History

In 1996 as a response to a need from the community and as a social and economic development project, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Tonga established the school and registered it as a non-profit institution offering an international standard of education to the population of Tonga. Licensed by the Ministry of Education the school is now a well-known institution in Tonga.

The school opened its doors on March 3rd, 1996 with nine students, one teacher and one assistant teacher, covering classes one, two and three. By the end of the year the roll increased to 20. The following year approval was granted by the Ministry of Education to add classes 4, 5, and 6. More teachers were hired and the roll increased to 56.

By then the Board realized the difficulties of enrolling children to class one from the grass root level with no English background. In 1997 a preparation class was added enrolling children at the age of four. As the quota of Ministry of Education was limited in enrolling the graduates of the primary schools into the best government high school, year seven was introduced in 1999. The roll increased to 150.

Subsequently in the year 2000 class eight was added reaching the roll of 185 and in 2001 with the addition of year nine the number increased to 217 students.

Each year another class was added. Currently (2007 academic year) there are over 340 students with a long waiting list for primary classes.

The school is known for its high standard of moral and academic education. Presently there are 27 staff, coming from various countries such as United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Fiji, Sweden and Tonga.

Moral education is made a central feature of the school curriculum. Each week, a particular virtue is focussed upon and made the centre of discussions, artistic and dramatic presentations and group work. In addition, sports, the arts and hobbies are encouraged as ways of developing the child's moral qualities and social skills.

In 1998 when the Ocean of Light School hosted the Pacific Education Conference, Crown Prince Tupouto'a opened the conference and made many kind remarks about the school. In 2000 Princess Pilolevu Tuita, the only daughter of the King, was the guest of honour in opening a project in the school called "Books in Homes". She praised the school for teaching the children to be good human beings. This programme was broadcasted on the local television and radio.

In January of 2003, in presence of HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a, Honourable Ma'atu, Minister of Education, Minister of Labour and Commerce and many dignitaries the new buildings of the school were officially opened and the school was moved from its rental location to the new facilities.

In 2006, Ocean of Light celebrated its 10th anniversary. The Honorable Prime Minister, Dr Feleti Sevele was the guest of honour.

The school has won many competitions including math, art, environmental action, and city planning. Children’s artworks are presently displayed at the arrival and departure lounge of the airport.

Many art works of the primary students is featured on the 2005 calendar of Tonga Waste Management.

Last revised: 11 November 2007