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QUEEN VICTORIA SCHOOL

“EDUCATION REFORMS FOR QUEEN VICTORIA SCHOOL”

AS PROPOSED BY THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION.

(DISCUSSION PAPER)

Presented By Anasa Vocea National President

Queen Victoria School Old Boys Association

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Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 3

2. BACKGROUND OF QUEEN VCTORIA SCHOOL ................................................................ 4

3. CONCERNS RAISED BY MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (MoE) ............................................. 8

4. RESPONSE TO CONCERN RAISED BY MoE .......................................................................... 10

5. QVS STRATEGIC PLAN (2015 – 2017) .................................................................................. 16

6. EDUCATION REFORM ................................................................................................................. 17

7. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................... 20

8. RECOMMEDATION ........................................................................................................................ 21

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1. INTRODUCTION

Of all the policies and regulations introduced by the MOE, one of the most far-reaching policies is the new recruitment policy for the three prominent indigenous boarding schools.

Statements made by the Minister for Education regarding the new recruitment policy for QVS, ACS and RKS clearly indicates, as we have adequately witnessed for the last 14 months, the continued imposition on us, Fijians, of life changing policies without the decency or courtesy of any consultation.

The current controversies about the new education policy is similar to the controversies created in 1984-85 by the then Minister for Education. The 1984/85 policy covered the closure of the Nasinu Teachers' College, mass transfer of teachers, and the infamous Volunteer Teachers Scheme (VTS). The VTS was so unpalatable that it led to a Teachers strike in 1985. When the Arbitration ruled in favour of the Volunteer teachers, the scheme was withdrawn. It is important for the Minster to be wary of history repeating itself. The Association believes that any change in education policy proposed by the Minister, especially those that will have far-reaching ramifications, should be meticulously researched, extensively discussed and carefully vetted in relevant spheres by interested Stakeholders. It can remove avoidable administrative headaches that the Ministry is likely to encounter. In a democracy, it is important to consult and keep stakeholders thoroughly informed on issues of national interest. This principle was highlighted well by the US President Barrack Obama during his visit to Kenya in July 2015. He stated that democracy indeed starts with a General Election – it does not however end there as it also involves the clear adoption and observance of democratic rule, the participation of the people, listening to them, consulting them, and taking them with you. This fundamentally is the key to good policy making. A democratic government is a Government of the people, for the people and by the people. In this paper, the QVS Old Boys Association, in good faith, shows its concern at the various policy statements made by the Minister for Education, referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 (pages 8 and 9). The Association wishes to start a dialogue with the Ministry with the hope that an amicable solution can be reached about this controversial Education Reform program that the Minister is advocating.

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2. BACKGROUND OF QUEEN VICTORIA SCHOOL

Queen Victoria School (QVS) was established in 1906. It had one basic objective, which was to prepare indigenous Fijians to take up national and traditional leadership roles.

Cadet Inspection by Sir Ronald Garvey. Officer I/C of Cadets Ratu Seci Nawalowalo, March1953.

Classes proper commenced in Nasinu in January 1907 with enrolled students coming in from all the Provinces around the country.

In the 1920s, with the assistance of the Chiefs through the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (BLV) and the Government, 4 Provincial Schools were established (Provincial School Southern – Sawani; Provincial School Eastern – Lodoni; Provincial Western – Nadi; and the Provincial School Northern – Taveuni). These, with the Provincial School Lau – Vatuloa; and Provincial School Kadavu – Vunisea; acted as the feeder schools to Queen Victoria School.

2.1. CONTEMPORARY QUEEN VICTORIA SCHOOL.

QVS had to vacate the Nasinu site in August 1942 because of the increasing threat of invasion by the Japanese who were by then in the Solomon Islands. The US Army moved in and the boys, after being distributed between Provincial Schools Eastern (Lodoni) and Southern (Sawani) for Term 3, 1942, started afresh in Nanukuloa, Ra, in January 1943.

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After a period of six years at Nanukuloa, the school in January 1949 once again had to be relocated, this time to Lodoni, Tailevu, to share the compound with Ratu Kadavulevu School.

QVS – current site at Matavatucou.

The current site, 205 acres in total, its permanent home, at Matavatucou, Tailevu, was kindly donated by Sir Henry Scott and Lady Scott to the Bose Levu Vakaturaga through the negotiation of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna.

Building the bulk of the facilities occupied most of 1949-51 and students finally relocated to their Promised Land, their permanent home, at the beginning of Term III in 1952.

On the 19th July, 1950, the foundation stone of the school was laid by the Governor, Sir Brian Freeston, in the presence of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga and dignitaries.

Sir Brian Freeston officiates at the laying of the foundation stone at

Matavatucou in July, 1950.

Speaking on behalf of the Fijian people represented in its apex body, the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (BLV), Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna said,

“When the captains and the kings depart and the scene is again normal, today’s impressive ceremony will surely be recognized as an outstanding

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landmark in the forward march of the Fijian race. On their behalf, may I thank you, Sir, for the part you played in hastening the rebuilding of this school which has been made possible and enlarged in scope by two things.

The first in chronological order is the princely generosity of Sir Henry and Lady Scott and you will agree, Sir, that it is fitting for me on this spot and at this time to express to them once again the grateful thanks of the Fijian Chiefs and the people for the gift of this beautiful site on which is now rising, after years of expectation, the new Queen Victoria School, of their and our hopes. The second is the magnificent grant of ₤100,000 for rebuilding this school made by His Majesty’s Government. In gratefully acknowledging this gift on behalf of the Fijian Chiefs and people, may I convey through Your Excellency to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, an expression of their deep feeling of gratitude for this splendid token not only of goodwill but also of sincerity in the policy of improving and raising the living standards of the native peoples of the colonies.

Ratu JLV Sukuna delivering his speech at the official opening of

the School, 5th March 1953.

To us, Fijians, it means something yet more. We regard it also as a token of the strengthening of the spiritual links forged at the Deed of Cession and the acts both before and after it - links that brought us, by our free choice, within the Empire as liege-men of the Great White Queen and her royal successors”.

In concluding his address at the laying of the foundation stone in 1950, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna announced for the first time the school motto, thus:

“However interested Directors of Education may be in this school, they are under the dictatorship of finance committees. This is a fact we must recognise. But if we are looking to Queen Victoria School to provide us with the leaders we are searching for, it would be wise for us, Fijians, to do something to help ourselves and in the next five to eight years to create an endowment fund to make the Director of Education a free man and enable him and a Board of Governors to attract and retain a staff that will make this school really second to none in the Colonial Empire with the simple motto of Floreat Viti”.

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2.2. QVS Student Enrolments

Over the years QVS has produced excellent citizens and leaders. Some of the names of OBs who have made a name for themselves in their country of birth as well as on the international stage are attached in Annex “A”. In whatever profession they eventually find themselves in, one thing is certain, the quality of the education system they have come through at the Boarding School in Matavatucou, the discipline instilled and mastered, the camaraderie and the OB bond fostered have all contributed to their success.

Ratu Sir KKT Mara – graduate of Vulinituraga and first Prime Minister

of Fiji at independence in 1970 and former President of Fiji.

Today QVS continues with the same tradition of taking in students from around the country, as long as they meet the selection criteria set by Government. There has never been any problem encountered on this arrangement ever since. In fact, Marela House approves the intake to the school every year. However, the announcement made by Minster for Education in April 2015, has become an issue of concern as it disrupts the existing system

It is important to note that the vision of our founding fathers has helped shape Fiji’s future.

Since Fiji’s Independence in 1970, all 6 Heads of State are alumni of Queen Victoria School. Of the elected 6 Prime Ministers, 4 are former students. The school has a proud record in regards to service to the people through these established and respected former scholars. To drive home the point, it is necessary to consider the contributions of QVS graduates in shaping this country’s progress.

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3. CONCERNS RAISED BY MINSTRY OF EDUCATION (MoE).

3.1. Education Minister’s Statement regarding boarding policy for QVS, ACS and RKS.

During an interview given by the Minster for Education at the official opening of two new classrooms at the Vatuvonu Seventh-Day Adventist College in Buca Bay, Cakaudrove in April 2015, the Minister stated that QVS, ACS and RKS would only cater for students from remote areas beginning next year (2016). Herein lies the thrust of this paper. In that interview, The Minister was further quoted as saying that the primary objective of establishing such boarding schools was to accommodate students who hail from the interior and remote outer islands. He also stated that lately students within the urban areas whom he referred to as the ‘elite’ group have abused this privilege. He also said students from remote areas should be staying in boarding schools, adding;

“I want to announce today that from next year, no boarding space will be given to students from urban areas or the elite in all facilities in Government boarding schools such as QVS, ACS, RKS and the like.” (F.T. 1/7/15).

3.2 Ministry of Education Statement – Education Reforms.

At the QVSOB Special AGM held in Lautoka on the 2nd May 2015, an invitation was extended to The Ministry of Education Special Advisor to explain to members of the Association the reasoning behind the recent Education Reforms. The focus was on the impact that these policies had on the student admission procedure for QVS.

The proposed reforms for the QVS community means amongst other things a shift in the student admission criteria. This will result in an increase in the quota for students from the rural and maritime islands at the expense of urban students.

This policy discriminates on the basis of location of the students and is in breach of Section 26(5) of the Constitution which states that “every person has the right of access, without discrimination, to educational institutions.”

It also breaches Section 3 of the Education Act: which states that “people should be educated in accordance with the wishes of the parents”.

Of the 176 secondary schools in the country, 160 are Form 7 schools.

What is the point of developing many Form 7 schools in rural and maritime areas when from next year the Ministry plans to hive off their feeder intake to QVS, RKS and ACS?

This will only encourage urban drift of our young people and runs counter to the government’s policy of encouraging people to remain in non-urban areas.

We, therefore, recommend that instead of limiting the intake of QVS, RKS and ACS to rural and maritime schools, a better option would be to upgrade their facilities – classrooms,

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laboratories, computer labs, boarding facilities, and teachers’ quarters – making the facilities more conducive to learning.

In a Press release I issued in April 2015, in my capacity as the President of the QVSOB Association, I categorically stated that QVS had always catered for students wishing to enrol at the school, based on merit alone.

QVS has never wavered from this policy.

The statement made by the Special Advisor from MOE at the QVSOB S/AGM held in Lautoka indicates that issues like the Education Reforms are acted on by the Minister on the strength of the Special Advisor’s counsel. However, majority of Fijians have been saying all along that “Education Policies like this new student admission policy for QVS is being churned out by the MoE lacks serious thought and proper research”.

3.3 Statements of the MOE Special Advisor.

The following statements that the Special Advisor made at the QVSOB S/AGM on May 2nd, 2015 raise more questions than answers.

The “deep concerns” of the Ministry in regards to the “state of Education Development and the management of Education Institutions in the country” in so far as QVS concerned is grossly misplaced.

As can be easily verified, education development and the management of QVS have continued to live up to the high standards expected of it, and more.

The 100% pass by its Y12 students in 2014 examination is but only one testament to this fact. Secondly, the association wishes to restate here that the management of the school, under the able leadership of its Principals, past and present, has continued to perform at the highest level of competency and professionalism.

As reported in The Fiji Times of May 2, 2015 "pass rates" for "the top five best performing schools in Fiji" in the 2014 Year 12 exams highlighted that Queen Victoria School was first (with a 96.9 per cent pass rate), Jai Narayan College was second (92.1 per cent.) , St Joseph's Secondary School was third (88.5 per cent), fourth was Labasa College (87 per cent), and fifth was Adi Cakobau School (81.5 per cent). The statistics given by the MOE showed that QVS has done extremely well.

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4. RESPONSE TO THE ISSUES RAISED BY MoE

4.1 Elitism

i. The tag of “elitism” hurled at the school is way off the mark. The Association detests such labeling. It is uncalled for. Historically, Students entry into QVS has been based solely on merit. Students, who make the cut in terms of the marks required, get into the School. Once a student is accepted for studies at QVS, his continuing enrolment will depend on his performance, discipline and general “fit”.

ii. The Special Advisor commented “that students from the rural and maritime islands …

being better disciplined, easier to control and will be better equipped to excel at QVS” is simply misleading.

iii. Students entering the school, whether they are from the maritime or rural schools or

are from urban centers ALL receive the same type of guidance and disciplinary teachings. The school focuses on their entry marks and starts the moulding and teaching process from there.

iv. In simple terms, students making the required marks are provided placements in the school.

4.2 Literacy and Numeracy

i. QVS students enjoy one of the highest levels of literacy and numeracy amongst High School students in Fiji, as evident from the outstanding pass rates it has enjoyed at Y12 and Y13 external examinations. Assertions to the contrary are misplaced and misleading.

ii. As evidence, the 100% pass in the Y12 external examinations achieved by the school in

2014 year is outstanding. In this examination 75% of the students passed their English paper with the highest score being 87 marks.

iii. Of the 130 students who sat for the Y12 Maths paper 98% passed and the highest score was 95. The school achieved a 93% pass in the Y13 external examinations where 56% passed their English paper, the highest scoring 83 marks. Of the 72 students that sat the Y13 exams, 92% passed their Maths paper and the highest mark was 75%.

4.3 QVSOB Association & Parent, Guardians and Teachers Association (PGTA).

i. Though the above academic achievement is primarily a result of the commitment and the quality of teachers as well as the hard work of students, the support, care and concern by the QVS Old Boys Association and the QVS/PGTA over the years have also contributed to these achievements. The allusion by the MoE representative that the QVSOB and the QVS/PGTA “are not doing their part” is therefore offensive and totally off the mark.

ii. The QVSOB and the PTGA are two of the major stakeholders of the school who over

the years have contributed immensely to the development of the school.

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iii. A few years ago, the QVS Old Boys funded a new classroom block for Form 7 at a cost

of $83,000.

iv. In addition, the QVS Old Boys and the PGTA have together helped the school in many ways. Here are just some examples:

1) Paying tutors to hold weekend tutorials and holiday classes at a cost of $21,254 for

3 years (see [f] in the table below). 2) Repair of classrooms and the purchase of 5 multimedia (see [a] [i]). 3) Extension of computer laboratory at a cost of $130,485 (see [a] [ii] & [iii]).

Upgraded Computer Laboratory funded by the QVS Old Boys and the PGTA.

4) Travel and allowance for coaches for athletics and rugby (see [a] [iv] and [e]). 5) After the fire that destroyed the Rewa House Senior Dormitory in 2013, blankets,

pillows, mattresses, complete clothes kit list, exercise books, school bags, etc. were bought for them for $7,331 (see [a] [v]).

6) Supplement the food vote (see [a] [vii]). 7) Urgent repair of dormitories (see [a] [viii]). 8) New desks and chairs (see [a] [xi]). 9) Purchase of a photocopier at a cost of $2,700 (see [a] [xii]) 10) Et cetera, (see [b],[c],[d].

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EXPENDITURE 2012 2013 2014

(a) Contribution to the School.

(i) Classroom renovation/repairs. (ii) Computer lab opening. (iii) Computer lab extension. (iv) Coaches (professionals). (v) Donations to fire victims. (vi) E-learning project. (vii) Food ration. (viii) House repair. (ix) ICT programme. (x) Internet cable charges. (xi) Repair of school. (xii) School photocopier. (xiii) SUIS. (xiv) Tennis table and set.

$10,750. - $113,745. - - $820. $1200 - - - - - -

$25,708. $6,675. $8,535. - $7331. $5470 . $6000 $21,414 $3,196 $5,657 $2,700 $1,000

$1,712

$24,332.

- $1,530. $9270 - - - - - - - $ 480-

(b) PGTA AGM Expenses. $5,439. $5,668. $4,421.

(c) Pass-Out Parade (Cadet Expenses). $12,636. $22,920. $8,812.

(d) Prize giving. $750. $1,000. $2,918.

(e) Sports Expenses.

(i) Athletics. (ii) Inter-House. (iii) Rugby Union. (iv) Rugby League. (v) Basketball. (vi) Soccer.

$11,840. $1,200. $16,627. $1,700. $250. -

$10,479. $2,000. $19,209. - $1,119. $1,920.

$8,669. - $15,022. - - -

(f) Tutorials (extra classes). $9,820. $7,180. $4,254.

TOTAL $186,777 $166,893. $79,708..

*Source: PGTA Audited Financial Statement.

The QVSOB have always had a very good relationship with the MoE. This close working

rapport has seen major decisions about the school made in an environment of trust.

To suggest that a “problem exists” over the influence of the Old Boys in the enrolment of unqualified students is frivolous and distasteful to all OBs.

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4.4 Bullying

The QVSOB/PGTA has never condoned bullying in any shape or form and this stand has consistently been part of the school’s curriculum. QVS is not alone in this fight as all other schools, boarding as well as day schools, also experience varying levels of this act.

And like other schools, QVS is struggling to eradicate bullying in all its forms.

In our collective effort to get on top of this matter through counselling and through disciplinary measures, the school is beginning to see a marked improvement and indeed awareness amongst the school student and teacher population of processes to take to swiftly deal with incidents of student bullying.

It must be remembered too that cases of bullying which start off as innocent pranks have a way of evolving into common assault. Again, I wish to state here that the QVSOB and the QVS/PGTA do not and will not EVER condone bullying.

To better understand the problem of bullying and the difficulty encountered by teachers and prefects to effectively police the act, it is necessary to know that bullies “pursue such acts away from the watchful eyes of authority”. Usually the perpetrators act in a group. Known instances include such acts being made at night after the Prep Master has done his nightly rounds. Nonetheless, to expect the teachers to be with the students 24/7 is unreasonable.

4.5 Suicide

QVS takes umbrage at the insensitive generalization made by your Special Advisor on the subject of “student suicides and attempted suicides”.

In the last 50 years QVS through its inter and intra teacher/student consultation programmes and tracking teacher/student progress that includes ongoing student counselling programmes has recorded but one suicide case, way back in 1973.

Though the school does not have access to the services of a resident professional student counsellor/psychologist to deal with such cases the high professionalism of our teachers has allowed teacher/student bonding to take place, eliminating to a very large extent incidents of suicide that is alarmingly becoming too common in our education system.

It must be noted that teachers and in certain instances school chaplains who have been asked to take on the role of Student Counsellors are not professionally qualified to deal with behavioural flaws and psychological matters in general.

Thus, the Association strongly recommends that the Ministry urgently considers the appointment of resident professionally qualified Student Counsellors, not only for QVS but for all schools.

4.6 Financial Management

QVS recognizes that financial mismanagement needs our collective effort to eradicate.

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4.7 Maintenance Work

The Advisor’s claim on the day of our meeting that maintenance work on the school dormitories had been undertaken is NOT TRUE. No maintenance work of any nature has been done at QVS as per the day of the S/AGM, 2nd May 2015.

4.8 Staff Transfer

The Special Advisor’s statement that he had instigated the transfer out of QVS in 2014 of our Principal is hard to fathom – a very precarious precedent indeed if what he said at the S/AGM is to be taken as correct. Staff transfers within the Government system is vested in the Permanent Secretary. Staff appointments for the Ministry is the prerogative of the Permanent Secretary too, but with the provision that consultation with the Minister responsible is to be undertaken first.

The saga, where the current Principal was transferred out of QVS at the Minister’s instigation because of a bullying incident sadly has all the symptoms of a witch-hunt. Surely there are processes and procedures to be followed where human rights, natural justice and fair play are at the forefront.

The Association strongly deplores such “bullying tactics”. The Principal had not committed an offence under the Public Service disciplinary regulations to justify the decision for his immediate transfer. It is ironical that the Ministry transferred the incumbent to QVS this year from Kadavu with glowing recommendation. What has changed in just 6 months for the MOE to now label the same officer as “incompetent” and was clamouring for his immediate transfer?

When viewed against the following narrative, the action by the Ministry is difficult to

understand. The QVS Principal, SILIVIO VUETI TAWAKE, was recently promoted by the

Ministry as per Contract ED-ID and took up his new posting at the beginning of the 2015

school year.

Since his arrival at QVS from Vunisea Secondary School in Kadavu, he has introduced

changes that are clearly making a difference. These include reviewing learning and teaching

methodologies in the school in compliance with the Ministry’s education reform

programmes, in particular in accordance with the provisions of the Ministry’s ACP and the

QVS Strategic Plan (2015-2017) that call for building on a collegial working relationship with

teachers, students, stakeholders (PGTA, OB), actively promoting consultation amongst

workers, put in place a student enrolment system that ensures the efficient payment of

necessary operation costs for students’ extra-curricular activities, analysis of results for

remedial measures and tracking students/teachers progress, completed the construction

and painting of the new Bure Nasinu, instilling in the staff members a sense of commitment

towards high achievement and academic excellence.

These changes are reflected in the remarkable achievement of the school in the 2015 Coke

Games where QVS came second overall winning 9 gold medals, 4 silver and 4 bronze. In

rugby the school fielded 4 teams (U14, U15, U16 & U17) in the national Deans Finals and all

4 came out victors. Under his guidance and leadership the school has established a

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community outreach programme with villagers from the nearby Lawaki Village. These

changes have been done within the first 6 months of his arrival at QVS.

He also acquitted himself creditably at the Vunisea Secondary School.

In 2013 he was promoted by the Ministry to Principal ED-1A. In the same year Vunisea

Secondary School scored the impressive pass rate of 46% and a 73% in the FSLCE and the

FSFCE external examinations. The school continued to do remarkably well in sports and in

rugby. Under his leadership, the school completed the construction of dormitory blocks for

its senior boys, the senior girls and the junior boys.

Obviously, he is serious with and is committed to his work. His output is of top-drawer

quality and his leadership style has reaped good results.

His efforts need to be acknowledged and rewarded.

I would like to emphasize that Good leaders need better treatment.

The special presentation of the QVSOB Association made to the Minister at the Warwick International Hotel through a delegation which I personally led averted injustice to a hardworking Principal. It is with great relief that good sense prevailed and the decision reversed. The QVSOB and the PGTA strongly recommend that the MOE should carefully review its staff transfer policy regarding our School Principal. Ad-hoc transfers are at worst disruptive, it frustrates the work of the school management, creates avoidable angst amongst the school community and in the long term defeats efforts by the teachers and the students to attain academic excellence.

4.9 Academic Excellence.

The 100% pass rate in our Y12 exams last year was a direct result of the hard work put in by the Principal and the teachers, with support from the PGTA, the QVSOB and students themselves. QVS and Cicia High School were the only high schools in the whole of Fiji that achieved this remarkable accomplishment.

Credit ought to be given where it is due. Not belittled.

QVS also achieved a very high pass rate (93%) by its Y13 students in 2014 year.

Minister, QVS is a Centre of Academic Excellence. The school takes great pride in its established disciplinary regime especially in areas of academic excellence and moral principles. Thus, the statement by Special Advisor of “high incidence of indiscipline in schools” does not apply to QVS.

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5. QVS STRATEGIC PLAN. (2015 – 2017)

With the school’s 3 year Strategic Plan (ANNEX “B”) firmly in place coupled with the ever burgeoning confidence and guidance of our Principal, QVS is positioning itself for bigger things this year.

At the top of our priority list is to out-do our achievements of 2014 and to establish new records of academic as well as sporting excellence.

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6. EDUCATION REFORM. It appears from the comments made by the Special Advisor to the Minister that Education Policies emanating from the office of the Minister have continued to be issued without proper thought. The admissions made at the S/AGM by the Special Advisor sadly lend credence to this rising concern.

6.1. Elite Policy

The Acting PS for Education, Ms Kelera Taloga, has been quoted (Fiji Times 11/04/15) as saying that there was no elite student policy for the Ministry or for that matter QVS.

6.2. Coverage of Syllabus.

Prior to 2015, syllabuses are normally set to be covered up to the first 4 or so weeks of Term 3 before revision work starts and then the exams. But the Minister’s directive for schools in 2015 to complete the syllabus by the end of Term 2 and have the final internal exams also at the end of Term 2, I believe, will be a retrogressive step in the long run. Working backwards, if Term 2 exam results have to be out by the beginning of week 14, Term 2 exams have to be done by week 12 of the Term. This means revision work will be done during weeks 10 and 11. This essentially means that the whole year’s syllabus has to be completed by week 9 (July 7th – 10th, 2015). Put another way, out of the 41 weeks of the school year, the syllabus has to be covered in 22 weeks! Because of the shortage of time, teachers will rush through the syllabus, and will not teach it in depth. There will also be no time for activities to widen the outlook of the student, activities like drama or plays, concert, music, sports, Fijian customs, mekes, sports, boy scouts and girl guides. All in all, the teacher will be afraid to go outside the syllabus to develop the student into a well-rounded and critical being, as everything is focussed on the restrictions of the syllabus. Another point is that after the all-important Term 2 exam on which the award winners for the Prize Giving will be decided, how will the teachers keep the students focussed in the classroom right through the 13 weeks of Term 3?

6.3. Maths a compulsory subject.

As recently as the first week of Term 3 this year, the Minister said that Mathematics will be a compulsory subject and students have to score over 50% in the subject. The Minister went on further to say;

“Do you want our children to be worse than bus drivers? Bus drivers can count and give change. In our time we used to memorise the 12 times table, we can give change because we know (sic) basic mathematics”.

The Minister does not seem to know the difference between numeracy and mathematics. Quoting from a letter in the “Fiji Sun” (14/9/15),

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“Numeracy is what we used to call “arithmetic” and deals with the numbers we use to measure quantities, etc. Maths uses logic and proof and includes statistics, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, complex numbers, topology, set theory, etc. It is needed for higher studies in many branches of knowledge, but not for the majority of persons whose education stops at certificate or diploma level. To make Maths compulsory is for some students and teachers, a waste of time and energy”.

The same concerned citizen in the “Fiji Times” of 25th September, said:

“If a child learns how to make a budget and record expenditure, and perhaps work out the percentage in interest charged by a moneylender, that will be enough to survive. I suspect the garment workers and builders, labourers do not use even their Year 9 and 10 Maths. As a Maths teacher from 1955 to 1975, I know that I have never used the earthquake maths, rocket trajectory maths and heat flow maths that I studied at university in order to qualify as a Year 12 and 13 Math teacher. Nor have I ever needed any of the maths I taught in Year 12 and 13. Yes, Fiji needs many engineers and other technical people, but they will not come from making Maths compulsory”.

6.4. Teaching strategy of using vernacular.

In another article in the “Fiji Sun” (9/9/15) The Minister was reported to have said that he was totally against the practice when students found difficulty in understanding a teacher’s explanation, iTaukei teachers would be able to clarify things in the vernacular. The Minister inferred, and it was supported by the Director of the Secondary Section, that such a practice would impede a student learning to read and write English fluently. I beg to disagree. In addition, to support my stand, I quote from a letter to the “Fiji Times” (12/9/15) by Professor Paul Geraghty, who said,

“The Director of Secondary Education is of the opinion that appointing teachers who do not speak iTaukei to schools like Namosi Secondary will have the effect of improving students’ English. If anything, it will have the opposite effect, and also risks impeding the students’ acquisition of knowledge in other subjects. ….. teachers who can explain concepts in the students’ first language are far more effective than those who cannot. …. As for acquisition of English, in my experience the Fiji students with the best English are not those who spoke a lot of English when they were young, but those who are well grounded in their first language …”

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6.5. New Pass/Fail requirements.

Again the Minister recently announced that effective from this year (2015), to pass a Form 5, 6 or 7 exam, a student has to get over 50% in English and also over 50% in 3 of his/her best 3 other subjects. Until that announcement, a pass in the same exams entailed getting over 35% in English and with his/her best 3 subjects, total should be at least 200 marks. Tabled below is the result of this new reform based on a QVS Year 13 stream End of Term 2 examination results.

AGGREGATE NEW REFORM

Number passed (200+)

% passed Number passed Eng. + Best 3

% passed

20/27 74% 8/27 30%

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7. CONCLUSION

The QVSOB has always collaborated with all stakeholders of the school, especially the QVS-PGTA; in addressing numerous and significant gaps in the provision of services and facilities at the school.

QVS, like any school worthy of its calling, strives for excellence in all spheres of its operation. The pursuit of academic excellence is at the very top of the pole, followed closely by our focused spiritual empowerment and iTaukei cultural teaching.

Vulinitu owes a lot to our visionary forefathers, to the chiefs of yesteryears, to the BLV and to the British. They laid the foundation for the future of the iTaukei. The challenge that lies before all of us is to ensure that their sweat is not allowed to be side-tracked by ad-hoc policies.

Given the number of issues that have been raised due to the ever changing directives and comments by the Hon. Minister for Education and the scale of resulting complexities, it will be proper that he appoints a team to conduct an Education Commission. There is a need for a comprehensive research and wider consultation amongst stakeholders so that a collective coherent strategy can be obtained through the full support of the school authorities, principals and teachers associations, parents, students, and the public at large.

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8. RECOMMENDATIONS

As a result of the concerns raised in this paper, I submit the following recommendations for the Minister’s consideration. It is critical that the MOE deliberates on the matters discussed in this paper given its impact on the future welfare of the QVS Community and in particular the students who are enrolled at the school.

8.1 Education forum – It is strongly recommended that a new Forum be

immediately established, with clearly defined Terms of Reference, to closely look at and monitor education reforms and policies with the view of improving the delivery of education to the people.

8.2 Policies on Education Reform – The Ministry to extensively consult with

stakeholders in the QVS community on all education issues impacting on the school before issuing enabling policies.

8.3 Student Admission Policy – the principal objective of this paper is the retention

of the student admission policy that the school has been using since its inception based on the entry criteria of “students attaining the required entry marks”.

8.4 QVS Strategic Plan (2015 – 2017) – the 6 Focus Areas highlighted in the Plan is the Platform upon which the School’s performance and achievements will be assessed. The School Management and the QVSOB Association/PGTA would like to work out a clear working relationship with the Ministry ensuring that the outcomes set out in the Plan are achieved.

8.5 Staff Transfers - the QVSOB and the PGTA strongly recommend that the MOE should review its policy regarding the transfer of School Principals and staff. Ad-hoc transfers reflect badly on the professionalism of the Ministry and are disruptive, lowers morale within the school community and is unfair to the teachers and the students. Natural justice and fair play should be paramount in all MoE policies.

8.6 Professionally Qualified Student Counsellors – it is strongly recommended that the Ministry urgently considers the appointment of professionally qualified Student Counsellors, not only for QVS but for all schools in the country. The Terms of Reference for these Counsellors should focus on the eradication of suicidal tendencies amongst students, bullying, and etc.

8.7 QVS Board of Governors – The capacity, membership and continuing advisory

role of the QVS Board of Governors to the running of the School need to be clarified. This given the assurance by the Minister that he “has not abolished” the Board.

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8.8 Roadmap for the future of the school - in light of the increasingly controversial opposition hurled by Government at the School the QVSOBA needs to explore the issue of privatising the school.

PRIVATIZATION STRATEGIES - the QVSOBA to work out strategies and means whether to retain QVS as it is or work on it morphing to a privatised institution.

FEEDER SCHOOL/QVS UNIVERSITY - the QVSOBA to explore strategic issues for the institution with a mind towards the upgrading of QVS not only as a feeder to a university but moving it towards a fully-fledged university.

PROCESS FOR CHANGE - identified changes is aligned to processes to be adopted for implementation.

8.9 Regular interaction between the Ministry and the QVS community – it is

strongly recommended that regular consultations take place between the Ministry and the QVS community.

The differences that now exist and the apparent misunderstanding on matters dividing the two groups are a direct result of the absence of consultation and the insensitivity shown by the Minister in the handling of education issues that impact profoundly on the lives of parents and guardians whose children are being used as pawns in this power play.

8.10 Education Commission – As some of the reforms covered in this paper will affect all

schools, and not only QVS, RKS and ACS, it is strongly recommended that an Education

Commission be set up to make a broad and all-encompassing review of education in Fiji.

This goes in line with the Minister’s promise during his maiden speech in Parliament that he

would appoint an Education Commission in 2015.

8.11 Meeting with the Minister - a meeting between the Minister for Education and the

QVSOBA be convened as soon as possible to address the above concerns.

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ANNEX “A”

“QVS WHO’S WHO LIST”

FIJI HEADS OF STATE

Ratu Sir George Cakobau – first local Governor-General of Fiji.

Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau - former Governor-General of Fiji

Ratu Sir Josaia Tavaiqia – former President.

Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara - first Prime Minister of Fiji at independence in 1970 and former President of Fiji

Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda - President of Fiji 2001- 2009.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau – President till 11 Nov., 2015

FIJI PRIME MINISTERS

Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara - first Prime Minister of Fiji at independence in 1970. Dr Timoci Bavadra - Prime Minister of Fiji 1987. Sitiveni Rabuka - former Prime Minister of Fiji, 1992 – 1999. Laisenia Qarase - Prime Minister of Fiji, 2000–2006.

PRIME MINISTER OF TUVALU.

Hon Toalipi Lauti - former Prime Minister of Tuvalu

GOVERNMENT CABINET MINISTERS/MPs

Joeli Kalou – former Cabinet Minister 1987, 1995, Senator 2000-2004 and former Government Whip and Leader of the House

Apisai Tora - Former Senator, Cabinet Minister, Leader of the Taukei movement and Trade Union leader.

Jonetani Kaukimoce – former Minister for Transport, Minister for Lands. Vilisoni Cagimaivei – former MP Ratu Epeli Nailatikau - former Commander, Royal Fiji Military Forces (1982–1987), diplomat,

Speaker of the Fijian House of representatives (2001–2006) and Minister for Foreign Affairs (2007), President of Fiji till 11 Nov., 2015.

Kaliopate Tavola – former Minister for Foreign Affairs and Ambassador to the EU Ratu Ovini Bokini, Late Turaga na Tui Tavua - former Chairman of Great Council of Chiefs. Viliame Cavubati – former MP and former Assistant Minister for Transport. Paul Manueli – first local Commander Royal Fiji Military Forces. Joketani Cokanasiga – former Minister for Primary Industries Peni Naqasima - QVS Head boy 1946 and 1947 – former MP and politician in the Alliance

Government. Josefa Dimuri – former MP Ro Kiniviliame Kiliraki – Current MP Late Ratu Viliame Tagivetaua – former MP and Native lands Commissioner Joeli Cawaki - former Commissioner Western, current MP Semesa Karavaki – current MP. Samuela Veremalua – MP. Aseri Radrodro – Current MP

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FIJI AMBASSADORS/HIGH COMMISSIONERS AND FIJI DIPLOMATS

Epeli Kacimaiwai - former High Commissioner to Australia. Ratu Isoa Gavidi – former High Commissioner to Australia, Malaysia Emitai Boladuadua – former High Commissioner to the UK. Dr. Jona Senilagakali – former interim Prime Minister in 2006 military government Filipe Bole – former Minister for Education and former Deputy Prime Minister Ratu Jone Radrodro – former Fiji Ambassador the United States. Filimoni Jitoko – former Judge and High Commissioner to the UK Poseci Bune – former Permanent Secretary for PSC and Fiji Ambassador to the EU. Isikia Savua – former Fiji Consulate General, Sydney and former Permanent Representative

of Fiji to the UN. Peceli Vocea – former Fiji's Ambassador to the European Union. Jesoni Vitusagavulu – former Ambassador to the United States. Saula Sovanivalu – former Counselor, Fiji High Commission, Kuala Lumpur. Akuila Makutu Waradi – former Deputy High Commissioner and Counsellor Fiji High

Commision, Canberra. Ratu Meli Malani – former Fiji Trade Commissioner, Sydney; former Fiji Consul General,

Sydney.

PERMANENT SECRETARY/GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SECTOR CEOs.

Anasa Vocea – former Permanent Secretary for Works. Emitai Boladuadua – former Permanent Secretary for Education; former PS for Foreign

Affairs. Epeli Kacimaiwai - former Permanent Secretary for Education and first Fijian Principal

appointed to Queen Victoria School Ratu Isoa Gavidi - former Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, former PS for Information

and Telecommunications. Lagisoa Rabo Delana - former Agricultural Tribunal, Independent Arbitrator, Commissioner

Western, Minister for Fijian Affairs. Akuila Savu – former Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air Pacific, Chairman

of Ports Authority of Fiji and Deputy Chairman of Yatu Lau Company. Ratu Jone Radrodro – former Perm Sec for Home Affairs, and former PS for Fijian Affairs. Savenaca Siwatibau - former Governor Reserve Bank of Fiji, former Vice Chancellor USP,

Director of ESCAP, Fijian academic, leader. Isikia Savua – former Commissioner of Police. Ratu Semi Seruvakula – Senior Advisor, Fijian Affairs, QVS Principal (1992 – 1994) Apisalome Tudreu - Permanent Secretary for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Permanent Secretary for

Home Affairs, and PS for Health. Savenaca Narube - former PS for Finance; former Governor Reserve Bank of Fiji. Sekonaia Tui Mailekai – former CEO FIRCA. Solomone Sila Kotobalavu – former PS for Finance. Dr Eloni Tora – former Permanent Secretary of Health Amena Yauvoli – former Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs; former CEO/PIDF, Fiji

Ambassador Climate Change. Ratu Napolioni Masirewa – former PS Tourism and Commissioner Western. Jo Sania – current PS Ministry of Youth. Dr Samuela Bogitini – Director USP Campus, Labasa.

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Osea Cawaru – current PS for Defence and PS for Labour and Industrial Relations. Vuetasau Buatoka – former PS for Works Peni Kunatuba - former PS Agriculture, currently Deputy Commissioner of Prison &

Correctional Services Viliame Naupoto - former Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forests and current Acting

Commander of RFMF. Taito Waqa – former Permanent Secretary for Labour and Industrial Relations. Col. Metuisela Mua, former Director FIS. Aisake Taito – former CEO Fiji National Provident Fund. Jesoni Vitusagavulu – former CEO/Fiji Trades and Investment Board.

MEDICAL OFFICERS

Dr. Jona Senilagakali – former PS for Health. Dr. Apisalome Naqasima, Head boy 1943 –Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Timoci Bavadra – Assistant Dir. Prim. & Prev. Health Services. Dr. Uraia Naqasima - Dr. Isikeli Leweniqila - former Divisional Medical Officer Central Eastern. Dr. Ratu Wilisoni Malani Dr. Tukaha Mua –specialist Anaesthetist Dr. Jeke Wata . Dr. Jo Nasaroa – Consultant Physician Dr. Mesake Biumaiwai – former PS for Health. Dr. Don Taloga – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL SERVANTS

Paula Uluinaceva – current ADB/World Bank Advisor, Solomon Islands; former Fiji Permanent Secretary for Finance.

Manoa Kamikamica – ANZ Bank, PNG; former CEO Pacific Sun. Capt. Apenisa Vata Katonivualiku – former SPC Transport and Maritime Advisor. Nauludole Mataitini – serving UN International Peacekeeper Apolosi Gucake – serving Vice President, Bank of the West, Sacramento, USA Jesoni Vitusagavulu – International Trade Consultant (USA) Apolosi Turaganivalu – serving FFA Solomon Islands Senior Consultant Fisheries. Ratu Viliame Seruvakula – serving UN Department of Safety and Security, International

Peacekeeping

SPORTS PERSONALITIES

Ratu Nacanieli Uluiviti – former Fiji Rep in Rugby and Cricket, former Fiji Diplomat. Inoke Tabualevu – former Fiji Rep in Rugby and Cricket, Fiji national Rugby Coach. Mosese Taga – former Fiji Rugby prop and Captain Alifereti Doviverata – former Fiji Rugby Captain Joeli Vidiri - former Fiji and All Blacks player. Lemeki Vuetaki – former Fiji Rugby rep. Henry Speight - ACT Brumbies and Wallaby winger Patrick Osbourne - Otago Highlanders winger Naibuka Vuli – former Fiji Rugby Captain.

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PUBLIC SECTOR

Nemani Vuniwaqa – serving Director of Immigration Ralulu Cirikiyasawa – Special Administrator, Rakiraki and former Chief Auditor, Ministry of

Finance. Akuila Vuakaca - Civil servant, Medical, Forestry and Fisheries. Eminoni Kurusiga – former General Manager Ports Authority of Fiji, Senior Manager Ports

Authority of Nauru. Usaia Ratuvili - Chief Magistrate Peniasi Nakautoga - Director of Lands and Survey, Nauru. Mataiasi Lomaloma – former RFMF officer, serving Intelligence Advisor RAMSI, Solomon

Islands. Sakiusa Rabuka – former SG, serving Legal Advisor AG Chambers, Solomon Islands. Apisalome Mudu – former District Officer – Nausori, former Fiji Diplomat PRUN, NY. Salesi Temo – serving Judge, former Chief Magistrate.

PRIVATE SECTOR CEOs & PERSONALITIES

Josaia Mar – former CEO/Shell. Peni Drodrolagi – former CEO/Shell. Rev Sialeni Vuetaki – former CEO Air Fiji, CEO Yatu Lau Company Limited. Kini Maraiwai – Lawyer and Politician. Asaeli Tokalau – Director Adminstration, Suva City Council. Poate Mata – former Manager HR, British Petroleum (Fiji). Rokoseru Nabalarua – CEO –Natural Waters of Viti Limited (Fiji Water). Savenaca Seniloli – former CEO Rewa Dairy Co-operative Ltd, current CEO ORICA Fiji Limited. Isikeli Taoi – serving Manager, Bank of South Pacific. Joape Kuinikoro – former CEO Fiji Post and former Fiji National Rugby Rep;

AVIATION

Savenaca Savu - former Air Pacific Captain. Jo Turaganivalu – Fiji Aviator. Akuila Makutu Waradi – former Director of Civil Aviation (Fiji). Timoci Qaranivalu – Pilot of Airbus - Emirates Airways.

RELIGION

Dr. Ilaitia Tuwere – former President Fiji Methodist Church. Rev. Esala Nasaroa. Rev Nacanieli Vakarau – Methodist Church. Rev Jimione Kaci – Methodist Church (U.K) Rev. Inia Mavai – Methodist Church (Melbourne, Australia) Poate Mata – AoG. Pastor Jack Valentine – SDA. Solomoni Duru – General Secretary South Pacific Bible Society.

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ANNEX “B”

Extract of “QVS STRATEGIC PLAN – 2015-2017”.

The 3-year Strategic Plan for the school is aligned to the Ministry’s Annual Corporate Plan and focuses on the (6 ) basic tenets of;

FOCUS AREA 1 – Teaching and Learning. Outcome: Improved quality of student performance in all subjects through innovative and excellent teaching practices that include the procurement of quality teachers for QVS; improve the quality and impact of teaching; strengthen teaching and learning experiences that contribute towards developing and inculcating academic skills and knowledge; and foster excellence in the consistency and structure of academic delivery. FOCUS AREA 2 – Student Support and Holistic Development. Outcome: Implement sustainable extra curricula activities for the holistic development of students that include the teaching of Christian values to remain as the foundation principle for all programs in school; create a student community with high level of awareness of health and safety issues; respect for each other; and practice ethical values. FOCUS AREA 3 – Governance, Leadership and Management. Outcome: Manage and administer a workforce that is appropriately qualified, competent, committed, and motivated to deliver quality education services with integrity and transparency through its processes and resources. FOCUS AREA 4 – Community Engagement and Partnership. Outcome: Strengthen partnership with communities and stakeholders and proactively develop, build and preserve the QVS heritage and brand. FOCUS AREA 5 – Learning Environment Staff and Student Accommodation. Outcome: Improved and well maintained learning environment which is safe and secure ensuring that welfare of teachers and students is paramount at all times. FOCUS AREA 6 – iTaukei Values and Culture. Outcome: Students to have good background knowledge of the historical significance of the school and its place within the iTaukei people and the nation. Alignment: Vision by Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna of building and cultivating future Leaders with two main specific objectives: to provide young iTaukei boys and girls with excellent education and leadership training and to ensure that Fijian Chiefs would continue to play key leadership role in Fiji’s changing context.