BY ROGER HOUALAHA
SAINT Nicholas College, in recent years, has developed into one of the finest learning center in the Solomon Islands.
Rated by some as even better than the Government schools, it has all the facilities one can use to become successful. But behind all the hard work, there is someone, a force, someone under her leadership, visions and guidance, making all this possible.
She is Christina Vunagi, the current School Principal and one of the longest serving in the country. Now, we look at the beautiful history of this hardworking mum.
It all started at Hoffi Primary School (Isabel Province) in 1965 when Christina started her education. She was awarded with a Cambridge certificate for completing her Secondary education at Selwyn College in 1976.
Going to UPNG-Goroka was another milestone in her career as she successfully studied for a year and graduated with a Diploma in Teaching. In 1988 she was awarded with another Diploma in Education Administration and Education History /Politics at The University of the South Pacific (USP).
Mrs. Vunagi then went back to her former school at Selwyn College and started her employment career as an assistant teacher.
After a year she went on and continued her employment in other schools for several years. As many don’t know, Christina was the Deputy Principal of Honiara High School in 1985.
The 60 year old then came in at St Nicholas College as a Head Teacher in 1992 and continued there for 4 years.
It was in 1996, when she was nominated by the school to take the Principal’s post when they introduced their secondary level. From then, they say the rest is history as Mrs Vunagi, under her leadership and guidance, developed the College into one of the finest in the country today.
In recognition for all her hard work, long and dedicated service in the Education to The Church of Melanesia and the Community, she was bestowed as an Honorary Canon by the Archbishop in March 2011.
When asked if she plans to retire by the end of this year, she said that she wanted that some years back but the school board and administration still wanted her to continue and work under her leadership.
“Well I am 60 years of age. The compulsory age is 55 if anyone who plans to retire should do at 50 years of age, for now I don’t know when I’m going to retire; it depends on the school board and the Church of Melanesia,” she said.
Mrs. Vunagi is married with 5 kids and blessed with 11 grandchildren. She showed pure character, hard work and vision.
She achieved all her goals and dreams for the school. She is a true model and a hardworking citizen in the country, someone with humility and obedience one will admire.
