Baxter Children to Go to Willsden Primary School
Media Release - DPS 18/2003
Children from the Baxter Immigration Detention Facility (IDF) will attend Willsden Primary School following a request from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA).
Fifteen places have been allocated at the school for primary aged, school ready detainee children.
The decision comes after last week's endorsement of the consultation process by the Government Steering Group Committee (GSGC) which comprises members from DIMIA, Port Augusta Council, Whyalla City Council and the South Australian State Government.
Willsden Primary School's Governing Council met last night (Wednesday) as the final step in the school's consultation process.
DIMIA's First Assistant Secretary of Unauthorised Arrivals and Detention Division, Steve Davis, said he was pleased with this outcome.
'DIMIA is pleased that the Department for Education and Children's Services has provided its support for more children to attend external school,' Mr Davis said.
'Like the announcement with Port Augusta Secondary School last week, DIMIA is looking forward to working with the school to facilitate access in the coming weeks.'
DECS Chief Executive, Steve Marshall, who agreed to the Commonwealth Government's request for detainees to attend Willsden Primary School, said he was also pleased with the outcome.
The decision follows a comprehensive consultation process during which the views of parents, staff and students were gathered. The views of the school council were also sought.
The school consultation revealed few concerns from the Willsden Primary School community, Out of the 100 families surveyed, 20 responded with the great majority indicating their support. Concerns raised as part of this process will be addressed by DECS on an ongoing basis during the implementation phase of the proposal.
The Principal of Willsden Primary School has been asked to inform the school community of the decision and will begin making arrangements, which will include an induction program, to accommodate the children from Baxter.
The program will be reviewed at the end of term two in July.
6 March 2003
Media inquiries:
DIMIA Public Affairs: (02) 6264 2244 (bh), 0419 442 000 (ah)
DECS - Public Relations: 08 8226 7904 (bh), 0401 122 951 (ah)