PM returns to old school with a message to uphold discipline & legacy

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 24 March 2026: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt returned to his former College yesterday morning and offered words of encouragement and inspiration during a school assembly where he once sat and listened as a student forty-two years ago.

A former head boy, graduating from St Josephs College in 1984, he came through a long line of students nurtured by the education system driven by the Marist Brothers; a system that has produced Samoa’ significant leaders in all walks of life for over 100 years.

Samoa’s first Prime Minister as an independent country in 1962, Mataafa Faumuina Mulinuu 11 was a product of the system and Laauli is the latest of the proteges who started his academic journey at Marist Mulivai Primary School in the 1970s and onwards to St. Josephs College then located at Lotopa.

Reflecting on his time at Saint Josephs, Laauli reflected the school’s reputation then for academic and sports excellence, discipline, community spirit and leadership.

During his days, the school was renowned for its unbeaten record in sports competitions and strict discipline instilled by the Marist Brothers that became vital life lessons and perseverance.

He credited the school’s discipline as a key factor in his own success, ultimately leading to him becoming Samoa’s Prime Minister.

“The strictness kept us on our toes and prepared us for life,” he told the students and teachers.

He shared the guiding principles that shaped his academic journey; the Marist Brothers’ Motto: Have Faith in God, and Saint Joseph’s Motto: Strive For the Best.

He acknowledged the positive impact of the dedicated teachers and the significant contributions of the Old Marist Boys Association in developing the school’s facilities.

Looking back, he acknowledged the declining discipline with the college rugby team banned for ill discipline and recent incidents of fighting in the streets in town.

On the brighter side, he acknowledged the colleges improvements in academic performances on the national scale.

Prime Minister with long serving Marist Brothers Kevin & Brother David still serving the school one way or the other.

He called on students to stay away from drugs, alcohol, and smoking, but to keep focused on schoolwork encouraging that they are the future of Samoa.

“I sat there in the assembly like where you are sitting now; many years ago when I attended this school,” he told the students.

“Now I am standing here as the Prime Minister talking to you. One of you can someday become this country’s Prime Minister,” he said.

He urged students to recognize that they are the next generation and the future of Saint Joseph’s College, emphasizing the importance of remembering the school’s good name and upholding its legacy.

He also emphasized the importance of leadership, discipline, and community spirit, inspired by the Marist ideals introduced in the early 1980s.

Back in the Prime Minister’s Office working in his St. Joseph College shirt bearing the college Motto.

Laauli acknowledged long-serving Marist Brothers Kevin and David now in their eighties, Pasi Solofa; the School Principal Anamalia Anne-MarieTauiliili Li’a and staff for the opportunity for him to visit and offer advice. He expressed openness to future visits and initiatives to support the college’s growth and progress.

The former College Head Boy concluded with a clear message: For Saint Joseph’s College to remain a vital source of Samoa’s future leaders, built on faith, discipline, with a strong school and community spirit.

He then donated $10,000 tala to help the school’s development and urged the students to stay off drugs, maintain the colleges discipline its high achievements and legacy.

Lastly, he made a passing reference to the continuing political rivalry with former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, a former St Josephs College student. “Leave the politics to us,” he said.