Parents Voice in Government School Education

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Wearable devices in schools: PV media comment

You may remember that students were banned from having mobile phones in Victorian government schools in 2020. The Herald-Sun reported recently that “Teachers and education experts are calling for wearable devices to be included in the Victorian phone ban, as schools take drastic measures to stamp out poor concentration and anti-social behaviour. Schools are confiscating

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New expulsion powers for principals – PV media comment

Today’s Herald-Sun reports on new powers that will soon be available to school principals to suspend or expel students for misconduct outside of school. According to the article: …school leaders will soon have the authority to discipline pupils whose actions – both in person and online – outside school grounds risk the welfare of their peers and

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Parents welcome cost-of-living initiatives

Media Release – 20 May 2025 Parents welcome cost-of-living initiatives Parents Victoria, which represents parents in Victorian government schools, has welcomed State Budget announcements of cost-of-living supports that will help parents. Specifically, we welcome: The increase in the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) payment to eligible students, to $400 each for primary and secondary.

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Defamation fines for parents?

There has been some media coverage of a suggestion that a system of fines for online defamation could be introduced. The suggestion was made by the Chair of the Independent Office of School Dispute Resolution, Frank Handy, as reported in this article in the Age. Frank Handy also spoke to Chris Bath on ABC Radio

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Parent chat groups

The Age recently published an article about online chat groups that are often set up by parents within a school community. According to the article, the groups “often descend into bickering between adults, online harassment and toxic gossip, according to teachers, parents and education experts.” The article quotes teachers, principals, parents and a cyber security

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Low parent satisfaction: PV media comment

The Age reported yesterday on the recent decline in parent satisfaction with public schools in Victoria. The article begins: “Parent satisfaction rates for Victorian public high schools have hit almost 15-year lows at the same time as students are feeling more disconnected, amid fears that ongoing teacher shortages and a reliance on technology in classrooms

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