Tapo: Fights must be addressed

 SCHOOL fights in the country are getting out of hand and is a cause for concern for the national and provincial education authorities, Education Secretary Dr Michael Tapo says.

In a statement, he said all disciplinary cases should be dealt with by the school governing bodies and if the school governing bodies cannot handle the issue then they should be replaced.

“School administrations must establish a good working relationship with  different  authorities  in  the  province  and  communities  to minimise  the disciplinary  problems going on in schools especially school fights,” he said.

Tapo said students who continue to be involved in school fights are jeopardising their future if they are expelled from their schools  and  parents  and  citizens,  school  authorities  and  school boards need to put their heads together to come up with ways to stop school fights.

“School behaviour management is more than just school rules, codes of conduct, punishments and counselling,” he said.

“It involves effective classroom management, a safe working environment,  praise and rewards,  clear  communication, participation  by all stakeholders, life skills training,  sharing  best practice, assertive discipline good planning and well trained and well supported  professional teachers.”

Citing the Education Department’s school behaviour management  policy, Tapo said effective behaviour management is a whole school approach and reduces the potential for poor and anti-social behaviour to occur by developing the social, emotional and behavioural skills of students.

“Schools and teachers have to rise to the difficult challenge of today’s changing world and the increasing demand for quality education,” he said.

He called on students to reflect on their academic performance and behaviour so far this year and make some positive improvements to help them excel in their studies and also become successful in their future endeavours.