Western Sydney parents had a range of opinions on the teachers strike this morning.
Teachers at NSW public schools went out on strike to oppose the government's Local Schools, Local Decisions legislation.
Several parents interviewed at Kellyville Public School said they were not concerned about the teachers strike because there was still supervision for their children at the school.
Others said the 24 hour stop work meeting, which will impact on all of the state's public schools was an inconvenience and a "disgrace".
Lisa Collu, who's son is a year 5 pupil at the school said she proud of this school and would support our principal having autonomy.
"I feel our principal is a very good principal and I would have no problem with her making all of the decisions.
She added that: "I'm lucky enough the school's open, but I just want something resolved."
The NSW Teachers Federation says the Local Schools, Local Decisions reforms will see permanent teachers replaced by temporary and casual staff.
It argues the policy is a wolf in sheep's clothing, designed to cut expenditure on education and shift blame from the government.
Teachers Federation representative at Granville South Creative and Performing Arts High School, Antoniette Sirianni pointed the finger at the government.
‘‘Public education should be run by the government and they are walking away from responsibility,’’ she said.
‘‘Unless we take some action they don’t listen. We are not going to let things go — this will change the face of education.’’
The biggest fear is principals will lean towards a more casual-based staff in order to balance the books.
Ms Sirianni said this put principals in a difficult
position.
‘‘People are always worrying about if they will have a job,’’ she said.
‘‘When we looked at the situation in American and England, it is principals who are most vulnerable.
‘‘They are [between] a rock and a hard place.
‘‘[This policy] removes focus from education and it becomes a financial focus.’’
NSW Secondary Principals’ Council president Liliana Mularczyk said there were positives to the changes.
‘‘Many aspects will benefit school communities and other aspects need consultation,’’ she said. ‘‘It will simplify the implementation of red tape and policy.’’