Tonga High School Ex-Students Web Site Newsletter |
WORDS FROM THE WEBMASTER & OUR NEWSLETTER EDITOR:
Welcome to the THSESWS monthly newsletter for the month of September 2001. For this newsletter, we have gone overboard with our writings. Loseli was intrigued with the tragedy in the USA and kept on writing until we realised that we were running out of space for anything else. At times, our webmaster forgot that he was not a journalist for he kept writing as if he was one. But hey, it is good to write our own in regards to this major tragedy which is currently dominating the world news.
This month is one which will be remembered for years to come due to the devastation the terrorists have inflicted on the might of the United States of America. Never before had there been a vicious attack on America and its civilians, a direct violation of the sovereignty of the United States. God help the culprits for they will pay and PAY dearly for this barbaric act. America and its allies are already planning to launch their military retaliation. This is a very critical time as far as we are concerned for the world has changed forever as a result of the work of the terrorists.
Whether retaliation by America will stem out terrorism remains to be seen. The fact is, we will see the biggest manhunt in history. It is going to be brutal but America is not holding back. The sad images of the victims of this tragedy and the attack on America's pride and sovereignty are just too much to ignore. America has had enough and there is no turning back. Perhaps it is now time for us to pray for future peace because it is now at stake and it is looking gloom and dull.
The tragic event has been likened by many historians, media commentators and war experts to that of the attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbour. It is really a sad reminder of how evil can human beings be; total madness!. The terrorists had no regards for other human beings. They executed their coward, idiotic and senseless attacks on the famous symbols of the United States of America; notably the World Trade Center Twin Towers and the Pentagon. The terrorists have destroyed some innocent lives and buildings but they would never destroy the freedom and foundation of the great nation of the United States of America. America will rise for it is the Super Power of the world in both economic and military terms.
America's loss is felt throughout the world and a sure reminder of how Satan (the devil) can infiltrate the hearts of human beings to become as evil as they can be and harm others in the most inhumane way possible. One would hope that this will not repeat for the very existence of humanity is now under threat as a result of cruelty, hatred, stupidity, selfishness and unwillingness to love one another and to live together as human beings. Our prayers go out to those who have lost their loved ones during this terrible tragedy. God bless America!
On Friday, September 14 - our newsletter editor(Miss 'A Piutau) took the initiative to show her fellow Americans that she cares by orgainising a tribute to those affected by this tragedy. 'Amelia, together with many kids and adults from her neighbourhood in San Jose, California released 200 balloons into the atmoshpere at 1.00 P.M. Inside each balloon was a poem appropriately written by 'Amelia for the event and its theme. Well done 'Amelia and the THSESWS is very proud of your interesting project! What 'Amelia has done reflects the good-will of human beings that our Lord Jesus has urged us to practise for many years. It reminds us all of the need to show care, love and affections towards others in time of despair. It also shows that our ex-students can be very creative indeed when it comes to brainstorming, initiating projects of interest to us and others and to take the initiative to do something for our fellow human beings. Great work 'Amelia! Mahino mai ai ta 'oku lahi 'aupito ho'o lotu!
On a more positive note, it is now spring here in Australia and the weather is getting warmer. Trees are blossoming and there are beautiful flowers everywhere, a spectacular array of colours can be seen in every garden including my very own. It is quite a sight indeed!
The editor and I have been fortunate enough to catch up with one of the former teachers of Tonga High School. Some of you who were at Tonga High School between '75 and '76 would have remembered Mr Emile Hons. Mr Hons was the Art teacher during '75 and '76. I have a vague memory of Mr Hons and I was trying to figure out whether he is the same person that I was thinking off. After going through Mr Hons' photos, it all came back to me. Mr Hons was our Art teacher while I was in Form 2 and he was one of the Peace Corps. At the same time, our editor was probably not even born. Anyway, Mr Hons found the THSESWS while surfing the net and contacted Loseli. After a few emails back and forth, Loseli decided to ask Mr Hons whether he would be kind enough to write an account of what he remembered about his time at Tonga High School or perhaps a brief outline of his time in Tonga. To our surprise, Mr Hons sent us an article within one day of our request. What a marvelous feeling to see someone doing something promptly and efficiently for a change! Mr Hons' article is published below.
The Executive Committee of our Ex-students in Tonga are planning a visit to the US and Siaosi Moengangongo has informed the S.F Chapter of their intented itinerary. This visit will be lead by 5 members of the Executive Committee and the aim is to enhance the working relationship between Tonga and overseas Chapters. The touring party will visit Hawaii, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and San Francisco and may be other chapters as well. At the moment we have not received the full details of the itinerary of this visit.
We have also recieved news of some of the Tonga High Ex-students graduating from various universities in New Zealand including one of my best friends; Linita Manu'atu, who graduated with a PhD in Education. Congratulations to you all. You have all done us and Tonga High School proud but more importantly, you have done yourself proud as well as your family and friends!
Lately, we have not heard much from our friends from Aotearoa. Since the Australian Wallabies stole the match from the All Blacks in the dying minutes of their last match, the Kiwis have gone quiet. Somehow 'Eseta Finau has managed to compile for us some news regarding Auckland and their preparation for next year. Thank you so much 'Eseta!
We have also welcomed the willingness of the Seventh Day Adventists Tonga High School ex-students to use the THSESWS to broadcast and advertise some of their activities in Auckland. The THSESWS would like to let everyone know that we are here to serve any of our ex-students in anyway we can.
Finally, the THSESWS is glad to bring to you all a brief profile of 'Eseta Fusitu'a. She has been one of the "trail blazers" for us ex-students and a model leader for women in the kingdom of Tonga. 'Eseta is definitely one of the pioneers who have taken the lead in academic AND career achievements for Tonga High School. As a result, we are proud to publish her achievements here for us to enjoy (See below).
Faka'apa'apa atu
Loseli M Hafoka and Miss 'Amelia Piutau
MR EMILE HONS' ARTICLE:
In 1974 I decided to apply to join the United States Peace Corps. I had graduated from Pepperdine University and had taught there for two years as an art teacher. I had considered volunteering for years but it began to become reality one night while I was having dinner with my parents. I was beginning to think about my long term future and was discussing these thoughts when my mom mentioned something she had seen about the Peace Corps in a local newspaper and the need for volunteers. I felt it was the right time in my life to give a little something back to a world that had been very kind to me. I also thought I might be able to teach the world a little something about the United States. I had no credit card debt, no bills and no mortgage to worry about and nothing else to hold me back, so I went to a Peace Corps recruitment center a few days later and applied. I was offered Togo in Africa, Fiji and some place called Tonga. Although Togo sounded intriguing, Fiji and Tonga, both in the exotic South Seas were where I wanted to go. I had heard of Tonga only because one of my old high school friends, Tali Kafusi, was from there (by the way, I literally ran into him in Tonga about six months into my duty…he was as surprised to see me as I was to see him), but beyond that, I could find little information about the country. For that reason I picked Fiji (much more information was available about those islands) as my first choice and Tonga second. Fortunately for me the Peace Corps chose Tonga for me, and off to orientation in Denver I went.
A few returned volunteers from the early '70's helped paint a much better picture of Tonga with words and slides. After a few days of orientation, a shot or two in the arm, I was off to my parent's home in San Bruno to pack and say good-bye for two years to everyone in the world I knew.
We all met in Los Angeles and boarded a half empty 747 for the long flight. The flight, if memory serves me well, was about 14 hours including, I think a stop in Hawaii for fuel. We stopped in Fiji for a couple of days and ended up taking an eight hour bus ride from Nadi to Suva. It was the bumpiest and dustiest ride I've ever been on. We arrived in Tongatapu and were whisked off to Joe's place for our first few days before we were placed with Tongan families. My family stay was in Ma'ufanga.
About six weeks after our arrival we, the teachers in the group, were placed in several different schools. I was fortunate enough to be placed at Tonga High School.
I remember the first day I walked into my first class. I think it was a third grade class and I went to the blackboard and wrote my name. When I turned around I saw the whole class standing up in front of me…I didn't know exactly what to do. At first I thought someone had taken all the seats…what was going on? Then I realized it was a show of respect. It was a nice feeling.
I recently met up with an "old" Tonga High student named Findlay Hurrell. He had read my newsletter (The Coconut Wireless) about my recent trip back to Tonga. He remembered me and came to a Rotary Club meeting a few weeks back to say hi and to see a few pictures of Tonga. He had not been back for several years.
He told me why he remembered me while we were eating our lunch. He and a few other friends were sitting on the grass field near "the big tree" behind the school during a lunch break. He or one of his friends needed to ask me a question as I was walking by. He started by saying "Sir?" and I interrupted him with a stern "Don't call me sir! I haven't been knighted yet!" They stood there frozen thinking they had done something or said something wrong until I started to laugh. They then sort of understood and at least knew they weren't in trouble…I was just trying to be funny but in the wrong language no doubt. It appears Findlay has forgiven me. He also lived in Ngele'ia, which is where my little fale was.
He now lives in the Bay Area. It is a small world.
I remember another time when I discovered canned popcorn at a little fale kaloa on the way home from school and bought every can they had. The three theaters in town didn't have popcorn and I didn't quite know how to watch a movie without a bag of it in my hand. It was a Friday and I was so happy that I brought a big buttered bag of it to the theater that night. It was the Tali'eva and I was in the mood for an action packed dubbed and subtitled Kung Fu classic! While sitting in my 45 siniti seat and enjoying my new found popcorn a couple of my students stopped and asked me what I was eating and I told them popcorn. I gave them a little taste (I didn't want to share too much of my snack). They asked me how to make it. I told them if they were good kids on Monday I would show them how. On Monday they were angels, so I gave them each a small bag of kernels and told them to go home put some fat in a pot, add the kernels and put the pot over a fire and watch what happens. They came back the next day and said the popcorn was very good but it was hard to catch…I had forgotten to tell them to cover the pot with a lid. I still laugh about that from time to time. Are you two out there somewhere?
A few students and me sitting on the "never
finished" Queen Salote Hall... now finished.It was a pleasure and an honor to be part of Tonga High and to see so many of you growing up before my eyes. I remember so many personalities, so many smiles and so many individuals I knew were destined to make a difference, in the near future for their country.
As anywhere in the world there were a few students who were always "a challenge" because I wasn't able, in many cases to challenge them but most of you were wonderful, polite, talented and very generous individuals. I have many fond memories of many, many of you.
I was responsible for several classes of students. I believe starting somewhere around the third grade, or possibly younger, to the ripe old age of 18year old seniors. One major ongoing problem was always there…no money for supplies. No, or at best very limited, supplies made it hard to teach a class so "hands on" as art. I believe I had something like $50 or $60 pa'anga a year for supplies. This was not per student but for everyone… This lack of funds and supplies was not a concern of yours… these worries were not part of your world. You were kids and all you wanted to do is learn. I knew that and it was frustrating from time to time not just for me, but for all of you.
I remember a certain rugby match where we teachers got our butts kicked. Even if we had won the game it would not have been from any knowledge and special moves I could have offered…I had no idea how to play rugby, it was simply a matter of me wanting to give it a try. It was a lot of fun but I do believe I'm still sore from that game… by the way, I have never tried it again.
When I visited Tonga High again I was struck by how little it had changed. Yes, there was a gaping hole in much of the roof from the fire of October 2000 and the big field behind the school was filled with an elementary school now, but the school looked clean and proud, and the clock, I'm happy to say is still only right twice every 24 hours but remains on guard over the campus rain or shine which shows that some things just don't change. The uniforms are identical and the student population looks as smart as ever. These sights sent me mentally back, for just a few seconds, to a time more then a quarter century earlier when we were all just a bit younger.
I knew in 1976, as I prepared to leave Tonga, that I had gotten much more from Tonga and its people than I was able to give back…something that has stuck with me for almost 25 years. My trip back to Tonga, in June of 2001, was an extraordinary experience for me. It took me almost a day to get my bearings but once I did, I found much of the old friend I had left all those years ago, still there, waiting to say hello. Yes, there were changes but the attitude of the people of Tonga, the children and the adults, was as fresh as it was the day I left. Generosity of spirit and generosity of bright, genuine smiles were just a couple of characteristics I found abundant on Tongatapu…this too had not changed. The friendliness of everyone I met was without reserve. The children of the island still practice their English on "the palangi" and there is a minimum of at least one "malo e lelei" every dozen meters or so. I had no idea how much I missed the Kingdom of Tonga, until I returned.
I hope all of you have found a comfortable place in life and that many of your dreams and aspirations have come true over the years. I also hope each of you now have plenty of art supplies around the house at all times.
"Emili" Hons
Tonga High '75-'76To anybody who was in Mr. Hons' classes, you are welcome to contact Mr. Hons using this E-mail address.
Everything seems to be fine and the expected trip by some members of the executive committee is going ahead as planned. Five members are to leave Tonga in October on their way to Hawaii and the mainland; USA. The goals and objectives for this trip are to foster a closer working relationship among overseas chapters and the executive committee in Tonga.
Certain members of the executive committee are still working on trying to send us a copy of the second edition of the "Tefua 'A Vaka Lautala". With fingers crossed, we might receive a copy before the next millennium if we are lucky!
The Auckland Chapter hereby ask all chapters from overseas including Tonga to please rehearse the Haleluia song to be sung during the combined celebration next year. The choir conductor for the Auckland Chapter will then blend every chapter together as one. This will be part of the church service, so please start rehearsing now in order to make the choir conductor's job a bit easier!
'Eseta Finau has kindly compiled for us the news below!
- The upcoming fundraising concert for the South Auckland area will be held as below:
Date:
Friday 5th October 2001
Venue:
Lotofale'ia Church Hall (Tongan Methodist)
Orly Ave, Mangere
Time:
8 pm until sunriseContacts:
Tavake Tupou - Tel: 5761593
Fitalika Kula - Tel: 2780420
Telusila Vea - Tel: 2776871
Nuku Tahaafe - Tel: 6365241'Oku fakaafe'i atu 'a e Kolisi Tutuku (THS) kotoa pe ke mou me'a ange ke tau kaunga fiefia fakataha ai.
Ko e koniseti hoko 'a e Vahe loto (Central) 'e fai ia he 'aho Falaite 26th October, pea ko e fakaikiiki 'e toki 'oatu. Ko e koniseti hono tolu ko e vahe Uesite (West) 'e fai ia he 'aho 30 Novema.
Kuo ma'u ha me'a'ofa ko e puha Tohi Laipeli 'e ua mei he Kolisi Mangele (Mangere College) pea koe tokotaha kolisi tutuku ko Uatahausi Vea 'oku lolotonga ngaue 'i he 'api ako ni.'Oku kei 'ataa pe ki ha taha ke tokoni mai ki he fakatangi 'oku fai atu ki hono tokoni'i 'ae Laipeli 'a e ako lolotonga.
- Confirmation of Venue for next year's get together here in Auckland are as follows:
Venue:
Lakeside Convention Centre
Montgomerie Road
Airport Oaks
Date: 31st May - 1st June 2002Contacts: Etuate Saafi & 'Eseta Finau
PH: (649) 3737599 Ext 2365
email: e.finau@auckland.ac.nzNa'e lava lelei mo e pot luck fellowship 'i he mahina 'Akosi. Fakamalo atu kia Kasalanaita Puniani 'i hono fokotu'utu'u mo hono fakahoko. Kataki 'o fetu'utaki kia Kasalanaita Puniani 'i he telefoni 5283917 pe 2611620 Ext 5192.
'Oku teuteu atu ke fai 'a e ako faiva mo e ako hiva 'a e Kolisi Tutuku (NZ) 'i he mahina katu'u 'Okatopa 'i ha faingamalie 'a e punake ko Christopher Tauelangi.
'Oku teu fai 'a e Barbecue 'a e Kolisi Tutuku ta'u 1986 'i he 'aho Tokonaki ko'eni ko hono 22 Sepitema 'i he taimi 7 efiafi ki he 10 Roosevelt Ave, Onehunga.
Koe contact: Folau Tutone, Sione Vaka mo Kune Si'i.WONDERFUL NEWS- Featuring Karlo Mila!
According to 'Eseta Finau, she unexpectedly ran into one of our ex-students in Auckland, her name is Karlo Mila MSW (Applied) (Hons). Karlo has completed a Masters degree in Social Work and she is currently taking the Portfolio of the Adminstrator within the Pacific Island Health Research (Health Research Council of New Zealand). This is infact a very important post for the people of the Pacific and in particular; the people of Tonga. We are fortunate that this prestigious post is held by one of our very own. Well done Karlo!
Karlo entered Tonga High School in 1989 together with other ex-students including Sione Vaka, 'Isileli Tonga, 'Anapuli Matoto and others. For those of you here in Auckland who would like to contact Karlo; please use the following email: kmila@hrc.govt.nz
Our friends from Hawaii have informed the THSESWS that they are all fine and now enjoying the good weather and the nice atmosphere of Waikiki Beach. They have even reminded us that the young ladies of the Hawaii Chapter are becoming more and more beautiful each day. Some photos please!
The San Francisco concert scheduled for October is underway, the office bearers for the Golden Bridge Chapter are working tirelessly to make this event a success. As we have reported on last month's newsletter, the aim of this concert is to raise enough funds to buy new books for the school's library. As advertised last month, the concert will be Friday the 19th of October. Details are as follows:
Time:
8:00p.m-12:00a.m
Place:
Fale Sotia, San Bruno
Band:
Kupu D.JA gentle reminder for all dancers that you may choose to do the dances individually or in groups. The important thing is to raise enough funds for our "Book Drive".
The anticipated "get-together" function for the Melbourne Chapter is going ahead as advertised. To all our friends who are living in and out of the world's most livable city, come along and enjoy the company of others. It will be a night to remember!
During this "get-together", we will discuss possible projects to help the school in Tonga. We will also plan other "get-together" activities such a BBQ in one of the parks or the beaches for the weather is getting much warmer. So, please turn up and enjoy the fun or you will miss out!
CAREER AND ACADEMIC PROFILE OF OUR VERY OWN - 'ESETA FUSITU'A:
Mrs.'Eseta Fusitu'a has excelled in education and now reaps the fruits of her toil. Recently, the Government of Tonga has appointed her to the long awaited post of Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, thus succeeding Mr. Taniela Tufui who has held this post over a long period of time.
'Eseta, however has served the Tongan Government for a long period of time too. She commenced her academic career at Tonga High School, where in the course of her studies, tied for the position of Dux in 1957, thus being the first female to achieve such an accolade. At 16 years of age, she was the youngest person to sit and pass the New Zealand School Certificate Examination. This lead to her remarkable efforts as the First Tongan to sit the New Zealand School Certificate Examination in Tonga in her first year in Form 5, thus achieving what a large number of students ordinarily achieved during their second year in Form Five.
In 1958 she attended Epsom Girls Grammar School in Auckland, New Zealand where, after sitting the New Zealand High School Certificate Examination, she passed the University Entrance Examination, establishing herself as the First Female scholar of Tonga High School to pass both Examinations.
Mrs. Fusitu’a was then offered a place at the renowned University of Auckland where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), not to mention graduating with a Certificate in Teachers Training from the Teachers Training College, demonstrating herself as the First Tongan woman to gain a Degree. Additionally she was the First Tongan Scholar from Tonga High School to gain a Degree and in commencing her professional career as a Teacher, was the First Tongan Teacher with a Degree in His Majesty’s Government therefore being certified to teach Primary as well as Secondary Schools.
In 1977 she graduated from the distinguished Australian National University (ANU) with a Master of Arts (M.A.) thereby being the first married woman to whom the Government of Tonga offered a University Scholarship. ANU has produced other professionals(ex-students of Tonga High School) including Saia Kami, Ngongo Kioa, Loseli Hafoka, Penny Lavaka and others. During her time at ANU, Mrs. Fusitu’a relished in publishing Articles on Tongan history and with the assistance of Professor Noel Rutherford, helped edit much of the work on the History of Tonga, such as the ‘Kingdom of Tonga’.
Among her duties performed abroad including extra curricular activities; she enjoyed playing Tennis, Basketball, Bridge as well as Playing Crossword puzzles, Walking, Reading, and playing the Piano, Guitar and Ukulele.
With a Masters Degree (M.A.) from the Australian National University(ANU) and a Bachelors Degree (B.A.) from the University of Auckland, Mrs Fusitu’a had advanced professionally within the Tongan Government, thus playing a major role in her development as well as receiving a number of promotions within the Ministry of Education as well as the Prime Minister's Office.
It was in 1965 when Mrs Fusitu’a commenced her career as a Civil Servant when she was employed as a Teacher at Tonga High School. Being the only Tongan teacher at that time with a Degree Mrs Fusitu’a was therefore designated as head of Department in addition to her substantial duties at the Ministry of Education.
She continued to teach until 1968, when in 1973, while undertaking studies for her postgraduate Degree (M.A.) in Australia, she taught at St. Edmunds’ College in The Australian National Capital(Canberra) until 1981.
Upon her return to the Kingdom of Tonga she was appointed Deputy Private Secretary to His Majesty at the Palace Office and at the same time, held the position of Assistant Clerk to Privy Council. She was therefore the First woman to occupy such a prestigious position as well as maintaining the post of Deputy Secretary in a Ministry. During her years in the Civil Service she was further appointed Deputy Director of Education prior to her transfer to the Prime Minister's Office, holding the post of Assistant Secretary.
In 1992 the Cabinet appointed her to the prestigious post of Deputy Chief Secretary and Deputy Secretary to Cabinet, again establishing herself, not only as the first woman to attain a Level 1 post in Government, but the First woman ever to occupy the post.
Her hard work and dedication to ensure the betterment of Government was much further rewarded as on the 10th July 2001, His Majesty’s Cabinet bestowed upon her all responsibilities of the post encompassed by Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, thereby succeeding Mr. Taniela Tufui.
Congratulations 'Eseta!
Until next time, please take care everyone!
T H E K I N G D O M O F T O N G A |
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| Copyright ©: 2001 Loseli Ma'ukie Hafoka. |