By WASITA ROYAL
PROVINCIAL authorities have suspended classes at Palmalmal Secondary School for three weeks following a violent student riot that resulted in the torching of the school library and extensive damage to school property.
The unrest, which erupted on the night of Tuesday, August 25, followed a decision by the school’s Board of Governors to expel several students for various disciplinary breaches.
The East New Britain Provincial Education Board (PEB) issued Circular No. 4/2026, suspending classes from Friday, August 28, to Friday, September 18.
“The safety and wellbeing of the innocent students, staff and school properties are priority at the moment,” the circular stated.
The circular was signed by the Chairman of the Provincial Education Board.
While provincial education authorities have mandated the suspension, the Pomio District Administration has taken the lead in restoring order and securing the school.
Pomio Deputy District Administrator Hillary Songtava told Sunday Bulletin that the district had already mobilized resources to secure the school and restore normalcy.
“We are guarding the school properties now for five days to ensure normalcy,” Mr Songtava said.
He said the district was also carrying out rewiring work at the school and providing fuel to support the restoration efforts.
The fire and subsequent vandalism destroyed the school library, damaged the school’s main truck and administration block, and destroyed computers, laptops and food rations.
“The damage done is the library, and the school truck was smashed. The administration block, including all the laptops and computers, was also damaged. Rations were also destroyed,” Mr Songtava said.
Meanwhile, police have taken 11 students into custody in connection with the incident.
“Twelve students have been captured for questioning, and 11 are under police custody as suspects awaiting investigation,” Mr Songtava confirmed.
He said police were continuing to search for other students allegedly involved in the riot.
The full police investigation report is expected to be completed by Monday.
The Provincial Education Board’s circular outlines a comprehensive plan to address the crisis during the three-week suspension.
As part of the plan, community engagement will be carried
out through “Parents and Citizens Cluster Meetings” at Matong Primary School, Pomio Junior High School, Palmalmal Secondary School and Uvol Junior High School.
“The Board must convene urgently to review the incident, student disciplinary process used, and the way forward for the school,” the circular stated.
Students have been instructed to return to their homes during the suspension period.
A full investigation into the incident, as well as the actions taken by the school administration, is also underway.
District Education Officers will conduct monitoring visits to ensure compliance with the suspension and other directives, while authorities focus on preparations for the resumption of classes in Term 4.