P&C 'out of loop' over high schools
Education Minister Peter Collier has been slammed for his handling of the potential merger of two Geraldton high schools.
Leanne Sice, the immediate past president of the Geraldton High Schools Parents and Citizens Association, claimed the Minister had been “very reluctant” to meet with the P&Cs of John Willcock College and Geraldton Senior College.
“The Minister talks about having consultation with the community, however, apart from one meeting last year that we pushed for, we have not been included in that consultation,” Ms Sice said.
Mr Collier was in Geraldton earlier this week and announced the Government wanted to hear the community’s view on the future of the two high schools.
Currently, John Willcock College and Geraldton Senior College have demountable classrooms.
Locals can take part in a survey on the Geraldton high schools via the Education Department’s website from August 4 – something the most senior figure of the State School Teachers’ Union (WA) has claimed as “a PR exercise”.
“I believe the Minister has already decided Geraldton won’t have a second public high school,” Pat Byrne, the president of the SSTUWA, said.
“Irrespective of the consultation process, we believe the government has already made up its mind that the schools will be amalgamated.
“Mr Collier’s comments reinforce what the school community already knows.
“This is a cynical meeting at going through a consultative process when the Government has already made a decision.”
Ms Sice said she believed Mr Collier had no plans for Geraldton’s high schools at last year’s meeting.
“At that meeting we were told the Minister knew of no plan,” Ms Sice said.
“Not very comforting for our school communities.
“We welcome the opportunity to have the ability to take part in the upcoming survey, although it has been a long time coming.
“The P&C have been asking this Minister and Government for a number of years what their vision and plan is for public education in Geraldton and the surrounding area, with limited response.”
Do you agree with State Education Minister Peter Collier, when he says he believes Geraldton doesn’t need another public high school — for now? “Personally, I don’t think a second (public) high school is necessary,” he said while visiting Geraldton this week.
Conor Buckley: Then why is John Willcock College only getting demountables for an extra 300 students? If the government was seriously committed to both public schools, it would invest in permanent buildings.
Patricia Shaw: No, it needs more facilities at the hospital. Geraldton definitely needs more beds, also rehabilitation beds for the injured. I would love to meet with politicians to let them know what patients’ needs are.
Nicki Slade: The issue is contentious because we do need another high school out the north side of town. Jessica N Edward Johnston:
Debbie Smyth: If we don’t need a second one then can we have them put back as they were? Then we would have two.
Michelle ‘Shell’ Williamson: What! There is only one public high school in Geraldton. There are nine (I think) public primary schools! That doesn’t add up to me. There are too many there already and come next year there is going to be extra year for high school (Year 7). And then there are the kids who go to a private primary school but who will be going to public high school! Geraldton definitely needs another public high school!
Chantelle Daisee Campbell: There are two private (I think, Nagle and Grammar, not sure if more?) and John Willcock (public, Years 8 to 9 from memory) and Geraldton Senior (Years 10 to 12 from memory), but yes a lot of primary schools. Michelle ‘Shell’ Williamson:
Charmaine Yeates: What the government should have done was leave the two high schools as they were from Years 8-12 but upgrade and extend. Willcock and Geraldton Senior were two great schools. All you need to do is speak to ex-students.
