end of the year holiday last week, the staff of Form 7 continued their preparations for their Graduation Ball. The milestone event was held last night at the Bishop Patelisio Finau and Knight Sofele Kakala Hall. It coincided with the marking of the 20th Anniversary of our Form 7 ever since its affiliation with the University of the South Pacific began in 2004.
There are two other Projects that are ongoing. The renovation works at the St. Mary's Campus are progressing well. The Contractors are hoping to complete the project before St. Mary's 60th Anniversary celebrations in the last week of December. The other Project is the harvest of 8 acres of cassava as part of the Agriculture Project of the college.
Graduation Ball
The Hall was transformed into a bright and colourful arena as the Form 7 students marched in in their various and beautiful attires! One could easily think that these were celebrities entering the Emmy Awards or the Oscars ceremonies!
Seen here is the Top Student in the Foundation Program of the University, Soakimi Ngaluola. He passed all his four Units including an A+ in Mathematics. The honor was given to the President of PTA, Mrs. Malia Lita Fisilau, to present the Trophy and Prizes.
Seen above is 'Amelia Kaitapu who topped the English in the Foundation Program. Seen below and the consecutive photos are from the joyful event of last night.
Such joy to see the proud faces of the parents and guardians who accompanied theirs sons and daughters into this ceremony.
The next series of photos are the students receiving their official Induction Certificate as they become ex-students of their Alma Mater! Sr. Sesilia 'Alamoti did the honor of presenting these certificates to the college's newest ex-students.
The next lots of photos are from the garlanding ceremony.
Seen above is the proud mum of Soakimi Ngaluola, Mrs. Fakanonoa, the HOD of our IT & Computer department. Below are the Coordinators of Form 7, Mrs. Mele Leakona, Dr. Leonaitasi Hoponoa, Gwen 'Ahohako and Sione Fetu'u'aho.
Seen above is the Chairman of our College Advisory Board, Mr. Frank Halafihi delivering the keynote address. And then the fun began! Even the Nuns joined the dancing floor. Malie!
Seen here are the Form 7 students performing some items to entertain the audience. It's always special when they know it's their final act for the year and for Apifo'ou! No wonder they all think they have become true Champions like Usain Bolt!
AFC Cassava Harvest!
Since 2019 the college has planted different crops in its Agriculture Project. The main purpose is to help with the operations of the college. Over the years we have been lucky with good yields of cassava and taro. The purpose of this year's project is to upgrade the teachers' salaries. Hence, all the funds raised from this project will be distributed among the teachers as a thank you and Christmas gift!
These portray different pictures of the teachers, some ex-students, and students. Gone are the official attire to school but all appropriately dressed up for actions!
A former Principal of St. Mary's High School from 1985-1986, Sr. Soana Talia'uli SMSM (extreme left above), decided to accompany her Sisters to the harvest. We hope she won't get sick before St. Mary's 60th Anniversary in the last week of December.
Teachers without pens, books, markers, etc. but armed only with knives and gloves!
As shown in the following, the harvesting process begins at the plantation. The crops are pulled manually with an iron rod. The cassavas are transported to the Nishi Trading center at 'Utulau where the teachers and helpers peel and clean them. The end products are then taken inside for packing and weighing.
According to one of our staff Dr. Leo Hoponoa, he's often bored when there are no works to be done. Well, Sir there'll be plenty in the coming days! Malo pe si'i 'ofa!
We made sure that the teachers are fed well especially the harvest will continue in the next two weeks!
The different postures of the teachers are quite telling! However, as each day draws to an end we may be physically tired but spiritually uplifted. As the saying goes, the family who works and sweats together also stays together!
Fr. Steven Lugabai SM is returning to Bougainville next week and what a farewell.
Seen below is the main Chef, Fr. Valu Siua SM. It's the ideal baptism by fire before he takes over as Principal!
St. Mary's Renovation Project
The repair work is progressing well. With the $20,000 raised last week by the St. Mary's ex-scholars, the scope of work will include new doors and louvres. Malo e 'ofa lahi.
Tonga Secondary Schools Principals Association Farewell
As the outgoing President of the Tonga Secondary Schools Principals Association, the members hosted a farewell dinner for me on Tuesday evening. It was an honor and privilege to lead the Association in the past 5 years. Frankly, one of my greatest joys was the success of the Co-Patrol by school Prefects and Police. Ten Prefects from various schools gathered at the Central Police Station every Friday. They are then distributed into groups to patrol certain locations in the town area. The obvious results are the drop in violence and fighting among secondary school students.
Conclusion
Thank you most sincerely once again for your prayers and support for our beloved school, 'Apifo'ou College. Mau 'ofa lahi atu mei hotau Lalo Kasia!
Viva AFC!
Ekuasi
Opmerkingen