Golden opportunity

Teachers at Batemans Bay Public School seized the chance to present a message to Prime Minister John Howard on May 14.

When Prime Minister John Howard visited Batemans Bay Public School on May 14, teachers took the opportunity to present him with a letter about the value of public education.

Mr Howard was greeted by the school council representatives before he attended a special assembly, where he listened to the choir sing "Pine for the Eucalypts", which says (in part): "Profits before heritage, the ultimate sacrilege, only for the privileged... Pine for the eucalypts."

He then visited a kindergarten class and spoke to a disabled student before moving to his motorcade.

In the final moment of Mr Howard's visit, Dave Hinkson stepped forward to present the letter, signed by teachers and staff, which states:

"Dear Mr Howard,

"We, the staff of Batemans Bay Public School, wish to affirm that the public education system is the cornerstone of our democracy. The public education system offers a unique opportunity to foster an inclusive social cohesion in our diverse society. As a nation, we have never been in greater need of such cohesion than at present.

"Our school draws its strength from our community, its rich variety of backgrounds, beliefs and understandings and our economic diversity. We attempt to provide opportunities for all children to reach their potential. Our mission is to arouse in all children a lifelong love of learning.

"All governments have a responsibility to address inequalities in funding models. We call upon you to abandon the flawed SES [socio economic status] funding regime which is distorting the landscape of schools across Australia. Public education is the keystone of our diverse society. We invite you to once again create a society where there is a 'fair-go' for all. After all Public Education is Our Future."

Committee lobbies MP

Audacity at Mt Annan

School left in the cold

Macklin lobbied by parents and teachers

©2000-2002 NSWTF Online is a resource for teachers
provided by the NSW Teachers Federation.
[Authorisation of election comment] [Privacy]

http://www.nswtf.org.au/journal_extras/gold.html
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005