Teachers involved in the 2017 General Elections, especially in the counting, have been directed to return to work on Monday, July 17.
The notice has been given through the Secretary’s Circular Instruction No 8 of 2017.
While commending the teachers and students who resumed Term 3 on Monday, July 10, Secretary for Education, Dr Uke Kombra, said it is very important that all students attending schools within the National Education System meet the approved instructional hours to be eligible for graduation and to sit for the Grade 8, Grade 10 and Grade 12 examinations.
Therefore teachers must be at the schools and must perform their teaching and other curricular duties.
The Secretary has advised the election managers to terminate teachers involved in the election process and make alternative arrangements to cover for these teachers who MUST return to schools; and where school facilities are being used, alternative venues must be identified and arranged to conduct or complete the counting of votes.
He added that school premises being used for election related purposes must be vacated by Sunday, July 16, so that normal classes can commence on Monday, July 17.
“All inspectors are now instructed to ensure all the teachers in their respective provinces and inspectoral zones comply with this instruction,” said Dr Kombra.
“Teachers who fail to comply with this instruction must be reported to both the Provincial Education Advisor and the Assistant Secretary for Payroll for immediate suspension from the payroll by inspectors.
“The Assistant Secretary for Inspections and Regional Directors are to lead and assist in ensuring that this directive is complied with effective as of Wednesday, July 12.”
The Assistant Secretary for Payroll can be contacted on telephone number: 3013476 and email: Kures_Riwa@education.gov.pg.