The State School Teachers’ Union of WA (SSTUWA) has offered their support to the members who were assaulted at Busselton Senior High School in two separate incidents yesterday.
SSTUWA Senior Vice President Paul Bridge said the State Government needed to reconsider budget cuts that have resulted in the loss of student services programs.
“Student behaviour and violence against teachers continues to be an issue in WA classrooms,” he said.
“Enough is enough and teachers and school leaders should be able to go to work feeling safe, not end their day in a hospital.
“The cuts to the education budget meant greater pressure on schools.
“Teachers are finding it increasingly difficult to provide extra support to students who need it most as resources and funding is being further stretched. Our teacher and school leader members are telling us that as a result of budget cuts it is harder to support students in their schools, particularly those who exhibit a range of defiant, oppositional and/or aggressive behaviours.
“The cuts to the education budget have seen class sizes reach capacity and fewer support staff such as those in student services. School psychologists are dealing with a broader range of students in need and at risk, but don't have the time to provide services to all students who need it.”
The union welcomed the Education Minister’s announcement of a review of school violence policies to determine how teachers, the Government, the Department, other Government agencies and the wider community can work together to prevent violence in schools and violence against teachers and school leaders.
“We look forward to working with the Government to addressing this very serious issue,” said Mr Bridge.
