The U15 Rugby and Service Learning Tour to Tupou College was once again a great success this year.

The relationship between our communities has clearly grown over the last few years as a result of the time that we have spent together on each other’s campuses.

While on tour, we were privileged to be in the company, meet and try to dance for, The Queen Mother, Halaevalu Mata’aho, wife of the late King Tupou IV (ON 1936). She has a great affection for Newington College and said that she was very happy to see us in Tonga.

Another highlight of the Tour this year was the annual delivery of a container of resources. It was sponsored by Ken Grover from Gulliver’s Sport Travel and is an opportunity for our community to enhance Tupou College’s teaching resources.

This year, with the help of the Newington College Community, we sent textbooks, science equipment, classroom furniture, laptops, a data projector and other IT equipment, farming equipment, clothes, catering equipment and various Rugby resources.

During the tour we also played two games of Rugby. We won our fixture against Tupou College for the first time and the second game was a mixed game where everyone was a winner!

In terms of hands-on work, our boys and staff worked in Tupou College’s new pre-school and gifted them toys and learning resources. Ms Organ conducted Science lessons with the donated microscopes, Mr Corcoran taught English and Mr Gill and myself gave Woodwork lessons.

Mr Gill also ran some Rugby clinics for coaches and players, whilst Ms Organ coached Tupou College’s first Football team!

Newington boys spent a large part of their trip unloading the container and their efforts were much appreciated.

The Tour Blog describes the day-to-day happenings of the tour.

Our staff and boys all count themselves blessed to have been welcomed with open arms and hearts by our family at Tupou College. We all have many fond memories and have have learned valuable lessons on how we should live for others, that no doubt will serve us well in the years ahead.

There is no better testament to the success of this year’s tour than the boys own comments about their experience.

Bayley Kuenzle (9/MA)

“Going to Tupou College was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Just hanging out with the Tupou boys, playing Rugby and seeing what it is like to go to school in Tonga was very special. The food and hospitality was awesome, and the brotherhood between the Tupou and Newington boys really thrived. This tour has certainly changed me. I have been on many tours before, but this one is by far the best. I really recommend going on the tour in the future.”

Louis Gray (9/MO)

“I liked that they were so friendly and welcoming and that they put such an effort into making our stay as good as possible. I also loved giving back to Tupou College and seeing how much they appreciated it.”

Zac Newton (10/LE)

“It is such a life changing experience getting to know their culture and how they live. Getting to know the boys was like meeting relatives that you have never met.”

Cameron Murray (10/ME)

“The most heart-warming experience I have ever been a part of. The memories we have shared with the students and staff at Tupou cannot be replaced. Everything about the trip was so special.”

This tour could not have been such a success without the tireless efforts of Mr Corcoran, Mr Gill, Ms Organ as well as all of our boys who made sure we were respectful and giving during our time at Tupou College. Their huge contribution to this unique relationship is very much appreciated.

Mr Cameron Quince
Tupou College Tour Co-ordinator/Head of Fletcher House