MEDIA RELEASE ­ LETTER TO STATE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION

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PETER DRAPER
INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FOR THE ELECTORATE OF TAMWORTH

"Emerald Grove"

Ph 6769 4148

Fishers Lane,

Fax 6769 4186

Dungowan, NSW 2340

Mob 0417 290 376

The Hon John Watkins,
Minister for Education,
Parliament House,
Sydney,
NSW.

Dear Mr Watkins,

I am writing on behalf of the school community of Tamworth High School. I have received correspondence from students Chris Watson and Allison Denman expressing concern about the number of students and teachers who have fainted at school in recent weeks due to oppressive heat. Tamworth High has one air-conditioned class room in each block, with the remainder relying on open windows and fans to circulate air.

Tamworth has experienced temperatures in the high 30's and low 40's regularly during the last months, and it is taking a severe toll on students and teachers alike.

I have been advised that more than ten members of the school community have fainted over the last week, some causing injury to themselves. Schools in relatively close proximity to Tamworth such as Narrabri have air-conditioning, yet the temperatures in this area have exceeded Narrabri's temperatures on many occasions.

I would appreciate an urgent investigation into a solution to the current situation. If a student or teacher were to sustain a long-term injury as a result of fainting because the classroom was too hot, this would be of grave concern.

I have enclosed a copy of the representation from Chris and Allison for your information, and would appreciate your advice on how the problem can be rectified.

Yours Sincerely,

 

Peter Draper
February 16th, 2003

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