Acting Kelston Intermediate principal Kiri Laing acknowledged Tofi in the school's latest newsletter, describing him as a "cheerful and lovable student".
"I would like to take a moment to acknowledge a past student of ours who recently
passed," Laing said.
"Tofi Toelupe was a Year 11 student at Kelston Boys, he passed this week
and this is a very sad event for our Kelston whanau. We have many staff members
who remember Tofi as a cheerful and lovable student, always with a smile on his
dial.
"He was a loved member of Te Urunga and taught by Mr Maharaj. Our
condolences to his whanau and his whanau both here and at Kelston Boys."
Kelston Boys High principal Adeline Blair also paid tribute to Toelupe in a school newsletter, calling it the hardest two weeks she had experienced as a principal.
"As a kura, we have had to bind together more strongly recently in mourning the loss of our Year 11 son and brother, Tofilua Toelupe.
"His passing last week was sudden and the effects on us will take time to heal.
"We want Tofi's aiga to know our thoughts and prayers are with them and that Tofi will be fondly remembered," Blair said.
She also asked for everyone to make the most of the opportunities on offer and to seize the day as "life is fleeting".
Neither Laing nor Toelupe's family wanted to comment when approached by the Herald.
The coroner is investigating his death.
Meanwhile, his death comes a year after tragedy struck the school when father Karl Charles Hickey, 53, died on the sideline while supporting his daughter, Leah, at a physical disability rugby league training.
He collapsed after a suspected heart attack.
