NSW Teachers Federation members at Wauchope High School walked off the job today over the NSW Government’s failure to properly staff their school and other public schools in rural and remote parts of the state.
NSW Teachers Federation Deputy President Henry Rajendra said staff at Wauchope High were concerned about the shortage of casual teachers which had led to the disruption of classes.
“Wauchope High School has been unable to fill permanent positions as well as cover classes for colleagues on leave and this will only get worse in the winter months,” Mr Rajendra said.
Mr Rajendra said the numbers of additional teaching staff required to meet expected enrolment growth in public schools showed how urgent it was for the Government to address the crisis.
The Department of Education projects total public school enrolments in NSW will reach almost 950,000 students by 2031, up from the 810,000 students in public schools in 2020.
“There are unfilled positions at schools across the state now which must be filled if we are to continue to provide our students with the best possible education.”
“To do otherwise would be unfair to students, especially in remote and regional areas and impact on staff morale and well-being.”
“The independent Gallop Inquiry was clear that the NSW Government won’t fix the shortage or recruit the additional teachers required without a significant increase in salaries.”
Mr Rajendra said over the past decade the NSW Government and Education Department have weakened previously successful processes that ensured adequate staffing of all schools across the state.