Category: School closures

Stanhope Government in Disarray

sosaustralia / / Media releases, School closures

Save Our Schools Canberra spokesperson, Dr Ian Morgan, said today votes taken at the ACT Conference of the ALP over the weekend showed that the Stanhope Government was in total disarray over school closures.

“A majority of the Government voted to delay the school closure program and against the arrogance of Chief Minister Stanhope and Education Minister Barr”, said Dr Morgan.

“Clearly, we have a Government and a party which are deeply divided on these issues, a Chief Minister who is out of touch, and a Minister who is out of his depth, out of control, and now, out of action.

Continue reading “Stanhope Government in Disarray”

Labor is Divided On School Closures

Trevor Cobbold / / School closures

The ALP Branch Conference held at the weekend has revealed a party and a Government that is deeply divided over the Towards 2020 school closure plan. The Conference vote against a moratorium on the Plan was only 100 to 96. The two previous Education Ministers, Simon Corbell and Katy Gallagher, voted for a moratorium as did some Government backbenchers.

This is a major division that threatens the future of the Government. The Chief Minister has his head in the sand if he thinks otherwise.

The division in ALP ranks has been created by the resistance and protest of school communities and parents across Canberra at the Government’s plan.

Continue reading “Labor is Divided On School Closures”

Action in the aftermath of the ALP Branch Conference

sosaustralia / / ACT issues, School closures

It is important that P&Cs and Save Our Schools committees continue to press their case to Labor members of the Legislative Assembly.

The key demand is to call for a moratorium on school closures and the establishment of an independent public inquiry on the school closure plan and the future of the neighbourhood school.

Things you can do are:
•Write or e-mail your local Member;
•Phone your local Member;
•Organise a delegation to meet with your local Member;
•Invite your local Member to meeting of parents at your school.

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August Action in the Assembly

sosaustralia / / ACT issues, School closures

The next key period in the battle against Towards 2020 is the two sitting weeks of the Legislative Assembly in mid-August (15 – 17 August, 22 – 24 August).

At this sitting the Budget Bills will be debated as will the ACT Greens’ Bill for a moratorium on school closures and a Liberal Party motion to establish an independent inquiry.

A public rally sponsored by the ACT Greens will be held outside the Assembly on Wednesday, 16 August at 1.00pm. Promote the rally in your community. Organise a contingent to attend. Bring your banners.

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Kambah Community Fun Day Sunday 30 July

sosaustralia / / School closures

The Kambah community is inviting the public to a fun afternoon of free children’s entertainment, including face painting, balloon modelling, jumping castles, clowns and games.

The Community Fun Day is in aid of the multiple school closures in the area, and provides an opportunity for families to talk to others facing a similar situation.

So bring the kids along, a blanket and picnic lunch (bbq’s are provided) and join in the fun

WHERE: Kambah Oval No. 3
Kett Street Kambah
(Opposite the Burns Club)

WHEN: Sunday 30th July 2006
1pm til 3pm

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Obesity, pollution: the cost of school closures

sosaustralia / / ACT issues, School closures

Giralang Primary school is slated for closure next year, which would end their popular walk-to-school program.

The Walking School Bus (WSB) is a fun, safe and active way for kids to walk to school. One volunteer ‘drives’ at the front of the bus, while another parent supervises at the rear. Each ‘bus’ walks along a set route. Kids join at designated ‘stops’ and walk to school as a group. Continue reading “Obesity, pollution: the cost of school closures”

Increased Student Bus Travel Costs Will Cut Savings from School Closures

Trevor Cobbold / / ACT issues, School closures

The Government has failed to provide any information on the impact of its proposed school closures on student bus travel or on ACTION costs and revenues. The Education Minister, Andrew Barr, has asserted at regional consultation meetings that increases in student bus travel will be met by alterations to existing services. Continue reading “Increased Student Bus Travel Costs Will Cut Savings from School Closures”