We would like to have Catholics heading our schools - Archbishop Chong

The Head of the Catholic Church in Fiji, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong has called on the Ministry of Education to consult the School Management of the church on school head appointments and that the unique culture of the school be included as a criterion for merit when it comes to school head appointments.

In a letter to the Education Minister, Rosy Akbar, the Archbishop says the Faith Based schools were very happy that the Permanent Secretary of Education met with them on the Open Merit Recruitment System. He says that the Permanent Secretary assured them that the Ministry of Education will ensure close consultation with school managers and that the unique culture of Faith Based schools will be supported.

However Archbishop Chong says last week the Ministry of Education appointed two non‑Catholic Acting Principals to Xavier College and Saint Thomas High School. He says Brothers Francis and Sabu were doing a fine job in these schools.

Archbishop Chong requested that they remain principals.

He also asked the Education Minister to consider faith as a component of the Open Merit Recruitment System.

The Head of the Catholic Church in Fiji says the Faith Based school representatives believe that having a school head that belongs to their faith will enhance the school.

He says the Roman Catholic Church has passionately committed herself to the education of the Fijian people over the last 70 years.

Archbishop Chong says they own 19 secondary and 44 primary schools and provide employment for about 1,021 teachers. 

He also says that Catholic Education is centered in Christ.

Archbishop Chong says as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Suva, he has a responsibility of protecting and promoting Catholic Education.

He says the Catholic Schools unique culture and values have educated worthy leaders like Ratu Kamisese Mara, the current Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. He says he is told by the Xavier College Alumni that Rosy Akbar  also benefitted from Catholic Education through Xavier College.

Archbishop Chong says their schools have been led by a Principal or Headteacher of Catholic faith until the implementation of Open Merit Recruitment System.

The Head of the Catholic Church has said in a statement on their facebook page that the Permanent Secretary assured them that she would follow through with closer partnership with Faith Based Schools, commitment to closer consultation with Faith Based School management, and the Ministry will pay close attention and sensitivity to the unique culture and religious tradition and school head appointments.

Archbishop Chong says they will continue to have dialogue with the ministry.

We have sent questions to Minister for Education. She is yet to respond.