Despite the delays in Tuition Fee Free (TFF) funding, Lae Secondary School has continued to build new infrastructure under the leadership of principal Christopher Raymond and the governing council, with the support of parents.
Building new infrastructure for Lae Secondary School has been an area of priority for the schoolโs management.
Over the past few years, the school has built several new buildings, including the library, teacherโs houses, classroom blocks, and the most recent, a multi-purpose school hall and an ablution block.
This is against the backdrop of the governments common delays with TFF funding.
School Principal, Christopher Raymond, attributed this success to the schools supportive governing council and parents.
โWhat I must do, and what I present to the governing council is all for the good of our schoolโฆ Whatever the school needs and what I have actually presented to the governing council has been approvedโฆone project has proved successful andย led to the next.โ
Chairman of the schoolโs governing council, Stephen Mesa, is one of the longest serving council members.
He said the focus of the governing council has been to support the principals vision in improving the schoolโs infrastructure, and the quality of education; this is because the council believes the principal should be allowed to performย his duties knowing what is best for the students and teachers.
โAllow the principal to do his workโฆ We just support him. We can question him on the expenditure if he goes out, then he explains that; but if the results are there, no need. That is the essence of this school.โ
On Friday, the school opened their new multi-purpose hall officiated by Lae MP, John Rosso, who commended Mr. Raymond, the governing council, and parents for their continued efforts in improving the schoolโs infrastructure.
โItโs managing what little money you have properly, and that goes with the board they have, itโs a very strong boardโฆ The board supports the principal very strongly and they ensure that every penny is accounted for and they spend it onย worthwhile projects every year.โ
The new hall costs over three million kina. Whilst most of the work has been done, it is yet to be fully completed. It will be used by the schoolโs grade 10โs and 12โs in this years National Examinations.
By Lucy Kopana – EMTV News, Lae
