Salutation:
Eastertide Greetings your Eminence and fellow Apifo'ou Family!
Admin Briefs
Even though the college is on a one-week break, some extra curricular activities were carried out. The Form 7 students had their Mid-Semester Tests this week. Our Form 7 students are fortunate to have their own Computer Lab, fully air-conditioned with WiFi, thus providing the spaces and resources they need to study.
STEAM Princess Project
This is the first time this Project is conducted in Tonga, and Apifo'ou has been blessed to pilot this program. The Project was launched in Fiji last month and now it is here in Tonga. A few students were selected from Tonga High School, St. Andrew's High School and Tailulu College. The rest were 100 girl-students from Apifo'ou in Levels 4-6. We salute these students who put up their hands to be part of this Project. STEAM Princess is a Project funded by the US government, tailored to help young girls in the Pacific to more effectively cope with these subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). The assumption here is that these areas tend to be dominated by male students! Hence, this is a wonderful opportunity to lay a solid platform for these 'Princesses' in these key subjects.
Seen above is the official photo taken after the Opening ceremony at the University of the South Pacific, Tonga Campus. Seen below is Her Excellency Ms. Marie Damour, the US Ambassador to Tonga, delivering the Keynote address.
Most of the activities throughout the three-day program were held here at the College Hall. Seen here are the students doing experiments in Groups.
The HOD Science, Mrs. Makalita 'Otumuli, was really excited with the Project since our students would benefit enormously from it.
The participants thoroughly enjoyed the 3-day program, especially as their transport, food, t-shirts, and all program materials were provided for free.
Athletics Squad 2024 Thanksgiving Mass
The Athletics Squad celebrated their Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, followed by a shared lunch. The parents and ex-students came in big numbers to be part of the ceremony. This is always a fitting way to bring the athletics season to a close.
Seen here are the athletes, parents, teachers, and ex-students enjoying the shared lunch. They have vowed to do better next year to honor the 160th Anniversary of the college in style. We shall see.
Seen here above and below are some of the Secondary School Principals with the CEO and staff of Tonga Health, CEO of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Superintendent of Police who all gathered for the Debrief Dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant. We all congratulated each other for the huge success of the 97th Inter-Collegiate Athletics Competition that was held last week. It was wonderful to witness the spirit of sportsmanship among the athletes and all supporters alike!
Foaki Fiefia Container
The Foaki Fiefia Container from Melbourne had arrived and was cleared through Customs last week, but we were only able to unload it this week due to the Athletics carnival. Once again, our heartfelt gratitude to 'Unaloto & Fonomanu Lolohea plus all our ex-student Volunteers from Melbourne for this kind gesture. Malo fau e 'ofa.
Seen above is the Property Manager, Fr. Valu, supervising the operation assisted by Ms. Mele Leakona to ensure every item is properly recorded in the Inventory.
The U17 Rugby Team improvised their training this morning to unload the items from the container. There were assorted items but it was mostly furniture for the school. Long-time teacher Mr. Timote Solo was very grateful that some of the Industrial Arts tools that he had requested also arrived from Melbourne in the container. Malo!
New-Look Staff-Room
The staff-room has had a face-lift and the renovation works were completed last week. As mentioned earlier, the Donor of this Project wishes to remain anonymous. New furniture will arrive next week which will complete this much-needed overhaul.
Lady 'Ainise Sevele RIP
The Executive Committee and a few ex-students went to the Sevele Residence to pay our respects to the late Lady 'Ainise Sevele, the beloved wife of Lord Sevele of Vailahi, an ex-student and former Prime Minister of Tonga. We conducted a Prayer service and offered a small gift to Lord Sevele as a gesture of love and support for the family during this time of mourning. The school's Brassband will help with the Liturgy and Procession to the cemetery tomorrow after the Requiem Mass at 10.
Conclusion
May I extend to you all our sincere gratitude for all your support and prayers before, during and after the Inter-Collegiate Athletics Competition.
May the Risen Lord continue to bless you and your respective families.
Viva AFC!
Ekuasi