Sutherland Shire teachers took action yesterday, Sunday June 26, fighting for improved conditions to public schools.
A group of teachers walked Como Bridge in a symbolic crossing from the Hughes to the Banks electorate – one of the targeted seats for the NSW Teachers Federation Gonski campaign.
Teachers also door-knocked at Penshurst, speaking with people about the positive changes Gonski funds were making in Shire schools, and held a rally in front of Scott Morrison’s office at Cronulla.
Their campaign wrapped up at Bundeena, where they urged voters to support candidates who back the extension of Gonski needs-based education funding.
Sutherland Teachers Association president, Tracey Gocher, said schools were set to lose more than $60 million in two years if the Coalition government was re-elected.
“We campaigned extensively in our communities to see the significant results Gonski is already delivering for our students,” she said.
“State Education Minister Piccoli was out in our schools only this month seeing first-hand how Gonski is improving student outcomes and closing outcome gaps caused by inequitable funding.”
She said schools were able to purchase evidence-based reading programs for students requiring targeted literacy support, had hired additional teachers to run programs for gifted and talented students students with a disability, and had reduced class sizes to increase student-teacher time and personalised learning.
“This is just a small snapshot of the major gains being made right across our schools,” she said.
“These programs are only possible as a result of the extra money being delivered through the Gonski model.
“With only 18 per cent of the funds delivered so far, there is so much yet to be achieved.
“By abolishing Gonski, the government will not only put existing programs at risk but they will also leave too many schools operating below the minimum resource standard.”