eNews - 11 May 2023 (Schools)

WA Budget 2023

The McGowan government today delivered its budget.

This was not a budget where education was a priority.

There are some commitments to better support students with learning needs. There is at least some further investment in GROH and an extension of the rent freeze. The increase in per student funding and in the overall budget, when measured against the actual spend last year rather than what was budgeted, is disappointing.

What we know from the review into public education being led by Dr Carmen Lawrence is that there needs to be a far bigger investment in public education.

There needs to be consultative change to reduce workload. Addressing red tape and unnecessary paperwork will give teachers the time and space to actually teach and to also reduce the burden on school leaders.

We need extensive support for pupils who struggle because of background and health issues so that we don’t leave kids behind.

As the SSTUWA and the federal minister have repeatedly said, public schools need 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard. In WA, which needs it more than most states, we get around 91 per cent. This has to change.

Education can be the key to addressing a whole range of community issues – but only with full funding and consultative change with the real education experts – teachers.

It is our role at the SSTUWA to initiate a broad community debate to convince the state government that investing in education absolutely supports the Premier’s desire to set WA up for the future.

Federal budget: full funding for central Australian public schools represents what’s possible

One of the federal budget’s smallest commitments, $40 million to ensure every school in central Australia is fully funded, potentially represents one of the most important steps forward for the future of Australian public schools.

Australian Education Union Federal President Correna Haythorpe welcomed the commitment.

“While $40 million may not be much compared to other federal budget commitments, it’s important that we’re clear about what it represents," she said.

“For public school students in central Australia, it represents full funding to 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard in the region. That funding will help deliver more teachers, more education support staff, and more one on one individual attention for students."

Read more >>

IDAHOBIT: Wednesday 17 May

Next Wednesday 17 May is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

IDAHOBIT is the anniversary of 17 May 1990, when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the classification of diseases.

While IDAHOBIT has evolved over the years, the purpose remains the same – to celebrate the growth we have made while also raising awareness for the discrimination that LGBTQI+ people still face today.

Please visit the IDAHOBIT website for resources on how you can celebrate and acknowledge this day at your workplaces, homes and communities.

Find resources here >>

School Red Books available to order

Red eBooks for members are available via our website.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, in line with our ESG policy, and given the short shelf life of the current General Agreement, there will be a limited print run of the 2021 Red Books.

Members requiring a printed version can place an order via the form here. If you haven't already placed your order, place it by Wednesday 17 May.

Education and training

Supporting the Safety, Development, Well-being and Bright Future of Young Children – ECE Forum Thursday 25 May

We welcome Dr Kay Ayre - lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Edith Cowan University, Western Australia.

Dr Ayre has worked extensively with disengaged and disruptive children, their teachers and schools. Dr Ayre has a passion for helping build the capacity of teachers, to develop and maintain positive, inclusive classrooms with a focus on supporting children with trauma who demonstrate serious, disruptive behaviour.

Dr Ayre's session, Trauma Informed Practice in Early Childhood, will briefly provide some research data and statistics, an understanding of how trauma can impact learning and behaviour, and most importantly some practical strategies to take back to your classroom.

Take advantage of this forum as an opportunity to reflect on, and find better ways to support students who may be experiencing trauma.

Register today >>