Readin' 'ritin' and 'rithmetic focus to keep schools 'float

Backdoor justification for State Labors Cuts

English, maths, science and history would be defined as the cornerstones of primary education under a schools charter drawn up by principals.

The Australian Primary Principals Association has put forward the charter that would outline primary schools' precise role, amid concern their curriculum has become too cluttered.

The association covers public and private schools across the country.

The charter was developed at a forum in Sydney last month.

The association's president Leonie Trimper said principals felt it was essential to simplify the curriculum by making English, maths, science and history "critical and essential elements" to be taught by primary schools.

Teaching these key subjects would allow children to best develop skills including learning, thinking, communication, self-management and use of technology.

However, these needed to be balanced so children also had the opportunity to take part in music, physical education and other activities.

"These experiences, while not seen as core areas, were viewed by the forum's delegates as having great value in introducing children to many other important areas of life," Ms Trimper said.

"The draft charter suggests programs and interventions, such as bike safety and financial literacy, should only be taught if they don't detract from a school's core business.

"If we are to give our children a proper education foundation in life, the accent must be on core areas that are vital to learning."

The charter defines the purpose of primary school as "ensuring that all children learn, and that they gain a permanent love of learning".

The document will be circulated to schools and parents for comment before being submitted to federal and state governments.

The reality is that this will be about all the schools will be able to cover with their reduced budgets from Cutmeiseter in Chief Kevin The Chop Foley.

Australian Education Union Briefing Letter to Governing Councils

30 May 2007


Dear Governing Council Chairperson

Re: 2006/07 State Budget Cuts – Implications for preschools and schools

Despite the fact that Public Education preschools and schools have been subjected to more than two decades of cost cutting and so called ‘efficiency’ drives this State Labor Government seems intent on extracting $54 million from 2008 to 2010 from cash strapped preschools and schools.

Contrast this budgetary measure with the 22 May report in the Advertiser that the Rann Government has spent an extra $6.3 million per year (or $25 million over four years) on 84 “minders, spin doctors and other staffers”.

The sole concern for the State Government and DECS is meeting the State Government’s efficiency dividend, which is perplexing given the State’s strong economic performance and the promise of a resources boom.

Now is the time for the State Government to invest in all schools and preschools. Public Education is richly deserving of the proceeds of any efficiency dividend.

Simply put, this state government is prepared to steal the funds from preschools and schools negatively impacting upon the learning programmes of children just to fill the government coffers.

On behalf of organisation that fights for improved funding to Public Education from State and federal Governments I urge you to communicate to your opposition to these budget cuts to schools and preschools by contacting you local MP, the Premier and Treasurer.

Principals and Directors will be able to provide your Governing Council with specific information on how these cuts will affect your children.

More information about these cuts is available on www.aeusa.asn.au. Governing councils can also email your concerns directly to the State Government from the AEU website.

Yours sincerely

Andrew Gohl

President AEU (SA Branch)

Kevin Foley Arrogant Bully

View from the Australian Education Union

Treasurer Kevin Foley's blunt refusal to discuss public education funding with school communities has provoked an angry reaction and the likelihood of a state wide stop work next week.

AEU State President Andrew Gohl says Mr Foley is callously ignoring the concerns of teachers, principals and parents and appears hell bent on taxing our children and compromising their learning.

"Mr Foley claims his government is spending more on public education. Yet schools and preschools are to have 1% of their budgets cut - that's in the order of $50,000 to $100,000 for most schools," Mr Gohl says.

"Cuts of that magnitude mean one thing - an attack on kids' opportunity to learn. Schools will be forced to cut staff, cut programs or both. Preschools will be forced to choose between employing a teacher or employing an Early Childhood Worker, when the reality is they need both."

"Kevin Foley isn't even prepared to listen to our concerns. He is sacrificing our children's futures to fund a couple of razzle dazzle education projects. It is an outrage!" Mr Gohl says.

"Such is the level of dismay and disgust that we've been contacted by teachers and principals across the state wanting to take action. Accordingly, we've listened to their concerns - unlike the treasurer."

"We're today sending a ballot out to all schools and preschools asking them to vote on stop work action for Thursday June 28. We've asked for the results to be returned by close of business on Monday."

"We are proposing a one hour stop work meeting from 2.30 until 3.30 pm. Our aim is to minimise inconvenience to parents while sending a strong message to the government that we're prepared to defend schools and defend our children's right to quality learning."

"From the strong turnout of more than 4000 people at last week's rally at Parliament House, we know we have the strong backing of most parents. They don't want to see their children's futures jeopardised by a government prepared to put ledger sheets ahead of learning. We're confident they'll support our action and appreciate our efforts to minimise the impact on them" Mr Gohl says.

"This government intends to strip money, insultingly described as an "efficiency dividend" every year until at least 2010. This means a haemorrhaging of funds from programs for our kids and is a direct attack on their ability to learn. It is an absolute disgrace that the treasurer, and indeed the education minister, have flatly refused to meet the AEU or representatives from principal and parent organisations."

At least the South Australian Primary Principals Association has good resources on bullying. Perhaps the Principals can use it to fight off DECS bullies.