According to the latest Australian Education Union (AEU) State of Our Schools research report, Australian teachers have invested $71 million in pencils and other essential items for students.
Think about that for a minute.
The Victorian branch of the AEU has a weekly income of approximately $500,000.
This year alone, via the Gonski 2.0 formula, Australian schools have received $17.5 billion in federal government funding. And schools can’t afford pencils!
The Australian government has invested a minimum of $10,953 per primary school student and $13,764 per secondary student. And schools can’t afford pencils!
A further $104 billion was invested in 600,000 registered not-for-profit organisations in 2014. 36% of these organisations serve education. And schools can’t afford pencils!
In 2018-19, $353 million is to be invested in the construction of 12 new schools in Victoria. And schools can’t afford pencils!
The Victorian branch of the AEU has a weekly income of approximately $500,000. And schools can’t afford pencils!
…schools can’t afford pencils!
Despite these massive investments in schools and support services, including not-for profit organisations and unions, schools cannot provide essential items for students. And teachers are expected to cover the cost.
If this isn’t a discussion that’s worth having with your school principal or local member, then what is? Better make a note of it right now.
But then again, you might not be able to afford a pencil!
Copyright © Cheryl Lacey 2018
Cheryl Lacey is an educationist and advocate of agitating change in Australian education to face global challenges facing Australia and Australians.
If you would like to learn more about the outcomes achieved by educational leaders and teams who have worked with me, contact me at cheryl@cheryllacey.com or visit www.cheryllacey.com
