The Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Memorial School (RSMS) 65th Anniversary Blue Sapphire Celebration will be embedded in the annals of the school history and legacy.
The anniversary brought hundreds of Ratu Sukuna Vuli-Oti (RSVO) from around Fiji and the world to celebrate the school’s 65 years of existence.
The celebrations held last week not only brought the RSMS community together, but it ignited a sense of pride and closeness amongst the vuli-oti, students, teachers, parents and patrons.
The weeklong celebration began with a march through Suva to Ratu Sukuna Park where the official opening ceremony was held.
Dressed smartly in their new bula wear, the students of RSMS with their teachers led the march and were closely followed by the RSVO in their flamboyant decade colours.
The official opening of the celebration began with a traditional welcome ceremony performed by the students and old scholars.
The President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu a vuli-oti of the school officially open the celebration with the First Lady, Emily Lalabalavu. Established on preserving culture, the school’s pupil showed their deep respect with a rooted traditional kava presentation that befitted their chief guest.
The day was filled with merriment, marking the beginning of the weeklong anniversary.
The nine-days celebration consists of different programs organised by the different RSVO decades.
On the second day a welcoming church service was held at the Nabua Methodist Church where the RSVO United Kingdom and United States of America hosted the day.
The 90s decade took over on the third day of the celebration with a well-planned “Pursuit of Knowledge” program.
The program had an exhibition on the life of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna which was showcased at the Fiji Museum and at the school. There was also a Talanoa ni Vuvale which had successful vuli-oti from the ’90s decade share their journey with the students and teachers. They ended their day with afternoon tea and kava at the Soqosoqo Vakamarama Hall in Nabua.
Day four was the 2010 decade’s program. It was a Sports Day with the theme “Strength and Vitality”. The day included free NCDs screening, dental check and fun sports activities.
To end their day, the 2010 decade organised a social get-together at Kauvesi Park in Raiwai to unwind from the active day program they organised.
Day five was assigned to the 2000 decade for their “Community Outreach” program. They visited Dilkusha Home in Nausori with gifts and lunch for the children. The 2000 RSVOs ended their program with an Island Night kava and wine barrel at the United Club.
In charge of day six was the ’80s decade. For their day program they planned an “Economic Empowerment and Talent” event that had speakers from various government ministries and organisations. The event was held at the school for students, teachers and RSVOs. For their evening program they organised the Ball Preview Night at the Suva Bowling Club. The ’80s decade also hosted former teachers of the school to a lovely lunch on Wednesday (August 13).
Day seven was for the ’60s and ’70s with the theme “Reunion and Togetherness”.
To start of their day, the senior RSVOs hosted a Prayer Breakfast at the Wesley Methodist Church in Suva and later visited patients and staff at the Sukuna Ward at CWM Hospital. They ended their program with a dinner banquet at the Suva Bowling Club.
Day eight was the much-anticipated part of the 65th anniversary celebration, the Blue Sapphire Celebration black-tie ball which was held at the Vodafone Arena.
The night was a fun-filled sit-down full-course banquet with live performance from renowned artists, most of whom are proud alumni of the school.
The school choir had the opportunity to showcase their harmonious voices with a few performances too during the ball under the guidance of Primanavia artistic director, Soko Loga.
The night also included a fashion show featuring designs from two vuli-oti, Sunia Tubuna of Niurua Creative and Mami Loogie (Luisa Qiolevu) of Hauz of ML.
RSMS principal, Miriama Naicegucegu who spoke at the ball said they stand together at the joyous occasion to celebrate the school’s 65 years of existence.
“In August 1959, the Great Council of Chief made a historic decision to establish in or near Suva a co-educational post primary school for Fijian children – the Nabua site was chosen.
“On 15th December 1959 the foundation stone was laid and in it a casket of documents – a time capsule of hope and ambitions.
“By 1960 under the leadership of William Donnelly who was the first principal with 77 students, two classrooms and a library doubling as a teaching space, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Memorial School was born.
“RSMS quickly became a school of firsts. Hosting the very first Coca Cola Games in Fiji in 1967, producing the first-ever national oratory champion in Ms Merewai Manulevu and consistently excelling in academics, sports and arts.
“By 1963 enrolment had nearly tripled, field sides became terraces, swamps became playing field and over 200 trees were planted – the school became a landmark of learning and discipline.”
She also spoke on the alumni’s contribution in Fiji.
“Our alumni have shaped the nation and have been part of nation building.
“His Excellency, the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula the current chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs, members of cabinet, diplomats, senior military leaders, academics with the likes of Ropate Qalo and many more who have once graced our corridors have become renowned household names in Fiji.”
Those that have made a name for themselves in sports include Olympic gold medallist and current Fiji 7’s coach Osea Kolinisau, FRU’s acting chief executive officer Koli Sewabu, Manasa Saulo, Tevita Cavubati, Emosi Mulevoro, Malakai Ravulo, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Fiji’s Olympic runner, Maloni Bole, South Pacific sprint king John Lumkon, Olympic swimmer Samuela Tupou and many more.
In arts, the school has produced talented singers like Saimone Vuatalevu, Georgina Ledua, Etta Gonerogo and others.
“All together a total of 25,000 students has gone through this school. Today with 868 students and 56 dedicated staff – we proudly celebrate our achievements.”
The celebration ended on the ninth day with a thanksgiving church service at the Nabua Methodist Church, hosted by RSVO Australia.
Fiji National University staff, Mere Naleba speaks to students of RSMS at the opening ceremony of the RSMS 65th Blue Sapphire Celebration at Sukuna Park. Picture: FIJI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Vuli-Otis and guests enjoy RSMS 65th Blue Sapphire Celebration black-tie ball. Picture: NAVNEET NARAYAN NSTUDIOS
Ratu Sukuna Vuli-Oti Luisa Qiolevu showcases her Hauz of ML “Niusiveva Collection” at the celebrations black-tie ball in Suva. Picture: NAVNEET NARAYAN NSTUDIOS FIJI
Ratu Sukuna Vuli-Oti, Georgina Ledua performs with Seru Serevi.
Picture: NAVNEET NARAYAN NSTUDIOS FIJI
Vuli-Oti of Ratu Sukuna after the Thanksgiving Service last Sunday. Picture: ANA MADIGIBULI
The ’80s decade during their
Economic Empowerment and Talent program. Picture: SUPPLIED
The 2000s Decade RSVO for their “Community Outreach” Program visited Dilkusha Home children and staff in Nausori. Picture: ANA MADIGIBULI
Students attend the ’90s Decade Talanoa ni Vuvale Program at the school where Vuli-Oti shared their journeys with the students, teachers and RSVO members represent. Picture: SUPPLIED
Vuli-Otis at the 2010 Decade Sports Day at Kauvesi Park in Raiwai. Picture: KAIVEIKAU PRODUCTION
The 60s and 70s Decade Vuli-Oti at their “Reunion and Togetherness” Prayer Breakfast program last week. Picture: VATIMI MATEIWAI