Salutation:
Eastertide Greetings your Eminence and fellow Apifo'ou Family! Welcome once again to our weekly updates where you regularly get in touch with the latest developments at our beloved Alma Mater, 'Apifo'ou.
Admin Briefs
This is the first week of Term 2 and our teachers have engaged themselves in a Retreat on Monday while the students rested. This was a worthwhile exercise as it provided the staff with the opportunity to recollect their thoughts and what not before we embark on the mammoth task of Term 2. We're grateful that Dr. Leonaitasi and Ms. Laumanu Ma'afu facilitated this much-needed exercise.
Synodality Conference
On the same Monday, all the Clergy and Religious within Tongatapu gathered at the Villa Maria Hall at Longoteme for final day of the Synodality Conference. The Synodality Team from Suva, led by His Grace Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, and fellow colleagues facilitated the programme. For those who attended the Conference, they were truly grateful to have learnt lots of things that will pave the way for more and better collaboration among the Clergy, Religious, and Lay People.
Seen above is the official photo from the Synodality Conference. Seen below are my fellow Cawaci family, Archbishop Peter and his sister Dr. Rufina. It was a happy reunion with my family from Fiji!
Seen above are the lovely ladies from Pea Parish who did the catering and services. Seen below are His Eminence, His Grace and fellow Priests after the final Mass.
Teachers' Retreat
This is the second retreat for the teachers this year and we hope to have one at the beginning of each Term. It's always great to find time to reflect together and prepare for the tasks ahead. Every bit of camaraderie and team building will help.
Weekly Eucharist
It's always a special moment when the college gathered for the weekly Eucharist. This Mass was unique as it is the inaugural one for this new Term.
Seen above is the Prayer of Pledge that the college recited at the Opening Mass. We continue to recite that every week in our Mass. It's a great reminder to all the staff and students that we cannot do this without God's providence plus the intercessions of Mary our Mother and college Patron, St. Peter Chanel.
Foaki Fiefia & Melbourne AFC Volunteers
We managed to sort out the various Items that came in the Foaki Fiefia Container from Melbourne such as books, furniture, tools, etc. Our photographer caught up with Mr. Timote Solo when he was presented with the tools donated by the Foaki Fiefia Initiative led by 'Unaloto & Fonomanu Lolohea and our Melbourne ex-students.
The smiling face of Timote and his students says it all! Malo fau e 'ofa lahi!
Huhu Malu'i (vaccination) of female students aged 10 to 14
We're blessed to have the opportunity to be part of this national campaign to protect our young girls in this age group against all kinds of diseases.
Zumba & Soccer Cheerleaders
The college had 3 Cheerleading Teams: Zumba for Tonga Health, Digicel, and Soccer. Two groups won - Zumba won $2,000 and the Soccer Team won $3,000. These activities are educative as they allow students to use their skills and creativity.
Seen here are the 2 Cheering Teams. At least they have a share of the Prize money!
Staff Room
The Secretary to Their Majesties Mr. Sione Fifita, accompanied some colleagues of his from the Palace Office to deliver some new furniture to our newly renovated Staff Room. I'm told they'll bring some more furniture next week. This is part of the preparations for our Chapel's upcoming ground-breaking ceremony next Friday.
Special Visitor
We were delighted to catch up with 'Aiona Sevele, a member of the AFC Executive Committee in Queensland. It's always a joy to meet up with ex-students while they visit their families. 'Aiona was here to attend the funeral of late Lady 'Ainise Sevele.
Athletics Squad Medal & Cash Presentations
In the assembly on Wednesday the college held its Medal and Cash presentations to the Squad. The money allocated to the athletes were: $100 - Gold; $70 - Silver; $50 - Bronze; $20 for the rest of the athletes. Fortunately, the ex-students donated $5,000 for the occasion. Our sincere gratitude to Mr. Frank Mateo and the various Alumni Groups who generously contributed, allowing us to thank our athletes in style
Global Radiothon & PTA Work Day
As part of the preparations for the Ground-Breaking Ceremony (Tanupou) of the college's new chapel next Friday April 26 plus the Feast Day of the college on Saturday April 27, the ex-students are conducting a Global Fundraising Radiothon tomorrow in town at the Basilica. Meanwhile, the PTA has organised a clean-up day here at the college. We need a thorough overhaul of 'Apifo'ou before the ceremonies next week. For the Radio-thon tomorrow at the Basilica from 9AM-1PM (Tonga time), anyone is more than welcome to donate to the Chapel Fund by pledging a shovel ('savolo') in memory of a loved one who was an ex-student of the college. Malo fau e manatu 'ofa! The oncoming week's program is shown below.
Conclusion
May I take this opportunity to acknowledge all the generous support and prayers for our beloved college. We feel affirmed each time we receive gestures of love and support. May God who is all-knowing and all-benevolent reward you all in kind.
Viva AFC!
Ekuasi