Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Premila Kumar has urged teachers to be understanding as classes began for Year 12 and 13 senior students yesterday.

Ms Kumar yesterday visited Adi Cakobau School, Lelean Memorial School, Rishikul Sanatan College and Ballantine Memorial School to personally welcome students back to school.

She said many families were still struggling with the devastating financial impacts of COVID-19 and as teachers they needed to be kind and loving.

Speaking to teachers of Adi Cakobau School (ACS) yesterday, she said teachers needed to provide more attention and love to their students.

“Work with your children, guide them and deal with them like they are your best friends. Treat them like your very own,” Ms Kumar said.

“Some students are anxious, nervous and have so much going on in their lives after the pandemic and they need you to be a little understanding.

“I have a lot of faith in you that you will create the best environment for your students.”

She urged teachers to work with their students on areas they needed more attention in and guide them through it.

“Thank you for being vaccinated and please request your students to be vaccinated as well.

“ACS is known for many good things and one of them is that they groom leaders.

“You always had a fighting spirit to achieve greatness and I urge you to also apply that spirit to ensure that despite COVID-19 you are still going to fight to excel in education.”

School visitation

During her school visits yesterday, Ms Kumar called students to seek help from their teachers whenever they are going through difficulties with their studies.

“I want to encourage each and every child in this school that if you need any help, literally any help you must contact your teachers.

“Help can be counselling, or at home you don’t have a great study environment you must talk to your teachers.

She said often students were shy to ask for help.

“You don’t care about what others think, think about yourself and how you can get off school with great marks. That should be your focus.”

Meanwhile, close to 23,000 students returned to school yesterday for Years 12 and 13 students yesterday.

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