10 August 2013
Marist Prepares for 125 Years Anniversary
by Lo Sam Sapatu, 4SJC88 Media Officer.
Months of planning will culminate in a week long celebration to commemorate Marist Brothers’ Primary School 125th Year
Anniversary from 24 August to 1 September 2013. The Executive Committee of the Marist Brothers Old Pupils’ Association
(“MBOPA”) is tasked with organising this auspicious event.
The anniversary aims to bring the Marist fraternity together, with members travelling from overseas. MBOPA will also use
some of activities during the anniversary to raise funds to finance the new building currently being constructed at
Marist Brothers’ Primary School, Mulivai. The new building will house a modern science laboratory and library plus rooms
for arts and sports. The estimated cost of the building and content (equipment, chemicals and furniture) is around $1.2m
to $1.5 million tala.
MBOPA also hopes to raise funds by calling on all its members to register for the 125th Anniversary Celebrations. The
minimum registration fee is $100 per member (anyone who was educated in any Marist Brother school). Only registered
members will be issued with a commemorative Marist badge. The badge entitles a member to discounts at selected events
and free entry at the cocktail and Sunday to’onai.
The uniform for the 125th Anniversary Celebration can be purchased at Eveni Carruthers. The uniform consists of navy
blue lāvalava and two elei shirts (or tops for ladies) – green and blue. Souvenir polo shirts and neck ties are also on
sale.
There are exciting activities being planned for the anniversary celebrations. For example, there is the pre-celebration
golf tournament on 24 February at Faleata Golf Course. It costs $250 to enter a team and will be opened to the Marist
fraternity, friends and business partners. The prize giving for golf will be held at the MBOPA Lounge at Alafua.
There is also a “Fight for Marist” on Tuesday night 27 February with the main bout featuring professional boxer, Vaitele
Soi. Vaitele started his boxing career with the Marist Boxing Club. He will be fighting up and coming boxer, Hugo Fata
Kelepi of Afega. There will be 10 amateur bouts, 2 faafafine bouts and 3 professional bouts. Corporate tables will be
sold at $1,000 per table but there will also be single admission ticket of $20 tala for general public (paid at the
door). According to Peseta Kasiano Ioane, President of MBOPA, “It was the Marist Brothers who introduced boxing to Samoa
so it is only fitting that we have a boxing event during the anniversary celebrations.”
The Class of 88 (Form 4, 1988, St Joseph’s College) will be hosting a “Rock da Boat” cruise on Friday evening 30 August.
Since most members of this class have turned or will be turning 40 years old this year, the theme of the cruise is
“UB40”. With Taula being the main sponsor of the cruise, the mantra on the boat will be “Taula lou olaga, toe afua se
amataga”.
Another big activity being planned is the Marist Ball on Saturday 31 August. The Harlem Gospel Choir will be performing
at the Ball. This world famous choir from New York had performed for royalty, President Obama, two Popes, etc. Corporate
tables are also available at $1,000 per table.
Other activities for the anniversary include the opening mass, career day, talent show night, sports day, prayer
evening, march pass in town, opening of the new building, cultural performances and farewell toonai.
“We are very excited with the activities we have planned and we urge all our members to come register now so we can all
join the anniversary celebrations and finance our new building.” says Peseta. He also acknowledged with gratitude the
support of the gold sponsors such as Samoa Beverage Company (Taula and Sama), Bluesky, SSAB and SIFA.
All tickets for the anniversary activities may be purchased from SSAB Megastore, Togafuafua or at the Bluesky
tents/booths at Eleele Fou and NPF Plaza during working hours. Those who want to register can also register at the same
places. After hours registration is also possible at the MBOPA Lounge, SJC Centennial Hall, Alafua every Wednesday and
Friday nights.
ends