School resumes classes after community peace ceremony

By YVONNE KAMBIBEL
CLASSES resumed last Friday at Saidor High School in Madang’s Raicoast, principal Reuben Numunepe says.
Numunepe said a peace ceremony was held last week to resolve the issues between the school and the local community.
“Following the reconciliation with local community leaders, parents and police, the school was reopened after a three-day suspension,” he said.
Classes were suspended following two incidents – a burglary in one of the boys’ dormitories in April and was the assault of an ancillary staff by a drunkard youth on May 1.
“We were forced to suspend classes as the administration feared for the safety of staff and students.
“At the peace ceremony, alternatives were discussed on how best the locals and the school can work together to prevent such incidents from recurring.
“After the peace ceremony (May 9), classes resumed on Tuesday when we felt that the safety of our staff and students were guaranteed.”
Numunepe said classes resumed last Tuesday but the school went into its normal full routine on Friday.
The school caters both day and boarding students and has a student population of 448.