NEW LAMBTON PUBLIC SCHOOL

Ms JODIEHARRISON(Charlestown) (12:27:47):I congratulate the member for Wallsend on moving this important motion that represents the interests of her local constituency and the concerns of parents and students in both her local area and mine, because there are also concerned parents in my electorate who send their children to New Lambton Public School. Education is a silver bullet. Good early child education sets up a child to succeed at primary school, which in turn lays the foundation for success in high school, further education and the rest of their lives. This provides greater options for a young person's future, increasing the likelihood of lifelong success that undeniably provides social and economic good.

Every parent wants to give their child the best possible start in life, which is why few things generate as much anxiety as the education of their children. As a result, many families purchase their homes based on school catchment areas. Earlier this year when the catchment boundaries for New Lambton Public School were changed, a number of concerned parents reached out to me and the member for Wallsend. One local parent shared the feedback she provided to the department about the proposed boundary adjustment on the Google Docs survey that was circulated. Yes, there was consultation, but I certainly do not think it was taken into consideration in the decision. This parent wrote:


I am very disappointed in the proposal. Like many others, we bought a house in the New Lambton Public School catchment area for that exact reason.

We elected to send our daughter to [New Lambton Heights Infants] school for K-2 because we were wanting to begin her formal education in a smaller, family-oriented, close-knit school. The reputation of the school and knowledge of it flowing on to NewLambton Public School was a "no-brainer" for my husband and I. Furthermore, the OOSH is run by the same organisation as NewLambton Public School, which would enable a smooth transition with guaranteed days and familiar, trusted staff. I'm sure you can appreciate that for us as full-time professionals employed in the NSW public service the OOSH service is imperative.


This parent also pointed out that New Lambton Public School is reportedly in excess of 120per cent enrolment. While she acknowledged that this level of overcrowding was problematic, she correctly identified a broader issue.

How could department planners justify redistricting families to attend Wallsend South Public School, which is already over capacity? This is not an issue that can be solved by redrawing catchment areas. We are facing a crisis of overcrowding in New South Wales public schools. It is a problem across the Charlestown electorate. Twelve out of the 22 public primary and high schools in my electorate are already overenrolled, and with projected population increases that overcrowding is set to become worse. Eight local schools in the Charlestown electorate are already facing enrolment above the 120per cent benchmark identified by that parent at New Lambton Public School. Kahibah Public School was at 167per cent enrolment at the beginning of 2020, according to information from the department obtained during budget estimates. Charlestown and Dudley public schools were at enrolment levels higher than 140per cent. Eleebana, Redhead and NewLambton South public schools are looking at enrolment levels above 130per cent. The same parent said:


You owe it to the local community to provide at least 12 months' notice. People plan for school placement.


I know she is not alone in her feelings. It is not a problem that can be fixed by tinkering around with catchment zones. It is unconscionable that this overcrowding crisis is allowed to continue. Our kids deserve better.