Ministers team up to thank teachers

By Kath Gannaway
TWO women at the helm of state education in Victoria have invited the community to take the opportunity during Education Week to celebrate the achievements of Victoria’s education system.
Lynne Kosky, the Minister for Education and Training, and Jacinta Allan, the Minister for Education Services, issued a joint statement leading up to the week of “show and tell” in primary and secondary schools across Victoria.
Ms Allan and Ms Kosky said the event presents an opportunity to recognise the outstanding work of principals and teachers and the enormous contribution of the other people that make up school communities – the parents and non-teaching staff.
They list the new ‘common sense’ student report cards in basic English and the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) as two exciting initiatives coming into schools this year.
Under the recently announced Building Tomorrow’s Schools Today fund, up to 100 State Government schools will be revamped with state-of-the-art design and technology.
Schools across the state will also be funded for maintenance under the plan as part of the Government’s work in transforming school infrastructure to meet the needs of the 21st century.
As part of the $89 million VicSmart initiative, the ministerial pair said work is well underway, connecting more than 1600 Victorian Government schools to a revolutionary high-speed broadband connection.
“Many schools will be opening their gates during Education Week and inviting the community in to join their activities and open days.
“We encourage you to take advantage of this invitation from schools and take a look at these exciting learning communities,” they said.