Staff at Queanbeyan West Public School have walked off the job over the negative impact the state-wide teacher shortage is having on their school.
NSW Teachers Federation Deputy President Henry Rajendra said staff walked out in protest at the chronic shortage of teachers in the public education system which has meant the school has had difficulty covering classes on a daily basis.
"There are not enough casual teachers available to replace colleagues on leave and it is up to the NSW Government to make sure all classes have an appropriately qualified teacher in front of them," Mr Rajendra said.
"As a result of this shortage, Queanbeyan West Public School, like many others around the state, is having significant difficulty replacing teachers who are sick."
"Classes have been split on a daily basis, causing significant disruption to teaching and learning programs at the school."
"This is simply unacceptable and places enormous pressure on the staff."
"Over the past decade the NSW Government and the Education Department have weakened previously successful processes that ensured adequate staffing of all schools across the state," Mr Rajendra said.
"The NSW Government has let down students, parents and the wider community by failing to provide teachers for every student and every class."
"The Education Department have known of the dire teacher shortage for some time but failed to address the problem. It is grossly unfair for students, and in many cases, those with the most complex learning needs."
"The Gallop inquiry into the work of teachers found earlier this year that uncompetitive salaries for teachers and unsustainable workloads are leading to teacher shortages."
"The workloads of teachers have increased every year but their salaries have fallen every year compared to other professions."
"You can't fix the shortages without fixing the wages and workload problem."
"If we don't pay teachers what they are worth, we won't get the teachers we need."
