Exemption scheme to keep some Year 7s in regional primary schools until 2024
Parents will be able to apply for exemptions to keep their Year 7 kids in primary schools until 2024. See the list of schools here.
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Parents at dozens of regional public primary schools will have to apply for special exemptions if they want their children to remain in them for Year 7 beyond 2021.
The State Government has determined that the “default” position will be for all Year 7s to move into high or area schools in 2022.
The decision comes after it consulted parents at nearly 50 primary schools, all at least 20km from the nearest public high or area school, on whether Year 7 should be offered until 2024 in light of the unique circumstances of regional communities.
It found parents in most communities were keen for their children to make the transition in 2022 so they could stay with their peers.
But they were also concerned about the impact the loss of Year 7s would have on the viability of the primary schools.
“While communities accepted that the Government had promised not to force schools to close, they worried about the ‘snowball’ effect of diminishing enrolments,” a government report says.
In response the Government will allow the 47 schools, most of which are small and have classes combining year levels, to apply for grants to maintain their overall number of classes until 2024, in circumstances where they would otherwise have dropped a class due to the loss of Year 7s.
The Government will also give extra funding and support to the primary schools to ensure both Year 6s and 7s in 2021 can participate in transition days at the high and area schools they will attend the following year. Bus routes and capacities will also be assessed for the needs of the double cohort moving to high school together in 2022.
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The Education DeparTment is working on guidelines to help principals make decisions on any parent applications for exemptions to keep their children in primary schools for Year 7. Rather than rigid criteria, the guidelines will help principals make decisions in the best interests of each child.
Education Minister John Gardner, pictured, said parent feedback showed the “vast majority” looked forward to the opportunities high and area schools would offer Year 7s in 2022. Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said the measures in the regional transition package would ensure the move went smoothly.
“(They) strike the right balance between giving country students the same opportunities as city students ... while giving families and communities more time to adjust to this change if they need,” he said.
SCHOOLS WHERE PARENTS CAN APPLY FOR EXEMPTIONS
Andamooka Primary School
Lake Wangary Primary School
Auburn Primary School
Mallala Primary School
Beachport Primary School
Moorook Primary School
Blanchetown Primary School
Morgan Primary School
Booborowie Primary School
Mypolonga Primary School
Brinkworth Primary School
Nangwarry Primary School
Bute Primary School
Padthaway Primary School
Cadell Primary School
Penong Primary School
Callington Primary School
Pinnaroo Primary School
Cambrai Primary School
Port Neill Primary School
Cobdogla Primary School
Port Wakefield Primary School
Coonalpyn Primary School
Rapid Bay Primary School
Frances Primary School
Robe Primary School
Geranium Primary School
Robertstown Primary School
Glencoe Central Primary School
Snowtown Primary School
Goolwa Primary School
Spalding Primary School
Hamley Bridge Primary School
Stansbury Primary School
Jervois Primary School
Tailem Bend Primary School
Kalangadoo Primary School
Two Wells Primary School
Kingston-on-Murray Primary School
Ungarra Primary School
Kongorong Primary School
Warooka Primary School
Koolunga Primary School
Wasleys Primary School
Koonibba Aboriginal School
Wilmington Primary School
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