Return to school, students told

By DULCIE OREKE
WAIGANI Primary School head teacher Julie Tatai is calling its students to return to classes today.
Tatai said classes were cancelled and students asked to return home earlier this week as a safety measure because of a sewerage problem.
She said on Monday teachers and students had to resort to using toilet facilities in neighbouring houses.
“It was unhygienic for teachers and students because of the blockage,” she said. “Sewerage had spread to the teachers’ residents areas.
“Two of the five teachers’ homes were however not affected.” 
Tatai said the problem was under control and students should return to classes.
She said yesterday counting of votes at the nearby Papua New Guinea Institute of Public Administration during the election period had affected attendance at the school.
She said about a quarter of the students had not attended classes during that period.
She said one of the causes was parents holding back their children as a precautionary measure.
Camps set up by scrutineers and supporters of candidates vying for the Moresby Northwest seat are still visible at the counting venue.
Tatai said she had sought a one-week extension of holiday but that had been rejected by education department.
She said the school had started coaching classes on the weekends to prepare Grade 8 students for their approaching examinations.
Tatai said the elections and other events had placed a burden on teachers and the administration.