A school principal from Savai’i has raised concerns that family problems faced by some teachers contribute to their poor performance inside the classroom. 

Principal of Salelavalu Primary School, Talosaga Failauga, said this during the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture annual conference at the Pesega Hall, in Apia where educationists from Savai’i and Upolu are gathered. 

Talosaga told the Samoa Observer that this is a recurring issue she faces from some of the teachers in the school. 

“Some teachers are carrying out their responsibilities properly and some teachers face family problems and this affect their performance in the classroom, that’s why they come late to school and all these are recurring problems.”

“We have teachers who always come late to school. That’s how I know that they have family problems,” she said. 

“We carry out professional developments with these teachers to encourage them to do their work and help students because we are there to help students achieve better things in life when they complete their education.” 

She said students are usually affected and at times she has had to step in to take the classes until teachers arrive.  

“There needs to be better ways to help students perform better, like their assessments in the classrooms, and this encourages them to learn more skills and to develop them holistically in terms of their education,” Talosaga said highlighting the challenges of ensuring students achieve their full potential inside the classroom. 

“We offer extra activities to help students improve their literacy and numeracy knowledge after school, especially with their reading. Computers, laptops and tablets are available for students to help with their learning.”

She said assistance from Government has been great for schools in Upolu and Savaii, in terms of finances and resources.  

“The same courses and programmes offered here on Upolu are also available for us, and the Pacific culture programme allows students to learn about other cultures, their history and tradition.” 

There are 342 students from Year 1-Year 8 at Salelavalu Primary School. 

The annual principals’ conference ends today.