‘Short-sighted’ cuts slammed- Assistant principal of the Narre Warren South P-12 College Rob Duncan and Principal Jenni Johnson. 70441

By Lia Bichel
A CASEY VCAL liaison teacher has slammed the State Government’s decision to cut VCAL funding.
Rob Duncan, who is also assistant principal of the Narre Warren South P-12 College, said the State Government made a “short-sighted decision that had a significant impact” on the school’s abilities.
Narre Warren South P-12 College Principal Jenni Johnson said the school would lose $120,000 funding as part of the $12 million cuts across the state.
“The biggest worry for schools is that the funding cuts will compromise the quality of the program,” Mr Duncan said.
“The role of the co-ordinator is a significant one. In our school we have over 200 students who need to have a placement, a VET program, and some social issues worked out – all things that will come under direct attack if we don’t have a co-ordinator.”
Mr Duncan said he has seen first hand the benefits of the VCAL co-ordinators and the program to young people throughout the City of Casey,
“Firstly and most importantly, it has kept kids in school. Not too long ago we were losing 30 to 40 percent of students who were leaving in Year 10. Now the majority stay,” Mr Duncan said. “Secondly, it gives kids who aren’t academically inclined an opportunity to participate in a range of programs with good outcomes. VCAL allows them to work one day a week while still at school, which provides students with an enormous opportunity to get into a career when they are finished school and fulfil their dreams.”
Students from the school’s VCAL program have written letters voicing their concerns to the Narre Warren South MP.