As local Wyndham students return to school, Mr
Pallas told parents he is working hard to ease the pressure of the busy ‘Back
To School’ week on the household budget.

Mr Pallas said it has been a costly and stressful
week for local families, because several years’ worth of education cuts has
taken away the support that so many parents relied on.

When the $150 million Camps, Sports and Excursions
Fund is established, it will cover the increasing costs of these trips so the
pressure is eased on the family budget.

To make sure all kids fit in and get the best
start, the Andrews Labor Government will also partner with State Schools Relief
to
give uniforms and eye glasses to kids who need them, but whose parents can’t
afford them.

A
plan to establish Breakfast Clubs at disadvantaged primary schools across the
state – to provide 25,000 free breakfasts a day – will keep our kids healthy
and make things a bit easier for families.

Quotes attributable to Mr Pallas;

“Liberal education cuts have made this week so much
harder for local families. Some parents tell me this year has been the most
difficult of all.”

“We’re working hard to ease the financial pressure of
this busy week, so parents have the support they need by this time next year.”

“Our Sports, Camps and Excursions Fund will help
parents cover the increasing costs of these trips and free up the family budget
for the big weeks like this one.”

Back to school fast facts

In
2015, approximately:

•        914,400 students will attend a Victorian
school;

•        575,600 students will attend a Victorian
government school;

•        515,500 primary and 398,900 secondary
students will attend a school;

•        76,400 preps will attend a school,
including 52,300 in government schools; and

•        66,900 Year 7s will attend a school,
including 36,200 Year 7s attending a government school.

 There are 1,529 government schools, including
1,129 primary schools, 78 primary-secondary schools, 238 secondary schools, 80
special schools and four English language schools throughout Victoria.