Education Issues
We know that in the second half of the year, schools will be requesting payments from parents for the 2022 school year. The Education Department (DET) has extensive policy documentation about what schools can and can't charge for. The Department web page is headed "Parent Payments" but we prefer to call these payments "levies". Over the next few issues of Parents Voice, we'll be highlighting several important aspects of the DET policy.
Free education in government schools
The DET Policy and Advisory Library states that, "All students in Victorian government schools must have free access to instruction that is offered by a school to fulfil the curriculum requirements in the eight key learning areas of the Victorian Curriculum F-10, the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)." The policy further states that schools cannot
deny students access to the standard curriculum program or disadvantage students because payments have not been made, nor can they request payments from parents for school operating costs, or general and unspecified charges (for example, subject levies).
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding a levy request from your school for the 2022 school year, you can:
- Have a conversation with your school - using as a guide, the information provided at the below DET Policy link
- Contact Parents Victoria
- Contact your school's DET Regional Office
Suspension is the temporary removal of a student from school. According to the Education Department, "Suspensions are a discipline measure when all other options have not worked."
If your child has been suspended from school, the Department has provided comprehensive information on what processes must be followed, what are your rights and responsibilities, and where you can go for further advice:
- Education Department web page for parents - general advice for parents
- Policy Advisory Library page - official guidelines and policy documents on suspension.
Students with a disability
A high proportion of students who are suspended from school have disabilities or learning disorders. The Association for Children with a Disability has an excellent web page for parents of students with a disability, covering the particular issues relating to the suspension (or expulsion) of a student with a disability.
YarraMe School is offering free online courses on autism and ADHD for parents.
Autism for Parents
ADHD for Parents
This short course, aimed at parents and educators looks at the definitions and charecteristics of ADHD, causal and contributing factors, its impact in the classroom, assessment tasks and adjustments.
See the YarraMe website for more information or to start a course.
According to the Education Department website, "Being expelled means a student is permanently excluded from attending a school. It's the most serious discipline option for a school... Expulsion can happen if a student’s behaviour is so serious it’s dangerous to other students and school staff."
If your child has been expelled from school, the Department has provided comprehensive information on what processes must be followed, what are your rights and responsibilities, and where you can go for further advice:
- Education Department web page for parents - general advice for parents
- Policy Advisory Library page - official guidelines and policy documents on expulsion.
Students with a disability
A high proportion of students who are expelled from school have disabilities or learning disorders. The Association for Children with a Disability has an excellent web page for parents of students with a disability, covering the particular issues relating to the expulsion (or suspension ) of a student with a disability.
This is a summary of a workshop held as part of the PV/DET Parent Forum in August 2019.
Speaker: Claire Tobin, Principal Health Advisor, Wellbeing, Health and Engagement Division
Workshop summary
Family hardship is a sensitive matter and the overarching theme of discussion was geared towards improving school processes that ensure schools preserve the dignity and privacy of families whilst ensuring they receive the support they need. Parents were also receptive to schools that have taken on a proactive approach in providing assistance and information to families. For example, families are provided a information booklet that lists school initiatives promoting co-located services and partnerships geared towards reducing the cost of schooling.
