A NSW Department of Education spokesperson has hit back at the Teachers Federation following a strike by members on Thursday morning at Armidale Secondary College over issues regarding the amalgamation of Armidale High School and Duvall High School.
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President of the Armidale Teachers Association Michael Sciffer claimed the Minister for Education had failed to ensure the NSW Department of Education supported students and teachers through the amalgamation.
"Permanent and temporary teacher positions remain vacant, including the principal and there are regularly shortages of appropriately qualified teachers to replace staff on leave for training or illness," he said.
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A spokesperson for NSW Department of Education said Armidale Secondary College provides a 'modern learning and teaching environment' that 'encourages success by its students and staff'.
"A number of claims made by the NSW Teachers Federation are false," they said.
"The truth is a small contingency of Federation members are willing to mislead the community about the condition of the school, which the wider community is incredibly excited and passionate about."
Teachers Federation Deputy president Henry Rajendra said members had complained that they are short of the basic requirements to hold a lesson, with "insufficient desks and chairs in some classrooms".
There are no issues with furniture say NSW Education.
"There are also no issues with staffing," they said.
"What is an issue is Federation representatives deciding to agitate using misinformation."
Every teacher at Armidale Secondary College currently teaches at a reduced load of 90 percent of a full-time 'teaching load' the spokesperson said.
"An audit of school furniture was undertaken this year and all classrooms have adequate furniture including flexible options to accommodate classes."
Teachers Federation members also claim the NSW Department of Education has failed to deliver subject-specific professional development to staff at Armidale Secondary College; deliver student well-being and behavior management procedures; or adequately staff the Intensive English Centre which is struggling with two unfilled vacancies.
However, the NSW Department of Education refutes the claim and says professional learning for staff continues at the school 'aligning with performance and development plan goals' and 'strategic improvement plan directions'.
"Covid-19 impacted the way in which all schools were able to offer and engage in professional learning," they said.
"Armidale Secondary College utilised online options to continue their program.
"The school has strong student wellbeing programs in place. Every student is known and cared for.
"Armidale Secondary College has student discipline and behaviour procedures in place, which are in line with the department's relevant policies."
Teachers Federation members also said the Intensive English Centre at the school was understaffed and NSW Department of Education confirmed only four positions had been filled.
"We continue to work to fill the remaining two," the spokesperson said.
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