More than 1000 years of combined service in the NSW public education system was recognised when 25 teachers and staff were honoured at the recent NSW Department of Education Service Recognition Dinner.

The event highlighted some of the most committed and hard-working educators in the state, who have each chalked up more than 50 years of service with the department.

They were joined by 35 other staff who were recognised for reaching the landmark in 2023.

The inspiring stories of teachers, school administrators and support staff shone through on a special evening attended by Premier Chris Minns, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and department Secretary Murat Dizdar.

Tales of excellence, empathy and dedication to craft abounded – but it was hard to go past Dale and Paul McFadden’s story about endearing ties to public education.

The extraordinary wife and husband team have logged more than 102 years’ service to NSW public education between them and show few signs of slowing down.

The pair met while working at Londonderry Public School in 1974 and have worked in regions across the state – sometimes together, sometimes at different schools – but always with an unbridled passion for their roles.

Dale celebrated her 50th year in 2024 and has most recently been teaching at Castlereagh Public School, while Paul has 52 years’ service with the Department and currently works in curriculum support at the nearby Ebenezer Public School.

“I treat every child as if they’re my own. That is the way I teach - I couldn’t teach any other way,” Dale said.

“Every child is my child when I’m talking to them, teaching them, responding to them and I think teachers are a soft place to fall for children. That’s very important.”

Among others honoured was Soro Soro, who has been teaching in NSW public schools since 1969, after completing his studies in Iraq.

Mr Soro specialises in Mathematics, Physics, Biology and Chemistry and has been a teacher at Johns Park High School since 1983.

He is also active in the Assyrian community and is a liaison point for the school.

Blending outside interests with school commitments is also a key plank of Raymond Fearn’s career.

He has been teaching in NSW public schools since 1974 and established a statewide camp for hearing-impaired students more than three decades ago. Mr Fearn is based at Kingswood Public School.

Ten of those recognised for service recognition were from rural areas.

“The teachers and staff being recognised have given so much to public education, helping our young people to learn, grow and reach their full potential,” Ms Car said.

“Teaching is a career with the power to change lives, and every educator awarded today can feel proud, knowing they have given the gift of knowledge to countless children.”

New 50-year recipients honoured

Elizabeth Newton - Randwick Girls High School

Monica Pinkus – Brisbane Waters Secondary College, Woy Woy Campus

Margaret Sanders – School Sport Unit

Raymond Fearn - Kingswood Public School

Christopher Lewis - Kingsgrove High School

Margaret Nowak – Burwood Girls High School

Stephen Bryan - Blaxland East Public High School

Glenys Gardam - Iluka Public School

Michael Boller - Mudgee High School

Geoffrey Griffiths - Maitland High School

Dale McFadden - Castlereagh Public School

Edwina McDougall - Tempe Public School

Grant Hatch – Parramatta Head Office

B Vosse - Jerrabomberra Public School

Margaret Barton - Kangaroo Valley Public School

Diana Alexander – Kooringal High School

Peter Johnson - Dapto High School

Susanne Page - Broulee Public School

Janferie Heathcote - Auburn Public School

Soro Soro - St Johns Park High School

David Rodger - Hassall Grove Public School

Magda Pollak - Parramatta Head Office

Ann Dixon - Killara High School

Maree Sumpton - Hornsby North Public School

Lenore Grunsell - Pennant Hills High School