Twenty-one Year 13 students from Queen Victoria School (QVS) have been placed under alternative schooling arrangements following a serious incident involving 37 Year 11 students at the school.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro confirmed that the incident involved students from Verata House and that the Ministry had intervened after receiving information from concerned parents and media reports.
The 21 Year 13 students will continue their education under alternative arrangements and are scheduled to sit their external examinations next week.
Mr Radrodro said the Ministry had engaged with the school’s management and relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure appropriate action was taken.
He also raised concerns about delays by school officials in reporting the matter, describing such delays as unacceptable.
“Any failure to report serious incidents promptly undermines the Ministry’s ability to respond effectively and protect students,” Mr Radrodro said.
“Heads of Schools and school officials are expected to act responsibly, professionally and without delay whenever incidents involving student safety and well-being arise.”
The Minister reiterated that bullying, intimidation, corporal punishment and physical violence would not be tolerated in schools.
“Every student has the right to learn in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Violence against students is unacceptable and cannot be justified as a means of discipline.”
Following the incident, an advisory session was conducted with the Head of School and students involved.
An awareness session was also held involving the Fiji Police Force, Ministry representatives, school management, teachers and the School Chaplain.
The sessions focused on student conduct, child protection, bullying prevention and maintaining a safe learning environment.
Meanwhile, the 37 affected Year 11 students have received counselling and psychosocial support through the Ministry of Education, Substance Abuse Advisory Council, School Chaplain and Ministry of Social Welfare.
Mr Radrodro urged the public and media to protect the privacy and dignity of students involved by avoiding the circulation of photographs, personal information or identifying commentary.
He reminded school authorities of their responsibilities under the Ministry’s Behaviour Management and Child Protection in Schools Policy.
“All Heads of Schools, teachers and school staff must take their responsibilities seriously,” he said.
The Ministry said it would continue working with parents, school management and relevant agencies to strengthen student protection and improve the reporting of serious incidents.
