RESENTMENTS by students against internal discipline for absenteeism forced the closure of Panatina Community High School for two days this week, Principal Sam Tereinao confirmed on Tuesday.
Trouble flared up at the school in east Honiara shortly after Monday’s school assembly.
One female teacher was slightly injured when she was hit by a rock as angry students rained stones and missiles on the school’s classrooms. There was no damage to classrooms or any other school properties.
Three police officers attended. They left after the situation, which had shaken nearby residents, returned to normal.
“Initially, it looked ugly but we managed to contain the situation,” Mr. Tereinao said.
It is estimated that some 100-plus students were involved in Monday’s melee at the school. According to the Principal those students had been absent from their classes over a considerable period of time.
Teachers, he said, had raised concerns about students’ academic standing due to their constant absence from their classes. The school made attempts to contact parents and guardians, but not all were spoken to.
“Some parents did contact the school, but unfortunately not everyone,” Mr. Tereinao told Solomon Star.
The issue of discipline was raised at the Parents/Teachers Association (PTA) meeting only two weeks ago. Every agreed discipline is an issue and must be dealt with.
On Monday, the School announced the names of students who had been absent from classes over a considerable period of time and the Disciplinary Committee decided the issue must be addressed.
“What the students did on Monday was their reaction to the announcement. They started throwing stones and other missiles onto the classrooms which frightened most of the other students who were not involved.
“Teachers were told to block all entrances so that no students could escape. It was during this time that one of our female teachers was hit from behind by a rock thrown by someone,” the Principal said.
Teachers of the Secondary School met afterwards and decided to close down the Secondary school for two days – Tuesday and Wednesday.
“We are using the two days for teacher/parent consultation and we’ll reopen for classes on Thursday,” the Principal said.
The Primary School continued classes on Monday and yesterday as usual.
Meanwhile Mr. Tereinao said there has been a gradual improvement in students’ behaviour towards teachers in the two years since he joined the school.
“The reaction against potential disciplinary measures, including suspension is an indication the student population is feeling disciplinary measures the school has introduced.
“When I first arrived here two years ago to take up my post, students were rather uncontrolled. For example, when a teacher is late coming into class, students simply ran around and made a lot of noises. That does not happen anymore,” Mr. Tereinao said.
“To me, that is a mark of a steady improvement in the students’ behaviour,” he said.
The Panatina Community High School hosts primary and secondary schools, which has Forms 1-6 with an estimated enrolment of 680 students.
The school is administered by the Honiara City Council Education Authority.
By ALFRED SASAKO
Newsroom, Honiara
