Left out in the cold by Federal Government funding policy… Toormina High School.

Left out in the cold by federal funding formula

By Kerri Carr

Toormina High School's want list might not nearly be as long as it is if the federal government funded public and private schools at the same amount per student.

If Toormina High School received the same federal government per child as the average private school child, the school would get an extra $3,671,840 a year.

As part of Federation's public education campaign in the lead up to the federal election, the teachers at the school sent a fax to Prime Minister John Howard, Opposition leader Kevin Rudd, shadow education minister Stephen Smith and local MP Luke Hartsuyker, outlining how it could enhance the programs and resources at the school with the extra money.

Teachers would like a hall large enough to hold the whole school. The school has 1060 students and cannot have a full school assembly or even a junior school assembly indoors.

The junior school has assemblies twice a week, in an outdoor quadrangle.

Fed Rep Carolyn Marks said if it rains assemblies aren't held, with students returning to their roll call rooms instead.

"We'd like to have year assemblies, but even they can't be held indoors because PE classes are held in the hall," Ms Marks said.

Teachers want more programs to target disadvantaged students, for example, reading and behaviour.

"We are always scrounging around for funding to extra assistance for kids," she said.

Also on the teachers' list are a 55-seater bus, 23-seater bus and extra funding to enable students to attend activities in Sydney.

Ms Marks said it was easy for Sydney kids to attend an excursion in the city, but it costs Toormina kids one or two nights accommodation.

Teachers would like to see the school's 11 portables replaced with permanent rooms.

Ms Marks said they have been there for a long time with leaks being the major problem. At least some are badly in need of new carpet.

When a portable was needed for classes, senior students lost their common room.

Ms Marks said now senior students only have the top of the library or have to sit out in the cold.

Other wants include smaller class sizes, air conditioned rooms to improve the working environment, sporting facilities and equipment.

Challenge put to state and federal governments

Politicians need to catch up to the public's priority, Hopgood says

Smith shamed on private school funding policy

League tables are not the solution

Private school funding like no other

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