Education

The National Scientific Statement, released last week, found participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects in Australian schools was declining, with enrolments in these subjects at the lowest level in 20 years.

It also reported that performance in these STEM subjects had slipped and if the decline continued, "Australia may be unable to supply the skills required for the future workforce".

The chairman of the House Education Committee, Representative Tu'umolimoli Moliga, who used to be a teacher, said it does not matter what degrees a teacher has, if they are not getting the encouragement and motivation they deserve, their commitment falters.

The Manu'a Faipule, Vesi Talalelei Fautanu Jr, said the Department of Education's recent Math-in-Art and Science Fair Competitions saw private school students take the top 3 places.

The director of education, Dr Matagi Tofia, confirms that statistics show government schools are way below the required standards.

Sunset State School in Mount Isa offers students breakfast, morning tea, and lunch free of charge — something teachers say is helping the entire community.

"It's available to everyone that comes here — any families, any children, any background," said principal Bryon Burke.

"We believe it's highly beneficial for our school and our kids, and certainly that's what the data is telling us."

Attendance rates improve

The index of community socio-educational advantage (ICSEA) ranks schools according to their level of educational advantage.

Chancellor Philip Hammond has set out plans for them in the Budget.

He says these type of qualifications have not always been on an equal footing with academic ones - and wants that to change.

T-levels will allow 16 to 19-year-olds to study in 15 sectors in subjects like hair and beauty or construction.

The courses will replace thousands that are currently on offer and it's claimed they will make access to the job market easier.

Students in further education or technical college will also be eligible for maintenance loans.

He also challenged big companies and corporations to follow his lead.

Schools in the US city are being threatened with early closure this summer or laying off staff because of funding shortages.

Speaking to reporters he said: "This isn't about politics, this isn't about posturing, this is about taking care of the kids."

Chance handed over a giant cheque to students at a primary school in the West Chatham area of Chicago, part of its infamous South Side.

He grew up the area and his lyrics often reference his childhood.

And it is January of the new year, slowly winding down; when February comes, you know you should let them go. In the end, you know it’s part of life and you have gone through this yourself.

Loop Lifestyle has put together a few tips from Parents magazine to help you prepare your child for his or her first day of school.

Here are four little lessons kids need before starting school:

Before your child starts pre-school or kindergarten, be sure he's schooled in these basics.

1.Bathroom Skills 101

The session starts at 9am at Nauru Secondary School. This is for Secondary and Early Child Education teachers and trainees only. The other professional development sessions are as follows:

During a budget review the College's acting president, Dr Rosevonne Pato, says a remedial programme had shown some success.

She says about 60 percent of the students who eventually graduate from the College have had some remedial assistance under what is called the CAP programme.

But Representative, Meauta Mageo, who is a former high school teacher, says the system is still failing the territory's children.

Twenty two positions are currently being advertised including five jobs for principals and eight jobs at the main secondary school Tereora College.

There are also seven other vacancies at primary and secondary schools in the country.

A Director of Human Resources with the government Terry Utaga says an example of the problem is the field of accounting where potential applicants for an accounting teacher job prefer to stick to higher paying jobs outside teaching.