Interesting Theory

I hear that Federal ALP backbencher, Craig Emerson, is suggesting that school be made compulsory for all students up until Yr 12. Might sound good in theory but obviously Mr Emerson hasn't stepped into a typical Govt school under his party's jurisdiction at a State level. There are a lot of students that just want to get out of school as soon as possible and go to work. Most go into trades of some sort, or a family business. I applaud students who make this choice as they know what they want to do and will more than likely be successful despite not being the best in the classroom. I know of one example of a student who was written off by his teachers from a young age. He left after Yr 10, got a trade and has spent the last couple of years touring the world and applying his trade. That's success to me.

I don't look as fondly on students who stay on to Yr 12 because there is nothing else to do. These same students have no aspirations of going to Uni, which I believe is the main purpose of going on to Yr 12. So why do they stay on? To a large extent, laziness. School is the easy option compared to getting a job. Another reason is that the Govt Schools will be glad to take them back. You see the number of students enrolled in a school determines the amount of funding received from the State Govt. Even though a fair chunk has no interest in achieving in school in Yrs 11 & 12. Some probably wouldn’t bother showing up to class, as was the case for the previous 4 years. But as long as the school gets the money eh?

Some Yr 10 School leavers without a trade would be better off getting a job at McDonald’s, for example, at least there they are getting a bit of money and are experiencing what it’s like to work under someone (even though that someone is probably not much older than them). They will learn that in the workplace they won’t put up with what they may have gotten away with at school. In the workplace you put a step wrong you’re out on you’re ear, Govt schools don’t have that luxury.

I suggest that Hon. Mr Craig Emerson rethink his proposal. Or perhaps go back to school.

Ah Well….

There's always next year

It was a good day despite the one point loss to West Coast in the “big dance.” Some people answered the call and came over to watch it, which was very nice. Everyone cheered at exactly the right times which is impressive.

Later on in the evening I felt like it was one of those moments that was “meant to happen.” I was downstairs sorting out some clothes while mum ironed and she had put on a Willie Nelson album, which were downtrodden heartbroken type songs. I thought there’s nothing like the power of song to lift someone’s spirits.

An Attitude Problem

I caught myself eavesdropping today while waiting in line for a haircut. I overheard a bloke in a rather one-way conversation with the barber talking about how dull and boring AFL was, in particular the Swans v Dockers game the previous night. He also decided to be original and comment on the tight shorts (that haven’t been tight since the eighties by the way).

“They just kick the ball,” he said. “Then a pack of 5 blokes jump up and try to catch it,” he continued. Others would argue that all games are based on simple objectives and that is what makes them great, for example:

• Rugby League – placing the ball across a line
• Soccer – kicking a ball through a rectangle
• Basketball – bouncing a ball and trying to get it into a little hoop

As for being dull and boring, well we can apply that cynical and negative comment to all sports as well if we so felt like it. But that’s just plain immature. I know, because I did just that when I was young and immature.

It really gets to me sometimes hearing people bag another person’s sport. Not just when it is my own sport in the firing line. Perhaps I take it too personally because I’m an AFL nut. But on the flipside I’m not going to bag out a League fan for example. I wouldn’t even bag out Soccer, although I have gone close. Maybe this gentleman is paying AFL the ultimate compliment because he feels the need to bring it down to make himself feel good.

So Many Options

One good thing I have found early on from working as a Patient Transport Officer is that I get an insiders view to the best Nursing Homes in the area. So when mum and dad get old and frail they will be well looked after. Our Lady of Consolation at Rooty Hill is by far the best I have seen so far.

Boys & Their Toys

Boys play with Tonka trucks, girls with Barbie Dolls. As trainee Ambo’s we get to play with oxygen tanks, resus manikins, stretchers and bandages amongst other things. We have been given free license to play with these things, as it is the best way to learn. Some people thrive on the theory side of things but that will only get you so far when it comes time to actually treat someone in an emergency situation. Even though we are officially just Patient Transport Officers (PTO's) we have to be ready to respond to emergency calls, anything is possible.

Most of the first week consisted of all that stuff that we had to hear, as opposed to the stuff we have to know. For example we met a representative from the Health Services Union (HSU), the SGE Credit Union, First State Super and the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals (ACAP).

The HSU rep unsurprisingly went on to tell us how much they are doing for us. But I still struggle to see how much I will actually get out of my $400 + membership fee. I think I will get more out of my ACAP membership and that is only about $150.

Highlights thus far have been seeing inside a PTO van for the first time, meeting current PTO’s and playing around with the oxi-resus unit.

Next week sees a ride-along with a couple of real PTO’s for a day, a tag team drive in a PTO van down to the south coast, and let’s not forget my first pay cheque.