A TEACHER appointed to head St John Community High School in Honiara has decided not to take up his new posting after facing strong opposition from the school’s existing heads.
Herman Aruhane told the Solomon Star after several attempts to take up his new posting, he decided to remain at his old school as a tutor.
“I’m back here at Honiara High,” Mr Aruhane told the Solomon Star yesterday.
“I’ve moved there but the deputy principal Peter Misiga stood against me and had promoted himself to be the principal,” he added.
He said despite his appointment being made by the Honiara City Council Education Authority, Mr Misiga refused to vacate the office.
“I do not know what was their deal with the Honiara City Council Education Authority.
“I know nothing about their deal. They do not even formally advise me about that as well.
“I am in my fourth week tutoring here at Honiara High School,” Mr Aruhane said.
Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) said the action of St John School teachers was disrespectful.
“The issue again comes back to the council’s education authority to resolve,” SINTA general secretary Samson Faisi said.
“They must respect the Solomon Islands teaching handbook. In this case here, formal procedures have been undermined,” Mr Faisi said.
“If they wish to take up the posting, why advertise it, interview, give formal appointment, and left Mr Aruhane out of the post?
“The ministry of education must step in to deal with the matter,” he added.
The council’s chief education office Wayne Maebule refused to comment when contacted.
Meanwhile, St John School’s bursar, Serah Feoadi, said the former principal, Felicity Houkura, remains the acting principal.
“We are still without a principal, only our former one was the acting principal,” Mrs Houkura said.
By CHARLEY PIRINGI
