130th Anniversary Reunion 4th - 12th July 2009
Message from Fred Stevens
Bula Everyone,
This is Fred Stevens in Levuka just doing my bit in relaying news out of Levuka as well as following up on a suggestion from Sakenasa Varea that we could assist or compliment the wonderful work that is done by Matthew Robinson and others. (using Bhupen's computer at Gulabdas store)
THANK YOU - MATTHEW & THE TEAM
A well organised occasion as we were blessed with beautiful weather. To those of you who missed out, it was a memorable occasion and will bring back fond memories to those that attended the function. We did notice that quite a few who attended the last function five years ago couldn't make it, some were here on both occasions and there were a few that came in for the first time since they left school, like John Riley who came from the U.K.
Friday 10th July
A march beginning from the old MH Store (now the Community Centre) through town led by the St John's College Band in our house colours either in T Shirts or in Bula Shirts and in decades of your years at school. Looked very colourful as we marched through town up Hennings Street and into Garner Jones Road with a banner reading 'LPS WELCOMES YOU BACK AGAIN' flying just before the main gate into the Secondary School. That touched many hearts and I am sure some tears flowed as we entered the main gate into school. The school balconies and the vakatunuloa were well decorated.
After we assembled, a minute of silence was observed for those of our old scholars who had passed on over the past 5 years.
A Fijian Ceremony of welcome, led by Ratu Jope Sigarara (an old scholar & son of the late Turaga Bale na Tui Levuka) to welcome our Chief Guest, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the Vice-President of Fiji and also an old scholar of the school.
After the garlanding of the Chief Guest, devotion led by the School Chaplain followed.
The raising of the Fiji Flag accompanied by the singing of the National anthem by the school choir followed. The ceremony of Flag breaking, led by 5 of the school's Army Cadets accompanied by the LPS Band, saw the school flag (the school monogram & school motto) and the 4 house flags of Ma'afu, Mara, Tanoa & Qaraniqio flying in the light breeze that swept over the school in brilliant sunshine.
A word of welcome was delivered by the Provincial Administrator, Lomaiviti.
Speeches by Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Ratu Tu'akitau Cokanauto, Mrs Clark, (a former teacher of the school from NZ -late 50's-early 60's ), the Principal of the School, Mrs Ane Rika, Old Scholars address, and the current Head prefects of the school. Reflection by the Vice-Principal (Mrs Tuimanono), followed.
Cutting of the School's Birthday cake, by Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, who picked out a student from the school choir to cut the Birthday cake with him. It was very touching, to see a High Chief of Fiji doing a very humble act in the eyes of the present students & teachers, Ex-teachers & Old Scholars of Levuka Public School. The school song was sung by the school choir.
As morning tea was served, items by the present students of the school were performed. The USP dance group stole the show with a dramatic performance. (Caroline Peckham's son was one of the team members). Well prepared sumptious lunch followed - a good variety of food.
In the evening , dances at the town hall (Old scholars of the 90s to 2008), at the Royal Hotel (Old scholars of the 60s to the 80s) and at the Koromakawa was a Birthday bash for Mrs Clark and Mr Gibson (Old scholars of the 30s to the 50s).
Saturday 11th July
Sports (hockey) at the school grounds and a Tour to Rukuruku to John Artack's place for lovo lunch were the activities for the day.
Dance & Dinner at the Royal Hotel - Joe Chang (an Old scholar of the school) & his band provided great oldies music. Beautiful dinner was served.
Sunday 12th July
Church service at the School Hall followed by a wonderful lunch at the LPS Craft Centre. So much variety of food - great lunch. After lunch all boarded their respective buses and proceeded to the wharf to the Patterson's boat, the "Spirit of Harmony" back to the mainland and overseas.
It was a well organised programme. A big Thank you Matthew and of course Suliana Sandys and her brigade here in Levuka and not forgetting the Principal, the present teachers and students of the school. Vinaka Vakalevu for a job well done.
And to remind ourselves of the school's motto....LEST WE FORGET
Warm regards to you all from Levuka.
Fred Stevens
The following articles were printed in the Fiji Times and have been taken from the Fiji Times website. (Permission yet to be granted but is pending)
Levuka Public old scholars meet
Geraldine Panapasa
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The month of July has particularly been a very busy month. First, was the 130th anniversary celebration for Levuka Public School which was a week-long event beginning July 4 to July 12. Concurrent to that was the first Pacific Opera Domo ni Karmen for three nights beginning July 9 to July 11. Then there was the second Pacific Youth Festival hosted by Fiji with 13 participating Pacific Island countries and two Pacific Island universities from July 11 to July 18. In the sports arena, we had the Pacific Nations Cup at the tfl National Stadium in Suva and many other major sports tournaments. School students had the Kula Film Awards to look forward too and Tadra Kahani which is just around the corner.
But one event I was privileged to be a part of was the event that got the ball rolling for July - the 130th anniversary celebrations for Levuka Public School - one of the oldest educational institutions in Fiji. The occasion was more than just celebrating the school's 13 decades of existence. It was a cause for celebration as old scholars travelled far and wide to be part of the historic event.
One point Matthew Robinson, event coordinator and president of the LPS old scholars association, kept reminding me of was the relationship between LPS and the Fiji Times. Not only were the two celebrating their remarkable achievement - LPS reaching 130 years and the Fiji Times celebrating its 140th birthday this year - the two were also commemorating the lifelong contributions toward the development of the country. The special bond, however, was the fact that LPS and the Fiji Times date their origins to the place where it all began - Levuka.
Back to Levuka
The last time I set foot on Levuka was to cover an assignment on the official handover of the Fijian translation of the Deed of Cession in June last year. I found myself back there a little after a year and the town hadn't changed a bit. The feeling was still the same, going back in time to rediscover Levuka's place in Fiji's history.
The old Pacific Fishing Company is hard to miss as you enter the town. The burned remains of a section of the PAFCO building that caught fire last year were piled like scrap metal for sale. Businesses continued as usual although I vividly remember seeing empty shop spaces padlocked at the door and tightened with wood nailed horizontally on my last trip. Those are still there.
Children continued to splash in the sea near the market bridge, the Royal Hotel and Mary's Lodge had a relaxing atmosphere, and the market place had a good number of people to keep business going for the day.
All in all, Levuka is the place to keep Fiji's history alive. All it needs is help getting a spot on the World Heritage listing because what one can find there is enough to fill the pages of an encyclopedia.
Happy birthday LPS
I reached the adorable and very comfortable Levuka Homestay owned and managed by John and Marilyn Milesi before taking a five-minute stroll down to Levuka Public School. From the Homestay, I could hear loud music coming from the school grounds so it didn't take long to join in the fun.
I found myself in the company of old scholars and senior citizens who have continued to play an active role in community and national development. There was George Gibson who will turn 80 years old next month, former teacher and colleague Joy Clark who flew in from New Zealand with 15 immediate family members.
There was Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Jed Petersen, Suliana Sandys and Bob Naidu. Other accomplished old scholars include Mere Samisoni, Ratu Tu'uakitau Cokanauto, Leo Smith, Robert, George and Trevor Patterson, Ben Naidu, Cecil Browne, Queenie Wong, Ada Prins, Sakenasa Varea, Arthur Smith and Joe Brown, Mary Erasito, Henry Elder, Neville Peckham, Elizabeth Powell, Edmund Chang to name a few of the many.
"The reunion is a great event especially when former pupils and teachers come together. It's always about old times and some say old times are the best times," said Mr Gibson. "I wasn't quite excited at first but when the day drew nearer, I found it was a great way to meet up with pupils I taught and friends I went to school with. There are a lot of memories we have of Levuka and the school and these are memories we share with each other during reunions like this. It will be good to have Levuka on the World Heritage list so everyone in Fiji can have something to share," said Mr Gibson who has been nominated for a Pride of Fiji award.
The amazing bit about the reunion was the support from the old scholars who continuously donate and organise fundraisings for the school. A few overseas old scholars took time out to be with their former classmates including Ateca Suguturaga who returned to LPS after 30 years. She lives in Hawaii. "It's great to be back after 30 years and I'm excited about seeing Levuka again. I remember how the roads used to look so big when I was small," she said.
Another old scholar Ada Prins, from the United States said LPS taught her work ethics which have carried her over her long established career in the banking industry for 15 and a half years. "I wouldn't be where I am today without LPS and the dedicated teachers I had. They were the best teachers ever," she said. "They taught me to look far beyond the horizon. Nothing was too big to dream for or aspire to for a little girl from Levuka," said Ada who retired as vice-president of Zions Bank Corp, the largest bank in Utah.
Queenie Wong, a teacher at Mount Roskill Grammar School in Auckland, New Zealand, said the reunion and anniversary celebration was an excellent way to meet former pupils of LPS. She was the chief organiser of the 80th birthday celebration for former teachers Mrs Clark and Mr Gibson. "I keep in touch with former pupils almost everyday through emails and fortnightly with my former classmates for social gatherings," she said. "I'd like to see reunions like this held three yearly intervals instead of five as we, the older generation in the 60's, are not getting any younger. Sadly, many of our former pupils have passed on since the last reunion."
Jed Petersen, a retired insurance officer for Colonial Life and Health Insurance, was happy with the program organised by LPS management, teachers, students, parents and guardians during their school visitation on July 9. "The reunion and anniversary celebrations were beautiful and lovely. I left Levuka when I was 20 years old and it's great to be back," he said. "My memories of life in Levuka back then were lovely. We didn't know what race was because everyone was one. This is the best school in Fiji."
Part of the anniversary celebrations and reunion gathering included a visit to the late Tui Levuka's tomb in Vuma Village and a march through Levuka Town to LPS.
While another decade has come and gone for LPS, memories etched in the minds and hearts of former and current pupils will seal a bond only they know will live on with every passing year.
Meet and Greet at the Defence Club
Visit to the tomb of the late Tui Levuka
Birthday Celebrations. George Gibson and Joy Clark turn 80
80th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION KOROMAKAWA RESTAURANT, LEVUKA……….10TH JULY, 2009.
The 80th birthday celebration of the two teachers was organised by a team of former pupils of Mrs Joy Clark and Mr George Gibson.
It was the first time that such an event had been celebrated in the history of the school. How often does one get invited to one’s teacher’s party? Very rare in one former pupil’s opinion. Both teacher’s represent many others at the time at Levuka Public School as a liberal and progressive school. Many pupils agreed that regardless of class, girls and boys from the most humble of beginnings (provided you worked hard) could make it in a competitive and global world.
The birthday celebration was held at the Koromakawa Restaurant in Levuka. The restaurant decoration and food preparation was the responsibility of the organising team, but the superb catering was carried out by Patricia Riley and her staff. Several former pupils spoke and proposed toasts to Mrs Clark and Mr Gibson - they replied in turn and also thanked guests for their gifts and attendance.
Background music was played on the sound system and live music for dancing was provided by Henry Fong and his band.
Guests came to the birthday party from all over the world to say ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND THANKS’ to their former teachers. Everyone agreed that it had been a most enjoyable evening.
In a discussion during the night, several more senior former pupils commented on the continuity of education policies in the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Collectively they expressed their heartfelt appreciation (belated it maybe) to the New Zealand Government at the time as well as the New Zealand and local teachers for their expertise, kindness and support to Levuka Public School. “New Zealand gave us first class Headmasters and many teachers” commented a New Zealand trained Head teacher. “Well stocked sport’s equipment, books, stationery and furniture,” said a former Fiji sport’s international. “Discipline, hard work, self determination, culture, values and pride,” remarked an overseas trained chartered engineer.
C.McGoon
On behalf of the Organising Team.
Levuka Public Primary School as hosts
Acknowlegements
a. from Matthew
Thank you Ada and Fred for your respective acknowledgements and appreciate the thought.
The success of any organised events such as this just completed boils down to team work, team spirit and co-operation and this is what made it to be the best so far since the 1979 centenary celebrations. The 1979 event is still exceptional because of its significance. I have attended all so far except 2004 and have been either directly or indirectly involved in all aniversary celebrations to date and certainly look forward to the next.
As co-ordinator for this year's celebrations, I wish to also record my appreciation and vinaka vakalevu to you all that attended from around Fiji, NZ, Australia, UK, France, USA, Hawai'i, Canada, Dubai and PNG and it was indeed a pleasure having you all here and know you have returned fully satisfied that you were able to make it back to school after many years of absence. For those of you that missed out, better luck next time. These re-unions will continue to bring us back together irrespective of our public standing or political affiliations and please see it in that spirit.
We must also acknowledge the younger old scholars who came forward in big numbers during this celebrations and thank you for your support and presence unlike in past.
A big thank you to the Principal Ane Rika and her team for the great welcome put on for us on the Friday morning 10th July despite your short time together since your appointments and the PTA committee and parents for their part as well which was tremendous. We also wish to acknowledge the Primary section for the hospitality extended to us on Thursday morning 9th July. We must also thank Ada, Dan, Tetha and Tu Seru plus the other members of the USA/Canada chapter for the donation of pens, pencils and calculators for the Primary school and the Rickett family for their donation of ball pens as well for the secondary department. These items will be sold to generate revenue and assist the school with incidental expenses and what a wonderful gesture this has been to both the schools.
I wish to also thank my vice president Suliana Sandys, Master Vili and Gwen Sahai for their great efforts together with our old scholars of our Levuka branch for a job well done all for that wonderful weekend. That Sunday lunch was great indeed and we couldnt have wished for a better farewell lunch with such a spread.
Thank you and well done Queenie and Viti for organising the birthday bash for Mrs Clark and Mr Gibson and was told that every one enjoyed them selves.
Thank you also to Ambo, Ratu Tuki, Gardiner, George, Cecil, Trevor and the team for the wonderful contribution in providing drinks for our old scholars at the Defence Club on the night of our "meet and greet" function. This treat sure kept the party alive through out the evening and to the extent that poor Ambo missed out on his meal and sorry about that Ambo.
Thank you George and Trevor for the professional care extended in accomodating us over and back from Levuka during the celebrations and which was done in comfort and speed on their ferry the Spirit of Harmony. Thank you also for the bus in taking us down to Vuma to lay our wreath on the late Tui Levuka's tomb.
In concluding and what a 'soli' it was at school on Friday 10th July with $15,223.67 from old scholars and of which 58% came from our smallest group the USA/Canada chapter consisting of Ada and Dan, Tetha and Tu Seru, Wing and Dona, Dorothy, Elayne and Violet and we are forever grateful to you all for your tremendous support to our school and wonder at times how we would be with out your chapter's contribution.
Thank you also Sydney, Auckland, Nadi, the individual Suva groups of old scholars, Levuka and the various individual family contributions like Mrs Clark and family, Ada Prins, Tetha, Wing Kang, Karen, Ratu Epeli, Queenie Wong, Edmund Chang, Bob and Vijaya Naidu and Nicky Yoshida and many more who went up and gave from their hearts and if we had all played our part in achieving our targets we would have easily exceeded the 20 plus mark but its a learning turf for us in preparation for our next re-union in 2014. Wish to also thank Mary and Ben Naidu for their ever willing assistance in bringing items over for the school just before the re-union, freight- free like the new chairs we were given to sit on during the celebrations both at Primary on Thursday and Secondary on Friday 10th July. We are expecting some donation of library books for both the schools in due course arranged through Mary Erasito and another lot through Violet Savu from Mrs Siwatibau and am sure the couple will oblige in sending through for us on the same arrangement.
There has been some very strong suggestions about a mini re-union in 2011 from certain individuals before the main one in 2014 and would welcome your thoughts or input with this suggestion please.
Again I say thank you sincerely to you all for your individual support and ideas of assistance in making this re-union celebrations a success and thank you Fiji Times and Geraldine for the coverage you gave us before and after the events and look forward to seeing you all again at the next one in 2014.
Vinaka and moce mada,
Matthew Robinson.
Co-ordinator 2009 Celebrations.
b. from Ada
Thanks Fred for your e-mail.
Thank you to Ratu Epeli Nailatikau for taking time out of his busy schedule to pay homage to our beloved school.
Yes - Matthew and his crew did a fantastic job organizing this Reunion. We all appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into making this Reunion a huge success. Thank you LPS - PTA, parents, teachers, students, Suliana Sandys, Matthew for a really marvelous time. It was great catching up with everyone after all these years! It was "First Class" all the way - from the "Meet and Greet" party at the Defence Club on the 4th, to the moving Church service at the school on the 12th.
Thank you George Patterson for being very accommodating with the travel arrangements.
Thank you Joe Chang and your band of renown - best music ever.
To the Royal Hotel, Mavida Guest House, Levuka Homestay, and families who accommodated us all - a special "Vinaka Vaka levu!"
For those of you who couldn't attend - you missed out on a truly wonderful time. We will all have to catch up on the next one. George Patterson suggested a small reunion every 2 years - sounds like a good idea to me.
On a lighter side - to Stan Smith - there are some of us out there still saving "The Last Dance" for you!
Again - thank you Levuka, LPS and to all who helped make this a very memorable occasion.
Ada Prins (Whippy)
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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