The emotional and financial well being of students and staff in the region has been given a top priority as school kicks off for 2020.
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NSW Teachers' Federation deputy president Henry Rajendra and Vice president Amber Flohm dropped in to several or the region's schools on January 28 to ensure staff were well-prepared to cope with the impact of bushfires during the summer school holiday break.
They chose to visit schools in bushfire-affected areas or those that were feeder schools for students from such areas that had been impacted. These included Hill Top, Bundanoon and Kangaroo Valley Public Schools.
However, Mr Rajendra said support from the Teacher's Federation was not confined to those schools.
"We are here for any member needing support because of the bushfires," he said.
Mr Rajendra said that going back to school this year would be a difficult and emotional time for children, teachers and parents.
"The NSW Teachers' Federation wants to help wherever we can to make sure schools can get back to giving our kids the best possible education," he said.
Mr Rajendra said he was impressed with the preparation of teachers ahead of the return of students to most schools on January 29.
"The teachers have shown incredible strength," he said."The are trying to get the children back to a normal routine as quickly as possible.
"All the children want is to be in a safe place and, other than the home environment, school is that safe place.
"It has been an honour to be among teachers who have worked so hard to prioritise the needs of the children."
Mr Rajendra said the Education Department had assured to maintain staff numbers even if student numbers dropped because of the bushfires.
"We have doubled the financial payment to [federation] members out of our emergency relief fund from $500 to $1000 for anyone who has lost teaching resources," he said.
"We will also give exemptions from union membership fees for those who have suffered financially because of the bushfires."
Mr Rajendra said the federation would continue to work closely with schools with field officers set to visit them over the next few weeks and regular contact to be maintained with members.
"No community will be ignored," hesaid.
Mr Rajendra also praised the NSW Education Department which had "done great work supporting the community."
It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.