In response to the letter written by “Progressive Teacher” of Grootfontein to the New Era of May 2007, we, the teachers from St. Boniface College, are dismayed at the malicious fallacies contained in the letter.
The allegations made are unfounded and, as sole custodians of the welfare of St. Boniface integrity, we vehemently want the so-called “Progressive Teacher” to know that we abhor the contents of the letter and wish to clarify certain issues raised in that letter.
Concerning Low Salaries
Every teacher at the school is paid according to the grading from Namibian Qualifications Authority (NQA). This is not a hide-and-seek game! If we were not happy with the salaries, we would not be here. In fact, we are well treated and well-motivated and this is the only school in Namibia where teachers are provided with free accommodation, water and electricity.
Concerning Overtime Remuneration
The teachers supervise study, and this is in line with the current practice in State schools, and St. Boniface College is no exception. For your own information, study supervision at St. Boniface College is an intrinsic drive for us to produce the excellent results we are so proud of, and which the writer acknowledges. Voluntarily, a teacher supervises for one day per week.
Remuneration is only paid for hostel supervision for selected teachers and hostel superintendents in State schools. Where on earth do you find a boarding school where learners are not supervised?
Concerning Short Contracts
The writer is ignorant of the labour laws on employment contracts. According to labour practice, a contract is a mutual agreement between two parties and made for any period of time.
At St. Boniface College, we are happy with our contracts, and we are given contracts of one year or more as per the work permits. The majority of teachers have been here for more than two years and this consistence and retention of highly-qualified teachers has resulted in excellent performance in Kavango Region and Namibia as a whole. Mind you, no school is rated No.
1 with disgruntled teachers!
The Post of Principal
The Principal of the College is substantive and not acting. St. Boniface College is a private Roman Catholic School and the appointment of the principal lies with the Bishop, the manager and the Board of Governors, the supreme Board.
A post can only be advertised when it is vacant. We want to let you know that it is through the cooperation, efficiency and professional ethics of our current principal that the school has achieved first national ranking in recent years.
As a result of its excellent performance, it is looked upon as the model school in Kavango Region where the principals, teachers and learners of the nearby schools visit the college for co-learning, co-teaching and to adopt the style of administration which, in our opinion, is the benchmark in Kavango.
In conclusion, thank you for trying to sympathize with us. However, in future, do your research properly and correctly before you go public.
Keep waiting for the post of the principal to be advertised!
Yours in Education
Staff Secretary
St. Boniface College Teachers – 2007