WARDSTRIP PRIMARY SCHOOL INTRODUCES VALUES PROGRAM TO BUILD STUDENT CHARACTER

A student population of about 4,000 at Wardstrip Primary School in Port Moresby has welcomed a new values-based program aimed at improving student behaviour, discipline and character development.

The school’s Student Representative Council (SRC), made up of teachers, the head boy and girl, and prefects, took part in a program awareness session conducted by the Education Department’s Guidance and Counselling Division and the PNG Tribal Foundation team from Senisim PNG.

Following the session, the SRC agreed to introduce the Value of the Month program, beginning next week, by sharing the values with teachers for implementation in classrooms.

SRC Coordinator Gabriella Bata said the program would benefit students as the school caters for 4,000 learners from elementary to Grade 8.

She said the program will be introduced to the school management before it is rolled out into classrooms.

Education Department First Secretary for the Guidance and Counselling Division, Allan Jim, said many schools were facing challenges with student discipline and needed programs that could help develop responsible future leaders.

The Value of the Month program was introduced to schools this year, with one value taught and practised over a four-week period.

Values covered from January to June include Compassion, Punctuality, Teamwork, Humility, Courage, Mindfulness and Commitment, with the program continuing throughout the year.

Assistant Coordinator Kylie Bellam said Wardstrip Primary School would also participate in the 11-week Transformation Table program.

She said SRC members would be the first participants before becoming facilitators to deliver the program to their classrooms and peer groups.

Senisim PNG Program Officer Anges Andrias encouraged students and teachers to take the program seriously, saying it promotes good character, leadership skills and qualities that can benefit students in their future careers.

The Transformation Table program is free and available to schools, communities, groups, homes and families interested in participating.