Busy time for celebrations and lobbying

Londonderry MP Allan Shearan (3rd from left) accepted letters of demand from teachers.

by Henry Rajendra

Mount Druitt and Minchinbury schools had a very busy time during the week including Public Education Day (May 19).

There were a number of student performances in shopping centres, school assemblies and a big performance in the Rooty Hill RSL auditorium.

Early in the week more than 400 people enjoyed outstanding performances by students from across the area at the Rooty Hill RSL. Also in attendance was Maralyn Parker from the Daily Telegraph. She gave a glowing report in the Daily Telegraph of the outstanding talents and achievements of students past and present in the area. Later in the week, more than 200 teachers, school staff, parents and community members celebrated Public Education Day at an afternoon reception. This was an opportunity for all school communities to meet and celebrate the achievements in the area.

Co-funded by the St Marys-Mt Druitt Teachers Association and the Department of Education and Training, the reception was also an opportunity for those that attended to sign letters of demand addressed to local federal and state politicians for increased support and funding for public education. The following day the letters of demand were hand delivered by a delegation of teachers.

The release of Professor Tony Vinson's audit has sparked renewed determination to focus on state politicians and demand their priority support for public education.

St Marys-Mt Druitt Teachers Association President Dianne Pyne said: "This has been a hugely successful lobbying strategy that must continue. Professor Vinson has laid the ground work and analysis. It is now up to us, the school communities, to lobby local state politicians for increased funding for our public schools."

Henry Rajendra is the Membership Officer/Organiser.

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005