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Principal wants education reform

By Lia Bichel
A BERWICK school principal said students and staff across Casey are in need of special attention from the State Government in a number of core areas.
Berwick Lodge Primary School principal Henry Grossek said he was glad to hear that there were plans for a special school in Casey Cardinia, but hoped there would be a number of other educational gains after the State election on 27 November.
This included welfare officers in schools, a recurrent minor maintenance program and an improved pay agreement.
“Details for the special school in Casey Cardinia are yet to be finalised, but fingers are crossed. It was clearly identified as a need.
“I think one of the other challenges schools are facing are very poor teacher agreements. I think this is a significant issue,” he said.
“We need a better career structure and better recognition of leading teacher and principals’ responsibilities.
“We have about 20 to 30 per cent of our new teachers leave within five years – I think that is a reflection, not completely but in part, of a pretty poor career structure.
“We need to attract people to the profession and more importantly to leadership roles.”
Mr Grossek said he also wanted to see more focus on teaching and less on paperwork.
“I think many teachers are getting bogged down with compliance and accountability paperwork.
“I would like to see the major political parties work again with teacher principals to reduce the amount of paperwork.”
Lastly, Mr Grossek said he thought the Federal Government’s Building Education Revolution program highlighted the need for more responsibility for overall management of schools and their communities.

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