Ministers' Message
Education Week is a terrific opportunity to share in the many success stories found within Victorian government schools and early childhood services across the state.
This week-long celebration from 16-22 May 2010 allows parents and the community to see first-hand how our programs are helping your children to shine.
Children and young people spend a significant portion of their lives at school and their relationships with teachers and peers are crucial to them making the most of the learning opportunities they are offered.
We are committed to ensuring that every child will be able to reach their potential in a supportive environment, with the very best teachers and state-of-the-art facilities.
Under the Victorian Schools Plan the Brumby Government is rebuilding, refurbishing or extending every government school across the state as part of a $1.9 billion investment program.
In addition, the Commonwealth’s Economic Stimulus Package reinforces Victoria’s own agenda for school renewal and to create jobs.
Another recent example of our continuing investment in technology is the Netbook trial which helps equip 21st Century students with the skills to get 21st Century jobs.
The three-year project will see a total of 10,000 students from more than 340 schools across Victoria use the latest netbook computers, equipped with 28 educational software programs, enabling students to learn anywhere, anytime.
Electronic whiteboards, high-speed broadband delivery to every school and wireless internet are among many other features found in modern Victorian classrooms.
Strong leadership and a high performing teacher workforce is also a major contributor to giving every child every opportunity to achieve their full potential while at school.
To this end, we are building a $10 million Victorian Institute of Educational Leadership to develop current and aspiring school leaders.
We have also appointed 70 new regional network leaders who provide schools with on-the-ground support, helping them to deliver high quality teaching and overall improved performance for all students.
This comprehensive focus on leadership building is part of the Brumby Government’s Blueprint for Education and Early Childhood Development.
The Blueprint recognises that better leadership within schools, accompanied by increased support to help parents become more involved in their child’s learning will be the drivers for delivering a 21st Century education in Victoria.
The Blueprint also recognises the vital importance of learning and development in early childhood – a time when children inquire, explore, discover the world around them and establish attitudes to learning that remain with them throughout their lives.
Which is why the Brumby Government is investing $10.5 million to develop the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, which will include transitions plans for children moving from early childhood education and care settings to school.
We know that positive experiences moving from childcare, kindergarten or home to school can greatly affect a child’s future learning and transition plans will support children and families through this vitally important stage of their lives.
Making sure these effective transitions happen depends on:
- Better linking children’s services and schools so they can provide support at the earliest opportunity;
- Working with families and communities to provide high-quality and accessible early childhood services; and
- Partnering with parents and carers to give children and young people the best development and learning opportunities possible.
We are proud of the action the Brumby Government has taken to support Victorian families and build the skills of Victorians by investing in education and we encourage you to visit a government school or kindergarten in your area during Education Week to see for yourselves the great work being done in our schools and early childhood services by teachers and students.
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Hon. Bronwyn Pike MP |
Hon. Maxine Morand MP |