Department cancels school markets

The Pretty Beach Public School Markets have come under threat from the Department of Education, according to the school's principal and its parents' group.

In a letter to stall holders, principal, Ms Deborah Callender and Parents' and Citizens' president, Ms Dana Dela Paz, announced that policy changes with the NSW Department of Education had resulted in the cancellation of the September and December Pretty Beach Public School Markets.

The pair wrote: "It has recently come to light, due to policy changes within the NSW Department of Education, that our Pretty Beach Public Schools P and C can no longer run markets on school grounds for the remainder of the year.

"Under the Department of Education policies and procedures, the P and C can only hold markets in the current format on the school site twice a year.

"The P and C have consulted with the school, Department of Education representatives and local Council on several occasions, to look at the requirements necessary to enable the continuation of the markets on a regular basis.

"While we found that the requirements would be onerous and require substantial funds, the running of markets on the school site would not meet Department of Education requirements.

"In light of this, we, the P and C, regret to inform you that the September and December markets are unable to go ahead.

"We appreciate your support of our school markets for which the funds raised go directly to the benefit of the school and students.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you and your business.

"Thank you for your understanding."

SOURCE:

Letter, 30 Jun 2017

Deborah Callender and Dana Dela Paz, Pretty Beach Public School