Graduation Day at St Pius X Parish Kindergarten

Columban Fr John McEvoy presents certificates to the kinder students - Photo: Fr John McEvoy

While my Columban confreres, Frs Frank Hoare and Donal McIlratih attended the graduation ceremonies for newly professed teachers at Corpus Christi Teachers Training Collage and the graduation ceremony of seminarians attending the Pacific Regional Seminary, I was content to head off to the graduation day for the 4-5 year-olds who attended the kindergarten in St Pius X parish Raiwaqa in 2022. 

This little kindergarten was started as a play group for young children back in the year 2000 by two Columban lay missionaries from the Philippines who were working in the parish. It is nothing short of a miracle how it has kept going over the years. At first it was a small parish project, and the teachers were paid a small stipend by the parish. It grew and was eventually recognised by the Department of Education. 

The Children finished their entertainment by singing and wishing us all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  - Photo:Fr John McEvoyThe Children finished their entertainment by singing and wishing us all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  - Photo:Fr John McEvoy 

Each morning in the parish hall the kindergarten classes take place. There is no space for outdoor playing. There is no fancy equipment, outside or inside – just basic teaching aids which the teachers make the best use of.

The years before the pandemic about 35-40 children attended this pre-school every year and all were ready for and excelled in primary schools throughout Suva. Obviously during the pandemic classes were suspended. This year they got back on the road again with a smaller roll of 22. It was a privilege for me to be invited back by the two teachers, Aloisia Tugaga and Vinita Samy to be the chief guest for Graduation Day on December 7th.

Of course, no such function coming up to Christmas would be complete without the arrival of Santa Claus - Photo: Fr John McEvoyOf course, no such function coming up to Christmas would be complete without the arrival of Santa Claus - Photo: Fr John McEvoy

For the occasion the hall was colourfully decorated, the children wore similar colour shirts and dresses (kolavata). The certificates were professionally prepared with each child’s photo on them. The entertainment by these 4-year-old children was amazing. Parents and guardians had prepared a thanksgiving lunch for all.

Of course, no such function coming up to Christmas would be complete without the arrival of Santa Claus. Sure, enough he arrived before the end of the celebration to everyone’s delight. The Children finished their entertainment by singing and wishing us all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May I do exactly do the same. May the wonder of the Birth of Christ fill our hearts with love and compassion for others this Christmas.

Columban Fr John McEvoy lives and works in Fiji.

Graduation Photos - Photos: Fr John McEvoy

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