Classes 1,2 and 3 possibly to be taught in Bislama in 2015

"Starting in 2015, kindy and classes 1 ,2 and possibly class 3 students will be taught in Bislama. When they enter class 4 onward, they will be taught in either English or French like it has been normally done in the past up to this year 2014."

The statement was reveled by Fresh Water Bilingual School Principal, Manses Kalo to the parents during the end of the year ceremony yesterday morning.

The Principal informed that teaching kindy, classes 1,2 and possibly 3 students in the Bislama language first before continuing in English from class 4 onward is a major change but is believed to speed up the learning process of the children to grasp what they learn faster and also in expressing themselves much better in the language they use daily.

He added that in the Islands or rural areas, the children at the same level can begin receiving lessons in their respective mother tongues.

"It is believed that the application of teaching the children at those level in Bislama will produce a much advance level of quick learning by the children and by the time they enter class 4 it will not be difficult for them to pick us lessons in either English or French but rather grasp the languages quickly," said Fresh Water School Principal.

Fresh Water Bilingual School is the largest in the country and Mr Kalo told parents and students that 2014 was the most challenging year for the Fresh Water 4 school for a number of reasons. One being that the school had, in 2014 accepted many children whose parents transferred them out of other school into Fresh Water School.

"We were faced with one of the situations of lack of space in classes 1 to 6 which saw nearly all classes accommodating up to 30 plus students in one class. The school also has the largest number of teachers and staff than any other schools in the Republic of Vanuatu," he said. He also informed the parents that the Fresh water school will no longer accept transfer of students from other school into Fresh Water School.

He confirmed that the Fresh Waters school will continue to maintain its current number of students.

Meanwhile around 2,000 parents of over 1,600 students studying at Fresh Water school have not paid up all 2014 outstanding school fees but the Principal assured the parents that their children will continue with their education in 2015.

"I place the importance of the education and the future of the children first. So even if you have not been able to meet all your child or children's school fees for 2014, allow them to come in, in 2015 and continue their education," said the School Principal.

He went on to describe many projects that the school achieved during 2014 with the assistance of the parents through various fundraising drive including successful music and talents events.