Gwaidingale Community High School in West Kwaio, Malaita province marked a major milestone on Wednesday as it hosted its 2025 Annual Graduation Ceremony.
Under the theme “Collective Effort Enlightens Education Challenges.” The graduation celebration also commemorated 29 years of educating young minds in the region, staying true to the school’s motto, “Knowledge is Power.”
The ceremony concluded with a prize-giving session, recognizing outstanding student performances across all levels, followed by performances from student cultural groups and words of encouragement from community leaders.
Held at the school compound, the event was graced by top Malaita provincial government leaders including the Deputy Premier of Malaita Province and MPA, Hon. Rendol Sifoni, Provincial Education Officer Mr. Timmy Afia, the school’s board chairman Mr. Stanley One, Gwaidingale CHS Principal Mr. Chrisanto Kaeni, education officers, community leaders, parents, and over 400 students and staff.
In his welcome address, Chairman Mr. Stanley One extended his congratulations to the graduating students of Forms 3, 5, and 6, including both the arts and science streams. “Today marks a significant milestone in your lives,” he said. “It is a day of celebration, reflection, and anticipation. To our graduates — carry your curiosity, courage, and commitment forward. The world awaits your brilliance.”
The chairman commended teachers for their dedication and acknowledged the crucial support of parents and guardians in the academic success of the students.
In his speech, Principal Mr. Chrisanto Kaeni highlighted both the achievements and critical challenges the school faced in 2025. One major concern he addressed was the rising issues of student absenteeism, classroom truancy, and deteriorating attitudes and behaviour.
“These are not just issues for teachers alone,” Mr. Kaeni stressed. “Parents, community leaders, and all stakeholders must work collectively. Education starts at home, and good behaviour must be nurtured by all of us — in the home, the school, and the society.”
Another pressing challenge raised was the issue of unpaid school fees. “Despite being one of the schools with the lowest parent contribution fees in the province, many parents have not honoured their commitments,” Mr. Kaeni said. He urged parents to settle outstanding fees before the term break.
Gwaidingale CHS currently enrolls a total of 480 students — 236 males and 244 females — with a teaching staff of 28 qualified teachers (17 males and 11 females). All teachers are certified, with most having graduated from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), while Form 6 teachers have additional qualifications from USP Fiji, UPNG, and the University of Goroka in PNG.
The principal expressed hope that with the presence of the Provincial Education Officer at the event, eligible teachers could be considered for scholarship opportunities to pursue bachelor’s degrees in the coming academic year.
As stressed in its Vision and Mission statements, Gwaidingale Community High School remains committed to developing students holistically — academically, spiritually, socially, and culturally. The school’s goals include providing accessible and sustainable education rooted in strong moral values, and nurturing responsible individuals who are prepared for the demands of today’s advanced society.
