Salutation
Greetings your Eminence and fellow 'Apifo'ou Family!
Admin Briefs
The college opened the academic year 2023 with the celebration of the Eucharist on Friday. The Vicar General, Mon. Lutoviko Finau, was the main celebrant and con-celebrated by the Priests from the Parishes of Ma'ufanga, Nuku'alofa, and Hihifo. Indeed, this was a wonderful gesture of support from our fellow clergy which was very affirming to the teachers and students. Likewise, the presence of the Director for Catholic Education, Mr. Soane Vahe, and the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Frank Halafihi, was also very affirming to the college.
The Vicar General delivered an inspiring sermon as he encouraged the staff members, students, parents, and ex-students to work together to ensure that every student is accorded with all the necessary assistance to become an excellent student, thus achieving their dreams in life.
The strong presence of the parents in the Opening Mass and Induction of Prefects was a powerful statement that they will rally behind the college to make sure that their children will get the best education as expected in all Catholic schools. An important part of the Opening Mass is when the Prefects made their Pledge, followed by the Teachers, and then the whole 'Apifo'ou Family. This is the solemn act of lifting up the college to God, through the inspiration of its Patron Saint, Peter Chanel, and supported by the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother.
Seen above are the Vicar General and fellow Clergy leading the Eucharist.
It's always a moving and powerful symbol of collaboration when the parents joined the Priests in putting on the badges of the Prefects.
Customary after the Opening Mass and Induction of Prefects is a shared lunch with the Prefects and their parents.
Seen above are the two leaders of the Prefects, Head Boy Soane Huhane and Head Girl Malia Kaihea. These two continue the legacies that their parents and forebears have left behind at the college.
Ongoing Projects
With the arrival of Ms. 'Isitokia Paasi the repairs at the St. Mary's campus have shifted to another gear! The tiling of the classrooms still continues but a new project has just started which is the construction of the ablution block for the teachers. 'Isitokia has extended her stay in Tonga for week so that she can oversee the construction work. Our sincerest gratitude once again goes to 'Isitokia, Manu Paasi and the family for this generous contribution to the college.
Visitors to Apifo'ou
Two distinct groups from Aotearoa paid surprised and separate visits to the college. An ex-student and former teacher of the college visited the college. Mr. Soane Nofo'akifolau and his beloved wife, Susana, spent a brief time at the college before they returned to Auckland. We're always grateful when ex-students and especially former teachers find time to visit the school.
A timely visit to affirm the teachers at the beginning of the academic year. Seen above and below is Soane lecturing his former pupils, including the Principal!
Former All Blacks Coaching Team
The college was honored to spend a bit of time with the legendary coaches of the All Blacks, Sir Graham Henry and Wayne Smith. They were in Tonga to promote their newly established business, Anga'ofa Timber Hardware. They were able to visit a few schools including 'Apifo'ou and Takuilau.
Conclusion
May I take this opportunity to acknowledge all the support shown to the college at the beginning of the new academic year. There is no doubt that the college is facing an overwhelming challenge at the beginning of this academic year due to the dismal performance of our students in the external exams.
Thank you very much for those who have offered us words of wisdom and guidance. Frankly, we have accepted them graciously just as we did with the strong words of blame and criticism from the public.
During the Eucharist we pledged ourselves to dedicate our utmost best to Apifo'ou. I only request humbly that you continue to support us with your prayers. There is no turning back and hand-in-hand we can still salvage the Apifo'ou boat!
Viva AFC!
Ekuasi