It is feared the strike could be the first of many in what looks set to be a protracted industrial campaign over the way in which teachers are recruited to schools (see story, page two).

Tamworth teachers will today rally outside the Department of Education’s regional office as part of a number of protests around the State against the changes which took effect on April 28.

Notes were sent home with students throughout the week explaining the measures schools were taking during the strike and assured parents that most schools would still be operating, but under minimal

supervision.

Department of Education regional director Des Gorman said responses would vary from school to school across the region.

“Parents will be advised by a letter from the principal about arrangements at each school,” he said.

“If parents need further information they should contact the school directly.”

Mr Gorman wrote to teachers on Tuesday backing Education Minister John Della Bosca’s plea to avoid strike action and urging teachers to make sure they were aware of all the facts.

“The new arrangements bring benefits to the staffing of the region’s schools and broaden career opportunities for teachers,” Mr Gorman said.

“I hope I can put to rest the concerns that have been expressed.”

New England Teachers’ Federation organiser Owen Hasler said the federation was disappointed by the letter.

“We’re (the federation) disappointed that the message the department is giving to teachers is that our members are misinformed by the changes,” he said.

Mr Hasler apologised for any inconvenience the strike would cause parents and students.

“We acknowledge parents may experience difficulty in finding alternative arrangements for their children,” he said.

“It (the strike) is in the longer term interest of teachers and students and it’s imperative that we keep the

regulated transfer system.”

Mr Hasler said a letter of support from Peter Draper – who is unable to attend – would be read out at the rally.

“Government should have anticipated the valid concerns of teachers when they altered working conditions without adequate consultation,” Mr Draper wrote.

New England P and C spokeswoman Cynthia Mulholland said the NSW Teachers’ Federation would not have the support of the association during today’s 24- hour teaching strike.

Ms Mulholland said she would like to see the matter resolved behind closed doors in a way that would not effect students’ rights to education.

“The strike doesn’t help anyone,” she said.Continued page 2