| "Press Onward" |
| St. Joseph's Catholic Secondary, Tenaru - Placida Pita, Principal The first Marist Brothers' School began at Marau in 1938, but was discontinued during the Second World War. At the end of the war the late Philip Kakasi conducted a little school at Bula'abu, an island in the Langa Langa Lagoon. Six boys from the school at Bula'abu became the first students of St. Joseph's Tenaru when it opened on the 7th October 1946 on its present site, which was the old American No. 8 hospital. A co-education school, St. Paul's Secondary School was set up in 1965 at Aruligo. In 1972, St. Joseph's and St. Paul's combined to become a coeducational National Secondary School and its motto changed from "Spera in Deo" (Hope in God) to that of St. Paul's, "Press Onward". Currently the school has 337 students studying in Forms 1 to 6, and has a staff of 17 locals and 2 expatriate religious. Most of the students come from the rural areas. About 85% of the students are Catholic while the rest are from other denominations. The school endeavors to educate the whole person. Academic excellence is coupled with programmes for human and spiritual development. The teaching and learning programmes strive to help students to be able to participate fully in the growth of their own families, their communities and the nation. "It's wonderful to be a part of their life story, to accompany them as they grow and mature into adults" reflects a smiling Sr. Anne Ryan, OP, teacher of Maths, Geography and New Testament Studies at the school for over six years. Regular extra-curricular activities give the students the opportunity to celebrate their diversity, learn from the others, appreciate their differences and celebrate their unity as a nation. Individual and team assignments bring out the best in the students. Success and failure are all a part of their lives. "The teachers are kind and supportive and are with the students in indoor as well as outdoor activities", states Jenny Taukoni, Head Girl of the school. "I appreciate the stress on healthy ways of living that will constantly remain a part of me as I bring up and care for my own family", states Hilda Waitahi, a Form 3 Bina student. "Courage, humility, hard-work and dedication are important values that are learnt as the students engage in raising cattle, chickens, bees and in farming", states Thomas Kaoni, the Agricultural teacher who has been with St. Joseph's for the past 15 years. He continues, "Br. Paul has laid the foundation of Agricultural Education giving the students a broader educational base, additional revenue to the school and helps improve nutrition for the students. The students of St. Joseph's thus have an advantage over other school students." True to its motto, St. Joseph's Tenaru has prepared men and women to "Press Onward". Down the years hundreds in Solomon Islands owe their education and values to St. Joseph's Tenaru. May it continue to enrich the lives of its students and thus help build our 'Hapi Isles". Comments from Students and Staff "In spite of everything it's wonderful to have the school up and running and for this we thank the broader community for their tremendous support and backing offered to us during the recent crisis." -- Br. Joe Hughes, fms "Each of our lives are filled with difficulties, yet we 'Press Onward', striving at all times to recognize the talents God has given us and develop them." -- Mrs. Placida Pita, Principal "I hope that each student understands Catholic principles, appreciates other religions and matures both physically and spiritually" -- Theresa Hou, Religious Education Teacher "Everyday is a new mountain to climb and my joy in being a leader is in helping others to climb higher." -- Steven Erehiru, Form 6 Arts, Head Boy "As a leader I do my best to advise and encourage the others to follow the rules of the school. Following them we will be better persons". -- Jenny Taukoni, Form 6 Arts, Head Girl "I enjoy helping the students understand and relate science to life." -- Rinaldo Wale, Head of Science "Agricultural Education exposes students to different possibilities that are very useful in life." -- Thomas Kaoni, Agricultural Education * The above has been excerpted from The Voice Katolika, June 2001 edition, from Catholic Communications Solomons. |