School Speed Zone Safety

Ask any parent about the 40km/h speed zones outside schools and many shake their head in despair. It seems most of the drivers that obey the limits are parents themselves. Others don’t notice them or aren’t “switched on” to school dates and times.

The signs, outside every school in the nation, try to limit the speed of drivers so that children can be safe at school. With so many signs, especially in around shops and main roads, it can be difficult at times to notice or remember that a school zone is operating. Certainly, the flashing lights and coloured tarmac make a difference and these visual aids can help road users. There should be more of them.

A Drink with that? Drugs at School

Probably the most common drug your child will encounter is alcohol. While other more addictive and deadly drugs are often in the news, alcohol is the one that most children will come into contact with – many before high school age.

Alcohol is not bad or deadly. But it is not for kids. Drugs have different effects on the body of a child compared to that of an adult and can affect the organs especially the brain, for life. An informative resource on different types of drugs and effects they have on females and males is available here.

Being informed and communicating with your child are two ways to assist in the education process.

My School. My Rights

At government and non-government schools across Australia, policies and procedures exist to help students and teachers operate within expectations and limitations. Often polices on discipline, assessment and behaviour are documented and available for the school community. It is worthwhile spending some time reading and becoming acquainted with them.

Sometimes things don’t go according to plan and knowledge of the documentation can help. Most times, starting with the class teacher or Year Director is best. If things are not satisfactory after this, a meeting or letter to the principal may be in order. Make sure you document conversations and keep all emails and correspondence.

If all else fails check out some legal help. This website is directly concerned with youth issues. It has some information regarding schools but also advice on things like fines, graffiti and credit laws. Get educated on your rights.

Private school public funds

If you are a parent, where you stand in relation to government funding of schools is more than likely dependent on where your child goes to school. Those with children at public school whether through choice or design would argue a greater percentage of the public funding should be available for those who attend state schools. Some private school parents might say they need all the help with funding they can get – especially as school fees have risen 6% this year.

The current funding model lasts until 2012, so there is no imminent change in funding expected. After this date, the model is up for review and depending on the government of the day, changes to the SES model could be likely. There will certainly be heavy lobbying from both sides. The election cometh.

How Americanized are our Schools?

Access to other cultures and peoples has never been easier. Our children to use the cliché are global citizens. The once, loathed teenage-ism from the States are now passé.

Australian  students, as elsewhere, operate in a global world with many means of transmitting data and much faster communication. Are we still worried by the infiltration behaviours and attitudes of North American culture into our school children?

The connected world means that other cultures are often open to be appropriated instantly. Boarders and boundaries have become none existent.

I wonder what the implications are for education and students in the longer term. This ease of communicating and information gathering may have a downside in the future. It seems much of the wider context is lost or situations and circumstances not fully understood by students today. What sort of meaningful and deep thinking are our students experiencing at school?