NEWS
A call for inclusion By Rowan Forster A former head of Emerald Secondary College's council has lambasted the "systemic" dismantling of the school's inclusion program. It comes after it was recently revealed student aide positions had been slashed in a series of cutbacks. Rachelle Miechielsen, former treasurer and vice president of Emerald College's school council, claimed the positions were "strategically" slashed to fund other initiatives. "It was a bad decision but they wouldn't let the council have a say because it was an operational matter, and we were only responsible for oversight," she said. "The school used to be really good at supporting students with additional needs, but now that has all changed." Ms Mechielsen, who left the position after a series of disagreements in February, believes the shortfall needs to be urgently addressed. "They just aren't receiving the support that they should be," she said. Gembrook MP Brad Battin has also rallied behind calls for the Andrews Government to address the reported issues at the school, also citing "hazardous mould, dangerous floors and rotting roofs" inside the school's walls. "While James Merlino and Daniel Andrews run around promoting Victoria as the 'Education State', it is clear this doesn't apply for Emerald Secondary College, who are having their urgent please for help ignored," he said. A petition, demanding action from the Department of Education, has surpassed 500 signatures in the span of one week. Frustrations continue to simmer among Emerald parents, who feel let down by the department's "lack of support" for the school. "As if these kids don't already have enough challenges in life and at school," Lynne Pearce said.
The council offices is Lilydale utilise solar energy.
Solar council
Gembrook MP Brad Battin has also rallied behind calls to address the reported issues. 176141 "The extra support and assistance from an integration aide can make all the difference for a student with special needs." In one instance, a child reportedly climbed atop a bench with an active Bunsen burner and the teacher was left to manage the chaos, while managing the rest of her class. When contacted, the Department of Education said Emerald Secondary College was adequately funded to support its students.
"Emerald Secondary College currently employs seven teacher aides and provides a range of additional support, including a speech pathologist, counsellor, physiotherapist, and through its literacy and numeracy intervention program and social skills program," a department spokeswoman said. "Teaching staff and coordinators are being provided with ongoing professional learning to ensure they continue to meet the individual educational and wellbeing needs of students."
Yarra Ranges Council is set to power ahead with its renewable energy project, with numerous initiatives announced on Friday 20 April. Council will double its solar panel installations, upgrade more than 1000 lights and dramatically reduce its carbon footprint in the coming year under its Carbon Management Program. The current stage of the program details works to upgrade council's buildings with solar panels and energy-efficient lighting from December 2017 to June 2019. Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Len Cox, said the program was already delivering results for council's carbon footprint and its power bills. "Last year, we installed solar panels at Sherbrooke Family and Children's Centre in Upwey," Cr Cox said. "As a direct result of the power generated there, we haven't had an electricity bill for the centre since November. "In the next financial year, we're expecting our electricity prices to double, so the fact that we're generating enough power to reduce some of our bills to zero will save us all plenty in the long run." At the end of the project, 4000 solar panels will have been installed on council buildings and 1000s of lighting systems will be updated to LEDs, saving council about $360,000 over the three-year period. "In terms of environmental impact, the amount of emissions we will reduce will compare to high-rise city building," Cr Cox said. More details at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
Educating the whole child...
OPEN DAY E M E E T T HA L P I C N I PR
LLOW ANDY CA 1.30AM 1 , M 10.30A 0PM .3 AND 12 R ON REGISTE SITE OUR WEB
Primary School Tour, Information Session and Morning Tea Wednesday 2nd May 9:30am - 11:30am
A C T J U S TL Y LO V E M ER C Y
Please RSVP on t: 5967 1953
LY W A LK H U M B
SATURDAY 12TH MAY, 10AM - 1PM KINDER - YEAR 1 2 LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE 12385720-CG18-18
Transformaive, faith-based learning. Come and see our school in acion; including subjects, programs, students and staf.
205 Little Yarra Rd Yarra Junction t: 5967 1953 e: office@lyss.vic.edu.au www.lyss.vic.edu.au
www.bhcs.vic.edu.au 12386408-18-18
mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 1 May, 2018
|
MAIL 5