Last week, our school community welcomed students and staff from Apifo'ou College, who were visiting from Tonga.

Our two colleges share a rich history dating back to the 1960s, when students from Apifo’ou first travelled, by boat, to St Bede’s.In 2020, we formalised this connection through a school exchange programme designed to provide students and staff from both colleges with valuable personal and professional development opportunities in an international Catholic Marist setting. During the mihi whakatau, the voices of Apifo’ou College’s students filled our gymnasium and our hearts. Watch the video below.

Apifo’ou College’s students have participated in many activities during their stay including the first ever rugby match between the two schools. Our Apifo'ou College visitors were farewelled with a rousing haka on Monday.

Speaking about the visit, Bede's College Head of Ministry Rachel Pitcaithly said:

"It has been 100% joyful, our boys have learnt so much from the Apifo’ou students, its been a wonderful experience".