Teachers consider next phase in library campaign

The Education Minister has finally met with Eastern Creek Public School representatives about a purpose-built library, but she still hasn't delivered. HENRY RAJENDRA reports.

After four months of lobbying, letter writing, petitioning, community meetings, metropolitan and local media, and the scheduling of industrial action, Education and Training Minister Carmel Tebbutt agreed to meet with a delegation of teachers and parents on the day of the scheduled industrial action. As an act of good faith, teachers voted to postpone the proposed industrial action so that the delegation could make their case directly to the Minister with the hope of progressing the campaign.

The Eastern Creek Public School community has been actively lobbying the State Government for a purpose built library initially promised to them in 1997. Since that time, the school has been provided a demountable classroom to house the library, only as a temporary measure.

Meeting the Minister at State Parliament late last term, the delegation put forward a convincing argument of their library needs. Backed with a strong commitment and determination, teachers and parents left the Minister with no doubt the whole school community was 100 per cent in support of this campaign and prepared to take all necessary action to achieve their goals.

The Minister was offered an invitation to visit the school and see for herself the great achievements of the school and the need for a purpose built library.

Following the meeting with the Minister, the P&C organised a community meeting to inform parents of the outcome of the meeting with the Minister and the need to continue campaigning.

The Minister failed to get back to the delegation with an adequate response regarding the library by the end of week 1, term 4, so teachers are now considering their next stage of action.

Henry Rajendra is a City Organiser.

For further information

October 2006 contents