Sally Sitou (Reid, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today, almost 800,000 students walked through the gates of a public school, and around 10,000 of those students live in my electorate of Reid. One of those students is my son. He follows in the footsteps of his parents; my husband and I are proud products of public education. Now, with federal and state Labor governments in New South Wales, public education is finally getting the funding and spotlight it deserves, and this speech is my love letter to public education.

Public education transforms lives. It changes a family's entire trajectory. Its magic lies in the dedicated teaching staff. Their impact is immeasurable, and it goes through generations. I see that work in Alice Leung, a teacher at Concord High School, who was awarded the Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools. Not only is she a great teacher but she is also fiercely committed to ensuring every child gets a good-quality education. She teaches at a high school which has achieved remarkable results because of the hard work of the teachers and students. Thanks to the leadership of Victor Newby and Kathy Kalachian, Concord High School has successfully improved maths results by adding a senior study coach, a dedicated learning centre and an after-hours algebra club. These changes lifted their average HSC maths score to among the top five non-selective schools in New South Wales.

The public schools in Reid are deeply embedded in the community. The work of teachers and staff extend beyond the classroom, and I've been lucky to work with so many wonderful public schools who have co-hosted community events with me. Thanks to Newington, Lidcombe and Homebush West public schools for co-hosting the Cost of Living Help Hubs to ensure households get access to government support services. Thanks to Five Dock and Burwood public schools, and Strathfield Girls High School for generously hosting seniors afternoon teas, providing an opportunity for students and older residents to sit together and share stories.

To teach in a public school is to believe in the power of equity and the promise of potential. It is one of the most profoundly important professions in our society, and there's no better example of that than at Lucas Gardens School. The dedicated staff, led by Principal Jenny Zagas, provide education to students with intellectual and physical disabilities, helping them reach their full potential. Let us celebrate public schools and teachers who are true nation builders. They shape minds and fulfil the potential.