Current Issues
AUTHOR: Judy Turner
Two issues that have caught my eye in recent times are the big hui in Wellington to discuss ways of combating school bullying and secondly, reports about the state of oral health services in NZ.
The Primary Teachers Union before the election called on the government to make clearer the guidelines teachers should be operating under in regard to disruptive student behaviour.
There are three considerations from where I sit (as an ex-Primary teacher). Firstly teachers need to be given clear procedures to follow that keep everyone involved in an incident safe. Every school will have slightly different systems but they need to support the teachers role.
Secondly we do need to ensure that students unsuited to the normal classroom environment are catered for so that they don't fall through the proverbial cracks. Finally we must spare no effort in ensuring that the learning environment is safe for all other students.
I have come across situations where an incident was well managed but the ongoing intimidation by bullies was left to each student to manage as best they could. This is unacceptable! Going to school scared is unacceptable!
Oral Health Services in NZ are very run-down and in Northland they are in crisis. I am unclear when this deterioration began but I suspect that successive governments have to shoulder some blame.
Hon Peter Dunne has now been given this portfolio as part of the mix of responsibilities he has as Associate Minister of Health .... (talk about being fed a lemon).
However I know Peter will take this very seriously and my hope is that the Minister of Health will back him with the resources needed to turn this appalling situation around.
Dental Services are basic primary health services and young children with gum abscesses treated only with pain relief because Mum and Dad can't afford to pay is outrageous.