Bridgewater High School--Lost in Space
The Australian Labor Party (ALP), of the people, for the people. NOT!
Bridgewater High School in Southern Tasmania burnt down back in October 2007. By
the way, when we say “burnt” here in Tassie we mean “someone burnt it
down”. Across the state one public housing dwelling is “burnt” every
two weeks. Bridgewater for those not familiar with it is one of the
poorest places in Tasmania.
According to the 2006 Census:
40% of families are single-parent families (13% nationally)
54% of dwellings are rented (27% nationally)
The median weekly family income is $579 ($1027 nationally)
Bridgewater High School absentee rates have always been high and are running at 30%
as of May 2009 and the school had the states worst literacy and
numeracy outcomes
(http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2009/05/06/71251_tasmania-news.html).
Obviously the Government set up a committee to deal with this loss. Community discussions etc etc. Their latest report is here www.education.tas.gov.au/dept/infrastructureprojects/basmert/BASMERTReportApril2008.
Premier Bartlett got right behind the report and said on 29 August 2008:
“This
project is a high priority for the Government and will ensure the
Bridgewater/Brighton area receives best practice education.”
(http://www.education.tas.gov.au/dept/infrastructureprojects/basmert/mediareleases/new-direction)
Sounds great. But that’s it. Bridgewater High School last heard of Aug 08. In
the meantime all the students squeeze into the Primary School, which
might account for the 30% absentee rate.
Things are different in the more affluent areas of Hobart though. Duncan Kerr just announced
$20million for primary schools. Funny names though, Saint this, Saint
that, Holy Rosary… Most of them (80%-ish) are wealthy private schools.
Of the nine (9) schools getting $20million just two (2) are state run
schools.
I know, my kids go to one of those state schools. The
school has so much money coming in they literally don’t know what to do
with it. They installed a underground pop-up water system for the oval
(bit of a joke in Tassie). Two new classrooms, new library, performing
arts centre. Remembering this is for a Primary School… My kids will
play happily and learn if you give them a lump of driftwood and a bit
of charcoal... Now the Teachers have decided to get “smart whiteboards”!
Another school nearby put in $43,000 path to the oval (how did the kids manage before that ?)
Yet the poor sods at Bridgewater get nothing… Not even a High School.
That’s what I don’t like about Labor. The “workers party” my lilly-ass.
Please visit the Bridgewater High School website www.bhs.tased.edu.au/ .
You can almost see the bitterly held-in tears and feel the sense of betrayal behind the happy facade.
UPDATE
"Bridgewater school rises from the ashes
Nearly two years after Bridgewater High School wasdestroyed by fire, the school community has opened a new materials,design and technology centre for its students.
The $850,000 facility is part of more than $50 million in State andFederal Government funding for education in the southern suburb."
www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/15/2626593.htmI'm not sure if that ABC headline is a bit optimistic (and misleading) or not. The actual report says "new material, design and technology centre" not High School. There's nothing about a new school on the Bridgewater High School website or the Education Department website.
Still it's a start, even if it did take two bloody years.
Here's the latest on School funding in Tassie. If you have any idea what this means please let me know.
"The Federal Government has announced a further $130 milllion in funding to go to 88 Tasmanian schools as part of its education stimulus package.
The Education Minister Julia Gillard has denied reports that some money has been allocated to building projects in schools that are due to close or amalgamate.
Mr Bartlett says the students of Tasmanian schools earmarked for amalgamation will benefit from the funding at their new school."While school A might get 2-million in funding and school B might get 2-million in funding and the state will also provide some money, a brand new school will be built for $6 million," He said.
"Hence, money associated with each school will be going directly into new facilities to enhance learning outcomes for young Tasmanians.""
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/13/2597313.htm
Reply to this
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvelous job!
Reply to this
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff on your post
Reply to this
I hardly ever write comments on blogs, but your article urged me to praise your blog. Thanks for a great read, I'll be following you.
Reply to this
What an excellent blog entry. Thanks for sharing it with me.
Reply to this