“Reviving Respect: PM Rabuka’s Call to Parents on School Discipline”

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged parents to take a stronger role in ensuring their children follow laws and norms in schools, especially in light of a recent bullying incident at Queen Victoria School (QVS) that resulted in the expulsion of nine senior students. As a former student of QVS, Rabuka expressed that such behavior is unacceptable and can lead to detrimental effects for both students and the wider school community.

Reflecting on his own school years, Rabuka observed that bullying was far less prevalent, noting that conflicts were often resolved among students without escalation. He stated, “In our era, we managed conflicts at the student level. If a senior student attempted to bully a junior student, repercussions from peers were likely.” This highlights a shift in school culture that Rabuka aims to reverse by encouraging parents to adopt a stricter approach to their children’s behavior and upbringing.

The Prime Minister’s call aligns with broader discussions concerning student discipline and safety in schools. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro also emphasized the significance of parental involvement in enhancing academic performance and overall student well-being. He has raised alarms over declining academic performance, advocating for increased engagement and discipline from parents to encourage students to concentrate on their studies.

Rabuka’s concerns come amid ongoing issues, including prior allegations of bullying and drug use at QVS. This has led to calls from various leaders, including Radrodro, to revamp the school’s environment and maintain its esteemed reputation for quality education. The community now seeks collaborative efforts among parents, teachers, and alumni to foster a culture of respect, responsibility, and safety in educational settings.

This unified approach indicates a promising direction, suggesting that with participation from all stakeholders, there can be significant strides toward improving school culture and student conduct. There is hope that collective action against bullying and other misconduct will lead to a positive transformation at Queen Victoria School and throughout Fiji’s educational institutions.