Anglican Schools - Diocese of Polynesia

The Diocese of Polynesia recently held its inaugural orientation program for Head Teachers and Principals from all Anglican Schools within the Diocese (Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga). This event was a follow-up to the Talanoa that took place at the Diocesan headquarters (MAST) in late November 2024 and serves as one of the key outcomes of that gathering establishing this orientation as an annual fixture for the Diocese's Anglican School leaders. Taking place on January 16th and 17th in Suva, the program brought together 10 Principals and Head Teachers, alongside representatives from the Anglican School Office of the Province and Grant Hope from St John's College Trust Board. Together, they addressed pressing challenges facing the schools and began charting a path forward under the guidance of Archbishop Sione Uluilakepa and Mr. Feiloakitau Kaho Tevi of the Anglican Church Diocese of Polynesia.

Throughout the two-day event, participants engaged in open discussions regarding the various challenges these schools encounter. Issues such as infrastructure and resource constraints, academic difficulties, social concerns—including abuse—and governance matters were all on the table. A significant aspect of the orientation included the introduction of the Pacific Church-Based Approach—Safe and Resilient Church, which utilized CIVA methodology and QGIS tools, Archbishop Sione's Charge and the Strategic Plan 2024 -2030 of the Diocese to provide valuable insights for the schools.

Immediate actions with ongoing strategies, Anglican schools in the Diocese of Polynesia aim to offer a holistic education that empowers students and reinforces community ties. This clearly demonstrates the unique role Anglican Schools play in the Pacific region.

The event wrapped up with a shared sense of purpose and a renewed dedication to creating resilient, inclusive, and well-resourced schools that embody the spirit of the Anglican mission. With such a comprehensive and forward-thinking agenda, these head teachers are well-equipped to inspire meaningful transformation in their institutions and the lives they touch.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey in Anglican education throughout the Diocese of Polynesia!