The directive from NSW Education Minister, Adrian Piccoli stems from the decision to implement a new strategy, ‘Connected Communities’ in Taree.

The intent of the strategy is to “break the unacceptable cycle of poor achievement, wellbeing and social outcomes in our most disadvantaged communities.”

The landmark announcement on Wednesday by NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell will signal radical change for the staff and culture of the two schools from 2013. The strategy is to be implemented in only 15 schools throughout NSW, two of which will be in Taree.

The intent of the ‘Connected Communities’ strategy is to improve education outcomes for Aboriginal children. It is heralded as “an Australian first” by Mr O’Farrell and “recognises one size doesn’t fit all for Aboriginal education.”

“We have to do things differently. It is appalling that only a third of Aboriginal children who start year seven currently complete high school,” Mr O’Farrell said.

The ink is still fresh on the ‘Connected Communities’ strategy and Taree High School relieving principal, Allison Alliston and Taree Public School principal, Peter Johnston, were unable to comment when contacted by The Manning River Times.

Aboriginal leaders in the Manning Valley will now be involved in delivering education at both schools and according to Mr O’Farrell, “this is a first step in achieving generational change to give Aboriginal children the same education opportunities as all students in NSW.”

The implementation process is complex and will begin in July with the appointment of an executive director to oversee the Connected Communities Strategy. That is the first step. The second will be securing a “specially-selected executive principal, a community partnership leader, a community member endorsed to teach Aboriginal languages and culture, and an advisory council,” according to the NSW minister for education, Adrian Piccoli.

The executive principal for Taree High School and Taree Public School will be selected in October and the individuals will be the most highly paid principals in the NSW education system with annual salaries tipped to be around $200,000.

It is expected that the strategy will be fully operational from the start of the 2013 school year.

“The schools will play a bigger role in day to day life in their local communities,” Mr Piccoli said.

“Schools are usually the largest physical asset in these communities - they should be better utilised as a hub for a range of other services.

“For too long the investment in these communities has not led to any improvement in student performance.

“These changes will enable schools to coordinate resources to better support students,” Mr Piccoli said.

“We have listened to these communities and they have told us to take bold action. The approaches of the past have failed.

“The success of the strategy will be rigorously monitored and measured and this will include Aboriginal children’s readiness for school, family and community active engagement in schools, attendance rates, and improvements in literacy and numeracy measured against national minimum standards.”