Back | Print

Education Minister Paul Henderson today launched the latest part of the Government’s campaign to boost indigenous school attendance and raise the value of education in the community.

 

The campaign was launched at Sadadeen Primary School and will initially be implemented in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.

 

“Improving school attendance and education results for Indigenous Territorians is one of this Government’s highest priorities, and one of the Territory’s biggest challenges,” Mr Henderson said.

 

“A child that misses just one day a week of school during the 10 years of compulsory schooling will miss a total of 2 years education, and unfortunately too many of our indigenous students are only attending about 60 per cent of the time.

 

“This campaign aims to raise the value of education in the community by focusing on three important elements: the need to enrol your child at school, make sure they go every day, and to contact the school if your child is away for the day.”

 

Mr Henderson said free call 1800-numbers had been established for both Alice Springs and Tennant Creek  to make it easier for parents to contact their child’s school, including if the child is absent for the day.

 

Postcards, stickers and posters promoting the importance of going to school every day and the new school attendance line will be displayed at schools, council offices including Julalikari and Tangentyere, shopping centres and health clinics.

Radio and newspaper advertisements will also carry the message.

 

“Central to the success of the campaign will be the dedicated Aboriginal and Islander Education Workers who liaise directly with families to promote the importance of enrolling and sending children to school each day, and supporting students at school to encourage their attendance,” said Mr Henderson.

 

Mr Henderson said today’s launch complements other Government initiatives to boost school attendance rates amongst indigenous students, including support for the Clontarf Football Academies, Polly Farmer and other mentoring programs and the Indigenous teacher recruitment campaign.

 

“Regular school attendance is vital for a good education and future job opportunities and the Government will continue to support programs to boost education results for Territorians.”

 

Contact: Rebecca Cass 0401 110 389

Related files:
hendo.2210.school attendance campaign launch.pdf ( 94.22 kb )