Grievance Debate

School Zoning

Ms STINSON (Badcoe) (15:04): On the steps of parliament today, we saw 130 schoolbags—that is, 130 schoolbags representing 130 young lives, 130 students who expected to start their high school journey next year at Adelaide High or Adelaide Botanic High, 130 students who were stunned to discover not even six weeks ago that they were suddenly excluded from those schools.

The campaign by these students, their families and many others has been ramping up. Today, their message to this government was that they want to see the school zone cut reversed. They also asked for at least a two-year stay on the axe falling on their children so that at least their kids will not be disadvantaged from finding an appropriate new school, as they currently are, considering the lateness and suddenness of the decision. This decision has not just sparked a discussion among children and families recently axed from the city school zone; it has also stirred discussion at other schools throughout the western and southern suburbs.

Another message that is shining through is this: for those schools that now have a larger school zone, what support is this government providing to them? Did those schools get a share of the $185 million this government announced for school upgrades after the zoning cut? No. Those school communities find it difficult to understand why the government would give schools with shrinking school zones more money while they, expecting hundreds more students, get none. There are plenty of things that require this government's attention and investment.

In February, two students from Plympton International College wrote to the education minister. Year 11 leaders, Oshianna Eyles and Daniel Cave, should be commended for speaking up to those in power. They wrote that they had seen big changes at the school while they have been there but that more work is needed. They wrote that they are very proud of their 'wonderful STEM building' and work harder when they are there but that one excellent building is not enough to make theirs a competitive school.

Oshianna wrote that she is embarrassed to show people through a particular part of the middle school, saying:

If you could imagine walking through an old tattered house where everything is old and falling apart, that's what our middle school looks like.

She even provided the minister with photos. Daniel wrote to the minister:

The bathrooms are repulsive…You can only imagine how uncomfortable our students are having to use a bathroom that looks like it has come from a prison cell.

The students offered to show the minister around the school and point out what needs to be repaired and replaced, and I hope he takes up that offer.

The previous government heard the calls of Oshianna and Daniel. That is why the school received a $3.5 million STEM centre, which I was pleased to see opened a few weeks ago, and another $3 million for classroom upgrades, but that good work needs to continue.

The Hon. V.A. Chapman interjecting:

Ms STINSON: Exactly—the good work needs to continue, that's right. Right now, this government has dropped the ball. The school is expecting 100 more students due to this government's decision to rezone and expects to be full in two years because of the rezoning and the excellent partnerships with UniSA and their sister school in China.

Some improvements the school is requesting, and I have written to the minister about, include a new gym, estimated to cost about $20 million; updating classrooms—as I said, $3 million has already been provided by the previous government, and they would like another 10 to finalise those classroom upgrades; landscaping of the outdoor learning areas—the school has a lot of concrete and not a lot of trees; and an upgraded or new performing arts centre so that all students who want to do drama and music have the opportunity to get on stage.

The RAA also recently rated the school as having the most dangerous school crossing, which is on a bend. That also needs urgent attention from this government in cooperation with the local council. Better signage on the main road to help promote the school is an affordable step in boosting the image and attractiveness of this great school, and that could be done tomorrow. We are all asking this government to pick up that dropped ball. There is nothing stopping you. Continue that investment that was started under the previous Labor government and run with the ball. Children like Oshianna and Daniel, and all those who follow them, will thank you for it.