Macleay Valley teachers' rally at Oxley MP's office demanding talks on staffing shortages

The letter details that five attempts have been made by local Teachers' Association president John Kassel to organise a meeting from May 5 to June 16.

"Repeated attempts (have been made) on the 5/5/21, 7/5/21, 18/5/21, 2/6/21 and 16/6/21 to organise a meeting with their local member, requests have either been ignored or refused. One request included an invitation to Melville HS," the letter read.

The rally saw Mr Kassel joined by Teachers' Federation representatives from Aldavilla Public School, Crescent Head PS, Frederickton PS, Kempsey High School and Melville HS.

More than 30 local teachers were in attendance, giving up their time after school to bring awareness to their issue.

"As was outlined in the meeting requests, a delegation of local teachers sought an urgent meeting to discuss critical issues regarding the impacts of the staffing shortage on students and teachers in the local area and the State Government's response to the recommendations of the independent Gallop Inquiry," NSW Teachers' Federation regional organiser Ian Watson said.

"Staffing shortages are affecting all of NSW because the State Government, through the Education Department, has failed to staff schools appropriately.

"The problem is not just in remote areas and, increasingly schools, and their students, in more favourable areas are being impacted.

"Members resolved to meet again if requests continue to go unheeded."

In a statement to the Argus, Ms Pavey acknowledged concerns raised by the teachers' union and has escalated issues to the Minister for Education.

"Teachers deserve all our support and are valuable resources for our communities and children," she said.

"I will always advocate for a strong regional education system."

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