Milne Bay schools delay class resumption for a week

Milne Bay’s Provincial Education Board has endorsed a one-week delay to classes for this second term beginning Monday for schools in the province. It’s a direct response to Tropical Cyclone Maila still tracking through Milne Bay waters.

PEB Chairman Roma Tuidam, in an official notice on Saturday afternoon, confirms the decision was made after they were served instructions from the Office of the Administrator, as advised by the Provincial Emergency Operation Center and the PNG National Weather Service.

He says the current effects and impact of Cyclone Maila include damage to numerous schools, gardens, and water sources, and communities, and this would allow students on holiday to remain with their families until the all-clear is given for classes to resume.

On Saturday morning, reports out of Dogura on the Alotau mainland say classrooms at both St Paul’s Primary School and the boys' dormitory at Holy Name Secondary School were devastated by strong winds, with roofs blown off and some wall damage too, all requiring repair before classes resume.

At this stage, the notice allows for a week of delay to classes from April 13 to 17 for all and thereafter, a case by case assessment for further considerations.

Classes will resume Monday April 20th.