Salutation
Greetings your Eminence and fellow Apifo'ou Family!
Admin Briefs
This is week 5 and that means we're halfway already in Term 2. Our focus at this time is ongoing coverage of the syllabus. We have at least two weeks to do that before we begin the revision prior to the Mid-Year exams which will begin on the 19th of June. Part of the strategies to help the senior Forms complete the Scheme of Works early is to begin with the evening classes. Some of the classes are done during the weekend and it's encouraging to see the staff and students committing themselves to their study.
Meanwhile, all the sports Teams of the college are training hard for the upcoming Opening of the season next week. The Opening of Parliament will be on Thursday 1st of June. This will be followed by the Opening of the Rugby season at Teufaiva. Only the senior Teams will play next week. The rest of the Teams from rugby, soccer, and netball will begin on the week after.
The weekly Eucharist on Friday remains the central event in the life of the college. Today at Mass, we offered it up to God for the happy repose of the soul of the late Sioape Havea who served in the Catholic Education System for 40 years! A former student and teacher of Apifo'ou College and a faithful servant of the Lord, may his soul rest in the eternal peace of Christ and God's consolation upon his loved ones.
The college visited the family today to conduct a prayer service and offered a monetary gift to help with the preparations of the funeral. RIP Sioape.
The weekly Eucharist
The Form 2A led the liturgy today and it's wonderful to witness the confidence level of the juniors as they read well in English. No doubt these skills will go a long way in their study and later on in their respective Parishes where they'll be actively involved.
Taking advantage of the many gifts from Melbourne & Queensland
The items donated by our ex-students in Australia have been the cause of great joy to the whole school. Lots of classrooms now have new desks, chairs and whiteboards. The Library has also been given a face-lift! The old shelves have been replaced by the new ones that came from Queensland. Hence, the reference books and reading materials have been nicely stored onto the bright-looking shelves.
Seen below are the Librarian Seini Kisina & TVET Boss, Siale Katoa assessing the work.
The old ones have been taken down to the St. Mary's campus as they'll have their own library soon. We now have enough books, etc. to start off this project, much to the excitement of the students at Levels 1 - 3. Already in progress is a Computer Lab for St. Mary's as we have a few extra PC's to kick-start that project. All these of course have only been made possible by the enormous generosity of our ex-students in both Melbourne and Queensland. Kei 'oatu ai pe ha fakamalo lotohounga'ia mo'oni!
New-look classrooms & furniture
The beneficiaries of the new desks and chairs are the Levels 5 & 6 classrooms.
Strategies to improve learning outcomes
The senior classes have started their evening classes especially on subjects where they need extra help in. Maths, Science, and Economics have taken the lead. This is very encouraging as teachers and students put in collective efforts into their study.
NRL Teams' feasting
The rugby league Teams and the staff celebrated their achievements last Saturday! They used their prize money to organize a small feast and presentation of awards to the outstanding players.
Rugby, Soccer & Netball Season begins next week.
The sports season for rugby, soccer, and netball will commence next week. This will coincide with the Opening of Parliament next Thursday. All the secondary schools on Tongatapu will march in town for this annual national event. This will be followed by the opening of the rugby season for the 1XV only at Teufaiva. The rest of the Teams will start on Friday. All our sporting Teams have been training well under the guidance of their respective coaches who are either teachers or ex-students.
Seen above is the Grade 5 Team training under the guidance of the former Kelana coach, Sosafate Peauafi. Seen below are the senior boys cleaning the garden as they seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother and school patron St. Peter Chanel.
Esto Fidelis 84
One of the most active Alumni groups among our ex-students is 'Esto Fidelis 84'. On Thursday evening at the Water Front Restaurant they held a farewell dinner for one of their leaders, Fr. Chris Hifo sm, who will resume his Priestly Ministry at the Hohola Parish in Port Moresby, PNG. Best wishes with the new appointment Fr. Chris.
It was great to see ex-student and Honorable Member of Parliament, Mr. Mateni Tapueluelu, amongst his fellow alumni.
Visiting Ex-students!
It's always a joy to catch up with some of the ex-students who take the time to pay a courtesy visit to the college. This week we had the pleasure of meeting up with Tohi Falekaono from Texas. There were also more pleasant surprises with Va'a Talia'uli and Saia Leha'uli both gracing our Lalo Kasia with a surprise visit.
Seen below are some members of those champion rugby teams from the 1970's!
St. John's Boat!
We have a boat named after St. John, with the old motto of 'Esto Fidelis' painted on its side! The skipper and owner is one of our die-hard ex-students, 'Aliki! Because of the naming right, the poor fisherman regularly supplies the Marist Presbytery at AFC with fish and eels! Malo 'Aliki e fakatotofu mai & safe sailing!
Royal blessings for Apifo'ou!
Yesterday I had a surprise call from the Palace Office, informing me that Her Majesty, Queen Nanasipau'u Tuku'aho, has kindly donated two 40ft Containers to the college. I believe this was part of the donated gifts from Australia & New Zealand toward the affected areas after the volcanic eruption and tsunami. I also believe that our beloved Patron, Princess Latufuipeka Tuku'aho, had a hand in this. Anyway, we'll sort this out and then write a formal acknowledgment Letter with brief Reports on these containers. Tau fakafeta'i pe kuo tau lavemonu 'i he si'i 'ofa mai 'a Fale Lahi.
Conclusion
Our sincere gratitude for all the prayers and support rendered to our beloved college. May the abundant gifts of the Holy Spirit dwell in your hearts and in your homes as we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost tomorrow.
Viva AFC!
Ekuasi