The Marist Brothers’ Governance Board has appointed Anamalia Anne-Marie Tauiliili-Li'a the new principal of St Joseph’s College.

Anamalia was born and raised in New Zealand. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in English) degree and a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching from the University of Auckland. 

According to a statement released by the Marist Brothers' Governance Board, Anamalia is very keen and passionate about teaching especially, within the Catholic Education circle.

"I have always been passionate and an advocate for Catholic Education and I believe that is what sets us apart from the others. St Joseph's College is a Marist School, founded by St Marcellin Champagnat whose mission was ‘to make Jesus Christ known and loved.’ He also believed that education was a way to lead young people to experience faith and become good citizens and good Christians," she said.

"One of his quotes that really spoke to me was ‘The work of education is a work of love; it is a continuous act of self-giving,’ That is what I hope to bring to St Joseph’s: the act of love and self-giving to all students, staff and our wider community. I know these are the values the school is proud of and will continue to uphold."

She has five children and two grandsons. Her father is from Sataua, Iva and Afega whilst her mother is from Lauli’i and Mulivai, Safata. She is a devout and practising Catholic and is the Chairperson of St John the Evangelist Parish in Otara, Auckland NZ. During her career, she was an English teacher, a Dean, an Associate Head of English and a Community of Learning leader working alongside primary and intermediate schools. 

“I am excited to embark on this new journey that will be full of victories and adversities. However, the Marist spirit of love and forgiveness, the support from all the past students, the parents and the community will overcome all of these challenges if we work together as one.”

She also worked as a Senior Advisor to Principals for the Ministry of Education. She will take up her new role as Principal of St Joseph’s College towards the end of March 2025. In the meantime, Br Kevin O’Malley has agreed to continue as Acting Principal until Anamalia takes up her new post. Br Kevin stepped in as Acting Principal in September this year.

The recruitment and selection process for a new principal started in July 2024. The position was advertised three times to attract a wide pool of applicants. Six applicants were shortlisted and interviewed. The Governance Board accepted the interview panel’s unanimous recommendation for Anamalia to be appointed principal.

The Acting Principal, Br Kevin was part of the panel. He said on their 75th anniversary, St Joseph will welcome their new principal.

“As we move with confidence into 2025, the 75th anniversary of St Joseph`s College, we welcome a new principal - an experienced educational leader; a person who values spirituality, creative learning, character building and tradition, in a holistic family educational environment.”

St Joseph’s College is among the top schools in the country but experienced challenges in recent years. The Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association has resolved to give its full support to the college and the Marist Brothers. 

“Aside from fasting and praying, one of the first steps to again make St Joseph’s a learning institution of excellence is to pick the right principal. I believe we have done that with Ms Tauiliili-Li’a coming on board. St Joseph’s is the only remaining boys college in Samoa. It has produced God-fearing leaders and can continue to do so if given the proper support. Research has shown that boys learn better at an all-boys school and make life-long friends who become their support group in life,” said Tuatagaloa Aumua Ming Leung Wai, the Chairman of the Governance Board and President of the Old Pupils.

Br Sefo Une the Coordinator of the Marist Brothers in Samoa fully supports the decision. He believes that they have gone through a thorough and robust recruitment and selection process to ensure they select the best principal for the College. They have put their trust in Anamalia because they understand she has the passion, experience and ability to raise the academic standard and improved discipline at St Joseph's College.