The New Ireland Provincial Education Office is concerned about the lack of attendance by some teachers in the province after resumption of the second term of classes.
“All teachers paid by the state must attend to their teaching duties from from Monday to Friday 7:45am to 4:06pm. Absenteeism of teachers is a serious breach to the PNGTA Code of Conduct.” said the New Ireland Acting CEO for Education, Mr Apelis Benson.
He said it is now the 4th week of term 2 and there had been complaints that’s some teachers haven’t resumed yet.
In total, 54 teachers are yet to resume for the second term of the 2021 academic year.
“These teachers will be suspended, removed from the posting list and put off the payroll. The 54 teachers are mostly from elementary and primary schools across the province.
Mr Benson however, thanked all the teachers that have resumed teaching for their dedication and commitment towards teaching and learning in the province.
He noted that there had been numerous complaints reaching his office about students been sent home early due to shortage of teaching staff at the schools.
He said that teachers must adhere to the shift classes, shift 1 is from 8am – 12pm and Shift 2 is from 1pm – 3pm.
Shift classes have been put in place so the students can practice social distancing as part of the Covid-19 protocols in schools.
Meanwhile, Mr Apelis Benson said that in regards to the Covid-19 Vaccination for students, the provincial Education board hasn’t deliberated on this as yet.
A formal advise will be issued to all schools on all schools after they get further directive from the Government, Provincial Health Authority and New Ireland Provincial Administration.
For now the vaccine roll out is for the front liners.