The Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts wishes to advise Heads of Schools, teachers, students and parents that all schools in the Northern Division will remain closed until further notice.

All schools in the Central, Western and Eastern Divisions will resume classes from Monday 8 February 2021.

Minister Akbar says, “We have received reports from the Northern Division that some schools are still being used as an Evacuation Centres and a few schools will take longer than expected, as cleaning is still in progress. Some areas in the Northern Division still do not have access to water and electricity. In view of the safety and welfare of our students, we will keep schools in the Northern Division closed until further notice”.

The Ministry confirms that content coverage will not be an issue as we are still early in the 2021 school year.

Minister Akbar says no student in the Northern Division will be disadvantaged as we will ensure students are given ample time to catch up on the class curriculum.

We will assess the situation in the Northern Division and advise teachers, students and parents on the resumption of classes in due course.

Heads of Schools are to continue to work with their teachers, communities and relevant authorities in cleaning up the schools and classrooms.

The Ministry will make arrangements for school furniture as many school desks and chairs have been damaged by the recent cyclones and flooding.

Minister Akbar says, “We will work with our Divisional Education Office in the North and Heads of Schools to assess the extent of damage to schools and obtain a list of students needing assistance with school stationeries. We will continue to work towards the benefit of all Fijian students”.

We thank our teachers, students and parents for their understanding and support and remind parents to monitor the movement of their children.

Remain indoors and stay safe.

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