East New Britain Schools Suspend Classes as El Niño Worsens

Malaguan Secondary school students /File Photo

Schools across East New Britain have been directed to suspend classes following worsening El Niño conditions, with provincial education authorities introducing emergency measures to protect students and teachers from drought and flooding.

The provincial education board's directive, which took effect on September 28, allows different arrangements across districts, with schools in the Gazelle Peninsula facing an indefinite closure while those in Pomio will make decisions based on local conditions.

Provincial Education Adviser Pius Reva said the suspension would be implemented according to the severity of the situation in each district.

"For the Gazelle Peninsula, the suspension is indefinite. But in Pomio, head teachers and principals will make decisions on the ground depending on the circumstances," Reva said.

The decision follows disruptions to education caused by El Niño, with drought affecting communities in Gazelle and flooding creating difficulties for schools and students in Pomio.

In a circular signed by provincial education board chairman Levi Mano, the board said the measures were necessary to safeguard the welfare of students and school personnel in affected areas.

"The suspension and adjustment of school hours in the affected sectors and grades is therefore a protective, not merely a precautionary measure," Mano stated.

Under the new arrangements, early childhood education and primary school classes from Grades One to Six will remain suspended indefinitely, while examination classes in Grades Eight, 10 and 12 will continue until their national examinations are completed.

Students in Grades Seven, Nine and 11 will attend classes once a week, with school administrators required to consider alternative learning arrangements, including online teaching.

The directive also instructs school management to secure properties, protect institutional assets and freeze accounts associated with the suspended education sectors.

Mano urged students to continue completing lessons, assessments and other learning activities assigned by their schools while remaining at home during the suspension.

"Students must complete any lessons, assessment tasks and other educational activities given at school, and remain at home during this period," he said.

He called on parents to ensure their children comply with the directive and work closely with schools to maintain learning activities despite the disruptions.

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