STUDENTS & PARENTS DEMAND REINSTATEMENT OF GEREHU SEC FORMER DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

BY Sharon AGAVI

THE recent appointment of a new administration at Gerehu Secondary School in Port Moresby has sparked dissatisfaction among parents and students, who are now calling for the reinstatement of the former Deputy Principal, Ms. Elizabeth Tandoa.

Speaking on behalf of the students yesterday at the school ground, the head-boy Charles Matiabe expressed that during Ms. Tandoa’s tenure as deputy principal, positive changes were observed in the school, such as improved dress code and total ban of chewing betelnut and smoking in the school grounds.

The reasons behind Ms. Tandoa’s removal from her position remains unclear, prompting parents and students to demand transparency from the District Education Board.
They insist that any reasons provided should be valid and satisfactory to them.

Concerned parent Ms. Vele Siare acknowledges Tandoa’s contributions to the school and questioned the decision to demote someone who has made a positive impact and an instrument of change for the school.

As the resumption of school begins this week and students attend classes in the coming week, the head-boy of the school, Charles Matiabe appealed that teaching and learning should not be interrupted by these administration issues.

Ms. Tandoa, who has dedicated 25 years to teaching at Gerehu Secondary School, highlighted the progress made during her tenure as deputy principal, which began on September 9th, 2024.

Both students and parents have shown their support for her reinstatement, citing the positive changes she brought to the school.