Salutation
Greetings your Eminence and fellow 'Apifo'ou Family!
Admin Briefs
This is the second week of Term 1. There are some students still yet to be registered but the classes are more or less sorted out. We have less in Level 1 and increased numbers in Level 3. This was expected as more parents opt to continue enrolling their children in government schools for Forms 1 and 2 due to free tuition.
Inter-House Sports
The college was looking forward to the Inter-House Sports this week on Tuesday and Wednesday, but due to the bad weather we had to call it off. The consistent heavy rain flooded Teufaiva Stadium and even the running tracks were overflowed with water. Apparently, the teachers and students in particular were disheartened as they had psyched up for the two-day event! The cancellation of the Inter-House Sports means that we'll have to pick the core athletes from 2021 and select from volunteers. The first training session was held this morning even as the grounds at the college were swamped with water!
Ongoing Heavy Rain
We have been praying for the people of New Zealand due to the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Gabriella. We pray especially for the people around Hawkes Bay and Hastings. On a special note, this is where the legendary Fr. Michael Cross (RIP) came from. However, here in Tonga the bad weather has been unrelenting! As you all know our beloved school is prone to flooding in the past years. Frankly, I've never seen some parts of the college such as the St. Mary's grounds so badly flooded.
Seen here are areas around the St. Mary's Campus being filled with water.
Opening Mass for the Catholic Education System
The Opening Mass for the Catholic Education System was held yesterday at Lapaha. The two Secondary Schools Apifo'ou and Takuilau plus the Technical Institutions Ahopanilolo, St. Joseph's Business College, and Monfort all gathered at the St. Michael's Church. His Eminence, Cardinal Paini Mafi led the celebrations and con-celebrated by a few of the Clergy. Coincided with the occasion was the announcement of the Dux of Takuilau College for 2022. The celebrations were on livestream so that Chanel College in Vava'u and St. Joseph's Community College in Ha'apai could join online.
Charitable Projects
The planned brief visit of 'Isitokia Paasi has been extended! She initially offered to repair the ceilings underneath the Admin Office at St. Mary's. However, she has kindly offered to build a separate Toilet Block for the staff of St. Mary's. We're very grateful indeed to 'Isitokia and family for this great act of charity.
Like a tough supervisor, 'Isitokia below is always present to make sure the work is carried out properly!
Mrs. Silila Falemaka Bell (RIP)
It's with a heavy heart that we received the news of the passing of a true daughter of St. Mary's and Apifo'ou. Silila, a former head girl of St. Mary's, has been instrumental in working with the Volunteer Coordinators, 'Unaloto & Fonomanu, to help the school with the Tutoring program. We have been praying for the happy repose of her soul and for the comfort of her family. May you rest Silila in the abiding Peace of Christ.
Conclusion
May I extend to you all our sincere gratitude for your prayers and support for our beloved school at the beginning of this new academic year 2023.
Viva AFC!
Ekuasi