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Ulimasao Marist Centre for Special Learning Diary 2008
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Please click on our links below for more info
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Welcome to our diary for this 8th year of our
Centre. January 13: The Brothers' community for the new year is now
complete with the arrival of Br Samisoni, who has just completed his Diploma
in Agriculture at USP, from January 21: Enrolment of students begins, and it will continue for two weeks, Monday - Friday, 9am to 12 noon. Classes will begin on February 4. January 22: The staff gather for the first meeting of the year. A staff Professional Development programme is going on for two weeks, with presentation and discussion sessions regularly. Staff changes: No longer with us are Faavela, Senifa and
Faisiota, of whom the latter two are at present in February 4: The start of the new school year, with Assembly, division into classes, and collection of books. Many new faces among us, but we hope our friendliness will soon have everyone feeling at home. Click here for photos February 12: The AusAID equipment project continues with a
buying session in February 29: We host the "Savaii Sevens" tournament
for schools in Savaii, with games for Under 19 and Under 17 teams in March 19: We finish classes for the Easter break.
With Easter coming so early, we haven't had the opportunity to present to the
whole group work we have prepared in our classes to celebrate the Easter
mysteries. We will do this after the break. March 28: The Prefects were appointed and blessed at a liturgy with Patele Nimo today. They were welcomed to their new posts by the Director, staff and students. Afterwards they shared a meal with Patele and the staff. All went home full of good spirit and of food. It's just as well there is a weekend coming to recover from it all! Click here for photo April 23: The PTA runs a fundraising at school. There was lots of entertainment, and a good collection made. April 26: After a few weeks of irregular water supply, the old pipeline stopped altogether, so there was no water at the school for a few days. Many buckets were pressed into use, carting water from the village below, but it was necessary to finish classes at break time for a few days. May 2: We managed a temporary water supply to parts of the school, just as the old pipeline was permanently taken out of commission. It gave too little pressure, so during the holidays there will need to be a pipeline dug across the field and a better supply organised. May 16: Final day of term. A good cleanup was done, to leave the grounds and school in good order for the holidays. May 25-28: The "Sharing Champagnat's
Vision" seminar, held at St Marcellin Hall, Mulivai, for staffs of the
three Marist schools in Samoa - ourselves, Marist Mulivai and St Joseph's
College. Speakers from overseas were Br Terence Costello from
June 5: The day for water supply repairs arrives. A group of staff and students start early to dig a trench diagonally across the main rugby field to put the new pipes in. With many rocks in the ground, it is all done by pick and shovel, with occasional slight detours to keep away from big rocks. The job is done in just two (long!) days, and the field ready for games of rugby on the following day. The 1” pipe has proved big enough, so water supply both to the school and to the Brothers’ house is back to normal again. Click here for photos. June 6: The feastday of St Marcellin. As today is still holiday time, we mark the day after we return to school for the Second Term on June 9. June 30: We were pleased to welcome Br Carl, Provincial of the Marist Brothers for New Zealand and the Pacific, with an 'ava ceremony and and assembly. Brother worked in Samoa for many years, so knows a lot about education here, and its difficulties. Thank you, Brother, for your visit and support. July 7: The library can finally have books borrowed from it! Thanks to all who have done extra work to get this ready over the last few months, and we hope to expand into other areas for borrowing before long. Meantime students can borrow fiction books, and use the library for study. July 11: Faalava, Br Samisoni and the Second Chance Carpentry students travel to Apia to visit Don Bosco centre, and see the courses run there. It meant an early start from Salelologa on the 6am ferry, with most students staying with Faalava's family overnight. The weather proved fine, so we had a pleasant journey and reached Apia about 8am. By 9am we were in the hands of Mr Fola, the Head of the Woodwork Department, and soon were learning about the machines and their use. It was a useful experience for all, especially those thinking of attending Don Bosco after they graduate from UMC. Grateful thanks to the Principal and staff of Don Bosco for their support, and we look forward to other contacts in the future. July 14: Exceptionally heavy rain causes flooding around the school buildings, but fortunately the water didn't come into the classrooms. For a dry season, there's been so much rain that questions are being asked...Click here for photos. July 15: Masepi and Br Chris took one of the Second Chance Tourism and Hospitality groups to visit some tourist facilities in Savaii. First was Oceanview Motels, then Louisa's Lagoon Chalets, and finally the Savaiian Hotel. These three catered for different tourist markets, and it was valuable to see how these groups are catered for. Some of the students are likely to work in the tourist industry, so this gave an idea of what is involved and what to expect. We are very grateful to the proprietors for their time, and willingness to answer questions about their establishments. Malo lava! Click here for photos. Br Kees drops in for a couple of days, to prepare a project that schools in NZ will fund. He is doing this throughout the Pacific. It's good to have him return to meet old friends! July 16: A group from YWAM (Youth With a Mission), mostly from New Zealand, who were providing some dental and medical help in Savaii, visited us and put on an entertainment. We joined in, and a most enjoyable time was had by all. Thanks for your visit! Click here for photos. July 17: Br Christopher and the Head Boy and Girl go to Lelemoega for the funeral Mass of Sr Imakulata RSM, who died suddenly last Friday. She was the Principal of St Theresa's, Fusi, and a renowned teacher and leader. Everyone has been greatly saddened by her death, and we pray in support of the school community and her Sisters. Click here for photo. |
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DPuri Foundation @ DDPuri.org For any questions or comments contact us at ulimasao@ipasifika.net