The Department of Education has launched an investigation after a year 3 class at Helensburgh Public School petitioned against child refugees being held in detention.
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The classroom-produced nature of the document has angered some parents, who say their children should be focusing on the basics rather than being taught to be political activists.
The letter, from Class 3L, was reportedly printed underneath the school’s details and signed “Friends of Children in Detention”.
Handwritten student messages, such as “Don’t put them in jail”, and drawings accompanied the letter, which was sent to politicians.
“We are a Year 3 class in Helensburgh, NSW, please understand what matters to us,” the letter said.
“What matters to us are policies that help children seeking asylum, children who need our compassion and care”.
Labor Wollongong City councillor Chris Connor is the principal of the school, which has about 460 students in 19 classes.
Dozens of people, including parents from Helensburgh Public, used the Mercury’s Facebook page to comment on the letter.
“Politics should never enter a primary school as they do not have the capacity to understand such a topic,” Kaz Lewis wrote.
Political petitions ... are totally inappropriate
- Department of Education.
Despite causing angst among many people, others were supportive of the school’s intention.
“My daughter is in year 3 and I’d be totally for her having a voice for such a cause”, Ros Canales said, while Nathan Milthorpe wrote: “Teaching kids to have a social conscience can’t be a bad thing?”.
A spokesman said the NSW Department of Education was investigating the involvement of staff and would “take appropriate disciplinary action”.
“Last week all NSW public schools were reminded that they are neutral grounds for objective study and not arenas for promoting political views or ideologies,” the spokesman said.
“Political petitions, such as the form letter used by Helensburgh Public School, are totally inappropriate.”
The Mercury contacted the Mr Connor and the school for comment.
In a statement posted to the school’s Facebook page on Friday afternoon, Mr Connor reiterated “schools are neutral grounds for rational discourse and objective study. They are not arenas for promoting political views or ideologies”.
“I would also like to advise parents that support has been provided to students, staff and parents as appropriate, including additional counselling,” he said.
“The school has continued to operate as usual.”
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
