Key Points
- Over 40 pupils expelled from Mother Patrick Convent Primary.
- Expulsions linked to teacher strike over poor working conditions.
- School authorities assure parents that stability will return soon.
A Harare private school has reportedly expelled at least 500 students for allegedly disturbing classes, casting doubt on their future.
Pupils expelled over alleged disruption during staff strike
Mother Patrick Convent Primary School in Mainway Meadows sent expulsion letters to at least 40 children up to Grade 6, stating that their removal was due to “disruption of the learning process.” On December 2, several kids received letters telling their parents that their children had been expelled for missing more than a week of school.
According to our school’s attendance policy, your youngster has gone above the permitted amount. A portion of the letter from acting head Eugenia Muketiwa read, “Therefore, we regret to notify you that we are withdrawing your child from our school roll.”
Teachers’ demands for improved working conditions, equitable labour practices, and the payment of unpaid salaries and bonuses were the catalysts for the strike, which started on November 19. The students were expelled in part because of the job action.
The management of the school, which was once headed by Tendayi Kagurabadza, was accused by the teachers of disregarding their concerns. Parents, many of whom had been left unattended during the strike, were forced to remove their children as a result.
“Victimisation is evident in this instance. One parent remarked, “Our children are being punished for the teachers’ actions, which they had no involvement in.”
Due to the strike, some parents told NewsDay that they were compelled to take their kids out of school after they were left unattended.
School authorities vow to restore normalcy despite challenges
The school promised parents in a letter signed by Mr. Matigimu, the management board chairperson, that the school would assume full responsibility for creating a supportive learning environment.
“We admit that the recent events might not have lived up to our expectations. The letter stated, “We are dedicated to bringing stability and normalcy back to our school as quickly as possible.” “We are grateful for your understanding, patience, and unwavering support during this trying time.”
Matigimu emphasised the value of students to the school’s success and asked parents to send their kids back to school.
“Openness and transparency are important to us,” Matigimu stated. Unfortunately, it’s possible that the unclear communication caused you, our parents, to worry.
Due to the unavailability of their phones, Kagurabadza, Muketiwa, and Matigimu were not available for remark.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s spokeswoman, Taungana Ndoro, affirmed that the government is looking into the issue and has sent a team to look into it.
