Perspective
2nd April 2011, 04:45 PM
This is a relatively new intiative in WA. My children's primary school has been invited to put in an application to be nominated as part of the program.
There are a few points I'm not sure how to take, which I've listed below. Is anyone familiar with this program? If so what are your thoughts? There's a school meeting coming up regarding the program for parents to ask questions, so I thought I'd get a little feedback from anyone who may care.
My concern is the school (particularly school board) having more control over the direction of the school and what that means. I can't find anywhere, where it discusses SRE or other religious activities and whether or not it gives more power to the school to introduce such things. It does stipulate however that the school will still be governed under the same current legislation (although we know that still doesn't mean a lot considering the amount of current Chaplains employed and SRE practices)
There's more infromation on the DET website http://www.det.wa.edu.au/independentpublicschools/detcms/portal/
Cited from http://www.det.wa.edu.au/independentpublicschools/detcms/navigation/information-for-parents-and-communities/a-powerpoint-presentation-for-the-community/ :
In collaboration with their school community, they set their own strategic directions and have authority for day-to-daydecisions that best cater for their students.
The initiative creates diversity in the public school system. It also provides parents and community members with an important and enhanced role in setting the direction of the school, through the School Board.
Over time, all public schools will be given more authority to make decisions that best meet the needs of their school context and community.
There will be more freedom to make changes that reflect the needs and expectations of your school community
The school will be able to make decisions about important matters that impact on your child’s education, such as the curriculum, student support, staff recruitment, financial management, governance and accountability.
The School Council will become the School Board. Strong community and industry representation is encouraged, to ensure that the School Council (Board) makes a significant contribution to the development of the school
They also have greater control over the types of
positions that exist in the school. They are able to select
staff who best meet the needs of that school
Not sure if this is positive or negative. I'm sure there are benefits in some areas, but not sure in general. What if the school community are predominately religious/Christian??
There are a few points I'm not sure how to take, which I've listed below. Is anyone familiar with this program? If so what are your thoughts? There's a school meeting coming up regarding the program for parents to ask questions, so I thought I'd get a little feedback from anyone who may care.
My concern is the school (particularly school board) having more control over the direction of the school and what that means. I can't find anywhere, where it discusses SRE or other religious activities and whether or not it gives more power to the school to introduce such things. It does stipulate however that the school will still be governed under the same current legislation (although we know that still doesn't mean a lot considering the amount of current Chaplains employed and SRE practices)
There's more infromation on the DET website http://www.det.wa.edu.au/independentpublicschools/detcms/portal/
Cited from http://www.det.wa.edu.au/independentpublicschools/detcms/navigation/information-for-parents-and-communities/a-powerpoint-presentation-for-the-community/ :
In collaboration with their school community, they set their own strategic directions and have authority for day-to-daydecisions that best cater for their students.
The initiative creates diversity in the public school system. It also provides parents and community members with an important and enhanced role in setting the direction of the school, through the School Board.
Over time, all public schools will be given more authority to make decisions that best meet the needs of their school context and community.
There will be more freedom to make changes that reflect the needs and expectations of your school community
The school will be able to make decisions about important matters that impact on your child’s education, such as the curriculum, student support, staff recruitment, financial management, governance and accountability.
The School Council will become the School Board. Strong community and industry representation is encouraged, to ensure that the School Council (Board) makes a significant contribution to the development of the school
They also have greater control over the types of
positions that exist in the school. They are able to select
staff who best meet the needs of that school
Not sure if this is positive or negative. I'm sure there are benefits in some areas, but not sure in general. What if the school community are predominately religious/Christian??