Salutation
Greetings your Eminence and fellow Apifo'ou Family!
Admin Briefs
This is our one week break. However, it hasn't been much of a break for some of us at the college!
The Form 7 students resume classes this week after their mid-semester break. The Levels 5 & 6 are having classes for the whole week. The Maths Department wanted to push on with their efforts to improve the Math's skills of the students. Indeed, we're grateful to the HOD, Mr. Tuiaki Latu, and his colleagues for the initiative.
The school's Choir continue their practice as they'll take part in the upcoming Choir competition for the ex-students on the school's Feast Day celebrations on the 5-6 of May. Of course we're celebrating the 158th Anniversary of Apifo'ou College this year and to take an active part in the celebration will be good for the students.
The highlight for this week is the harvest of the tongan taro plantation of the college. This is the first half of the 5 acres of taro tonga that was planted in August last year. The second half will mature in two months time! We're eternally grateful to Mr. Minoru jr and Nishi Trading for their generous assistance to Apifo'ou. They have bought all the taro that was harvested.
Meanwhile, the Athletic Squad still has this week to put in the final touches into their training before the Inter-Collegiate sports begin next Monday. We're very grateful to all the individuals, Alumni Groups, and Parishes who continue to reach out to help our Athletic Squad. Lastly, the three NRL teams for the college continue their competition this week and they're all doing well.
The visit by the Pacific Mission from New Zealand has captured the local media headlines. This is quite unique because of the Deputy Prime Minister, Her Excellency Carmel Sepuloni, who has Tongan blood and hails from Niua Toputapu. During the special audience with the Prefects from the schools on Tongatapu, our Form 7 student, Litea Bourke Taukapo, did the honour of garlanding the Chief Guest.
Athletic Squad
The athletes have been overwhelmed with the display of support from our ex-students. Seen below are the boys' athletes taking a pause for a prayer to Our Lady before they retreated to the Hall.
Seen below are the athletes awaiting their breakfast and hopefully it'll be more than the bread and milo, as some are smiling while others are frowning.
Seen above are the Alumni 92 presenting their cash donation of $1,000 to the college. Seen below are the Huelo Koula 'o e Lalo Kasia presenting their donation.
Seen above and below are the AFL Tonga Officials. Our ex-student Maliele Papani accompanied the Team from Australia. They kindly donated $2,000 to the Athletic Squad.
Seen above are the Class of 90 (F1) led by Paul Queen and John Raass with their contributions.
Seen above and below are the Ma'ufanga ex-students led by Deacon Uatahausi, President Frank Halafihi with their cash donations of $3,000. Malo fau e 'ofa lahi.
Seen below are the PTA Chairperson, Mrs. Malia Lita Fisilau with the Executive Members presenting their cash donations.
Seen below is the Treasurer for the Alumni 94-99, Hiko jr with their cash donation.
AFC Agriculture Project
The taro plantation for the college was harvested yesterday. We're fortunate that the local market Nishi Trading bought all the produce. Otherwise, we would be selling the taro in front of the school gate.
Despite the bushy-covered taro we still managed to get some decent sized ones! Fortunately, the soil is still rich from the volcanic ashes.
These are the dedicated teachers and students sacrificing their holiday in order to help the school's agriculture project. Malo si'i 'ofa hotau 'apiako.
The teachers remarked that they prefer this taro to the cassava from last year!!
This project brings together teachers, students, and parents which is a wonderful community building exercise.
Conclusion
Once again, our heartfelt gratitude to all our ex-students, both at home and abroad for your generous support and prayers for our beloved school, especially the Athletic Squad. Rest assured that our daily Masses and Rosaries are offered in part for you all.
The Inter-Collegiate Sports will kick off on Monday, break for ANZAC Day on Tuesday, and then resume on Wednesday until Friday.
Please continue to pray for our athletes as they'll give their best for Apifo'ou come Monday next week.
Viva AFC!
Ekuasi