A total of two-hundred and fifty-nine (259) Grade Eight students graduated at the St Paul’s Lutheran Primary School in Lae today.
School Head Teacher, Alfred Norman Lewong says this the graduation is significant in marking the end of the traditional grade eight graduations for primary schools in the country.
“With the proposed phasing out of examinations for students passing out of grade eight, this is a memorable occasion for our school,” says Mr Lewong.
Mr Lewong further thanked the board, parents, stakeholders and sponsors for their continuous support to the school throughout the year outlining funding delays from the government.
“We haven’t had a graduation ceremony for some years and I am grateful to our corporate sponsors who had came on board this year to make this graduation a success,” added Mr Lewong.
One of the sponsors, the Owner of Wonderful Taxi and Hire Cars Services and Gabensis Guest House, Chris Donald says he is proud to sponsor some awards at the graduation because education plays a vital role in the development and growth of the nation.
“As a Lutheran devotee, I am happy to be supporting one of our pioneer schools in Lae and Morobe province,” says Mr Donald.
Mr Donald also represented PC & JY Woo company who sponsored the grade eight dux award which was presented to top student, Ms. Grace Totabun.
St Paul’s Primary School is one of the biggest schools in Lae with a total of 1,648 students.
Mr Lewong says as a Level 8 school, it would be a massive challenge if they are chosen to accept Grade nine students in 2025.
“Under the 1-6-6 Policy, we would have to accept grade one to grade nine students and that would be a burden on the limited learning infrastructures we have in the school,” says the Head Teacher.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Lukas Dekena this week says examinations will continue and will not be used as means to select students to continue or being left out.
IMAGE: Supplied by Sylvester Gawi
