From a therapy dog showing off its tricks to alumni sharing their post-school pathways, Education Week embraced the theme of lifelong learning.

More than 8,000 people viewed the Education Week launch video, a 20 per cent increase on last year’s virtual event, and more than 40 Education Week posts on social media reached more than 400,000 people, resulting in more than 20,000 interactions with viewers.

The virtual celebrations spanned the week including Learning through Country presented by the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, a virtual art display, a webinar for parents and carers on vocational education and training and Education LIVE featuring Mogo Wildlife Park’s animal of the day and special guests.

Department of Education Secretary Georgina Harrisson said schools had been creative and innovative in embracing the week-long celebration.

“Education Week is a great opportunity to collectively acknowledge our work and NSW public education while celebrating the achievements of schools, students and learning community,” Ms Harrisson said.

The Secretary took time out to acknowledge the efforts of teachers, school leaders and school support staff.

“In spite of the tough times, you all continue to show strength, resilience and a commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for our students and young people,” she said.

Among the innovative celebrations within the Greater Sydney lockdown, Bella Vista Public School encouraged its students to share their special talents.

Winter, the school’s therapy dog, made the call-out on behalf of the school through a video in which she also shared her talents, which including whispering, high fives and giving the paw.

Staff at Canterbury Public School also created a video showing students what new skills they had recently learned, while other school communities, such as Ungarie Central School and West Wallsend High School asked former students to share their lifelong learning journeys online.

At Oatley West Public School, students engaged online with virtual dance and fitness challenges (linking to the Olympics) and 100 days of Kindergarten celebrations.

Eden Public School in the State’s south held a special assembly with Ed Week awards and students dressing as what they wanted to be when they grew up, while Walgett Community College held a TAFE taster day with students learning about different industries and education pathways.

At Lue Public School students went back in time and experienced what school was like 100 years ago.

This year schools were invited to create a mini documentary or short video showcasing the Education Week 2021 theme of Lifelong learners.

Winners were selected for both primary and secondary schools with Tarrawanna Public School and Belmore Boys High School being named winners in their respective categories.