TASSO continues to push for a meeting of Government and Union

Dear School Association Chairperson,

As we head into the final days of the school year I just wanted to say thanks and share some information. At the time of writing this the call by TASSO for negotiation to resolve the current situation that does not put EDUCATION AND CHILDREN first remains unresolved. TASSO continues to push for a meeting of Government and Union to begin to redress the threat to our schools and students the affects of which will be far reaching in many many ways.

I would like to thank all parents and supporters of public education who have been assisting in many ways. The three meetings held by TASSO last week while we realise not ideal in timing (clashing with many end of year activities) gave a voice to parents.

The implications of the staffing cutbacks are diverse and disturbing. Schools making very difficult decisions in response to loosing an average of 1.8 staff will, except in the quarantined schools, have far reaching impact on not only classes and education programmes but perhaps more vitally morale and relationships. The net result: Our Kids will begin 2015 in a worse situation than they ended 2014. This is not acceptable and we demand the Government and AEU put aside the past and look for a way to solve this serious situation.

As schools move through the next few days the impact in their school will take on a new reality as teachers and support staff are farewelled the cuts will take on a greater sense of reality and sadness, frustration and anger. We are already getting some of those messages from schools where the announcements have been made. I would ask parents and carers to support Principals and staff at this time and direct their frustrations at the only people who have any power to change this situation the Government and the AEU. Continue to lobby in all forms all members of Parliament and the AEU. The future of our Kids must not be put at risk.

TASSO is holding a meeting with volunteers in the South on Tuesday to discuss where to from here. If you would like to join the meeting please contact the office for final details. There will be a meeting in the North mid January. Both these times came as decisions from the meetings.

I ask you share this letter with your school community. There has been media that there is a ban on sending out information with newsletters. TASSO has found this not to be the case by DoE and relates to a small number of Southern Schools. Tasmanian Association State School Organisations Facebook page has details of the rules if you want to check.

Thank you once again for your commitment to your school and students. Please contact the office on 6234 9488 if we can provide more information and assistance. I am happy to take calls as well.

Please take a moment to sign this petition https://www.change.org/p/will-hodgman-find-a-solution-to-the-tasmanian-government-s-problems-without-cutting-schools-and-education?recruiter=195170191&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive

Please note the TASSO office will be closed between December 24th and January 18th 2015.
Jen Eddington, TASMANIAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE SCHOOL ORGANISATIONS INC.