Secondary students strike

Secondary students strike

By Elle Morrell

MELBOURNE — Students from Epping Secondary organised a strike on September 7 against cuts to education. Amidst a sea of anti-Kennett and "No cuts to schools" placards, three-quarters of the school population walked out and marched to the school gate to hear students speak out against Kennett's program to increase class sizes and decrease extracurricular services.

Even though students were threatened with suspension before the action by teachers, they boldly continued to encourage all year levels to strike.

Despite minimal coverage of the action by the establishment media, news gets around, and calls are coming from across Victoria from other school students who want to do similar actions.

"The walkout was a symbol of our frustration and concern at the actions the government has taken, not just at our school, but in regards to the whole education system within Victoria", Katarina, one of the organisers of the strike, told Green Left Weekly.

"We decided to join forces and show strength in our unity. Hopefully others will now step forward and have their voices heard."

The Epping students are determined to continue and broaden their campaign to link up with other schools and plan a future action for fourth term. Students from Preshill went out on September 10, and Camberwell Secondary College is planning a day strike for September 14.

Anyone interested in involving their school or helping to coordinate the campaign can contact Elle on 329 1320. A cross-school student meeting is planned for September 24 at the occupied Richmond Secondary College.

From GLW issue 115