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SAINT
MARY’S EX PUPILS ASSOCIATION - NEW ZEALAND |
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By Malia Tua’i Manuleleua |
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St Mary’s College, one of
the oldest girls catholic secondary schools located at Vaimoso, Apia
was established in the early 1950s by the Sisters of Mercy of the
Society of Mary (SMSM). The college has a reputation of providing
quality academic and spirtual education for girls from catholic
families that has produced scholars and high achievers. Many former
students hold prominent positions in government and in the private
sector in Samoa and overseas.
SMOGA or St Mary’s Old Girls Association, the parent organisation of
ex-students of St Mary’s college, Vaimoso is very active in Samoa and
is currently a strong support arm for the college. SMEPA however has
gone a step further and has included all former students of St Mary’s
Savalalo as well as the students from Vaimoso.
SMEPA was formed early this year by Gretel Toleafoa and 14 other former
students with the aim of assisting both schools in their development
through financial assistance from the Association. “It was also an
opportunity to re-connect with former students, re-establish old
friendships at the college and create a network where all members and
the two schools could benefit from.”
SMEPA has held a series of successful fundraising events this year. A
Sunday mass was also organised at the Avondale, St Mary’s Church and
followed with a lunch at the church hall. Sister Emanuela Betham, a
former principal of St Mary’s College said she was very happy to see
the revival of a St Mary’s association in Auckland and hoped that the
Association would continue to grow as well as practice the colleges
motto “Agaga Kerisiano” or Christian spirituality.
Savalalo and Vaimoso, St Mary’s Ex-pupils Association (SMEPA) recently
held a social to raise funds for the two schools projects in Apia. The
event also saw the launch of the Associations new uniform, an elegant
royal blue puletasi reflecting the colours of the schools.
Gretel Toleafoa, the President of SMEPA said that the event was quite a
success and that they had managed to raise a considerable amount that
will go towards school activities in Samoa. SMEPA hopes to attend
jubilee celebrations for the college next year in Apia.
Throughout the night guests were entertained by singer and performer
Willie |
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SMEPA members performing at their recent fundraising and uniform
launch. SMEPA includes all former students of St Mary’s Savalalo
and students from Vaimoso. |
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Siva Samoa performed by Unasa Iulia Petelo an ex-student and
former scholarship recipient. Unasa is currently the Deputy CEO
- Samoa Department of Commerce & Industry. |
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Henrietta Fidow, Tina Lam and Gretel Toleafoa – President of
SMEPA at their recent fundraising and launch of association
uniform. |
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Tavita and the resident
band at the Crystal bar with popular Samoan and Pacific melodies.
Highlights of the night was a siva performed by Valasi Tafito, a
visiting Samoan Member of Parliament and also a chief or matai of
Vaimoso. Tafito said that he was always happy to support St Mary’s
events being a resident himself of Vaimoso and a long time patron of
the college.
Another highlight was a siva by Unasa Iulia Petelo an ex-student and
former scholarship recipient. Unasa is currently the Deputy Chief
Executive Officer of the Department of Commerce and Industry in Apia.
She was transitting in Auckland after returning from a conference in
Vietnam.
If you are interested in becoming a SMEPA member please email Gretel:
GToleafoa@manukau.govt.nz for
further details and information.
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
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