Teacher blames elections and funding delay for drop in performance

National

A SCHOOL head teacher in Southern Highlands says the general election had affected many students in the province this year.
Sumia Primary School head teacher Michael Ipis also pointed out that the delay in the payments of tuition fee-free subsidies to schools had also affected performance.
“It is a privilege for this school to host its graduation but sadly other schools had to close down early without any graduation,” he said.
“This was because of poor TFF funding.
“Despite all the hardships we encountered, the support of the community is very important in making sure the school is safe and there are no threats and intimidations.”
He said as students planned moving into the next chapter in their lives, discipline and respect were important to guide them in becoming good citizens.
He also supported the introduction of religious instruction to schools as announced recently by Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari.
Ipis said PNG was a Christian nation and religious education should be a compulsory subject.
Ipis said it might take time to see the impact on children in regards to the law-and-order situation in the country but it would come.
He said many students followed their parents by not attending weekly church services.