This week is School Support Recognition Week, an opportunity to celebrate the essential role school administrative and support staff (SASS) and other non-teaching staff play in NSW public education.

On Monday, Deputy Premier Prue Car and Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar thanked the thousands of support staff across the state for the work they do in assisting our teachers, students and school communities.

“We both know how important SASS and other non-teaching staff are to a school. We see it every time we visit,” they said.

“They welcome parents and carers, help our students learn, maintain our facilities and support our teachers so they can focus on teaching.

“Your work daily is pivotal to the effective functioning of our public schools. As representatives of the department, the NSW Government, and as parents, we thank you.”

In the lead-up to School Support Recognition Week, Monaro High School’s Rachel Hawkins was named Australian Teacher Aide of the Year for her work as school learning support officer.

Mandy Bell, Director and Co-Founder of Australian Teacher Aide, said Ms Hawkins was recognised for her outstanding contribution to improved student learning and wellbeing outcomes.

“We wish to congratulate Rachel Hawkins for her significant achievement in advancing the professionalism of the Learning Support Officer team at Monaro High School,” Ms Bell said.

Since March, the NSW Government has announced the equivalent of 603 extra administration staff to support more than 400 schools as part of the School Administration Improvement Program to relieve the red tape burden on teachers.

There are more than 30,000 SASS and other non-teaching staff working in NSW public schools. More than 6000 have taken up the NSW Government’s offer to move from temporary to permanent roles since the start of May.