School closes early as nearby villagers clash

THE Huonville Primary School closed three days before the third term holiday for security reasons following a clash between Butibam villagers and settlers at Banana Block and Cassowary Road.
The villagers were angry after a local youth was killed.
School head teacher Willie Vilakiva said they were advised by the Lae district education manager Kaumu Laga to close early for the third term break as the school was near the settlement.
Vilakiva said only 150 primary and 20 elementary students of the 1800 returned to classes on Tuesday. “We’ve been advised that the grieving party (Butibam villagers) met with the governor and police on Tuesday and presented a 10-point petition,” Vilakiva said.
“However, due the school’s location, we’ve been forced to closed on Tuesday and send students home for their safety.”
During the holiday, teachers from schools, including Huonville and Butibam, will attend the standard-based curriculum training workshop.
The classes will resume for term four on Oct 1.