Tackling issues affecting residential agricultural high schools.

Residential issues addressed

By Owen Hasler

Federation Representatives and Women's Contacts from the state's three residential agricultural high schools have met to address issues affecting their schools.

The representatives from Hurlstone, Yanco and Farrer Memorial residential agricultural high schools met in Sydney on November 17 to undertake a campaign course, organised by City Organiser Jenny Diamond who saw the need for greater communication between the schools.

Federation's Assistant General Secretary (Research and Industrial) Brenda Seymour provided an overview of the history and development of Schedule 10, the section of the Award which covers conditions in residential agricultural high schools.

Recent discussions about this schedule have been undertaken by principals in these schools and officers of the Department of Education and Training.

A draft review document was provided at the meeting for discussion.

Ms Seymour outlined teachers' rights and responsibilities in regard to residential duties and was surprised by alleged practices outlined by some of the representatives.

Federation Vice President Bob Lipscombe outlined the use of risk assessments relating to occupational health and safety issues in the context of residential high schools. This presentation provided the opportunity for vigorous discussion of issues, particularly those issues relating to the "outside classroom" activities in the residential colleges.

The day provided the opportunity for the unique nature of residential agricultural high schools to be highlighted. Despite the similarities between the schools it was also revealed that each school had its own ethos and individual work practices.

However, the value of sharing experiences, programs and ideas was appreciated by the representatives. Greater effort in working as a group was seen as beneficial and a joint submission regarding the issues may be forthcoming from Federation to the Department of Education and Training.

Hurlstone Agricultural High School Women's Contact Jacqueline Spedding said it was a great day.

"It was really good to be able to talk to staff from other schools who share a common purpose. As such it was a launching pad for further communication," she said.

A second meeting is scheduled for term 1, 2006, in order to follow up on the issues raised.

Owen Hasler is a Country Organiser.

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December 2005 contents