On Monday 23rd September 2024, a student of Maluafou College was seriously injured in an altercation between the students of St Joseph’s College and Maluafou College in Apia. Almost two weeks prior on 12th September, a fight had also taken place in town which was started when students of Maluafou College stoned a bus carrying students of St Joseph’s College.

We as the Board of Governance for St. Joseph’s College, are extremely disappointed with the actions of a few students of the College which did not meet the expectations of conduct typically upheld at our Marist school.

The Marist Brothers’ Governance Board takes full responsibility for the unacceptable behaviour of the students involved which has again tarnished the good name of the College. We sincerely apologise to the general public and to Maluafou College, and in particular, the student who was injured during the altercation.

Following St Joseph’s College four year ban from all sports earlier this year, the College strengthened its Code of Conduct for Students and put in place new policies relating to discipline. This was done with the assistance of the Board, a consultant and members of the Marist Old Pupils Association.

We are confident these measures and policies are the right ones and will strengthen discipline within the College. However, these latest incidents show that it will take time for these measures to be instilled in the students and to change the prevailing culture of the College. A full investigation is currently being conducted and the Board reviewing methods to make the policies more effective.

The incumbent principal has tendered his resignation, which the Board has accepted.

As part of this latest review, the Board has resolved to appoint Br Kevin O’Malley (who has returned from a short break overseas) as Acting Principal of St Joseph’s College until a new Principal is appointed. The process to recruit a new principal started in July 2024, with shortlisting about to be conducted.

Br Kevin had spent many years in Samoa and was also a former principal of St Joseph’s College for many years. Aside from being principal, he will review, oversee and strongly enforce the measures relating to discipline at the College.

He will be supported by the members of the Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association who are all deeply hurt and embarrassed by the recent incidents; particularly during this time as they mourn the passing of their Vice President, Leituala Joseph Chan Ting.

We humbly call upon the parents, supporters and public for your patience and support as we work our way through these issues to ensure these incidents are not repeated.

In the manner of Mary,

Tuatagaloa Aumua Ming Leung Wai

Chairman, Marist Brothers Governance Board