WORDS FROM THE WEBMASTER & THE THSESWS NEWSLETTER EDITOR:

Welcome to the THSESWS monthly newsletter for the month of June,2000. The major news of course are the ones from the celebration of the school's birthday held in Sydney, Australia. I and 'Amelia deeply regret the fact that neither of us made it to the celebration. However, the news relayed to us by those who attended the event were very interesting and somehow very emotional to hear how ex-students got together,talked and remembered the days they were students at our famous school. Some have not seen each other for years. The president of the Melbourne Chapter also briefed Loseli on the celebration and he continuously praised the celebration as a great success in more reasons than one. At the AGM, it was decided that the next birthday to be celebrated outside of Tonga will be hosted by Auckland, New Zealand. Knowing this in advance does give everyone a chance to prepare for this event well before it is held.

The THSESWS has received a lot of photographs taken during the event and they have been published for everyone to see. We are still waiting for the photographs from the San Francisco Chapter.

Also featuring on this newsletter are news from the San Francisco Chapter where the "Americans" conducted their own gathering to celebrate the school's birthday. From what 'Amelia Piutau reported, it seemed that everyone who attended had a great time indeed.

The THSESWS hereby congratulates the Sydney Chapter for the fantastic job that they have done and our sincere thanks to everyone who attended other celebrations within their own chapter.

As usual, the THSESWS continues to bring you all news relevant to us from every part of the globe.

Faka'apa'apa atu
Loseli M Hafoka & 'Amelia Piutau

SCHOOL'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION 2000: HATS OFF TO THE SYDNEY CHAPTER!

Friday, 2^nd of June 2000

The Tonga High School 53^rd Birthday Anniversary celebration commenced on the evening of Friday, 2^nd June 2000 at Hot Chocolate Night Spot at Flemington. Registration and badges were handed out on entry to all ex-students stating name, year of entry and house. A short prayer was said by 'Osai Faiva to kick-start the evening and a Ha'unga was presented by Katoa ki Pulela'a (Sifa Koloa Hifo, 1961) on behalf of the New South Wales (NSW) Ex-Student Association to the representatives from overseas (Tonga and New Zealand). Katoa ki Pulela'a welcomed everyone with a short speech and then it was introduction time. Halaevalu Mangisi Palu introduced their group from Tonga, Sione Liava'a introduced their group from New Zealand, Soakai Afeaki introduced their group from Canberra, Sioeli Mafi introduced their group from Brisbane and SioneTapani Mangisi introduced their group from Melbourne. That ended the formal part of the program for the evening. Entertainment started with a tau'olunga performed by Hemamalini Lemoto (ex-student and daughter of Pua Foliaki and Tonga Lemoto). A light supper was prepared by the Executive Committee of NSW and this provided an opportunity for everyone to move around and greet and catch up with each other. Shortly after supper we were entertained again by another tau'olunga performed by Silia Afeaki (dux 1996, daughter of Susana Uta & Soakai Afeaki). Then it was celebration time (party time) till early hours of the morning. What a night it turned out to be. Just ask those who were there!

Saturday, 3^rd June 2000

Saturday started with a short prayer by Rev. Maumau Monu before the AGM commenced. The AGM was chaired by Dr. Uiliami Fukofuka and minutes taken by Halaevalu Mangisi Palu

Dr Uili Fukofuka gave a brief report about the Ex-Student Association of THS in Tonga, their plan, goal etc. The following points were noted and agreed upon by the AGM:

• Currently, an amount of $300,000 plus has been invested. The main aim is to have $1,000,000 as a principle amount invested and use the interest rates gained from this investment as the working fund or the disposable fund to finance any future projects.
• It was agreed at the AGM that each year of entry will contribute $1000 each (53 x $1000 per annum) till the one million - dollar mark is reached.
• The AGM agreed that the Ex-Student Associations of THS will provide funding for the construction and erection of two new classrooms for THS. $5,000 to be contributed from every Ex-Student Associations globally.
• Dr Uili Fukofuka reminded the meeting that at the AGM of 1997 (Jubilee) it was agreed upon to start holding the THS Birthday Anniversary Celebration ashore on alternative years. Tonga patiently waited since then to hear from any of the Ex-Student Associations abroad and NSW was brave enough to host the first one ever abroad. Congratulations to NSW. It was confirmed at the meeting that NZ will host the next abroad meeting in 2002 and hopefully America will be willing to host the 2004 meeting and of course Tonga on the alternative years.

An opportunity was given to Seini Vivili (current deputy principal of THS) to give a brief report about THS. She reported that:

• the academic standard of THS is declining rapidly due to various factors (hard to pin-point as she believes there are many contributing factors);
• there's evidently lack of appropriate technological equipment and basic learning resources such as text books;
• annual budgeted fund exhausted prematurely;
• no funds available for repairs and maintenance of building, equipment and replacement of administrative goods;
• disciplinary standard is declining as well, Tongan language is used openly both by teachers and students.

These are the most concerning issues confronting THS at the present. Seini Vivili humbly asked for the prayers and help of the ex-students so that THS standards in all aspects be improved so that pride can be instilled in the minds and hearts of present students. This should uplift and restore the school's reputation of outstanding achievements and successes that THS is well known for. The report was alarming indeed and emotional. The immediate response of the meeting was to donate to THS any money gathered on the day. The AGM asked Seini Vivili to list all the most urgent needs of THS in order of priority for considerations of all the Ex-Student Associations throughout.

THS Website - Sione Tapani Mangisi from Melbourne requested that the existing web site of THS installed and monitored by Loseli Hafoka continued to be used by all Chapters of THS Ex-Student Associations.

Constitution of The THS Ex-Students Assoc - The AGM agreed that all THS Ex-Students Associations abroad adopt the existing constitution, which was formulated and officially registered in Tonga.

Lunch was prepared by Ex-Students of NSW. We were fortunate to have the presence of the SUTT brass band to provide entertainment along with the cultural items from each group. Osai Faiva's daughter performed a tau'olunga representing the NSW group, Newcastle group also had Amelia Afuha'amango's niece performing a tau'olunga. The group from NZ attempted to sing a song (at least they tried) and Eseta Longalei Finau performed a tau'olunga. Fotuika Mosa'ati represented the Brisbane group with a mixture of moves (combination of disco, rap and haka – ngaahi action pe ia 'oe kuonga). 'Isileli Kioa's daughter represented Melbourne with another tau'olunga and groups from Canberra and Tonga performed a ma'ulu'ulu (well done, especially to Canberra). All the fakapale totalled $4,500 which was donated to THS via Seini Vivili(the current Deputy Principal). Sisilia Hoeft (President of the Ex-Student Assoc in Vava'u) presented a gift of fala and ngatu, also Halaevalu on behalf of the Tongatapu representatives and Siaosi Moengangogo presented a gift and ngatu and kie. The day ended with a closing prayer by Rev. Viliami Finau from NZ.

THE DAY

On Sunday, 4^th of June 2000, a commemorating service to celebrate the 53^rd Birthday of Tonga High School formally took place at Pulela'a Hall in Glendenning (SUTT church property). Rev 'Isileli Kioa was very honoured to be the preacher of this special day and he was assisted by Rev. Loni Vaitohi. Many ex-students also had the pleasure of taking part in the overall Sunday service with the reading of hymns, psalm and bible verses. A special prayer was said by Rev Loni Vaitohi in special dedication to the anniversary of THS and also in remembrance of all ex-students in Australia who have passed away. The choir for the day was the SUTT choir, conducted by Feleti Vi and 'Aleki Aleamotu'a who are both ex-students of THS and Fairfield Congregation from the Uniting Church in Australia Tongan Congregation in NSW. A yearly roll call followed immediately after the service. Lolohea Sitili honoured this event with her presence as one of the pioneering student of THS, 1947. Church and community leaders came along to join us at the special spiritual part of our celebration.

The AGM continued as a few things needed to be finalised from Saturday while lunch was prepared by the Ex-Students of NSW.

The MC for the day was Sifa Hifo. Grace was said by Viliami Ma'ake before the great feast and as we are accustomed to, speeches started and the first honour was given to Lolohea Sitili(representing the pioneers of Tonga High School). Dr Uili Fukofuka represented Tonga, Uasi Maka represented NZ, Soakai Afeaki and Siaosi Lavaka represented Canberra, Fotuika Mosa'ati and Maria represented Brisbane, Rev. Loni Vaitohi represented Melbourne and Sisilia Hoeft represented Vava'u ("pule'anga makehe"). The following ex-students out of joy warmed the gathering with their speeches as well – Dr Ofo Niumeitolu, Sione Liava'a, Wailangilala Tufui, Falepaini Prescott and two external speeches from Liku Niumeitolu and FIA. The final two speeches were rightly delivered by Rev. Isileli Kioa as preacher of the day and 'Osai Faiva as President of the NSW THS Ex-Student Association. Gifts of mats and tapa cloths were once again presented from Sisilia Hoeft and Halaevalu Mangisi on behalf of Lolohea Sitili and representatives from Tonga. The whole event was finally closed with a closing prayer from Rev. Kioa.

Overall, the Executive Committee members of the NSW Tonga High School Ex-Student rejoiced in the knowledge that they've successfully hosted the first THS Birthday/Anniversary Celebration abroad. Of course, it goes without saying that it was with the support of all the ex-students of THS residing in NSW and their families who made this event successful and memorable. Feedback from ex-fellow students from ashore and inter-states were very positive and encouraging. It's good to know that we've somehow revived our school motto "TO THE BEST" and made it visible throughout the whole weekend. The ex-students of NSW would like to thank you all, especially representatives from Tonga, New Zealand and outer states in Australia for coming along. It was your presence that made all our hard work and effort worth while. I'm sure we are all looking forward to celebrating THS birthdays in years to come.

Tevita Disney Tapa (NSW Secretary)

THS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION - SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER:

Ne hanga 'ehe teu fakamanatu 'aho koia 'i Sene, 'Aositelelia 'o tohoaki'i e tokanga 'aha ki'i falukunga kolisi tutuku 'i San Francisco 'o nau loto to'a ai ke fai hano fa'ufa'u mo hano uki 'oha 'anau ki'i polokalama ko hono fakamanatu 'oe 'aho 'oe ako. Ne lava lelei 'ae fakakaukau ni 'aki hano fakahoko ha papakiu. Koe ki'i papakiu ko eni ne fakahoko ia 'e Ma'ata Faiva'ilo Misinale mo hono hoa pea pehe foki kia Monika Lui Talanoa moe hoa. Na'e fai pe 'ae papakiu 'ihe 'api nofo'anga 'o Ma'ata mo Pryce 'i Hayward, California.

Na'e fakamafana 'aupito 'ae ki'i fakataha'anga ni, he na'e 'iai 'ae ongo'i fe'ofo'ofani moe fiefia 'ihe fesiofaki moe ngaahi kaunga ako. Pea hange foki koe lau koe talatalanoa kihe kuohili 'oku ne 'omai 'ae ngaahi manatu 'oku fakatupu tangi!!! Koe toe tangi e!!

Kaikehe, 'ihe hili ange 'oe ma'u me'atokoni na'e loto taha ai pe 'ae kau ako tutuku ne lava mai kihe papakiu ke nau fakahoko ha fakataha pea ke fili ai ha ngaahi lakanga kihe kautaha ako tutuku koia 'ae Vahenga San Francisco. Koe kautaha foki koia 'a San Francisco ni, ne talu pe 'enau matuku he foki 'ae Ifi he'e nau 'a'ahi mai ki mu'a he ta'u 50 pea 'oku nau kei matuku ni pe. Pea koe toe feinga eni ke fai hano fakamo'ui 'o 'etau kautaha 'i San Francisco ni.

Kaikehe, na'e lava lelei 'ae fakataha ni, pea koe ngaahi lakanga leva eni.

Koe Palesiteni:	Ma'ata Faiva'ilo Misinale
Tokoni Palesiteni:	'Epalahame Palu
Sekelitali :	'Amelia Piutau Tongi (Le'ole'o pe!)
Tauhi Pa'anga:	Monika Lui Talanoa
Talekita 'Ekitiviti:	Sione Panuve Mapa

Hili hono fili 'oe ngaahi lakanga, ne hoko atu leva 'ae Fakataha 'o Sea ia 'ehe Palesiteni fo'ou, Ma'ata Misinale. Na'e loto lelei heni 'ae kau kolisi tutuku ke foaki mu'a ha'a nau me'a'ofa ma'ae ako lolotonga 'ihe uaafe'i ta'u ko eni. Koia ne fai hano vakai'i 'oe lisi 'oe ngaahi me'a 'oku fiema'u 'ehe ako ne 'omi meihe Pule Ako lolotonga, Mrs. 'Evalini Ha'angana, 'o mau loto taha ke mau kumi ha Misini Paaki. Ne loto vela mafana heni 'a Panuve Mapa ia mo hono hoa ko Litia Tu'ipulotu Mapa 'aia koe ongo kolisi tutuku loua 'a kinaua kena kumi mai 'ae misini paaki ni, kae toki fa'iteliha ai pe 'ae toenga 'oe kau memipa 'i hono kumi mai moha toe ngaahi naunau kehe 'o hange koe pepa, peni etc. ke fakafonu 'aki 'ae puha koia 'e fakafolau ai 'ae misini paaki ki Tonga.

Na'e lava lelei 'ae fakataha pea na'e faka'osi fiefia 'a 'emau ki'i fakamanatu ni. Neongo pe na'e 'ikai fu'u a'u fau kihe tu'unga koia ne 'iai 'a 'Aositelelia kae fakatatau kihe lau 'a kinautolu koia ne nau fuesia 'a hono fa'ufa'u 'oe ki'i papakiu ni, ne to noa e fakamole 'ihe sio kihe fiefia ne a'usia 'ehe kau ako tutuku 'ihe feohi koia ne fakahoko. Ne hanga 'ehe ki'i fakataha'anga ni 'o 'omi ha laumalie makehe 'oe manatu moe 'ofa loto kiho tau ki'i 'apiako masiva. Ne toe fakaake mo ue'i hake 'iate kimautolu ha loto fie tokoni mo fie 'aonga pea ma'a hotau 'apiako.

'Oku ou fie fakaha heni ke mea'i 'ehe kau ako tutuku 'oe tukui feitu'u ni 'oku lolotonga ngaue 'ae kau komiti ki hono tanaki 'oe ngaahi hingoa 'o 'etau kau memipa. Koia 'oku mau kole atu ai ke mou fetu'utaki mai kia Ma'ata (650)378-5238, Monika (650)614-7407 pe kiate au 'Amelia (650)325-2710 'o 'omi 'ae ngaahi hingoa, fika telefoni moe tu'asila 'oe kau kolisi tutuku 'oku mou 'ilo'i. Te mau fu'u fiefia 'aupito ke ma'u 'ae ngaahi hingoa koe'uhi kae lava ke tau fetu'utaki kihe ngaahi polokalama 'etau kautaha 'oku fai hono fokotu'utu'u. 'Oua na'a mou lau koe fakakavenga eni moe fakalahi ngaue ka mou me'a mai ke tau fepoupouaki mo kafataha 'i hono langa hake 'etau ki'i kautaha ni. Kuo tukupa 'ae kau komiti ni ke fua tukuingata 'ae ngaahi ngafa kuo vahe'i ange kiate kinautolu ke langa hake 'etau ngaue ke fakamo'oni koe kau T.H.S 'oku mate pe "Kihe Lelei Taha." Koia 'oku 'oatu ai 'ae talamonu kihe kau 'ofisa fo'ou, fakatauange ke kau 'ae 'Eiki 'iho'o mou fua fatongia 'oku fai. 'Ofa pe ke kei hokohoko atu 'etau ngaue fakataha 'i hono langa hake 'etau ki'i kautaha 'ihe feitu'u ni.

Tu'a 'ofa atu,
'Amelia Piutau.

That's all the news about our 53rd celebration. However, before we sign off - we must also cater for lateral thinkers in order to keep their minds active and to have a bit of fun.

BRAIN TEASER !

Three guys in a hotel call room service and order two large Pizzas. The delivery boy brings them up with a bill for exactly $30.00. Each Guy gives him a $10.00 bill, and he leaves. That's fact! When he hands the $30.00 to the cashier, he is told a mistake was made. The bill was only $25.00, not $30.00. The cashier gives the delivery boy five $1.00 bills and tells him to take it back to the 3 guys who ordered the pizza. That's fact!

On the way back to their room, the delivery boy has a thought. These guys did not give him a tip. He figures that since there is no way to split $5.00 evenly three ways anyhow, he will keep two dollars for himself and give them back three dollars. OK! So far so good!

He knocks on the door and one fellow answers. He explains about a mix up in the bill, and hands the guy the three dollars, and then departs with his two-dollar tip in his pocket.

Now the fun begins!

Remember:

$30 - $25 = $5, Right?

$5 - $3 = $2, Right?

So what's the problem?

All is well, right? Not quite.

Try and solve the following:

Each of the three guys originally gave $10.00 each. They each got back $1.00 in change. That means they paid $9.00 each, which times three is $27.00. The delivery boy kept $2.00 for a tip. $27.00 plus $2.00 equals $29.00.

Where the heck is the other dollar?

LOGICAL EQUATIONS: SCARY BUT VERY TRUE!

Smart man + smart woman = romance
Smart man + dumb woman = pregnancy
Dumb man + smart woman = affair
Dumb man + dumb woman = marriage

Smart boss + smart employee = profit
Smart boss + dumb employee = production
Dumb boss + smart employee = promotion
Dumb boss + dumb employee = overtime

MEETING - MELBOURNE CHAPTER:

To all members of the THS Ex-Students Association of Victoria,

We will have another meeting on Saturday, June 24.

VENUE: Rev. Kioa's Residence

TIME: 2.00 PM

Please come along and support our chapter.

Faka'apa'apa atu
Loseli Hafoka (Secretary)

Until next time, see you later !

WEBMASTER 

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Copyright ©:  Loseli Ma'ukie Hafoka 2000.