More than 200,000 students to return to school today

More than 204,000 students are returning to school with the 2024 school year starting today.

Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca is urging parents and guardians to ensure their children’s school stationery is all set and children are ready for school today.

She says a lot of assistance has been given by this government regarding the preparation of a child for the new school year and now the parents have to play their role.

Kuruleca says parents should encourage their children to attend school and also set targets for their children at the start of the year.

She adds the teachers have been briefed to ensure children are always engaged in school activities.

The Permanent Secretary wishes all students and teachers a very successful academic year.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance has paid $40.2 million to 200,760 students as part of the $200 Back-to-School Support payment.

The second round of payment will include around 8,200 applications which are currently on hold, for students yet to be enrolled in Year 13.

Kuruleca says the $200 Back to School Support for Year 13 students will be released this Friday.