❓ A parliamentary question regarding unfilled LOTE (Languages Other Than English) teacher positions in regional WA schools is answered by the Minister for Education, who details vacancy numbers and recruitment efforts, while also defending the government's overall teacher placement record and contrasting it with the previous government's school closure record.
AnsweredQoN 593Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
On 7 May 2002 the minister advised the House that he did not expect a shortage of language-other-than-English teachers in 2003. Will the minister please advise - (1) How many primary and secondary LOTE teacher positions are currently unfilled in regional Western Australian schools? (2) What schools are affected? (3) What action has been taken to appoint LOTE teachers to those schools in 2003? (4) In the absence of LOTE teachers in those schools, will the LOTE program remain compulsory? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. This is a very interesting issue because the most difficult subject area to staff is that of specialist teachers, particularly in rural locations. I appreciate the question because it potentially affects many small country schools. The answer is as follows - (1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(1) How many primary and secondary LOTE teacher positions are currently unfilled in regional Western Australian schools? (2) What schools are affected? (3) What action has been taken to appoint LOTE teachers to those schools in 2003? (4) In the absence of LOTE teachers in those schools, will the LOTE program remain compulsory? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. This is a very interesting issue because the most difficult subject area to staff is that of specialist teachers, particularly in rural locations. I appreciate the question because it potentially affects many small country schools. The answer is as follows - (1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(2) What schools are affected? (3) What action has been taken to appoint LOTE teachers to those schools in 2003? (4) In the absence of LOTE teachers in those schools, will the LOTE program remain compulsory? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. This is a very interesting issue because the most difficult subject area to staff is that of specialist teachers, particularly in rural locations. I appreciate the question because it potentially affects many small country schools. The answer is as follows - (1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(3) What action has been taken to appoint LOTE teachers to those schools in 2003? (4) In the absence of LOTE teachers in those schools, will the LOTE program remain compulsory? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. This is a very interesting issue because the most difficult subject area to staff is that of specialist teachers, particularly in rural locations. I appreciate the question because it potentially affects many small country schools. The answer is as follows - (1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(4) In the absence of LOTE teachers in those schools, will the LOTE program remain compulsory? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. This is a very interesting issue because the most difficult subject area to staff is that of specialist teachers, particularly in rural locations. I appreciate the question because it potentially affects many small country schools. The answer is as follows - (1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. This is a very interesting issue because the most difficult subject area to staff is that of specialist teachers, particularly in rural locations. I appreciate the question because it potentially affects many small country schools. The answer is as follows - (1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. This is a very interesting issue because the most difficult subject area to staff is that of specialist teachers, particularly in rural locations. I appreciate the question because it potentially affects many small country schools. The answer is as follows - (1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(1) How many primary and secondary LOTE teacher positions are currently unfilled in regional Western Australian schools? (2) What schools are affected? (3) What action has been taken to appoint LOTE teachers to those schools in 2003? (4) In the absence of LOTE teachers in those schools, will the LOTE program remain compulsory? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. This is a very interesting issue because the most difficult subject area to staff is that of specialist teachers, particularly in rural locations. I appreciate the question because it potentially affects many small country schools. The answer is as follows - (1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(2) What schools are affected? (3) What action has been taken to appoint LOTE teachers to those schools in 2003? (4) In the absence of LOTE teachers in those schools, will the LOTE program remain compulsory? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. This is a very interesting issue because the most difficult subject area to staff is that of specialist teachers, particularly in rural locations. I appreciate the question because it potentially affects many small country schools. The answer is as follows - (1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(3) What action has been taken to appoint LOTE teachers to those schools in 2003? (4) In the absence of LOTE teachers in those schools, will the LOTE program remain compulsory? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. This is a very interesting issue because the most difficult subject area to staff is that of specialist teachers, particularly in rural locations. I appreciate the question because it potentially affects many small country schools. The answer is as follows - (1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(4) In the absence of LOTE teachers in those schools, will the LOTE program remain compulsory? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. This is a very interesting issue because the most difficult subject area to staff is that of specialist teachers, particularly in rural locations. I appreciate the question because it potentially affects many small country schools. The answer is as follows - (1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. This is a very interesting issue because the most difficult subject area to staff is that of specialist teachers, particularly in rural locations. I appreciate the question because it potentially affects many small country schools. The answer is as follows - (1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. This is a very interesting issue because the most difficult subject area to staff is that of specialist teachers, particularly in rural locations. I appreciate the question because it potentially affects many small country schools. The answer is as follows - (1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(1)-(2) There is a 0.22 part-time vacancy at Moora Primary School. (3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(3) Advertisements have been placed in The West Australian and The Australian newspapers and the vacancy has been listed on the Office of Government Schools teaching career school web site. (4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
(4) No. In, I think, the estimates committee hearings - I will provide the member for Wagin with the answer - I was asked what was the expected shortage of LOTE teachers. I said that we did not expect a shortage, bearing in mind that we had to find approximately 300 or 400 additional school teachers this year for our system to meet the reduced class size numbers for years 1 to 3 and to fill our literacy and numeracy specialist positions. We also had to meet the commitment to reduce class sizes for years 8 to 9 that some schools have opted for under the behaviour management discipline program. I think it is an extraordinary achievement by the Education Department and the State Government - Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
Mr Kobelke: And the minister. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: That goes without saying! It is an extraordinary achievement that we have been able to find sufficient people to fill those positions. I am sure all members appreciate that the class size reduction is a huge commitment to meet given the number of available teachers. At the beginning of 2003 there were five vacancies in government schools in Western Australia, despite the fact that 300 or 400 extra teachers had to be found. In contrast, in 1999 there were 40 vacancies at the beginning of the school year. It was a huge issue. The explanation for the 40 vacancies was the extended three to four-year teacher training program. That explanation does not include any sensible analysis of why no advance preparation was undertaken for that year and why there were 40 unfilled positions at the beginning of the 1999 school year. In 2000, 14 positions were unfilled. When the Labor Party took office in 2001 there were six vacancies. In our first year there were only three. As I said, I am advised by the department that there is only a 0.22 unfilled LOTE position. I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
I do not know whether the member for Wagin intended asking me any other questions. However, two or three weeks ago he asked whether the Government anticipated the closure of any rural schools. I said that I did not have any information to that effect. He may be aware that last week I announced the closure of Varley Primary School, which is in the member for Roe’s electorate, as only one student attended. That child is a great loss to the system, so we took the usual steps and fully consulted with the community - the child’s parents! They indicated that they would prefer that the student be with a slightly larger number of other students. The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
The member previously asked me to guarantee that no schools would be closed. I tried to point out at the time the foolhardiness of giving such a guarantee, because obviously such a situation as has arisen would occur. The closure of that primary school brings the grand total of primary schools closed under our Government to two: Bodallin Primary School closed in 2002, and Varley Primary School closed this year at the end of term 1. Under the previous Government the following schools were closed: Gascoyne Junction Primary School - we are not the party that represents country interests - Ogilvie, Fitzgerald, Mt Hampton, Rawlinna, Telfer, Benger, Glenorchy, Warwick, Chowerup, Greenwood, Deanmill, Gillingarra, Oakford, Pingaring, Karragullen, West Kambalda, Bindi Bindi, Burracoppin, Burekup, Cannington, Ejanding and Gabbin Primary Schools. I rest my case.
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