The Fiji Principals Association has advocated for a review of the current Behaviour Management Policy, emphasizing a shift from control to guidance in managing student behavior. At the 132nd association conference in Nadi, President Vishnu Sharma articulated that effective behavior management should focus on instilling core values such as respect, responsibility, empathy, and resilience rather than relying on punitive measures.
Sharma highlighted the need for policies that reflect these values by moving towards restorative practices to help build positive relationships and encourage self-reflection among students. This approach, he notes, empowers students to make better choices and should be led by principals and teachers who are equipped with the necessary training and tools to adopt compassionate and consistent management strategies.
Further, Sharma called on the Ministry of Education to conduct a thorough, research-based review of the discipline policies, which should involve all educational stakeholders to ensure clear communication and cultural sensitivity. The Principals Association has pledged its support for this initiative in hopes of fostering a nurturing educational environment that prioritizes student well-being.
In addition to reforming behavior management, the association is also proposing the introduction of a teacher protection policy. This measure aims to safeguard educators, thereby providing a more secure teaching environment which, as Sharma suggests, would align with global best practices. Having protective measures in place would not only enhance confidence among teachers in their career prospects but also potentially encourage professional retention while reducing turnover.
This call for policy review and establishment of protective frameworks is set against a backdrop of increasing concerns from teachers regarding incidents of abuse and aggression from students. The Fijian Teachers’ Association and the Fiji Teachers Union have long been advocating for comprehensive protective policies due to rising incidents of verbal and physical abuse directed at teachers. These organizations have indicated that stronger legal frameworks and policies are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure that school environments remain conducive to education.
Given the broad support from educational leaders and associations in Fiji, this renewed focus on behavior management and teacher protection reflects a commitment to transforming educational systems so that they better serve students and educators alike. The collective advocacy underscores the potential for systemic improvements that could lead to safer, more supportive educational environments across Fiji. Such reforms could ultimately benefit the broader community by promoting respectful interactions and enhancing the overall quality of learning.
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