Continue the Important Work of the School for the Blind
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Author:
n/a -
Send To:
The Honourable Bronwyn Pike, Minister for Education in the State of Victoria
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Sponsored By:
Victorian Independent Education Union -
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The Petition of the VA VIEU Sub-branch supported by the general public draws to the attention of The Honourable Bronwyn Pike, Minister for Education
that, with the sudden decision of Vision Australia to permanently close its school facility, dispense with its visiting teacher service, its staff of specialist teachers and its teacher aides at the end of 2009, the futures of many vision-impaired children with or without additional disabilities are in peril.
The RVIB School, now Vision Australia School, and its visiting teachers, have assisted generations of children who are blind or have low vision in reaching their potential, supported many through the integration process into mainstream schooling and provided training and help to many schools.
We understand that Vision Australia will not overturn its sudden change of policy after 142 years, and will not reconsider offering the full range of services, believing education to be the sole responsibility of government.
Therefore the petitioners ask that the minister implement as quickly as possible a vital and effective centre of education which will carry on and expand the essential work of the current school.
The petitioners also ask that the minister fully provide every state-funded school with appropriate services and equipment as well as suitable training for teachers and aides in preparation for the unique challenges faced by each child who is blind or has low-vision.
that, with the sudden decision of Vision Australia to permanently close its school facility, dispense with its visiting teacher service, its staff of specialist teachers and its teacher aides at the end of 2009, the futures of many vision-impaired children with or without additional disabilities are in peril.
The RVIB School, now Vision Australia School, and its visiting teachers, have assisted generations of children who are blind or have low vision in reaching their potential, supported many through the integration process into mainstream schooling and provided training and help to many schools.
We understand that Vision Australia will not overturn its sudden change of policy after 142 years, and will not reconsider offering the full range of services, believing education to be the sole responsibility of government.
Therefore the petitioners ask that the minister implement as quickly as possible a vital and effective centre of education which will carry on and expand the essential work of the current school.
The petitioners also ask that the minister fully provide every state-funded school with appropriate services and equipment as well as suitable training for teachers and aides in preparation for the unique challenges faced by each child who is blind or has low-vision.
2878 Signatures
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Michael Donnelly
- Comments
- The Victorian Government and Vision Australia need to be held accountable for the education and wellbeing of each and every child in this state who is blind or has low vision.
- City, Town or Suburb
- Melbourne
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Patricia Donnelly
- Comments
- Vision Australia has not given any good reason to close down such a valuable institution. They seem to want the cheap option. Our government MUST take over the reins responsibly.
- City, Town or Suburb
- Melbourne
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Katherine Rule
- City, Town or Suburb
- Glen Waverley
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DOUG KIDD
- Comments
- SCHOOL MUST STAY OPEN
- City, Town or Suburb
- CRONULLA 2230
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Sophie Clapperton
- City, Town or Suburb
- Melbourne
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Dan Quigley
- City, Town or Suburb
- Macleod, 3085
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Bruce Peucker
- City, Town or Suburb
- HAWTHORN EAST VIC
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Anna Deakin
- City, Town or Suburb
- Melbourne
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Kristiana Withers
- City, Town or Suburb
- Ballarat
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Anne Hill
- City, Town or Suburb
- Ashburton
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Ruth Dayment
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Beatrice Donnelly
- Comments
- В
- City, Town or Suburb
- Melbourne
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Debbie
- Comments
- The school offers a service that NO other school in Victoria can provide.
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Diana Hicks
- City, Town or Suburb
- Bayswater 3153
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Geoffrey Voller
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William Donnelly
- Comments
- It's been a big part of my life and I can't remeber the last time that I havn't been going to the annual Christmas concert which is always so fun.
- City, Town or Suburb
- Melbourne
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Finlay Shanks
- Comments
- Ed policy docs are not sufficient to level the field
- City, Town or Suburb
- Ashburton
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Fiona Dodds
- Comments
- This sitauation needs an immediate and compassionate response from the Government.
- City, Town or Suburb
- Ashburton
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Brenda Levesque
- Comments
- Please do not set such an example for other countries to emulate.
- City, Town or Suburb
- Ottawa, Ontario Canada
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Helen Sieker
- City, Town or Suburb
- Wheelers Hill
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Helen Sieker
- City, Town or Suburb
- Wheelers Hill
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Peter Kidd
- Comments
- Please continue this important work!
- City, Town or Suburb
- Nerang, Queensland.
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Nicholas Room
- City, Town or Suburb
- sth yarra
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Mandy Frostick
- City, Town or Suburb
- Melbourne
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Gordon Gunn
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Margaret Smith
- Comments
- This is an important educational service for children with vision impairments. The school must not be closed.
- City, Town or Suburb
- Glen Iris, Victoria
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David Wright
- City, Town or Suburb
- Glen Iris
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Jennifer
- Comments
- Keep the children's needs in focus
- City, Town or Suburb
- Melbourne
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Nicole Lohde
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Bridget Artufel
- City, Town or Suburb
- Rowville
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Louise Apps
- City, Town or Suburb
- Melbourne
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Lyn Maestri
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Melanie Fischer
- City, Town or Suburb
- Melbourne
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Noelene Clarke
- Comments
- St Scholastica's has had a special inclusive partnership with Vision Australia for 30 years. It saddens and distresses us to know that this decision effectively means that the needs of these students will no longer be met in a specilised education centre.
- City, Town or Suburb
- Burwood East
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Suzanne Wilkinson
- City, Town or Suburb
- ashwood
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Liz Bamford
- City, Town or Suburb
- Ringwood 3134
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Andrew Peucker
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Benjamin Ewart
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Fiona Sanderson
- Comments
- The right of choice of education should not be taken away
- City, Town or Suburb
- Melbourne
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Alison Keen
- City, Town or Suburb
- Vermont South VIC
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Dawn Gill
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Helen Sutton
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libby Larsen
- City, Town or Suburb
- melbourne
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Tong Wong
- City, Town or Suburb
- Eltham 3095
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Jacqui Purcell
- Comments
- These children need specialised help and the teachers need specialised assistance from those who know the needs of these children
- City, Town or Suburb
- Melbourne
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Barry Fox
- City, Town or Suburb
- Blackburn 3130
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linda Savage
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Suzanna Bowman
- Comments
- These children are already at a disadvantage why would you disadvantage them further
- City, Town or Suburb
- Box Hill
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Kylie Hartnett
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Bronwyn Hooper
- Comments
- As a mother of a young child with impaired vision, this comes as a shock! Please consider this as an essential public service that needs urgent attention.
- City, Town or Suburb
- Melbourne
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2878
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