A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

Hi Everyone,

STAFF REPLACEMENTS

This week I am writing to let you know about changes that have been made to staff replacement for 2020.

Our budget for replacing staff who are absent has become unsustainable, in 2019 it was in the region of one million dollars. This was because we had a policy of replacing all staff every day. It meant that we often had spare people when student absence was high or people who did not really cope with our very special students.

I have discussed this situation with senior management, school council and our staff and we will now only replace staff when they are on long service leave or engaged in professional development.

In order to cover other staff absences teachers will split classes. This does not mean educational classes will be suspended. For a long time now our teachers have been working in professional learning teams. Teachers have insights into students who are not in their class but are part of the group of classes within their team. I am confident in the professionalism of my teachers and their ability to adapt their lessons to accommodate extra students.

This also falls into line with common practice in mainstream schools. The money we save will directly benefit the students and program budgets.

As always I am very happy to discuss any concerns or issues you might have and you can either drop into my office or give me a call anytime.

Cheers Sue