College Updates: Week 5 - Term 3

Salutation:

Warm greetings your Eminence and fellow Apifo'ou Family!

Admin Briefs

Week 5 has been an eventful one. It began with the celebrations of exceptional achievements by our students in Sports over the weekend. On Saturday, the Grades 1A & 1B celebrated their wonderful achievements. Grade 1A was undefeated in the tournament. Grade 1B lost to Toloa in the final. On Sunday all the Sporting Teams gathered at the Hall to celebrate Mass followed by a shared lunch.

The week was focused on the coverage of the syllabus. The Level 6 students continue to fulfill the requirements for their IA's. Meanwhile, all the Levels were preparing their items for the PTA Day celebrations today.

Deaconate Ordination

Last Saturday His Eminence, Cardinal Paini Mafi, ordained Deacon Halaiano Vaohea to the Order of Deacon. It was great to catch up with two Permanent Deacons from the US who are both ex-students of the college. Deacons Sosefo Hola and Otto Johansson are seen here below with His Eminence and the clergy of the diocese.

Maths Common Assessment Task (CAT)

The Level 6 students have been preparing well for their common assessment task. The HOD for Mathematics, Mr. Tuiaki Latu, and his Team have been working tirelessly day and night to prepare the students. There's thus expectation of better results.

Seen below are the students being supervised by the teachers from Tonga High School whilst they conducted their CAT project.

His Majesty's Armed Forces

On Tuesday the Officers from His Majesty's Armed Forces (HMAF) presented their Education Programs to our senior students. 'Apifo'ou College maintains a healthy rapport with the military from the past up until now. The Naval Base is right opposite the college and we do have numerous ex-students who are Officers in the military.

Parents & Teachers' Association (PTA)

The PTA Day for this year started today with the celebration of the Eucharist. The college was honored by the presence of the Hon. Minister for Infrastructure, Mr. Seventeen Toumo'ua. He is also an ex-student of the college and co-Alumni 1975 with the Principal.

Seen above is the Hon. Minister Mr. Toumo'ua. Seen below is Fr. Steven Lugabai presiding at the Eucharist, concelebrated by his Marist confreres.

The college was blessed also with the presence of Lady Polotu Fakafanua Paunga, the President of the Ex-students' Association. Also present were the Parish Priests of Pea, Houmakelikao, and Hihifo.

Seen above is the Item from the Hihifo Parish and below are the students from the Pea Parish.

Seen here above and below are the students from the Nuku'alofa Parish performing a Samoan medley dance!

Seen above is the Kauvai Parish students, and below are the Level 3 students.

Seen here are the rugby boys to tour St. Bede's. Some dress up as girls to perform a tau'olunga. While in NZ, they have been invited to take part in the Polyfest by the Catholic schools in Christchurch, so this was an ideal time to start preparing for it.

Seen here above and below are the students from the Ma'ufanga Parish.

In the past there was a group of women (mothers & grandmothers) who were very prominent as entertainers and clowns, one of whom was the late 'Atu'ila Sakisi. Well seen here below is her daughter (in black), bringing back the memory of her mum.

Seen here is an ex-student of the 1960's, Mr. Laupoini Tavo, putting money on the students. Malo Poini. Seen here below is the Punake, the one and only Ha'amonga Tu'ipulotu with Ms. Sakisi herself imitating his every movement. It was fun!

St. Bede's Tour

The 30 students that will tour St. Bede's in Christchurch have marched into camp as they prepare for the tour. Part of the activities they are engaged in are singing and dancing practice, apart from the rugby training. The students are also coached about the etiquette of mixing with 'Palangis' since they'll be on homestay for a week!

The Principal is responsible for teaching them those basics including how to eat properly using knives and forks. They all have to pass a level of Basic Conversational English before they are allowed to be members of the touring group!

Sports Awards

On Sunday all the Sporting Teams gathered to offer up to God their thanksgiving through the Mass for all the blessings bestowed on the college this year. During the school assembly cash awards and certificates were presented to the athletes, especially the ones that won't be returning next year.

Seen here is Ms. Singa Kaifoto, a former Netball Coach of St. Mary's High School and now AFC teacher, presenting the awards.

Seen here is Mr. Folau Pofaiva, a member of the Trible Crown Rugby Team that won the competitions in 1977 - 1978 - 1979, presenting the awards to the rugby players.

Seen here above and below are the Soccer Coaches Felise 'Ulupano and Timote Solo. They were both 'Water Boys' whilst students of St. John's High School in the 70's!

Conclusion

May I extend to you all our heartfelt gratitude for your prayers and support for the college. Today, the PTA raised more than $39,450.00 Pa'anga. Malo fau e 'ofa lahi!

Viva AFC!

Ekuasi