Salutation:
Warm greetings your Eminence and fellow 'Apifo'ou Family!
Admin Briefs
The second week of school was occupied by the Inter-House Sports of the college which was held at Teufaiva Park on Tuesday and Wednesday. At the same time normal school timetables for classes have begun. We're well aware that this Term will be loaded with extra-curricular activities, especially sports. All the more reason for us to be proactive with our classes and make good use of every opportunity to run our normal study timetables.
Inter-House Sports
The outright winner for this year's Inter-House Sports was awarded to Foliaki House with 524 points. In second place was the former champion, Tomasi House, with 328 points, and Saimone House was third with 260 points. The rest of the Houses with their accumulated points: Siena - 158, Bernadette - 134, Sutita - 127, Karen - 104, Patita - 94, Patelisio - 75, Kelekolio - 73, Asaeli - 68, and finally Soane - 47. You may recall that we weren't able to have our Inter-House Sports last year due to bad weather. I had to announce in the assembly that whoever has a heart coloured Mary-Blue, he or she can join the Athletic Squad! The results of last year were still outstanding as we came in second overall in the Tonga Secondary Schools Athletics Competition!
It was evident that our students enjoyed the renovated surfaced tracks at Teufaiva.
The marching competition is highly competitive as students use their Cadet Training skills. Seen below is winner Tomasi House led by teacher Sione Fetu'u'aho.
Teachers' race!
The most anticipated event of the day was the 80-meter race by the teachers! I have emphasized to the teachers that when students see us participating and taking interest in what they're doing, it's a powerful bonding exercise for them.
To be fair on everybody according to their age and physical capacity, some teachers were allowed to start at the 20 or 50-meter mark! Seen above are Timote Solo and Singa who still claimed she can run the full race! For the female staffs, Edwina Takelo came first, Malia Tu'ineau in 2nd place, and Singa came third. Our newest Lasitani won the male's race, Fr. Valu came 2nd and Haukinima in 3rd place.
Sport's Awards
After our weekly Eucharist the college had its Awards Presentations for outstanding athletes plus the overall winners for the March and athletics. It's encouraging to see new rising stars from our Midget and Junior Grades which augurs well for the future.
The college was honored to have the Hon. Member for Parliament, our very own old scholar, Mr. Mateni Tapueluelu, presented the Awards at Teufaiva. He was very generous with the cash donations toward the event. Malo lahi e 'ofa Mateni.
Seen here are our two stars from last year, Fele'unga Mai and Lolesio Sailosi, receiving their awards. Lolesio was our star rugby player in the Senior Team last year and was also instrumental in the victory by the Marist Apifo'ou Club in the recent national rugby tournament Crusaders for Christ run by Lavengamalie.
Seen here is the Deputy Principal Administration, Fr. Valu Siua, presenting the Awards to our outstanding athletes in the different Grades.
Seen here is the Deputy Principal Curriculum, Ms. Laumanu Ma'afu, presenting the cash awards to the teachers who won their race.
Seen here is Dr. Leonaitasi Hoponoa presenting the awards for House Captains.
Classroom Programs
Most if not all the Levels are fully functioning now even though the Registrations are still ongoing! It's good for both teachers and students to settle into their respective classrooms and routines.
Our new students all seem quite satisfied to find their classrooms nicely tiled with brand new desks and chairs!
Our School Board
The School's Advisory Board held its first Meeting for the year on Wednesday evening at the Frank's Enterprise Office. The Chairman, Frank Mateo, has always been so kind as to host the Board Meetings with drinks and refreshments afterwards
TSSPA - Tonga Secondary Schools Principals Association.
At the first Meeting of the TSSPA on Wednesday afternoon, the Principal of 'Apifo'ou College was re-elected to continue as President for the 5th consecutive year. It's a humbling experience seeing the vested trust of this esteemed Association upon me.
Seen here are the Principals of the various Secondary Schools on Tongatapu and Directors from the Ministry of Education gathered for their first meeting of the year which always begins with the election of the new Office Bearers.
Special Visit!
Yesterday evening the 75-80 Alumni visited Kaitangi, the chiefly residence of Lady Si'atu-Ki-Moana Vaea. She invited her fellow alumni to come to her place and celebrate with those who have reached that diamond milestone of 60! It was also a chance to reminisce about those years at St. Mary's & St. John's from days past.
Tatau mo e ha e fiefia he kei laumalie lelei pe 'a e Ta'ahine ko Si'atu neongo pe na'e fokoutua. She's still in high spirits and babbly. With Loisi, Hupeto, and Fred there, they enjoyed the laughter and jokes about those unforgettable moments of mischief!
Conclusion
May I extend to you all our sincere gratitude for all your support and prayers which helped ensure a good start to this academic year. Special thanks to our generous Sponsors that enabled the TV Tonga to livestream the two days of Inter-House Sports: 'Anau Pulu & Global USA/Hawaii 69-71, Frank Enterprise, Atonio & Moala Tepola Filo & Family, Lisita Latu & 'Etuate Jennings - Alumni 89, Stella Maris Alumni, Pierre, Tuitui and our ever faithful ex-students at the Radio Tonga. Malo fau e 'ofa!
Viva AFC!
Ekuasi