Opportunities in the bush

Moving on thanks to the transfer system…Kelly Samanc.

The current staffing system based on transfers provides teachers with opportunities they might not otherwise experience.

By Owen Hasler

Kelly Samanc, a personal development/health/physical education teacher, was appointed to Goodooga Central School (a 2-year 8-point incentive school in north western NSW) in 2005.

Goodooga has no shops, no fuel station, no facilities, one pub and is 75 kilometres from the nearest town, Lightning Ridge.

Not originally on her application list for appointment, Kelly said she would not have considered going to Goodooga had there not been an expectation of a transfer at the end of the minimum two year period.

"The locality allowances, Teacher Housing Authority subsidy and a challenge of teaching in an isolated location encouraged me to accept the position but I certainly would not have accepted the position without a reasonable expectation of transfer after two years," Kelly said.

"The school provided me with a number of opportunities including the increased knowledge of Aboriginal culture which I found fascinating, the opportunity to supervise my own key learning area, and the chance to work as the Bourke staff support officer. That is why I have stayed an extra year beyond the minimum two years."

"It also provided the funds to allow me to travel overseas each year."

"Consequently, I am sad to leave but happy that I am moving on to a new challenge in a large school at Batemans Bay High School," Kelly said.

"My advice to teachers considering appointment to isolated communities is not to be shy and get out in the community but only consider such if the Department of Education and Training maintain the transfer system."

Owen Hasler is a Country Organiser.

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Last Modified: 07 Feb 2008