‘Teacher Absenteeism Not New’

Teacher absenteeism will be addressed after the fourth week of school, says Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro.

Mr Radrodro was at Valelawa Primary School in Dreketi, Macuata, yesterday to assess students who are still using tents as classrooms.

He said teacher absenteeism was common in the initial weeks of a school term due to various factors, some of which were genuine.

“Teacher absenteeism is not a new problem, but, one that is common at the start of every academic term, he said.

“The 2025 new school year will normalise after the fourth week, we will then address and take action on teacher absenteeism,” he said.

Mr Radrodro said teacher transfers and movements to a new school also contributed to low teacher attendance in the first two weeks; likewise for student enrolment.

Meanwhile, Mr Radrodro confirmed receiving reports from parents on some head of schools being strict on entry marks with specific marks required to enter Year 13.

However, the minister added that every student who passes the Year 12 external examination must be given a chance to enrol in Year 13.

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