The St. Mary’s Old Girls Association (SMOGA) has launched the year-long celebrations for St. Mary’s College's 70th Anniversary, with a focus on two key development projects.

This year, SMOGA is fundraising and planning for a fully equipped science laboratory to support the growing number of students and bathrooms and a shelter for the school’s netball courts.

The celebrations began on Sunday, 30 November, ahead of the official anniversary year in 2026. The early start allows for meaningful spiritual activities, gives SMOGA members abroad time to travel to Samoa, and ensures sufficient time to plan and fundraise for the projects, which are expected to be handed over to the school next November.

Founded in 1956 by the SMSM Sisters, St. Mary’s College has produced thousands of women who are pillars of families, communities, workplaces, churches, and government. In past milestone anniversaries – the 50th, 55th, 60th, and 65th – SMOGA members have come together to fundraise for school projects such as the school hall, a school van, the library, and recently in 2021, the netball courts.

The launch began with a mass at the Immaculate Cathedral, Mulivai, officiated by Fr. Mikaele Mataafa, attended by the SMSM Sisters, students, and SMOGA members to commit the year and Association plans to the Lord. This was followed by a Sunday lunch at the SMC Hall in Vaimoso.

“It is a joy to be able to serve the school we learned so much from through SMOGA. As we start this year-long journey of celebrations, we honour the memory of the SMSM Sisters, teachers and SMOGA Members who came before us. We celebrate with thanksgiving those we are blessed to still have with us, and we strive to set an example of a strong Association grounded in Sisterhood and Service for our daughters who will take over after us,” said Marlene Kathleen Mulipolas, President of SMOGA.

She said that all their work is guided by faith in the Holy Spirit and devotion to Mother Mary, and that a Corporate Table Dinner is planned for Saturday, 6 December.