NSW Teachers Federation is continuing to pressure the Federal Government to uphold its commitment to Gonski School funding with a National Sign-Up Campaign last week.
Figures from NSW Teacher’s Federation show under the Gonski program, a combined total in excess of 4.3 million dollars in additional funding has been allocated to Tea Gardens, Karuah and Bulahdelah Schools between 2014 and 2019.
Ms Giulia Fortunaso from Tea Gardens and Mrs Karen Sullivan from Bulahdelah sign up for Gonski with the assistance of NSW Teachers Federation Councillor Mrs Vanessa Shultz
With only a fraction of this funding provided so far, the campaign is about ensuring the remaining funding is delivered as promised.
Teacher’s Federation Counsellor Mrs Vanessa Shultz said the funding is important for schools to be able to offer learning programs that meet the needs of every individual student.
“Schools can use the funding to help disadvantaged and at risk students close the educational gap,” she said.
“Without the funding, schools may not be able to fully support their students placing them at risk of falling behind.”
Tea Gardens Public School Principal Mr Mark Clemson, said the funding made available through Resource Allocation Model as part of the Local Schools Local Decisions initiative, has had significant benefits to the students of the school.
“We continue to train teachers in the very successful Language, Learning and Literacy program which is achieving outstanding results for our students,” he said.
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“In 2016, we have created a teaching and learning curriculum based position which is supporting the improvement in teacher capacity across Kindergarten to Year 6.”
Bulahdelah Central School Principal Mr Don Hudson, agrees the funding has significantly benefited the students of his school.
“We’ve employed additional Learning Support Officers to support students with learning difficulties, implemented QUICKSMART numeracy programs and employed an Instructional leader to work with staff to build skills and capacity in teaching literacy and numeracy to our students,” he said.
“We’ve also employed additional SAS staff for school attendance programs and established a tutorial centre to assist students with assessment work.”
To ensure these programs continue, Mrs Shultz said the Teacher’s Federation encourages everyone to sign-up on the “I Give a Gonski” website.
“The more sign-ups there are, the more pressure we can put on the government to ensure they carry out their funding promise,” she said.
By Daniel SAHYOUN
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