Principals need to be at schools

ALL heads of schools have a duty to be at school during the school holidays, says the Education permanent secretary Alison Burchell.

She said those absent from schools over the past three weeks will be taken to task.

In a circular issued on Monday, she said substantive heads would have to ensure someone was appointed to replace them.

Fijian Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga said the ministry should be made aware that under the General Orders for civil students, school heads were entitled to go on leave.

HEADS of schools have a duty to be at school during the school holidays, says Education Ministry permanent secretary Alison Burchell.

In a circular issued on Monday, she said school heads must provide the ministry with details of the person replacing them during their absence and acting heads of schools absent over the past 15 weekdays would be asked to return allowances they had been paid.

Ms Burchell said the ministry was checking attendance records to ascertain which substantive and acting school heads had been missing from schools.

“The head of school is a position of responsibility and you are expected to ensure all arrangements are in place should there be a need for you to be away,” said Ms Burchell.

“The ministry is checking your attendance with the school manager, district and divisional office as well as FEMIS.”

The permanent secretary said school heads needed to be in school to oversee renovation works, receive textbooks and act should a natural disaster occur.

“For substantively appointed heads of school who are away from school, please provide written explanations to the divisional education office and to employee administration indicating who is responsible in your absence.”

Fijian Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga said previously, it was mandatory for heads of school to be present in school for two weeks after the school closed before they could go on leave.

He said heads of school would be given acting allowances during this period but they would work to ensure that all students’ textbooks and other reports were given to the ministry before they went on leave.

Mr Manumanunitoga said the ministry should be aware that the General Orders for civil servants stated that heads of school were also entitled to take their leave.

He said the only time that heads of school and teachers went on leave was during school holidays and it was imperative for the ministry to take note of what was required of them.

Questions sent to the

Education

Ministry remain unanswered.