schools

Drugs found in several Samoa schools

This follows confirmation from Pouu'amea Tuaolo Supapo that marijuana was confiscated from Samoana High School students.

Drugs were also found at Tafuna High School.

Pouu'amea called on school administrators to find better ways to stop drugs from entering school campuses, even if they have to search each student.

     

Samoa schools close for a week due to increase in flu cases

Effective today, all schools (Government, Mission and Private Schools) from pre-schools to Secondary or Colleges are closed until 5 May 2023.

In its meeting this week, Cabinet approved the Special five days holiday break in response to the escalating number of children with Influenza B symptoms seeking medical attention from health authorities.

As of this week, the Ministry of Health, (M.O.H) reported a total overall of 2,441 residents seeking medical help from Hospitals nationwide since the flu outbreak surfaced several weeks ago.

Samoa Covid-19 vaccination roll out continues for children

The total represents 67.4 per cent of the eligible population in that age group.

Vaccinations for children aged between five and 11 started last week with the roll out targeting schools.

The ministry has suspended vaccination for those aged 12 years an above as they prioritise children between five and 11 years.

According to officials figures released by the ministry, as of yesterday (Thursday) 16 March, a total of 25,935 children between the ages of 12 and 17 years have been administered the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Fiji schools re-open

Children aged 5 to 12 have been at home since April last year while Year 12 and 13 students returned to classes in November.

Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said the coronavirus is now endemic to Fiji and community transmission will lead to the same in schools.

Samoa administers second Pfizer dose in schools

Director General of Health/CEO Leausa Tupa’i Samau.T.Dr Take Naseri said the schedule was developed based on the due dates which complete the 4 weeks between the 1st and 2nd dose.

“We ask that every parent or guardian should ensure that their child presents their vaccination cards on the day of their vaccination as scheduled.”

'Xi Jinping Thought' added to China's school curriculum

The Ministry of Education said Chinese President Xi Jinping's "thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era" would be taught from primary school level all the way to university.

The move is aimed at strengthening "resolve to listen to and follow the Party" and new teaching materials must "cultivate patriotic feelings", the guidelines said.

Since coming to power in 2012, the Chinese President has sought to strengthen the ruling Chinese Communist Party's role in all areas of society, including its businesses, schools and cultural institutions.

All schools ordered to close in Solomon Islands

The Solomon Star reported the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, Franco Rodie issued the directive, as part of the country's Covid-19 response strategy.

Dr Rodie said the mass repatriation of people from the capital to their home provinces following the declaration of a State of Public Emergency last week was causing anxiety and confusion for schools and education authorities.

Because of this Dr Rodie ordered all schools to close with a tentative return date set for the 27th of April.

Samoan schools urged to cancel end of year events

Chief Executive Officer of Education, Afamasaga Dr Karoline Afamasaga Fuata’ii said the events include school prize giving, graduation and school camps.

The Ministry of Health said to prevent the virus spreading further, all primary schools would close on 15 November, and secondary schools at the end of the month.

Health authorities have confirmed 48 cases of measles.

There are four deaths suspected to be related to measles.

Authorities are reporting 513 suspected cases of the highly contagious infectious disease that is caused by the measles virus.

American Samoans to be kept out of school if not vaccinated

In December a two month old child from New Zealand was admitted to LBJ Hospital with symptoms of the disease.

The Department of Health is driving a campaign to promote immunisation after recent cases were recorded in the Northland region of New Zealand

Medical Director Joseph Tufa said parents should make sure their children are protected from the potentially deadly disease.

The department has asked parents to provide proof that their children have received the meningococcal vaccine and booster shot.

Zombie crime scene helping kids learn about science

The amateur detective program was designed by teachers at Penrith Valley School, a facility for children with behavioural problems or complex emotional needs who have struggled with mainstream learning.

"A lot of them have had a lot of poor experiences in the classroom so they've got an expectation of failure that they're bringing in," principal Nic Danta said.

"And so the first stage is just to re-build that trust and connect them with education."