FOOTSCRAY City Primary School parents and students were left shell shocked last week after the State Government axed the Steiner stream of learning at the school.
Students were given a letter explaining the change on Wednesday afternoon, causing widespread shock and disbelief amongst the school community.
The stream will cease at the end of the school year, with parents given a list of other schools they can enrol their children in. The nearest Steiner school is based in Collingwood.
A new school principal, Steve Warner, had also been appointed to the school, taking over from acting principal Mick Guileri.
A large group of Steiner and non-Steiner families rallied outside the school last Thursday, with many non-Steiner parents considering moving their kids to other schools in protest.
The parents have called for the Education Department to reverse the decision immediately.
“I’ve really valued the choice and diversity in the system,” Amelia Bartak, whose children go to the school under the mainstream program, said.
“I’m dismayed and very upset by this happening with no consultation with the parents.”
Ms Bartak said the only problem the school had had in recent times was a lack of leadership, with seven prinicipals at the school in the last term alone.
School councillor Murray McKeich added: “there’s every chance that the school will cease to exist (with so little students).”
Former Liberal candidate for Footscray Ken Betts declared he would tear up his Liberal Party leadership if the decision was not reversed.
Footscray City Primary School has around 280 students, with around half enrolled under the Steiner stream.
Under the Steiner stream, children are not taught to read and write until they are seven and are discouraged from using computers and watching TV.
Footscray City Primary School implemented the stream in 2001.
A spokesperson from the Education Department said the decision had not been made lightly.
“The school has spent 10 years attempting to create a harmonious relationship between all members of the school community,” the spokesperson said.
“This has not been able to be achieved, despite the many efforts throughout these 10 years to create a positive environment for student learning.
“The school has a very bright future, and all students will be invited to continue their education at the school next year.
“Like the students, all teachers will be offered the opportunity to continue their employment at the school.”
The spokesperson said the Department would not reimburse parents for the costs of uniforms or any other school-specific items.
Footscray City Primary School did not return Star’s calls last week.
