Monday marked the beginning of Education Week 2020, celebrating the critical role public schools play in equipping students for the future and their vast achievements.
This year’s theme ‘learning together’ is a fitting theme given the extraordinary challenges the year has presented.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said, having faced bushfires, drought and now the COVID-19 Pandemic, our school communities have proven just how strong and adaptable they are.
“Teachers and support staff moved quickly to online lessons; parents and carers took on additional responsibilities at home and students adjusted to a new way of learning,” Ms Mitchell said.
At Carenne School, Principal Jane Crosland values every success each student enjoys as they navigate through their educational journey. They focus on growing and learning together, and the tricky climate Covid-19 has imposed has not stopped them from reaching their personal goals.
Education Week is a highlight for the NSW public education system. It has been for more than 60 years, as it provides an opportunity to reflect on achievements over the past year. Plus, it shows just how adaptable the education system is in pushing through difficult circumstances.
Right across the state, students and families have responded well to these challenges. They have received the support they needed from their schools and teachers, further growing and enhancing the strong relationships between schools and communities.
This year’s Education Week will look a little bit different compared to previous years, with many schools opting for virtual celebrations in place of the usual classroom and assemblies.
Embracing these new changes Teacher, Kia Cassidy said Bathurst West Public School, celebrations will be without parents and the wider school communities; however, they are still all learning together.
Education week started with a live stream on Monday, 3 August, which featured both staff and students from more than 50 public schools across NSW. Other events will include a celebration of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day with the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and their language app; a student film festival introduced by actor Bryan Brown; a technology webinar for parents for the NSW Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations; and the Secretary, Mark Scott, in conversation with secondary students.
Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said, “learning together is our theme for education week 2020, and it couldn’t be a more apt way to celebrate NSW public school communities in the remarkable year.”
“The resilience, endurance and creativity of people in Education is just incredible, ” Mr. Scott said.
“Education Week allows us to promote the quality education we enjoy every day as we strive towards independence,” Jane Crosland said.
Published by Bathurst City Life
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