Namaka Public School (NPS) has recently received the prestigious title of Best Primary School in the Lautoka/Nadi/Yasawa district for 2024, an accolade awarded by the Ministry of Education last Friday. This recognition has invigorated the school’s aspirations for competing at the regional level.
Head teacher Arvin Kumar expressed pride and a sense of honor over the award, stating, “We are aiming to make NPS the best in the South Pacific.” He emphasized that this achievement motivates the school management and teachers to continue striving for excellence in teaching and learning across all areas.
The milestone offers NPS a solid foundation to enhance the educational environment, allowing stakeholders to collaborate more effectively in delivering a comprehensive education to all students. Established in 1962, the school is supported by local community members and is known for its multi-racial and co-educational approach, catering to students from surrounding areas, including Lautoka and Korovuto.
NPS has been active in various sports, achieving success in netball, soccer, rugby, athletics, swimming, and cricket. This year, thirty-six students represented Nadi in the national athletics games, and the school recently introduced swimming classes for kindergarten students. Currently, NPS has a student body of 1,347 and a dedicated team of 33 teachers, with 140 students enrolled in kindergarten and an impressive 85 percent passing rate for the 176 students sitting for the Fiji Year 8 examination this year. Many have successfully gained admission to esteemed secondary schools.
In terms of infrastructure, NPS has invested significantly, recently enhancing its facilities with a $400,000 multipurpose hall, which serves multiple school events and generates additional income. The school has also made improvements, including a walkway, a mini theatre, and advancements in IT resources to enrich the learning experience. Additionally, it boasts an international-sized playground for soccer and rugby.
Looking ahead, NPS has a detailed 10-year master plan that envisions the construction of 15 new classrooms, a science lab, a library, washrooms, and a swimming pool.
With such dedicated efforts from both staff and students, the future looks bright for Namaka Public School as it aims for continued excellence and wider recognition in the South Pacific education landscape.
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