Fairfield West Public School has a long and rich history - 100 years to be precise – that lives on through the current school generation.

Current year 4 student, Charlie Portelli, and his year 2 cousin, Willam Berry are descendants of students who were among the first on the enrolment register at the school in 1925, namely their great great uncles, Laurence, Cyril and Colin Crompton and great great aunties, Clarice and Kate. Other members of the family also attended the school in later years.

Accompanied by their grandfather, Robert Crompton, Charlie and William were at the school’s Centenary Assembly that launched a week of activities including an art and museum exhibition, school tours, a school concert and a community picnic.

Also at the assembly were school alumni spanning various generations including Professor Donald Napper, a world leader in polymer science, who was Dux of the school in 1948.

Three former students, Anthony Pitt, Patricia Beggs, and Tony D’Amore, who are now principals in the NSW public school system, also attended.

Ms Beggs was a “new arrival” student from Italy when she came to Fairfield West in year 5 not speaking any English.

“Fairfield West was amazing,” she said. “I had great teachers. They made me connect with other kids, learnt to speak English - really wonderful teachers, beautiful friends and a lovely community.”

Ms Beggs “always wanted to be a teacher” and driven by the Fairfield West motto of “Aim High” she’s worked her way to principal, initially at Canley Vale Public School and now at Kurmond Public School in the Hawkesbury.

“I am a true believer in public education,” she said. “Public education all the way. We do that with transition days at our own school. We make sure we promote the local public high school. Public education offers the opportunities that all our students need.”

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar sent a message of congratulations via video which was played at the assembly calling out principal, Genelle Goldfinch, for her “fantastic leadership” over the past 14 years.

“This is a fantastic public school,” Mr Murat said. “Look at some of the awards they have achieved across the years. In 2023 and indeed this year in 2025, they’ve received a Secretary’s Outstanding School Achievement Award for collective learning, from attendance to achievement projects.

“In 2024, they were recognised as a school making a difference by ACARA – the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority – for outstanding NAPLAN results. The school has also produced outstanding students over the 100 years.”

Long standing principal, Genelle Goldfinch, said Fairfield West Public School opened its doors 100 years ago with a vision, to provide quality education to children of the growing community.

“Over the decades our school has evolved, grown and adapted and our core values have remained strong, resilience, respect, inclusion and excellence,” she said.

“This week we celebrate, not just the passage of time, but the people – students, teachers, staff, families and community members who put their energy into making this school what it is today.

“Everything you see this week is a celebration of what Fairfield West does best; nurturing High Potential and Gifted Education with a focus on the creative and social domains for the centenary.”

Peter and Kerry Joiner have had an association with the school since 1993 when their eldest son was enrolled. They loved the school so much that Peter became the secretary of the school council and Kerry started working there as a SLSO (School Learning Support Officer) in 1998.

“I have worked here for 26 years, 361 days and retired in February. The three children all came here,” Kerry said.

“Over the years I have seen lots of staff and principals at the school, but nothing’s changed in the fact that everybody wants the best for your child. The teachers are so dedicated, have been for all the time we’ve been associated with the school.”

After their last child finished at Fairfield West, the Joiners were keen to maintain their connection to the school, so they instituted the Joiner Award, an encouragement award for a year 6 student which is awarded each year at the end of year assembly.

“We were very happy with the education our children received here,” Kerry said. “We always found the staff to be fabulous, caring. They always look after the children. We just thought that we were so happy with our children’s education that we should do something to carry on.

“We are proud advocates of the public school system.”