Devenish parents concerned about primary school’s delayed opening

By Simon Ruppert

Feb 27, 2023

Waiting: Jenny Binion has been home schooling Lily since the start of term. Photo by Contributed

When Devenish Primary School decided to accept four new enrolments, to add to the one it already had three weeks ago, parents breathed a sigh of relief.

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However, with the school still not open they are concerned with the amount of time the process is taking.

Jenny Binion, who initially contacted The Ensign when daughter Lily was turned away on the first day of term said she was eager to get he back in the classroom.

“We are still waiting and feel like we’re in limbo,” Ms Binion said.

“It’s nearly the end of February and Lily still hasn’t been to school one day this year.

“I’m home schooling at the moment, but Lily needs to be in school.

“The department of education have now advertised for the position of acting principal, but that only happened after we sent them a letter.”

Ms Binion said she would like to see a relief teacher employed in the meantime, while that appointment was made.

“Last year they employed a relief teacher when one was needed and I don’t know why they can’t do that again this year,” she said.

“My biggest fear is that I think they might be delaying it, so we’ll give up and go away.

“But that won’t be happening.”

A Department of Education spokesperson said it had started an expression of interest process for two staff, including a teaching principal, for Devenish Primary School.