Education Ministry: RKS principal to be relocated, students to be suspended

Ratu Kadavulevu School principal Arvind Prasad will be moving to another school as the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts investigates claims of staff inciting students to protest. Students involved will be suspended. A week ago on August, 28, 2020, students walked out of classes and protested against the principal. The ministry is looking into allegations against the Head of School and the breach of the ministry’s behaviour management policy by students.

“The ministry has carried out an initial assessment based on which the students who were involved in inciting the protests will be suspended. They will be provided with counselling and academic support during this period,” the ministry said.

“There is alleged involvement of staff in inciting the students and these teachers will be investigated.”

Expressions of interest

Acting Director Secondary Iosefo Masivue will oversee the investigations and school operations until a new Head of School is appointed. The Ministry of Education will put out an expression of interest of a merit-based process to select the best candidate.

“Grievances must be addressed using the proper channel and not through methods which disrupt classes,” the Ministry of Education has warned.

“The ministry cautions students to refrain from such behaviour and to not be led astray by unscrupulous elements as there are consequences as per the Student Behaviour Management Policy.”

With allegations that there was teacher involvement in the fiasco, teachers have been reminded to refrain from such activities and heads of schools to be more sensitive towards the needs of the students.

The Ministry Education hopes parents will exercise their responsibility so their children remain focused on studies.