Salutation
Greetings your Eminence and fellow AFC Family!
Admin Brief
This is the second week of Term 2. The focus for this week is ongoing coverage of the syllabus. At the same time we're wrapping up the Common Tests as we gave the absentees a chance to complete theirs.
Weekly Mass: We're indeed grateful that we're able to celebrate the Eucharist weekly. The only downside is that we're not able to sing the hymns and parts of the Mass. Nonetheless, we'll continue to abide by the guidelines from the Ministry of Health.
Assorted Text Books
There were smiling faces all around as the HOD's sort out the Text Books for their respective departments. Once again, our profound gratitude to the Volunteer Program Coordinators for collecting and transporting the books to 'Apifo'ou.
Sesilia Lea'aetoa
Last Friday we bid farewell to our young office clerk Sesilia Lea'aetoa. She did three years with us after completing her study from SJBC. It's affirming to see ex-students wanting to give back something to the school, even if it's only for a couple of years.
In the spirit of Mary we try to show them our deepest gratitude!
Masks Donation
We're very thankful to Mr. David Wu for being a good Samaritan for the college. This week we basically ran out of masks to distribute to the staff and students each morning. Well, Mr. Wu showed up with 10,000 masks. We don't have many Chinese friends but this is a good start! Thank you Mr. Wu.
Series of Sad News
Last weekend one of our parents' family home was razed down by a fire at 'Anana. The 'Ulavalu family has two students here at the college, one in Form 2 and the other in the TVET. As usual the college donates some cash initially to help with their immediate needs. Furthermore, the whole school conducts a Kasia Day today, similar to a mufti-day. The staff and students have been asked to donate $1 per student and $10 per teacher. This will collect more than a thousand dollars and will be given to the family. The students have also been asked to bring clothes, toiletries, cooking utensils, etc. to be part of the relief package for the family.
As seen below, our TVET Automotive Department were there with their supervisor, Mr. Lavakei'aho, to do the initial cleaning up.
Mr. Funaki Sipiliano Vehikite RIP
Yesterday, we buried a committed ex-student from 'Utulau, the late Funaki Vehikite. The school's Brass Band was there to lead the procession to the cemetery and to honour this diehard alumnus of 'Apifo'ou. Requiescat in Pace.
Mr. Viliami Po'oi RIP
In last week's updates I highlighted our 'Apifo'ou Triplets, the Po'oi sisters. It was sudden and brutal to learn of the death of their dad over the weekend. I've been to see the widow and the triplets while awaiting the funeral next Saturday. It's so sad to lose people at a young age but then we'll just have to accept it and move on.
Agriculture Project
We've begun to plant 'Tongan Taro' in our college plantation at Matahau. We face two major setbacks: it's hard to get the planting materials. There are only two types that the Nishi Trading exports: talo tonga mahele pingiki & hinehina - pink & white striped taro. Our approach now is that we plant the taro whenever we're able to gather some runners.
Planting taro is another form of exercise for staff and students alike!
Conclusion
Thank you very much, one and all for your continuous support and prayers for us here at 'Apifo'ou. Adveniat regnum tuum.
Viva AFC!
Ekuasi