Father McQuire says Goodbye To Samoa

Written by Astrid Sesega
Saturday, 01 December 2007
Father Kevin McQuire - Chanel College Principal Channel College has seen many great changes to the school since outgoing Principle, Father Kevin McQuire, began at the school. Originally from New Zealand, Father McQuire has spent the larger portion of his career working in schools in the Pacific and will now be moving on to work in a new secondary school in Fiji. He believes he is now leaving the school at a perfect time and in much better condition than when he arrived. “It is now time for someone new to come in with fresh ideas,” he says, “It’s not going to fall down behind me.” Since Father McQuire began six years ago, the school roll has increased, classrooms have been renovated and built and computers have been introduced. Channel College now caters for students at year thirteen level and the roll has increased by 100 per cent in the past six years, from just over 200 students to 430 students in 2007. Of the students exam results he says they have held steady over the years but there is still room for improvement in academia and sports. One of the biggest aspects Father McQuire is proud of is the five computer labs which have been put in place. The school now has 108 computers, which could possibly be the largest number of computers in a school in Samoa, and internet access is being set up for four of those computers. All of his students are able to go onto a computer almost every day, desks and chairs for the labs were all donated by the Canada Fund. A number of classrooms, a Chapel, new toilet blocks and a tennis court were also built under the leadership of Father McQuire. This year he says his students have been excellent and the school is beginning to have less discipline problems. He says he has had a great set of prefects as well, “they have had a very good spirit”. Since being in Samoa, Father McQuire has made some very close life long friends whom he will miss when he leaves, including the Head of State, His Highness, Tupua Tamasese Efi. Another friend he mentioned was Peter Meredith who is a member of the board. Of him he states, “He has been very supportive, behind me all the way.” His time in Samoa has been very interesting he says, it is a very good community and he has had a happy time. After his six year term in Fiji, he is not sure whether he will continue teaching or retire in Fiji, he has been teaching since he was ordained in 1967. “I don’t expect to [be teaching], I am getting a bit old now. “But you never know.” Before coming to Samoa, Father McQuire was in Tonga for eight years as a Chancellor. Father McQuire leaves for Fiji on Friday. Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Title Comment
Last Updated ( Saturday, 01 December 2007 )

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