Governor Lolo Moliga and several department heads joined DOE Director Dr. Ruth Matagi Tofiga, principals, teachers and support staff like bus drivers, cooks, librarians and maintenance personnel at the opening of the 2018-2019 school year at the Tafuna High School Gym this morning.
The chosen theme for the new school year is Committed to Learning for All.
The governor’s remarks at the gathering was directed mainly to the teachers and how important their vocation is …to educate our children, who are the future of American Samoa. Lolo said the future begins today, not tomorrow.
Governor Lolo acknowledged the World Teach Organization which has sent a new crop of volunteer teachers, for their continued commitment and support.
He gave special recognition to the bus drivers saying they perform a critical service in the education of our children.
Director Dr. Matagi-Tofiga also gave special mention to the bus drivers saying, “Bus drivers are the first people your child sees on the way to school and the last one when school is out. They deliver the parents’ precious cargo – their children.”
The director thanked the governor and cabinet for their ongoing work with the Adopt-A-School Program and other community entities for their labor, resources and support with repairs to the schools.
She said the improved conditions in classrooms would not be possible were it not for these efforts and collaboration of the various departments.
Dr. Matagi-Tofiga introduced Territorial Teacher of the Year- Ms. Rosalee Shoulders and Territorial Principal of the 2017-2018 Year Ms. Martha Sagapolutele.
