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School issues apology after parents complained about homework question.

Whalan Public School in western Sydney issued students a multiple-choice assignment, asking them seven questions about their stance on immigration, reports 7 news.

The final question asked students “do you think that the number of migrants coming to Australia each year is too high, too low or about right?”

Angered parents took to Facebook to voice their frustrations, saying they were stunned that 11-year-old students (gr 5 &6 ) were being asked such questions.

On Tuesday, the school issued a letter apologising for any offence the survey may have caused.

“The intent of the survey was to ask students to reflect upon their current thinking about Australia and its people.

“However, unfortunately, the closed questioning style has resulted in some inflamed responses from parents who are questioning the units of work being taught in classroom.”

While acknowledging that the questions should have been more “open-ended”, the school insisted the units of work undertaken in year 5/6 classrooms were in line with the current syllabus documents.

How would you feel if your child had this homework sheet?

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  • Doing research doesn’t necessarily give anybody unbiased information

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  • I wouldn’t be offended. But I would be surprised if kids so young would have any idea of the number of migrants. I guess they could always research the question to find the answers. I see no reason to be upset or outraged though

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  • How many children that age would know the reasons why the numbers are reasons to be concerned. Not all parents allow their children to watch the news. Many have their meals around that time. Regardless of what is on, it can be a huge distraction when they should be eating. Goodbye other family important communication subjects – issues at school, what they are learning in lessons and what they want to talk about. Plans needing to be made and agreed upon.

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  • Angered parents ! Why would you get angered ?
    voice their frustrations on Facebook ! how immature and manipulative
    forcing the school to apologize in a way
    the school is the wise to do so, they show more maturity then the parents
    immigration has been on the political agenda and in the news
    year 5 and 6 often are encouraged to follow their news as part of their homework
    debating and discussions are great ways to develop their own mind.

    Reply

  • I wouldn’t be offended – it is a totally relevant subject/question considering how many people choose to make Australia their home.

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  • I’m not sure that it was insinuating anything, rather asking the question. It is in line with the current curriculum but I also understand how it may have upset some families.

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  • People are way too sensitive these days.
    It’s making the kids think about real world stuff instead of things they will never need in real life.
    I whole heartedly believe that schools should teach our children about taxes and budgets and our laws and everything else that happens outside of a classroom.
    I think it’s great that the school is encouraging the children to think about these things.
    World is way to PC nowadays

    Reply

  • No i wouldn’t be offended – this is what our country is now – and these kids are the future and it is how they are growing up right now. I wonder if the children actually complained about having to answer this question or did it all just stem from the parents?

    Really is such a shame that everyone thinks they are entitled to complain about everything thing no matter how big or small.

    Reply

  • I don’t think Id be offended by this, especially if it was supported by discussion.


    • Exactly – children are the leaders of the future and these are important discussions to have at a family, school and community level.

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  • No I don’t think I would be offended it’s only a questionnaire

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  • I would not be offended – a good way to start and promote discussion at home and at school about an important issue.

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  • It’s certainly a topic what has been in the news and often year 5 & 6 follow the news in the class.
    Like with vaccinations, the government takes it stand and like to get the people on board with their ideas and plans.
    Our schools are coloured with many nationalities. Most likely there are also immigrants at this school. I can imagine these questions can be hard for them. But a good and respectful led discussion wouldn’t be harmful in my opinion.

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  • I don’t think I would have taken offence.

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  • Personally I don’t think I would mind much. Even if I think it’s something that should be addressed orally.

    Reply

  • I would not be happy with my child being asked these types of questions at that age

    Reply

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