When the ACT Government began rolling out plans for “Super Schools” many were apalled at the idea of cramming overly disparate age groups into the same facility.
The Liberals’ Steve Dozspot is claiming that out at the newish West Belconnen Kingsford Smith School all is not well:
- “Systemic bullying and a lack of a ratified school specific bullying policy are the main concerns of families. However the biggest issues parents have been concerned about is that they are not being listened to by the school and ultimately the Minister,” Mr Doszpot said.
“Parents have raised some serious concerns with me, about the lack of a clear separation between younger students and the more senior high school students. This issue was raised during the planning phase and an issue which parents were assured would be addressed as a priority before the school opened.
“Currently, the school has Year 7 students sharing a playground with students as young as Year 1. Parents were worried this exacerbated the potential for the bullying of younger students.
“Parents are also concerned that the language and behaviour adopted by the older students will have an effect on the younger ones.
Apparently the bullying policy is up to be ratified by the board on 28 July.