Commenting on: Teachers call for two-week delay to school return

 The schools and unions need to be sure their messaging is logical.

On the topic of being ready to return, if two years into a pandemic schools are not ready to hit the online button, Boards should be asking the question of principals, why their continuity plans are not adequate and if they have the right people in their schools. Not being ready is inexcusable two years in, start operating like a business in this sense.

On the topic of first-time students, this is a fair consideration. Key question should be what will two weeks actually change and is it adequate. If the risks after two weeks aren’t materially different, either accept and go as planned or push further until the risk changes.

Finally, if there is a delay, weeks are added at the end of year to make up for the lost learning. There is ample time before Christmas for this and we should not be cutting short education but rather getting the planned learning complete. – Adrian Pepicelli

Commenting on: Australian republic plan unveiled

Can I ask Mr FitzSimons what the plan is to ensure we (‘we’ being the remainder of the country outside of Hunter’s Hill) don’t end up with a President for NSW or Victoria in perpetuity?

Since Federation, the overwhelming majority of our federal leaders have represented seats in the Eastern States with only a handful from Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia rounding things out. When Mr FitzSimons talks about the ‘Australian Choice’ model and ‘Australia being led by an Australian’, what he really means is electing a President from his inner circle in the eastern suburbs of Sydney.

How on earth is an eminent scientist from Darwin with almost zero public profile outside of the scientific community or the Northern Territory supposed to compete with a household name in New South Wales? Even though said scientist would make an excellent President – which is supposedly the whole point of the proposed election model.

Ironically enough, if my son were to grow up and remain based in South Australia he would have about as much chance of becoming the Australian Head of State as he does under the current model. Hardly a fairer proposal. Back to the drawing board. – Andrew McKenzie

Commenting on: Menz drops original name in sweets rebrand

Looking forward to hearing about the release of my old-time favourites.

I buy Violet Crumbles often and hopefully my old treat Pollywaffles soon.

I hope that Covid -19 does not delay this any further.

All the best Robern Menz for a safe and healthy 2022. – Jane Fitton

Now, if they could only recapture and bring back the Bush Biscuit, life really would be sweet. – Russ Talbot