Salutation
Greetings your Eminence and fellow AFC Family! Welcome to our journey for the second half of this academic year.
Admin Briefs
This is the first week of the 3rd Term. We welcome back our staff and students from their two weeks break. It's heartening to see the big turnout of students on the first day of school, a testimony to their willingness to excel in their studies.
There were smiles all around on the students' faces as they entered their classrooms and noticed that they have new desks! I had sent a letter of gratitude to Pastor Mosese Ravai, the leader of the Cornerstone Community Church in Auckland that donated the container of furniture to the school.
Teachers' Retreat
The students had another day of break on Tuesday to allow all the teachers within the Catholic Education System to follow a one-day retreat. This was part of the recommendations by all the teachers that they need a day of renewal or retreat, halfway through the year. The activity was geared toward rejuvenating the morale of the teachers before they embark on the 3rd Term.
We're indeed grateful to Fr. Chris Toutai who facilitated the program of the day. His in-depth insights into what it means to be a Catholic Teacher was inspiring and refreshing. The best part of course was the shared meals!
Agriculture Science
You may recall from previous updates the vegetable project of the Agriculture Science students. Well, you can see that the lettuces are near harvesting. According to the HOD, Mr. Jokini, the harvest will be next week, so you can place your order now!
Sports
Last week only the rugby games were on. Netball and Football were called off. Once again there were mixed results from these games. Our senior 1XV suffered a humiliating defeat by Tupou College 53 - 8! You can almost tell from their body language even before the game that their hearts were not all in the game!
However, the Team has picked up training and has forgotten about that game! Somebody joked, perhaps they had too much feasting at Eua! Now they prepare to redeem themselves against Tonga High School tomorrow. The boys are constantly reminded of the Marist Motto in sports: Be gracious in defeat, be modest in victory!
Still in rugby, Grade 2's continue to perform well: 2A lost narrowly to Tonga College 12 - 19; 2B drew with Toloa nil all. The supporters continue to be present in big numbers and are very vocal in their support!
Pilikimi He Lotu (RIP)
Last Friday, the Marist Club offered to be Ball Bearers for the late Malietau Hopoi. The school's Brass Band also led the procession to the cemetery. This was a fitting gesture to a person who has given all his active years to the college and the Club.
Fr. Loni Mafi administering the welcome rituals at the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua.
Below, the procession to Takaunove led by the Apifo'ou Brass Band, and the Marist Club bearing the coffin.
Ex-students' Support
It has been gratifying to see different Alumni Groups visiting the school to offer their support in one way or another. Below are the 1997 - 2003 Group visiting the college to have first hand talk with the Principal. They wanted to know the priorities of the school right now and how they can assist.
Below are some of the ex-students from Nuku'alofa with their feed for the senior rugby Team. They don't seem to mind the loss to Toloa and their hearts are still well and truly with our boys!
Below are the President of the Fetu'u Hopo 'o e Lalo Kasia 01/07. Taufu'i and his group held a talk with the Principal to see what's their next project. This is indeed a very active group. If you recall, they painted the interior of all the Level 1 classrooms.
Conclusion
Our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for the ongoing prayers and support for the college. May the Almighty Father continue to bless and guide the Apifo'ou Family.
Viva AFC!
Ekuasi