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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 1 Hansard (18 February) . . Page.. 37 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

The focus of that program, you might be interested to know, Ms Tucker, will be on independence and freedom in learning for students within a well-planned framework of curriculum options. There is a considerable range of specialist facilities available at Dickson that will considerably enhance the educational opportunities of those students studying at Dickson. Key principles of that program will include maximising student growth, valuing student independence, flexibility in programming, and building a cooperative learning community.

A number of parents and students were extremely disappointed when the planned transfer of SWOW to Dickson College was delayed by the court in January, and it was because of that and a number of other issues and complaints and pleas by those parents and students that we sought that variation to the injunction. I would also encourage SWOW students to consider very carefully the option of moving to the Dickson program. I am sure that they will be very surprised as to how the core values of alternative education will be translated there. The program will value students as individuals, student independence, and students fully cooperating in curriculum planning to design flexible learning programs. However, Ms Tucker, students who do not wish to join the Dickson program are able to remain at the Braddon site until the relocation issue is resolved in court. My understanding is that that has been communicated to them by the department and departmental officials on a number of - - -

Ms Tucker: Mr Speaker, on a point of order: I would really appreciate it if the Minister would actually answer my question.

MR SPEAKER: The Minister will answer the question as he sees fit, as you are aware, Ms Tucker.

MR STEFANIAK: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Ms Tucker, the point that they can stay there until the court action has been decided has been made to them, I think, by people at the school, departmental officials and teachers who have been there since the start of this term. Also, Ms Tucker, work is continuing on an alternative education program on the south side of Canberra.

I am pleased also to say that we will make every effort to ensure that a viable, quality education program is provided for those students who choose to remain at the Braddon site. However, Ms Tucker - and you can go and tell this to some of the people you might be seeing from the Friends of SWOW - this will require cooperation and support from the adults associated with SWOW. I was very disappointed, Ms Tucker - I told you this privately when you came to see me a few weeks ago, but I will certainly reiterate it now because there has been a bit more water under the bridge since then - to hear of the intimidation and harassment that occurred during the first week of school. That sort of behaviour is totally unacceptable. Also, Ms Tucker, it seems to be totally against the SWOW philosophy. It not only compromised the education program but also was very unsettling and disturbing for the young people and the staff involved.

This behaviour meant that the department had no option but to temporarily redeploy the two teachers - very experienced teachers, Ms Tucker - who had been appointed to SWOW. One of them, who was the subject of intense intimidation, I am told - that matter is also before the court in affidavit form, I am reliably informed - has an excellent

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