12 schools resuming classes after fight disrupts lessons

TWELVE schools in Popondetta town that suspended classes on Monday following a big fight last weekend will resume classes today.
Provincial education adviser Maino Vegoli said head teachers of three primary schools, eight elementary schools and the principal of the only secondary school in the town were advised to suspend classes.
“The police are on the matter and the governor has also brought in a helicopter to assist the two young men who were badly injured.
“So far, the town has been calm but we are strictly observing the situation and will advise school administrations on any new or unexpected development,” he said.
Vegoli said the relatives of the young men who were badly injured had assured the public that there would not be any retaliation and that businesses should resume as normal.
“For the schools, we just want to make sure that the situation is totally calm before we can advise classes to resume as not all our students live in town.
“Students come from as far as Kokoda and Oro Bay.
“So they we have to make sure it is completely safe for them to start making their way back to school.
“The fight between the two factions of youths started about noon on Sunday.
“So, we had to send messages to all the parents and school administrations informing them of our decision to suspend classes until normalcy is restored.
“So far, the situation has calmed down with the help of local police and Governor Gary Juffa.
“A directive has been sent to all the head teachers and principals for classes to resume if there are no disturbances.
“Although the real cause of the fight is still unknown, police are working on it,” he added.