A school in Melbourne’s west has reconsidered its decision to cut its Vietnamese language immersion program after a campaign by the parents attracted almost 600 signatures.

On August 26, Footscray Primary School reportedly informed parents and guardians of its decision to drop its long-running practice of classes being taught in Vietnamese for up to five hours a week, via a school newsletter.

Community newspaper Star Weekly reports the school last Friday had announced it would halt its decision to axe the learning program, adding that more consultation would be held next term.

The newspaper also reported that Education Minister James Merlino “took the matter up with the department of education” late last week.

The language immersion program is the only one of its type in the western suburbs.

– TiVi Tuan-san