I found this article so pro-private school it really throws a great deal of doubt in my mind as to what this web site is trying to promote.

Phrases like “government dictated syllabus” to describe a minimum standard curriculum are pretty over the top. Asking about future infrastructure plans for a government system starved of funds by politicking and pressure groups is also rather ridiculous. Probably the most offensive detail in this article’s “list” is suggesting that a merit based pay system is the only way to see if teachers are valued by their school, that is, all public school teachers are not valued.

I am both a single dad to my daughter and a public school teacher. My experience and beliefs as a dad and teacher were highly offended by this “list”. Not only is the bias expressed here limiting to the supposed intent suggested in the heading but it is also inaccurate.

My daughter’s education is not an “investment”, it is a commitment to life long learning and growth. It is another stepping stone to her development as an individual and as a member of civil society. It is ongoing and does not just take place in a school but also at home and in the community.

PARENTS can expect to be paying $35,000 a year in tuition fees at some private schools within seven years, based on the current rate of increases.

Parents contacted the Herald yesterday to complain about fee rises which exceed rates of inflation and salary increases.

St Catherine’s in Waverley has written to parents to explain it will raise fees more than it has in previous years. Fees for year 12 girls are up by 8.95 per cent to $22,500 next year. Parents who pay on time receive a $50 discount – $150 less than last year.
Advertisement: Story continues below

Pymble Ladies College has raised fees by an average 7.41 per cent over four years. In 2008, fees for year 12 students increased to $19,000 and this year increased to $21,900. Next year, the rise will be more modest, to $22,700.

If the recent trend continues, parents can expect to pay almost $35,000 for a year 12 student in seven years.

”We don’t go out for dinner, we don’t go on holidays and we are paying interest-only on our mortgage,” said the parent, who asked not to be named.

”Our family life is suffering. I don’t know how we are going to keep it up.”

Another parent, who did not want their name published, said they were considering removing their children from St Catherine’s because of the fee increases.

In a letter to parents, the chairman of St Catherine’s, the Reverend Tony Payne, said the school was proud of its tradition of offering value for money. But there was ”no avoiding the need to raise fees in 2011 by more than we have done in recent years”.

Mr Payne said the gap in fees between St Catherine’s and other comparable schools had been widening, but the cost of maintaining and improving the school had grown.

The school expected next year’s fee increase would be a ”one-off – a catch-up rise” to help close the revenue gap between St Catherine’s and nearby schools.

”I want to assure you that the council has not taken this decision lightly,” Mr Payne said.

In this u-tube video these digital learners tell us that they want to be taught how to think, create, analyse, evaluate and apply. They learn by doing. They want to create, remix, consume, share information, text,blog and text. Yet 76% teachers don’t use web, blogs or podcasts. Teachers need to change!
MAKE SURE YOU DETERMINE THE FLEXIBILITY OF THE SCHOOL