More than 2600 years of combined service in the NSW public education system has been recognised with 53 teachers and staff honoured for their dedication to the profession at the third NSW Department of Education Service Recognition Dinner.
Last night's function at NSW Parliament House shone a light on some of the most committed and hard-working education staff in the state, with all those recognised having served a minimum 50 years working with the department.
Among those honoured are teachers, school administrators and support staff, including:
Alwyn Race Possibly the longest-working school staff member in the country. In 1954 he started as a cleaner working at public schools in Murwillumbah, Tweed River, and Tumbulgum. Alwyn is still working as a groundsman at Tumbulgum Public School and Kingscliff High School with typical efficiency, good humour and a willingness to help.
Veronica Amato After inspiring students as a young History and English teacher at Maitland Girls High School in the mid-1970s, Veronica moved to Forster High School where she would mentor current Acting Education Minister Courtney Houssos. She has served in Head Teacher, Acting Principal and Principal roles since, and 50 years on is still inspiring young minds as a casual teacher at Great Lakes College, Tuncurry Campus.
Marie Johanson Marie's legacy is deeply personal and far-reaching. A firm believer in the transformative power of education, Marie has had a varied career that started at Mitchell High School in 1973. At Fort Street High School, she taught Department Secretary Murat Dizdar. Mr Dizdar has publicly credited Marie as one of the educators who inspired him to pursue teaching.
Premier Chris Minns said:
"It's impossible not to feel humbled when you rub shoulders with school staff who have given more than 50 years' service to public education in NSW.
"Their commitment spans generations, communities and enormous change in our schools, yet the one constant has been their belief in the power of public education.
"With sustained investment in our teaching workforce, we're laying the foundations for many more moments of recognition like this in the future."
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:
"It is a great privilege to celebrate educators and staff who have been such incredible ambassadors for public education in NSW.
"While the length of service is impressive, it shouldn't just be measured in years, but by the thousands of students whose lives they have influenced with patience, passion and belief.
"I'm especially proud to acknowledge Veronica who was so significant in my educational journey at Forster High School and a cornerstone of the community she continues to serve."
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:
"Marie was more than just an educator to me. Like many of my wonderful teachers at Summer Hill PS and Fort Street High School, she told me where to look but not what to see.
"I became a teacher because I wanted to be just like Marie who was and still is exceptionally compassionate, caring, engaging and believes in the mantra that all students can grow and achieve. "To recognise her alongside 52 other colleagues from our public schools, is an incredible honour."
Photos and select video from the event is available on request.
