WARD SLAMS CUTS TO CAMBEWARRA PUBLIC SCHOOL IN PARLIAMENT

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has used the floor of Parliament to highlight NSW Labor’s cuts at Cambewarra Public School at the same time as the government is approving more homes and growth in the area.

Mr Ward said he has been approached by the Cambewarra Parents and Citizens Association with the news that a class and a teacher will go.

“Cambewarra Public School needs more resources, not less,’ Mr Ward said.

“The Government is treating this community so badly that I had to raise health concerns about mould before the government would act. Now, the government is slashing a teacher and class.

“You only need look at the amount of growth that is happening around Cambewarra to know that cutting school resources will lead to worse outcomes for kids and families.

“We need infrastructure alongside growth and that includes educational resources that growing communities need.

“Whilst I will continue to push for more infrastructure to improve school environments, we also need more teachers.

“Sydney seems to be getting what they need, but this government is continuing negligent regional communities and it’s not good enough,” Mr Ward concluded.

 Quotes attributable to Cambewarra P & C Spokesperson

"The public education system should be focused on keeping the absolute best of the best teachers, the teachers who make a true impact on the lives of their students. A system that can remove a teacher and change class make-up a quarter of the way into the school year does not make sense for our valuable students and staff. It promotes disruption and uncertainty for all, and is unfair to our students, who thrive in environments that are calm and consistent, and for our teachers, who should not live on tenterhooks wondering if they will have a job each term. Particularly when these decisions are based on a formula that means one or two enrolments can make all the difference.

"We know this is an issue experienced by schools around the state. This is a system that will push unhappy parents further into the private and independent schools.

"The new School Resourcing Standard promotes smaller class sizes and initiatives that promote the retention of our teachers, among many other promises. We want to see this funding start to flow as soon as possible, so we can hold on to our treasured teachers and create an environment in which our students can thrive."

Mr Ward’s Notice of Motion:

1. Notes the significant growth in the Cambewarra school catchment.
2. Notes the concerns of Cambewarra Public School parents and the broader community about the government’s planned slashing of a class and a passionate and life-changing teacher at Cambewarra Public School.
3. Condemns the NSW Labor Government for approving more growth but failing to invest in necessary school infrastructure at Cambewarra public school.