NSW Teachers Federation Hunter organiser Jack Galvin Wright said school communities in the Hunter and across Australia would stage events this week to highlight the importance of the full six years of Gonski funding.

“It is essential local communities deliver the message to the Abbott government that where Gonski funding is being delivered it is already making a big difference,” Mr Wright said.

“However, it is only after six years of full funding that schools will have the resources they need to give every child what they deserve.”

Mr Wright said full delivery of the funding would mean $93,693,505, $71,293,295, $73,508,203 and $87,459,764 for the Hunter, Newcastle, Charlton and Shortland electorates, respectively. 

“This is additional money being used in schools across the Hunter to provide more individual attention in the classroom, extra specialist teachers in areas such as literacy and numeracy, greater support for children with disabilities or special needs, additional training and classroom support for teachers,” Mr Wright said.

“Because this funding could make such a vital difference to the opportunities for students in the Hunter, teachers and parents are celebrating Gonski Week and will continue to campaign for the full six-year funding model.”