FIJI MISSION EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP RETREAT
On February 8-9, 2025, the Fiji Mission organized a special retreat for the Educational Leadership Team. The retreat commenced with a powerful devotion by Pastor Duana, Chairman of Nagigi Primary School in Vanualevu. He challenged the leaders to reflect on the profound impact of Adventist Education in transforming lives within our communities. His message resonated deeply, emphasizing our mission to nurture and empower students.
Pastor Epeli Saukuru, Secretary of the Fiji Mission, also shared his insights on the significance of Adventist Education. He highlighted how our educational initiatives have changed numerous lives and fostered a spirit of service in the South Pacific Island communities. Leaders from both Vitilevu and Vanualevu participated in this milestone event, marking a pivotal moment in the history of our Mission.
According to Fiji Mission Education Director, Mr. Anasa Vateitei, this retreat was a landmark event in the Mission’s history. The theme, “Cultivating Christ-Centered Academic Excellence,” was timely and appropriate, emphasizing the importance of focusing on cultivation and, most importantly, ensuring Christ remains the center of our schools. This theme established a strong platform for school leaders as they began the new academic year in 2025.
The Trans Pacific Union Mission Education Director, Mr. Talonga Pita, had the privilege of sharing and facilitating workshops throughout the weekend. He was highly impressed with the dedication and commitment of the school leadership team to the Gospel Commission given by Jesus—to go and make disciples, with His promise to always be with us. The TPUM theme for 2025, “I WILL GO TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD,” aligns with Acts 1:8:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the world.”
Leaders were reminded, encouraged, and inspired to embrace their divine calling and the ministry God has entrusted to them. Adventist Education has transformed many lives, with schools playing a crucial role in promoting the ethos, culture, integrity, and special character of Adventist Education in the Pacific. This impact is evident in how former students from Adventist schools contribute significantly to the church, schools, and communities. Every year, many TPUM schools baptize students who go on to become exemplary ambassadors and responsible citizens.
Launching of the Quality Adventist School Pacific (QASP) Version 1
One of the weekend’s highlights was the launch of the Quality Adventist School Pacific (QASP) Version 1. This special document was collaboratively developed by PNGUM and TPUM educators, adapting the Quality Adventist School Framework (QASF 3) into a Pacific version. The original framework, developed by the Australian Union Conference (AUC), has been instrumental in shaping Adventist education. Special appreciation goes to AUC’s Jacques Calais, Dr. Jean Carter, and school leaders from Australia for their contributions to past versions.
During the launch, TPUM Education Director Mr. Talonga Pita emphasized the importance of understanding the framework’s purpose—to REVEAL JESUS at every opportunity. The Quality Adventist School Pacific Framework is a strategic tool designed to foster a thriving school culture where students flourish. As Brian Tracy states in his book Goal, “Where there is vision, people flourish.”
Structure of QASP Version 1
The QASP Version 1 consists of three domains and ten components:
Domain 1: Purpose and Identity (3 components)
Educating for Mission
Purpose, Vision, and Mission
Pastoral Care
Domain 2: Leadership and Operations (4 components)
Staff and Student Welfare
Teamwork & Collaboration
Compliance, Accountability & Sustainability
Leadership Development
Domain 3: Teaching and Learning (3 components)
Quality of Teaching Practice
Curriculum & Assessments
Student Learning & Engagement
This new QASP Version 1 will serve as a guiding document to help school leaders and staff understand the processes and structures necessary for school accreditation. It aims to create a thriving school culture that fosters:
Empowerment and engagement of all staff,
Strong teams through intentional collaboration and sharing,
Sustainability, unity, and consistency in pedagogical practices,
Increased capacity to use data to inform practices,
Shared responsibility and accountability,
A commitment to continuous improvement—ultimately enabling every student to flourish.
Cultivating Christ-Centered Academic Excellence
The Leadership Retreat reinforced its theme through the key biblical text:
“His divine power has granted to us all that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature.” – 2 Peter 1:3-4
As we embark on this new academic year, let us be encouraged, strong, and courageous. Our God is faithful, and He has promised to be with us throughout 2025.
Wishing all TPUM schools God’s richest blessings. May you experience a successful academic year as we continue to serve with excellence, knowing that Jesus has promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Story - TPUM Education Director, Talonga Pita
