18.2 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Opposition to Education Department’s new behaviour strategy

Latest News

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

Other News

Community grants on offer

Ingrained Foundation is running its fifth annual grants program, with a funding pool of $150,000.

Bruns-Billinudgel RSL marches on

Though recently the membership of the Brunswick Heads–Billinudgel RSL sub-Branch has grown, the numbers are still very low and if there is not a continual increase, this chapter faces closing.

Carrying and passing the torch

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

How the coral crisis affects other marine wildlife

Marine heatwaves are killing coral and denuding reefs of their colourful beauty – but in a world where everything is food for something else, these heatwaves also pose a major threat to biodiversity.

A health check as Medicare turns 40

If you’ll forgive the earnest tone, I’d like to propose a toast. To a friend who’s almost always there when you need them most. To a system that aims to treat people fairly and respectfully. 

Casuarina cricketers too strong for Mullumbimby Brunswick in grand final

Mullumbimby Brunswick Cricket Club (MBCC) had a very successful season finishing second on the ladder at the end of the home and away season with 13 wins and 4 losses, but fell short of winning the grand final against the Casuarina Crocs.

Teachers Federation President Angelo Gavrielatos: ‘Our schools need early intervention programs, the provision of additional qualified specialist teachers, including more school counsellors and support for parents and carers.’ Photo Facebook.

Three groups who have the welfare of our children in common, have come together to voice their strong objection to the Department of Education’s mishandling of changes to the suspension and expulsion policy.

A joint statement has been released opposing the changes has been issued by the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations, the NSW Secondary Principals’ Council, the NSW Primary Principals’ Association and the NSW Teachers Federation.   

Teachers Federation President Angelo Gavrielatos said the Department of Education developed its Student Behaviour Strategy without prior consultation with the Federation and well before public consultation began in August 2020.

‘The policy rewrite intends to shift departmental responsibility to schools without the necessary additional support, funding and staffing,’ said Mr Gavrielatos.

‘Our schools need early intervention programs, the provision of additional qualified specialist teachers, including more school counsellors and support for parents and carers.’

Mr Gavrielatos said the Department of Education’s refusal to provide the necessary funding, staffing and infrastructure to manage student behaviour well before suspension, remains a significant barrier to meeting the social, learning, health and behaviour needs of our most vulnerable students.’ 

‘The so-called public consultation was no more than cover for an already pre-determined outcome.

‘The changes to the suspension and expulsion policy will have a negative impact on the workload of teachers and principals and the safety of staff and students alike.   

‘At a time when schools are under immense pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with increasing mental health issues amongst their students, the least the Department could have done prior to rewriting the policy was to seek the views of the profession.’ 

Mr Gavrielatos said parents, teachers and principals are calling on the NSW Department of Education to commit additional funding, resources and support to schools to manage behaviour and engage in genuine consultation with stakeholders prior to any changes being made.


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

2 COMMENTS

  1. The teachers have a good point.
    Adequate staffing and funding would seem to be a prerequisite for any significant changes.
    But what hope is there when the Federal government has wiped public education like the proverbial and the state government only has a lukewarm commitment to educating 67% of our kids in the public system.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.