Pictures - 2015
The St Andrew's High School band marches in the Coronation Parade, July 2015. Marching behind are the students of King's College who were visiting the school at the time, and took a full part in the festivities. It is interesting to note the number of young players in the band - a result of recruiting by Kaveinga Vaka, the new bandmaster, whose training was assisted by the Trust.
School principal, Mo'unga Maka, with his deputy, Siokatame, photographed during the Rugby World Cup. On days when the Tongan team Ikale Tahi were playing, staff and students were encouraged to wear team colours - red and white! The principal and leadership team are mentored by volunteer Dr Kay Hawk, whose visits are financed by the Trust.
The school front garden has been developed by Senior Mistress Naimila Mafi and students. She has also worked hard on the rest of the grounds, which are looking smarter than any time in the past five years. The Trust contributed to the 'new look' by repainting the main school building in 2015.
In 2015 the school band entered the Tonga inter-schools' brass band competition for the first time. They came second in their grade, and won the cup for the best hymn-playing.
In this picture the bandmaster, Kaveinga Vaka (holding cup), is joined by the other staff members in the band. All are wearing the new band uniform which was sponsored by the NZ High Commission.
Kaveinga Vaka spent 2014 in New Zealand, at Onslow College in Wellington. He studied and worked as an intern, preparing for his career as a bandmaster and music teacher. His travel expenses and placement were organised and financed by the Trust through donations, and his welfare was looked after by Rev Maurice and Jane Dagger of St Michael's Church, Newlands.
The Inter-Schools' Brass Band Contest at the Queen Salote Hall in Nuku'alofa. On behalf of St Andrew's, Kaveinga Vaka receives the cup for Best Hymn Playing from HE Sarah Walsh, the High Commissioner for NZ.
The St Andrew's Band plays in front of two archbishops. The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu (front, with the Principal), and the Archbishop of Polynesia Dr Winston Halapua (far left).
Archbishop Winston Halapua organised a service on the theme of climate change. It took place on Pangaimotu Island near Nuku'alofa, and St Andrew's staff and students had a major role to play.
Here the participants approach the island on a large inter-island ferry at dawn. They are to be landed on the beach, but wind and tide make it very difficult.
Students unload all the equipment for the service, plus gear for radio and TV broadcast. It then has to be carried half a mile along the beach.
The site of the service was a desolate part of the beach, where the effects of climate change can be seen clearly. Sea level rise has inundated the coconut palms with salt water, and they are all dying. The whole island is no more than half a metre above sea level, and it will eventually all be submerged.
Wearing green weeds gathered on the island, St Andrew's students emerge from the bush and the sea, singing, dancing and carrying the gospel. They are accompanied by the band and led by the School Chaplain, Sr Fehoko CSN
Two new candlesticks for school chapel services were commissioned by the Trust from Rev Rory Redmayne. Rev Redmayne made the candlesticks from timber rescued from St Mary's Church in Merivale, Christchurch, when it was demolished following the earthquake of 2011. Here Archbishop Winston Halapua dedicates the candlesticks at a school chapel service. The altar was made by 2013 volunteers and decorated by Sione Pule, the school's art teacher. The cross behind the altar was made by volunteers from England in 2013.
Volunteer electricians Robert Gilmour (top) and John Hewitson working on rewiring the computer server room. Each year they untangle more of the school's electrical system. 2014's new computer suite and server put a strain on the wiring, and some had to be renewed.
Volunteer Eddy van Leeuwen does a major and much-needed overhaul of the school truck. Eddy and his wife Sarah have worked at the school three times, and have introduced many other volunteers to our team.
A team of boys prepares to lift Simon's huge scaffolding tower into place to start the painting of the main school building.... And (below) Simon spent many hours aloft with a paintbrush.
The new school kitchen, built by 2012 volunteers, is in constant use. Here three students in catering and hospitality begin their practical assessment for Term 3, assisted by their teacher Hingano. Chefs' hats and aprons were supplied by King's College this year, along with a large amount of other equipment.