Education Permanent Secretary Reminds Principals of Their Duties

The Education Ministry is challenging all principals to lead and be intentional about their role.

Speaking at the Fiji Principals Association conference, Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca said teachers are not just preparing students for exams but shaping their character and resilience for life’s challenges.

Ms Kuruleca urged members to reflect on their responsibility in nurturing the well-being of students and teachers.

“It is our responsibility, our job as leaders, to look after the well-being of our students and our teachers, both in body and spirit.

And we do this by starting with us. Let’s lead by example, following the path of a true leader who knows, goes, and shows the way,” Ms Kuruleca said.

Ms Kuruleca delved into various aspects of nurturing well-being in schools, highlighting crucial points.

She emphasised the pivotal role of school canteens in promoting good nutrition, urging adherence to the Canteen School Guidelines and recognising the impact of dietary choices on students’ health.

She questioned principals whether they would rather to start the day with prayers or mindlessly scrolling through their phones, wasting much valuable time and thinking about things that make them sad, angry, emotional, and imbalanced.

She issued a challenge to teachers to put their phones and gadgets down and participate in the day’s deliberations, commit and be committed and learn from each other.

The Education Ministry has also challenged school leaders to make positive changes, such as encouraging the consumption of water and beverages like “bu” (coconut water).

“The importance of nurturing intellectual health in schools and the need to go beyond textbook learning and focus on teaching values that shape students’ character and resilience for life’s challenges.”

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