|
The SchoolsTokaikolo Education SystemHow Tokaikolo Education System was established Tokaikolo Education System had its beginnings back in 1979. At that time, the present director of the system and president of the Tokaikolo Christian Church, Rev. Dr Liufau V. Saulala, together with the late Rev. Senituli ‘o e Lotu Koloi (founder of the Church) had a vision to establish a school which would be Christ-centred, teaching all aspects of the curriculum from a Christian perspective. While visiting the United States in 1979-1980, the two ministers discovered that there were Christian schools there which were already doing just what they had envisioned. After contacting some Christian schools there who were members of the International Association of Christian Schools (ACSI), the two ministers returned to Tonga and co-founded the first school of the Tokaikolo Education System in February 1980. It was named Lavengamālie College (a.k.a. Lavengamālie Christian Academy).
Classes were held under the trees at Lavengamālie in the early 1980’s.
The people worked together to construct the first schoolhouse. The walls were of bamboo and the roof of sheets of iron The Name Lavengamālie:The name of the first school in the system refers to the opportunity we are each given because our sin burden has already been laid on the Lord Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 53:6). Jesus is the source of our opportunity and we gain the benefits of a renewed spirit and eternal life because of His finished work on the cross. Therefore everything in this life and the next is blessed by the life of Jesus Christ. In Tongan, this is expressed in the word “Lavengamālie”. It was on this foundation, and from this parent school, that the present Tokaikolo Education System began.
The first 3 school huts built between 1880-1982
School hut 2 was built in 1981 Form 4 classes were held here. LAVENGAMĀLIE COLLEGELavengamalie College, also known as Lavengamālie Christian Academy, was the first school established by the church in 1980. It is therefore the parent school of the Tokaikolo Education System. The school enrols students from Kindergarten up to Form 7. (Year 13).It has been a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) since its foundation. Like the church the school has a protestant, evangelical philosophy of education that is foundational to all activities carried out within it. The academy in Tonga is divided into two sections: Lavengamālie College (Years 9 to 13 or Grades 8-12) and Lavengamālie Christian Primary (Elementary) School (Years 1-8, or, K5 to Grade 7) The total enrolment in the two schools, both primary and secondary in 2006 was 850 students. Of these, 300 students or 35% were enrolled in the college section, and the remaining 65% were in the combined primary and intermediate sections.
Reverend Senituli Koloi preaching at the opening assembly of Lavengamālie College in February 1980
In the 1980’s assembly was held in the first bamboo hut. Students sat on the floor.
Assembly conducted outside by Rev.Liufau Saulala in 1981
The late Deaconess ‘Ahino Tupou First Principal of the College in 1980 and the Deputy Principal Administration between 1982-2003
Michael, Jill and Ben Simpson in 1989. Jill taught at the College for 22 years between 1981-2002 and was Deputy Principal from 1986.
In the early 1980’s.Teachers lived in bamboo houses with thatched roofs
Children at Lavengamālie in 1983 had homemade desks Expansion of the Education System In the 27 years between 1980-2006 the school system has grown steadily. In 2006 there are nine kindergartens, five primary schools, one secondary school and two tertiary institutions (See the chart Learning Centers in Tokaikolo Education System). The decision to begin the education system by establishing kindergartens and later building up to higher levels was made with the understanding that it is very important to introduce children to the Saviour and to Christ-centred education when they are young so that a strong foundation would be laid for their future learning. The Mission Statement of Tokaikolo Education SystemOur mission is to glorify God through the ministry of education from a Biblical perspective, in order to bring salvation to students and their families and to effectively prepare students for life, ministry and evangelism in the Asia-Pacific region.
Hepeloni Christian Elementary School at San Palo Alto in 2003 The Kindergartens
Children and teachers of ‘Otumu’omu’a Kindergarten, Nomuka, Ha’apai
The classroom at Tu’u ‘ia Kalaisi Kindergarten, Kolonga, Tongatapu
Children and teachers of ‘Ofa Mo’oni Christian Kindergarten, Pangai, Haapai
Children and teachers of NamoaChristian Pre-school, Nasaleti, New Zealand
‘Otumu’omu’a Christian Kindergarten in Nomuka, Ha’apai
Children playing at ‘Otumu’omu’a LEARNING CENTRES IN THE TOKAIKOLO EDUCATION SYSTEM
Principals and Supervisors of Learning Centres in 2006Lavengamālie Christian University (USA & Tonga) Lavengamalie College (Tonga) Lavengamālie Christian School (Tonga) Hepeloni Christian School (USA) ‘Ofa Mo’oni Christian School (Ha’apai) Maama’anga Christian School (Vava’u) Pacific Christian School (Auckland, NZ) Namoa Christian Pre-school (Auckland, NZ) Tu’u ‘ia Kalaisi Kindergarten (Kolonga, Tonga) Fungani ’o e ‘Ilo Kindergarten (Niuatoputapu) ‘Otumu’omu’a Kindergarten (Nomuka, Ha’apai)  Lavengamalie Christian Elementary School, Tonga The A Beka Book Christian School CurriculumThe Curriculum that is used in all the schools of the Tokaikolo Education System is called With the help of the curriculum provided by A Beka Books,all our curriculum subjects are taught and interpreted from a biblical perspective, that is, from a Christian Worldview. It is our aim to help train our students in partnership with their parents, to think and live in accordance with God’s Word.
LAVENGAMĀLIE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Rev.Dr Liufau Saulala and Rev. Sione Maile presiding at the opening of Lavengamālie Christian Academy and University in San Palo Alto in 2002. Beginning in the USAIn August of 2003, Tokaikolo Christian Church in Palo Alto registered the new tertiary division of the Tokaikolo Education System. The founder was Rev. Dr Liufau V. Saulala. It was named Lavengamālie Christian University (USA). At the same time the school which had begun as Hepeloni Christian School changed its name to Lavengamalie Christian Academy. Over 500 people attended the opening ceremony. Any person of any ethnic background is welcome to attend. The MissionThe mission of the new university is to provide high quality Christ-centred education which will equip students for future service to God in various fields. Our desire is to lead our students to a firm commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word the Bible with the hope that they would go out to serve Him in many areas of community life. Our first students graduated with Associate Degrees in 2005. They are continuing their studies at Pensacola Christian College in 2006There are two branches of the University- one in San Francisco and the other in Tonga. We have been accepted by Patten University, Oakland, CA, for affiliation, in association with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Alameda; CA. We will also be affiliated with other universities in the future.
Lavengamalie University Administration Building in Tonga The First Year in the USACourses available in the first year (2003-2004) included Security Training, Teacher Training and Biblical Studies. Classes were held in the evenings in the newly constructed buildings of Lavengamālie Christian Academy (USA) – previously known as Hepeloni Christian School.
The First Year in TongaIn February 2004 the University’s roll increased substantially with the opening of an extension in Tonga. This was established in the grounds of Lavengamālie College. A wider range of courses became available and additional faculty members were employed. A total of sixteen students were enrolled in the two centres in their first years- ten in Tonga and six in the USA. An Associate Degree in Humanities was offered at both campus’s - providing an academic programme in general education without a major concentration. This programme covered a variety of studies in the arts and sciences preparing the student for his/her later area of specialization. The FutureWork continues with establishing the curriculum and administration of these two new tertiary institutions. The initial plan is to offer Associate of Arts and Science degrees only and to have 5 main subject divisions or faculties. These are: Biblical Studies, General Education, Mathematics & Sciences, Business & Marketing and Nursing.. Once the Associate program has become established our aim is to move up to offering full Degree programmes, initially in association with other Christian universities overseas. We are set on a course to becoming a truly Christian tertiary provider and are working, with God’s help to make every aspect of our two campus’s - their curricula, sports, music, social activities and the student’s residential lives - reflect and follow our Guide and Master Jesus Christ. We look forward expectantly to what God will do in the years to come. The First Graduation Ceremony- December 2005
Dr Steve Kumar (Christian Philosopher and Apologist) First Guest Speaker at the University graduation
Graduating students with Tongan and USA flags
The first Graduation of the University was held at Lavengamālie in December 2005. PACIFIC CHRISTIAN SCHOOL-Auckland, NZ.
Hon. Titilupe Fane Tupouvava’u Tuita
The School’s Founder: Rev. Dr. Liufau.Vailea.Saulala A Brief HistoryPacific Christian School was opened in February 2005 by Honorable Titilupe Fane Tupouvava‘u Tuita. The new school is situated in the Church’s property, Nasaleti, at Mangere Bridge, Auckland, New Zealand. It is presently in its second year and has 85 students from Years 1 to 8. The church employs 8 teachers. It is envisioned that the school will grow in stages and that after 5 years it will reach a roll of approximately 500 students from Years 1 to 13.Mission Statement“The mission of Pacific Christian School is to glorify God through the ministry of education from a Biblical perspective, in order to bring salvation to students and their families and to effectively prepare students for life, ministry and evangelism in the Asia-Pacific region” Our vision is based on 1Timothy 2:4-5. The school aims to provide a broad, Christ-centred Biblically-based education. We strive for excellence in all areas of the curriculum in order that God might be glorified and that students would be prepared for christian leadership and service in the future.
Children of Pacific Christian School at the opening festivities in February 2005 The CurriculumPacific Christian School uses the A Beka Book Christian school curriculum.As described above, this Christ-centred curriculum is committed to ensuring that God is central to all areas of learning. A Beka is supplemented with units specific to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands for history and geography.
Students in Year One in Pacific Christian School in 2005 The CharterPacific Christian School is a Christ-centred and Biblically- based educational community, therefore:
(This charter is common to all schools in the Tokaikolo Education System) Educational Goals/Aims of Pacific Christian School
Boys of Pacific Christian School enjoy a game of rugby on Mangere Mountain |
