West New Britain schools end 2026 academic year early due to drought

All schools in West New Britain Province have formally ended the 2026 academic year, with classes suspended last Friday, November 6, due to prolonged drought conditions affecting the province.

The decision was communicated to school administrations through a circular issued by the Provincial Education Board [PEB], advising schools to suspend classes and send student's home.

Executive Manager for the Provincial Division of Education, Vincent Kalatia, confirmed that the PEB made the decision after schools had been affected by El Niño weather conditions since June this year.

Mr Kalatia said the severity of the drought had made it necessary to bring the academic year to an early close.

However, he clarified that schools wishing to hold their annual speech days or end-of-year class parties would still be allowed to do so after classes had been suspended.

He said school administrations could make their own arrangements for these events.

All teachers in the province have also been advised to begin their holidays early because of the ongoing drought conditions.