THE Fiji Principals Association has called for the review of the Behaviour Management Policy.
Association president Vishnu Sharma told the 132nd conference of the association in Nadi that effective behaviour management was not about controlling students.
“It is about guiding them,” he said.
“Our behaviour management policies must reflect the values we wish to instil in our learners: respect, responsibility, empathy and resilience.
“We must move away from punitive models that focus solely on discipline, and toward restorative practices that build relationships, encourage self-reflection, and empower students to make better choices.”
Mr Sharma said the principals must lead this transformation.
“We must provide our teachers with training, support, and the right tools to implement consistent and compassionate behaviour management.
“Let us also engage all stakeholders, ensuring that our discipline policies are clearly communicated and culturally sensitive.
“In light of this, the association calls upon the Ministry of Education to review the Behaviour Management Policy through a well calculated and research-based approach. And FPA stands to support this review.”
Mr Sharma said the association was also calling on the ministry to introduce a teacher protection policy.
“A teacher protection policy in Fiji’s education system would offer a range of benefits that strengthen the profession, safeguard educators and ultimately improve student outcomes,” he said.
“It will also align well with global best practices. A protected teacher will work their wits and this will build confidence in long-term career prospects, encouraging retention and reducing turnover.”
