Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said ‘Learning together’ is a fitting theme given the extraordinary challenges this year has presented.

“In the face of drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, our school communities have proven just how strong and adaptable they are,” Ms Mitchell said.

“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 many exciting opportunities lie ahead to build on the strengths of the public education system.

“Already 42 new and upgraded schools have been built in 2020 as part of the NSW Government’s $6.7 billion school infrastructure program, with more to come,” she said.

“We are also rebuilding the NSW curriculum to cut unnecessary content, focus on literacy and numeracy and modernise vocational education and training.”

Ms Mitchell said Education Week has been a highlight of the NSW public education calendar for more than 60 years, and this year provides an opportunity to reflect on achievements over the past year.

“This is particularly relevant for the past year, as our education system has triumphed amidst difficult circumstances,” Ms Mitchell said.

“I cannot overstate the appreciation I have for the incredible way everyone has responded to the challenges of this year. Right across the state, students and families have received incredible support from their schools and teachers, and stronger relationships have grown between schools and their communities.

“If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that schools are the cornerstone of our communities in NSW and together we can achieve great things.”

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said this year’s Education Week will look a little different with many schools opting for virtual celebrations in place of the usual open classrooms and school assemblies.

“We are using technology to encourage schools to run virtual celebrations and the department has put together a series of events for the whole week,” Mr Scott said.

Education Week starts with a launch live stream on Monday, 3 August, featuring students and staff from more than 50 public schools across NSW. Other events 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.

“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 this remarkable year,” Mr Scott said.

“The resilience, endurance and creativity of people in Education is just incredible.”

Visit the Education Week website for full details of the virtual celebrations.

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