Maria Vamvakinou MP

Minister Assisting for School Education Brendan O’Connor and Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou today visited Hume Valley School to hear from parents, teachers and carers about better funding for students with disability following the release of the Gonski Review of Funding for Schooling. Hume Valley School caters for kids with intellectual disability in the ethnically diverse and vibrant Broadmeadows area.“The Government believes every child should have access to the best possible education, regardless of disability, where they live, the income of their family or the school they attend,” Mr O’Connor said.“Kids with disability or who struggle with English face extra challenges when it comes to getting an education. So I’ve come to Hume Valley to talk with parents, carers and staff about what’s working and what can be done better, especially when it comes to ensuring funding is focused on getting the best results for students with disability. The Review Funding for Schooling Panel found that Australia must aspire to have a school system that is among the best in the world for its quality and equity, and must prioritise support for its lowest performing students. In its report also concluded that no student in Australia should leave school without the basic skills and competencies needed to participate in the workforce and lead successful and productive lives.“Hume Valley School recognises university is not for all students and that different skills are needed for future success,” Ms Vamvakinou said.“That’s why the school allows students to start studying in fields such as horticulture and food preparation while continuing in their normal schooling.“It’s vital for Australia’s future economy that we prepare all our students to lead as productive a life as is possible.”Hume Valley School also received more than $2.1 million under the Government’s Building the Education Revolution program, part of which was used to build a new gymnasium.The BER investment was also used to upgrade the School Road Safety Training Facility, a simulated road within the school grounds used to teach students about road safety, both as pedestrians and bicycle riders.“These programs are a great example of a school community that does not give up on any student, one that both pushes and supports every kid to ensure they learn skills for work and life. Hume Valley School is a great example of how all schools must strive for the very best outcome for every student,” Mr O’Connor said.