The NSW Department of Education has rejected claims from the NSW Teachers Federation that 300 classes were unsupervised at Murrumbidgee Regional High School in Term 1.
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A department spokesman said no students at MRHS are unsupervised, saying they had appropriate supervision to cover teacher absences.
They defined supervision as "rang[ing] from a teacher taking care of a class in a classroom or in some instances, a teacher actively taking care of a students from more than one class in a classroom or some other location such as the library, classroom or gym."
The spokesman said the number of classes "requiring supervision", is less than half the 300 claimed by the NSW Teachers Federation.
The spokesman added the school had successfully recruited seven additional teachers in Term 1.
FULL STATEMENT
No students at Murrumbidgee Regional High School are unsupervised.
Teachers can be absent for many reasons including sickness, excursions, supervising sporting visits and other leave.
At times, the school may only hear about the absence immediately before school starts for the day.
If a teacher is absent from a class, a teacher may replace them, but at times when there is a high rate of absences, especially at short notice, a teacher may supervise more than one class.
The number of classes requiring supervision, as outlined, is less than half the 300 claimed.
The school runs learning coach sessions, which are not classes.
The school has adjusted this small group model to lessen the impact of absent teachers.
Both the Griffith and Wade sites have significant built-in relief to cover absences so the school does not have to rely on the availability of casual teachers.
The school this term has recruited seven additional teachers - specialising in Science, PD/Health/PE, English, Maths, HSIE, Special Education and Learning Support.
"Supervision" could range from a teacher taking care of a class in a classroom or in some instances, a teacher actively taking care of a students from more than one class in a classroom or some other location such as the library, classroom or gym.
A staffing methodology review, currently being undertaken by the Department of Education, is examining the ways the Department attracts and retains staff across all areas of the state, including the role of allowances and other incentives.
The aim of the review is to ensure schools anywhere in NSW have access to the best candidates for positions.
This review will inform future consideration of allowances and incentives available for teachers at Griffith public schools.
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