After some recent challenges at Calwell High School, MLA for Brindabella, Jonathan Davis has responded in support of the school and local community.
All quotes are attributed to Johnathan Davis MLA:
Like many of you, I’ve been really distressed to hear about some of the challenges at Calwell High School: A national teacher shortage, short term teacher absences due to COVID and some instances of challenging student behaviour have created the perfect storm.
I’ve had a deep relationship with Calwell High School since my election as a Member for Brindabella eighteen months ago. I’ve worked with Calwell’s SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance) and I gave the keynote address at their Year 10 graduation ceremony. I’ve met regularly with parents, staff and students and I can say with absolute certainty that Calwell High School is a great and caring school.
Since reading media reports, I’ve been in regular discussions with the Office of Education Minister Yvette Berry and the Australian Education Union ACT. I’ve been assured that some short term measures have been put in place to keep staff and students safe. Additionally, the school will receive substantial additional resources at the commencement of Term 2.
Our schools should be places where everybody can feel safe, and I’m grateful that WorkSafe ACT have done their job well and identified risks for students and staff. This information should help the directorate implement appropriate interventions. I’ve also passed onto the directorate concerns from many parents about communication. Parents deserve timely, accurate information about their child’s education and school environment.
I’ve been incredibly disappointed to see some individuals try to drag the Calwell High School community through the mud to make a cheap political point. Other Members for Brindabella especially should be trying to lift up their school communities, not tear them down.
I’m committed to building up public schools in my community. Where there is achievement, I’ll be the first to praise it. Where there are challenges, I’ll be the first to do whatever I can to help. Our schools must be safe, secular, equitable and accessible places of teaching and learning – not political footballs.
