Department of Education warns Pilbara principals not to sign petition on run-down Hedland Senior High School

Principals and teachers across the Pilbara have been warned not to back a Nationals-led petition calling for urgent works to fix basic facilities at the notoriously run-down Hedland Senior High School. A memo sent by the Department of Education to all principals in the Pilbara asked they “remind staff” that it would not be appropriate to sign such a petition or provide any statement that supports its view. “As employees of the Department of Education (and current State Government) our view is aligned with their position,” it said. “The staff code of conduct outlines our obligations for professional behaviour at all times.” It comes just a month after the gymnasium roof fell down, leaving students without indoor air-conditioned sporting facilities. Two months before the collapse, Education Minister Sue Ellery told the North West Telegraph that the school had received all funding necessary to make the required repairs. Ms Ellery’s comments were made in response to a North West Telegraph article highlighting that in the recent round of funding schools, including the recently-built Karratha Senior High School, had received millions of dollars while HSHS got nothing. Parents and staff at the school in South Hedland said buildings and facilities had become severely run-down because of a lack of maintenance. They said computers and other equipment were broken and students had to sit out in the sun because there was not adequate shade structures. A HSHS parent, who did not want to be named, said it was disappointing to see the State Government try to suppress the community. “Hedland is just getting sick of not having any voice when it comes to dealing with the State Government,” she said. “We hear about new schools in Perth all the time but we just constantly miss out here. “It’s no secret Hedland keeps the WA economy afloat. So much of the money made here is spent in Perth but when we need a new high school, we can’t get it.” “We’re just asking to have the same standard of facilities as is on offer in Perth, nothing more, nothing less, just the same.” Nationals member for Pilbara Scott Bourne, who started the petition, said it was disappointing to see those who were so heavily affected by substandard conditions censored. “Forbidding school staff — some who have children attending the school — from signing a community petition verges on draconian,” he said. “All community members, regardless of their occupation, have the right to express their opinions and views in a respectful and courteous manner without fear of reprisal. “The crumbling condition of Hedland Senior High School is unacceptable — the State Government has let it deteriorate to a point the safety of students and staff is at risk and it’s clear a new build is the best way forward.” The Education Department confirmed the legitimacy of the memo but would not provide a further statement. The school received $15 million through royalties funding from BHP last year after principal Bill Mann penned a letter to the Government saying it was in a “state of disrepair” leading to a “poor learning environment”. Former Town of Port Hedland mayor and Liberal Candidate for Pilbara Camilo Blanco joined the Nationals in criticising the State Government’s response to community pressure on HSHS facilities. “For years I have highlighted the need for serious investment into the ageing HSHS,” he said. “The current $15 million funding came directly from the insistence of BHP in order to settle the 300 million royalty dispute, Labor has not acknowledged that deal.”