Challenges face Umina High
A new teachers' award, restructuring of education and a new HSC were all challenges facing Umina High School this year, according to principal Mr Pat Lewis.
"While intending to build on our successes of recent years we return to school this year with several major challenges ahead of us," he said in the school newsletter.
"The first of these is the disruption currently being experienced due to the industrial campaign associated with the development of the new teaching award."
Mr Lewis said he apologised for the disruption but assured the community that the teachers did not embark on their course of action lightly.
"We believe that not to oppose the current award offer would be detrimental to both the learning conditions of students and working conditions of teachers," he said.
He said another challenge was the possible re-structuring of secondary education on the Central Coast.
"Re-structuring could bring advantages to our students if properly managed but we need to ensure that the wonderful programs which exist are not sacrificed," he said.
"I urge all parents and the community to become fully involved in the re-structure talks."
Mr Lewis also saw the new HSC format as a challenge.
"The new HSC is welcomed by teachers but we have real concerns as to our ability to support it with new textbooks and resources in the absence of any funding from the State Government," he said.
"Those who read recently that our school had a large amount of money in its bank account might be surprised about our concern.
"The published figures were taken before teachers had placed orders for this year's materials.
"This had a large impact on our reserves and two-thirds of the money we are holding is tied to on-going programs."
.