Minister for Education Mahendra Reddy says they will investigate a report of a haunted school.

The report claims that students in a Lami school, Ballantine Memorial School, have been possessed by demons or evil spirits.

Mr Reddy said if need be they would organise prayer sessions to drive the evil spirits away.

Some boarders at the all-girls school, who preferred to be anonymous, claimed the school was haunted.
Five students, at different times during ‘prep’ last week allegedly became possessed.

Two of the girls affected said they were considering moving to another school because of the scary experience.
Their parents declined to comment when approached.

It seemed there were efforts to downplay the incident and keep it hush-hush.
School staff members have declined to comment.

The Methodist Church in Fiji, which owns the school, said it would conduct an inquiry.

Alleged slapping case

Police are investigating a report that a Queen Victoria School (QVS) student had to be taken to hospital after being allegedly slapped by a teacher.

This was confirmed by Mr Reddy.
He said a team from the ministry was also investigating.

It is understood that the teacher allegedly slapped the student more than once.
As a result the student fell and was taken to hospital. He was treated and sent back to school.

It is believed the parents had lodged a complaint with the Police.
Full details of the incident are not available.

Mr Reddy said he was concerned about it and would await the Police report while the ministry conducted its own inquiry.
Corporal punishment is banned in all Fijian schools.

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