Vatuvonu Adventist High School will resume classes in Term 2 as a private school.

SDA Church General Secretary Pastor Joe Talemaitoga says the decision was made following a meeting last Thursday.

Pastor Talemaitoga says a Seventh-day Adventist will be appointed as principal of the school, commencing on Monday.

There will also be a number of new teaching appointments, with the majority of staff to be Seventh-day Adventists.

The SDA Church will now introduce student fees as the Government will be withdrawing the Free Education Grant.

Talemaitoga says leaving the school open is in the best interests and wellbeing of the students.

The recruitment process for the principal and teaching positions will commence immediately.

Pastor Talemaitoga says they believe that it is essential that faith-based schools have the authority to appoint teachers and staff reflecting their religious beliefs.

He adds, they will continue to appeal to the Government to review its policies and practices to enable this to happen throughout Fiji without jeopardizing the schools’ entitlement to receive the Free Education Grant