Voters in the Southern Highlands have the opportunity in the next two months to participate in both state and federal elections. This is also an opportunity for residents to impress upon candidates the importance of education, particularly schools, in their local communities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Governments have the responsibility for public education, and it is vital that whoever is elected as our local members provides strong support for our public schools. Given the value of education, it is hoped that all candidates will outline what they will do for our schools, and then keep to that if they are elected.
Some of these schools have served our communities well for over 150 years and have helped build the social fabric, as well as building an educated and skilled population. There is no doubt that one of the hallmarks of a happy community is a school that welcomes all students regardless of family background, race or wealth, and such schools become the important hub of their communities.
The Southern Highlands is fortunate to have quality teachers in their public primary and high schools, and most parents (and grandparents) appreciate the commitment that the teachers bring to their important roles. The support staff (administration officers, general assistants and so on) also play a vital role in ensuring that teaching and learning are properly supported. The staff of our local schools also make significant contributions to our towns and villages in other ways, frequently providing sports coaches and players and participating in service activities.
Parents with students in our schools will be aware of the shortcomings of school facilities, and it is these that should be addressed by incoming governments. There are demountable buildings in some of our schools that have been present for many years when there should have been building programs to ensure that students are properly accommodated. The wonderful Moss Vale High School provides a valued education for many Highlands students, but has struggled for many years with a school hall suitable for 1963 but which can’t accommodate the student population.
Classrooms and other learning spaces need to be fit for purpose, not just basic accommodation. Our 21st century learners deserve facilities that will allow them to participate fully in 21st century learning, with the technology to interact with teachers and students across our NSW system but also with education provision across the globe. There is no logical reason why students in the Southern Highlands should not have the standard of technology provision that is the norm in some wealthy government-funded private schools, especially if our graduates are to be able to participate fully in a changing world.
The local population is growing as more homes are built and housing estates are developed. Public education should be an important part of planning for our future, and any political candidate or local member worthy of being supported will also be ensuring that the NSW Department of Education is planning well ahead so that schools are ready for the increased enrolments. Even local councillors should be stressing this and applying pressure.
Children and young people are the ones who will make our community great in the future. The older generations have a responsibility to ensure that our schools are great places of learning, and have facilities that not only support quality teaching and learning but that also provide the glue that keeps a community together.
The NSW and Federal elections are a suitable time to remind candidates that residents of the Southern Highlands value education, but value children and young people even more. Vote wisely.
