Parent payments: PV media comment
The Age reported today that Victorian state school families spent more than $400 million last year in “parent payments” on education essentials. This is equal to $619 in parental payments per child every year. The article also points out that schools in socio-econonically advantaged areas are able to collect much more in parent payments than those in disadvantaged areas.
PV Executive Officer Gail McHardy is quoted in the article. Gail said, “It shouldn’t be about their capacity to pay. It should be about how they can give children a quality education to meet their potential, without that pressure of having capacity to pay.”
Gail also commented on the time and effort school leaders put into fundraising for educational basics. “They have got enough to do: their priority is to teach our kids," she said.
Schoolyard safety
A recent article in the Herald-Sun is a timely reminder of schools' and parents' responsibility to keep children safe on play equipment.
According to the article, more than 1,000 primary school students injure themselves in the schoolyard each year, with monkey-bars and climbing frames causing 70 per cent of injuries.
PV Executive Officer Gail McHardy is quoted in the article. Gail said everyone had a responsibility to keep children safe. “Parents need to familiarise their children where possible to play safe on equipment at home, before and after school,” she said.
Masks at school: PV media comment
The Herald-Sun reports today that students returning to school this week have been told to carry a mask at all times, but they will only be “recommended” when in class.
According to the article, Education Minister James Merlino on Thursday confirmed the controversial coverings would not be “mandatory in schools, but it’s recommended if you can’t maintain social distancing”.
PV Executive Officer Gail McHardy is quoted in the article. Gail said communication between the government, schools and parents on masks had been clear.
She said the requirements were “no different to what’s out in the wider community”.
Research: Public schools are just as good as private
New research shows that public schools do just as well as private schools, after differences in socio-economic background of students are considered. A recent study published by reseearchers at the University of New England found that, after taking account of the different socio-economic background of students, private schools are not associated with higher average student achievement in standardized literacy and numeracy tests at any grade. Nor do private schools provide greater progress in reading and numeracy from grade 3 through grade 9.
Save Our Schools has published the details and a link to the full study report on its website.
Effect of the lockdown on children: PV media comment
According to a report on 3AW, new research has found that two thirds of Victorian parents are worried about their child’s education after the state’s extended lockdown.
An Australian National University study found 43 per cent of parents surveyed in other states, which did not experience such lengthy school shutdowns, are concerned about their child’s learning.
PV Execuitve Office Gail McHardy was interviewed by 3AW's Tony Jones on Friday about this topic. The conversation ranged over the differing impact of the pandemic on different families, the way teachers and parents managed to be adaptable in difficult circumstances, and what it means for the future. Gail emphasised the importance of strong relationships between schools and families - where those are working well, both schools and families have benefited.
School banking to be banned in Victoria
Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that school banking programs will be banned in Victoria.
Read the Premier's announcement.
Details and background are covered in this article on the ABC website.
There's also a commentary on the decision from the Herald-Sun's 'barefoot investor' Scott Pape, but it is only available to Herald-Sun subscribers. Scott describes the decision to ban school banking as a "massive step forward" and goes on to say, "For far too long schools have outsourced the teaching of essential financial life skills to banks who have used it as an advertising play. But that stops now and the real education begins."
State Budget: PV comment
This media release from Parents Victoria gives our reaction to Tuesday's State Budget.
Budget is great news for our public schools
Parents Victoria (PV) advocates for fair, simple and transparent funding of State Schools because the current school funding model does not provide adequately for our most vulnerable students.
PV is mindful the driving force of yesterday’s budget is predominantly to get the Victorian economy going again and create jobs for all Victorian workers impacted by the pandemic.
This greater investment in public schools is heartening and in keeping with PV's vision "A fully supported Victorian public education system meeting the needs of every student, where parents’ voices are sought, heard and valued” said PV’s Executive Officer, Gail McHardy.
School reports: PV media comment
PV Executive Officer Gail McHardy has been interviewed by both the Herald-Sun and 3AW about the issue of this year's school reports.
Herald-Sun report
The Herald-Sun reported that Victorian teachers have been advised by the Education Department that school reports must reflect the tough 2020 academic year.
The article refers to a 5-point scale that teachers will use to report progress in English and maths, and more flexible options for other subjects.
Family engagement podcast
This podcast from the Raising Children website focuses on "being active in your school community". The guest is PV Executive Officer Gail McHardy. Gail talks through the issues with host Prof. Julie Green: the benefits of strong family engagement in their children's education, good communication between schools and their communities, different ways families can engage with schools, and 'top tips and take-aways' for parents and carers.
Online Conference: presentations now available
Thanks to everyone who attended our Online Conference!
Our theme for this year's Conference was:
Brave New World: Changes, challenges and opportunities for families and schools.
Conference information
Where possible we have made the Conference presentations available below.
Opening
We thank Education Minister James Merlino for opening the conference and answering questions.
Mr Merlino presented the Joan Kirner Award and the 'Parent Champion During Covid' Award.
Answers to questions
Mr Merlino has provided written answers to questions he wasn't able to answer during the Conference due to time restrictions.
Joan Kirner Award Winner
The Joan Kirner is an annual award given to a Member Parent Club, Parent, or Individual Member who has demonstrated, encouraged, or facilitated parent or family engagement in their school.
This year's winner is Catherine Kirby (Sandringham College)
Parent Champion During Covid Award Winner
The 'Parent Champion During Covid' is a new award for clubs and parents who have made a positive contribution to their school community during the 'learning From home' periods this year.
This year's winner is Nikky Edwards (Croydon Hills Primary School)
Re-setting the foundations for good mental health for families post COVID
Presenter: Dr Stephen Carbone, Executive Director, Prevention United.
Family Engagement Officers in schools
Presenter: Dori Ellington, Community Engagement Officer at Whittington Primary School.
For a parent perspective on Dori's role at the school, see this recent article by parent Jade Millman.
Connected Schools Communities: The Next School Improvement Frontier
Presenter: Adam Voigt, Director, Real Schools.
