2018Tonga

Thursday this week was a usual day until I learnt that there was a planned visit to the palace. Greg and I had the choice to go (or not). Naturally we decided to go. Instructed to be at  the palace gate at 5pm, luckily we were early as the whole show started before 5.  The school bands/choirs performed really quite spectacular, many many speeches, prayers (all in Tongan naturally). But the highlight was being presented to the king. Just Greg, me, the school principal and Special K. Who's that you ask. The other Aussie here from Blue Mts, a teacher/missionary. Not teaching here but doing other stuff with staff training and generally getting involved in everything. Next weekend is the big school 152nd birthday. big big deal. The Newington retiring headmaster and the incoming Headmaster will be here. All the local big wigs will be here; various diplomats, high commissioners and the Tongan King and Queen. More news when the big weekend has happened.

With the start of Week five the half way mark for this term arrives. Five more weeks and we head to Hawaii for R&R. Nothing outstanding has happened, although cause to celebrate as we have had a record string of about 4 days with no interruptions to the water supply. Cooler weather is also now the norm, particularly in the evenings and morning before the sun rises at 7am. Last week we went to a Quiz night at a Billfish, in Nuka'Alofa. While our team of five (the maximum allowed per team, without penalty) were keen our enthusiasm did not reflect in the final results unfortunately. It was the Tongan round and the mystery location (Osaka) despite many photos we were unable to identify it. Still a fun night. It's monthly so we will try again in June to do better. Form 5 (Year 11 age group, but academic standard slightly lower) had their first National exam on Friday. It was an Aural with the passage recited over the radio for all of the country. It is still to be mark

Never a dull moment in Tonga. Well the week started as usual but by Tuesday morning we woke to the most violent thunder, wind and rain. So much rain that the boys remained in the school chapel until it quietened down (2 hours later). Now of course houses, class rooms and the grounds are absolutely awash. And as you can see the cows are enjoying added freedom. It may also be a respite from the bugs who I hope go elsewhere to shelter. The school's first round of inter school rugby matches started last Friday. Certainly a crowd to rival any GPS game and a lot more pomp and ceremony; including prayers, blessings, long talks and a fantastic emu parade at the end where over 300 boys cleaned the grounds. They won, beating their nemesis. As they train 5 afternoons a week and every morning except Saturdays and Sundays good results are expected. I have embarked on updating/upgrading the museum. (Cleaning out all the bugs, painting and reorganising). It is quite a treasure with an