Gerehu Primary School gets new uniforms to boost morale

TEACHERS at a primary school in Port Moresby have been kitted with new staff uniforms as part of the school’s efforts to boost morale.
Gerehu Primary School principal Philip Tiki said having the staff in uniform would send a message to the public and students that they were ready to teach and committed to their jobs.
“Our school motto for this academic year is ‘take back Gerehu Primary School’. We chose this motto to stress on teaching and learning,” Tiki said.
“The school has been facing a lot of problems over the past few years so to take back Gerehu Primary School, I have to start with my teaching staff.”
Tiki, who is in his first year as principal, said teachers would have two pairs of uniforms each and they would be worn on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
He said staff uniforms were introduced in 2006 by the late head mistress Kesia Kagamasa, but unfortunately most teachers did not wear them.
Senior teacher Rebecca Fari said the idea of the new staff uniforms was introduced last year with the help of Margaret Puka, who is the teachers’ representative on the school’s board of management.
“We thank Puka for her efforts, commitment and dedication in making this possible for us.
“The uniforms will be a big boost to the teachers’ self-esteem,” Fari said.
Meanwhile, NCD school inspector (zone 5) Joseph Salangau, who was also present at the launch, encouraged teachers to wear their uniforms and to be careful of their attitude and behaviour during official hours and while in uniform.