Farewell to our Principal, Br James Skelton
Br James took over the leadership of Marist Centre in 2003. He has
overseen many developments at Ulimasao, especially in malaga groups coming to
help repair and repaint buildings. Much training has been given to local lay
staff, and the upgrading of their skills has us in the blessed position of a
very high proportion of our teachers qualified.
The Work Experience programme has been greatly strengthened and extended, so
that a large proportion of the students each year become employees of the firm
they have Work Experience with. It is therefore truly effective!
We are very grateful for the work Br James has done, and the help he has been so willing to give to staff, and students and their families. Much that is characteristic of the Centre today has come about through his initiatives.
Thank you, Simi.
He writes in a farewell email letter:
Dear Friends,
To be honest, I have truly enjoyed your company throughout my five years at Marist Centre. Now it is time to thank you for all you have done whether small or big for our Marist Centre. I thank you for your support at all times. This school has grown in strength through your personal support. My little faith has grown a little bit bigger after working with such beautiful people here in Savaii. I beg you to continue to support this Marist venture. Today our young adults returned from their work experience with their hearts full of hope. Out of the 68 students that went out for work experience 27 of them have got full time jobs. Straight after their graduation they will return to their work. What a real blessing!
What is important to me is that this school continues to grow and thrive.
Just think hard on what the Lord said "Birds have nests and pigs have pens but the Son of Man has no coconut to lay his head on". If faith prevails then money and other worries come later. Thanks once again for giving me the chance to serve, not always perfectly, but he tried hard to do his best. Mary, if it is your work, then open the eyes of those who are blind. The new team needs you next year and the years to come, so show them the same affection you showed me.
My address will still be the same and fmspalauli@lesamoa.net will remain the official school and community one.
God bless,
James fms