School leavers’ challenge

TEACHERS, business people and parents put their heads together last week to discuss potential implications for the community when the school leaving age is increases to 17 next year.
The Practical Partnerships Building Young Futures forum was held at Sandown Regency in Noble Park on Wednesday last week.
The forum, allowed local residents to brainstorm ways they could overcome challenges that may accompany the new policy, Alex Palazzolo of the South East Local Learning and Employment Network said.
“There were a lot of great ideas that floated around,” Mr Palazzolo said.
“We were trying to identify ways of motivating kids to stay in school, but we were all working to come up with a common plan or strategy. Part of our responsibility is to try and assist local communities as best we can and ensure all kids in the region get a fair go.”