Salutation:
Greetings your Eminence and fellow Apifo'ou Family!
I am indeed grateful to Deputy Principal Curriculum, Ms. Laumanu Ma'afu, for covering the last two College Updates while I was with the U17 Tour to St. Bede's, NZ.
Admin Briefs
The focus for this week was the rounding up of the Assessment 3 and at the same time the teachers were urged to get their markings done so that they could shift focus to the preparations for the Final Exams.
Meanwhile, the senior students were focusing on the much anticipated Social Night on Friday. They have been practicing and perfecting their moves and grooves for the event! Likewise, our Under-17 rugby boys in Auckland also engaged themselves in waltz drills as they will arrive in time for the social night.
The afternoon study continued and we're grateful to the Level 6 teachers and students who are committing themselves to these extra efforts.
A new project was launched a couple of Saturdays ago which focused on the Level 3 students. Last night was the first time that the government conducted exams in Grade 8 to replace the usual one at Class 6 as entry exam to the Secondary level. This implies that the Form 3 students who come to Apifo'ou and other Church-based schools are the rejects! That is why this Intervention practice is pivotal to bridging the gaps for these students who still opt to attend 'Apifo'ou.
Senior Social Night: "Exterior Beauty Mirrors Divine Beauty Within!"
The last time the college hosted such a social event was in 2019! The outbreak of measles and Covid-19 in these past years made it difficult to hold this event. Hence, last night's senior social was wholeheartedly embraced by the students! All the Catholic schools and Institutions were invited.
Seen below is the Opening March led by the Head Prefects from the respective schools. Afterwards, the dancing floor was constantly occupied! The students were reminded of the Theme for the social night, "Exterior Beauty mirrors the divine beauty within!" As they mingle and enjoy each other, they should be proud of their Catholic Identity, and at the same time believe that their true (and not artificial) beauty is being the 'created image' of Christ which is a divine gift inherent to each.
Before the closing of this joyful event, the Chief Guest, Mr. Soane Vahe, Director of Catholic Education, addressed the staff and students.
Level 6 Fund-Raising
While they're busy with their IA's and afternoon studies, the staff and students of Level 6 gathered on Friday after school for a Kati fund raise! They are collecting funds to cement a walkway that link the two F6 blocks, often filled with water!
Seen here is the Level Coordinator, Sr. Sesilia 'Alamoti, leading the fund-raise drive!
Level 3 Awards
For a few Saturdays now the Level 3 students gathered at the college for a special project tailored to help them with their study. A good number of these students are struggling with Literacy & Numeracy as many have failed the Class 8 exams.
Seen here is Fr. Patelisio Kiutau SM presenting the Awards to the students and at the same time acknowledging the hard work of our PTA President, Mrs. Malia Lita Fisilau and a few staff members. Malo fau e ngaue!
Staff Quarters
The new Staff House may be slow but is surely making progress. Mr. 'Alani Mahoni and his boys are doing quite well with this project, now edging towards completion.
St. Bede's Tour 2024
The Touring Party arrived safely home yesterday afternoon. The boys arrived in time for the senior social night but only for the Form 6 and TVET students. A few Form 5 students were disappointed when told they could not join as they are under-age.
Seen here are the boys at the entrance to the Sacred Heart College in Auckland. The next few photos are from the game and after-function at Sacred Heart College.
Like the game at De La Salle, the biggest fans were the girls from the McAuley Girls College! They had established good relationships from their Tour to Tonga last year,
De La Salle College, Auckland
The next set of photos were taken from our visit to De La Salle College in Auckland.
Seen above are the two Teams attending a Para-liturgy before the game. Below are the two Principals. The De La Salle College Principal has declared that their doors are now open to Apifo'ou College.
It's always wonderful to witness the unique characteristics of Catholic schools. Seen here are the two Teams exchanging words of thanks after the game and the farewell function. It was just after the Tongan Language Week in NZ so that the Tongan Flags were still very much visible!
McAuley Girls College
The two schools maintain healthy relationships since we hosted them last year. This time round they returned the favour! They hosted the Touring Party for dinner at the Valentine Buffet restaurant at Manukau. Not only that but the McAuley girls were very supportive of our boys during both games in Auckland.
The McAuley girls and our students exchanged cultural dances during the event.
Seen below are the Principal and Deputy Principal who happend to be an ex-student and former teacher at 'Apifo'ou, Mrs. Soana Kauhalaniua.
Frank & Tisiola's Home
We're very grateful indeed to Frank & Tisiola, who opened their doors for the Touring Party. It would have been costly if we had to seek accommodations for everyone elsewhere. Word suffices not! Still, to Frank & Tisiola, malo lahi e 'ofa mo e tokoni!
The family home is almost like a 5-Star Hotel! It has a pool, rooms, and spaces that catered for all the staff and students!
Ex-students, former teachers, and friends of 'Apifo'ou visited the students while they were at Frank's home. Seen above is 'Etuate Manu, a former 'Ikale Tahi player, giving a pep talk to the boys. Seen below is our uncle Mr. Tony Rea also giving a few words of encouragement to the boys.
Above is the Chaplain for the Catholic Tongan Communities in NZ, Fr. Soane Vahe visiting the boys. Seen below are two former teachers at 'Apifo'ou, Saane Paletu'a and Lolesio Sailosi who took time to visit the boys. Malo e manatu 'ofa!
Ex-students in Auckland
It was really wonderful to meet up with the ex-students of Apifo'ou in Aotearoa, either during formal occasions or otherwise.
Conclusion
May I extend to you all, especially the Apifo'ou Family in Aotearoa, our sincere gratitude for your generosity and love. The St. Bede's Tour 2024 was only a success thanks to your kindness and love to the touring party all throughout their time there.
Fakamalo lahi atu ki he Patele Tauhi kaingalotu 'i 'Okalani, Fr. Soane Vahe, Palesiteni, Lita Foliaki, Executive Committee Members, Peta Tausinga-Kennedy, Solomone Sakalia, Viliami Lavaka, mo kimoutolu kotoa e si'i kau Kolisi Tutuku.
Te mau lotu pe mo hufaki atu ma'a kimoutolu pea fakatauange ke kei fakalekesi ai pe 'e he Eiki 'a ho'omou mo'ui mo homou ngaahi famili takitaha.
Viva AFC!
Ekuasi
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