Marist spirit strong among Samoans in Sydney

01 August 2017, 12:00AM

The Hall at Edensor Park in Sydney Australia was packed with ex- students of Marist St Joseph’s Alafua and members of the Samoan community who have now made Sydney their home last Saturday. 

The occasion, according Marist Sydney Old Pupils Association President, Hendry Lees, was to raise money to purchase computers for the school back in Samoa. 

“We live in Sydney but we always want to contribute to the development of St Josephs, it is our way of giving back to our school. O le sipili faamalisi,” he said.

Apart from fundraising to purchase computers for the school, the association had already started a full scholarship funding programme. 

According to the President, every year the principal of the school selects one student from year 9 to year 13 as the winner of the scholarship, on the proviso that he or she comes from Savai’i. 

The Association pays for the recipient’s school fees, stationaries, uniforms and travel expenses for a whole year to and from Savai’i.

Nuafesili Tavita Sio, patron of Marist Sydney, said: “For those who have come through the Marist system, they’ll know that the Marist Spirit and brotherhood are the underlying convictions that drive them to their successes.”

Treasure Lawrence Chan Mow, said: “If there’s one thing that I’ve learned since connecting with the Marist Sports Club, there is a certain culture of brotherhood that keeps them together no matter what.”

Treasurer, Joe Fainuu echoed the same sentiment.

“Marist Old Pupils Association Sydney are grateful to the support by members of the Samoan community especially support and presence of their Samoan brothers, Scott Sio (Wallaby), Seilala Lam ( Manu Samoa), Junior Paulo (Canberra Raiders) and Tosimae’a Tupua (Barrister & Solicitor).”

01 August 2017, 12:00AM
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