Premier Dominic Perrottet said the awards, across all school sectors in NSW, are part of a series of new initiatives being rolled out to help promote positive behaviour in schools. 

“Our schools and teachers do incredible work with students inside and outside the classroom, and we want to make sure that we’re calling out those students who are putting their best foot forward each and every day,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“These awards will give respectful behaviour in schools the same high regard and status as academic achievement and attendance.” 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said acknowledging and praising respectful student behaviour has shown to lead to positive outcomes in schools. 
 
“Recognising and rewarding positive and respectful behaviour can make an enormous contribution to improving student outcomes and promoting a positive learning environment for all students,” Ms Mitchell said. 

Schools can go online and nominate one student as their school’s inaugural NSW Premier’s Respect Awards winner. The award winner at each school will receive a certificate.

Schools can then apply for their chosen student to be considered for a statewide award, with 10 students to be presented with their awards by the Premier at the NSW Premier’s Respect Award Showcase in December 2022. 

Applications will be reviewed by a panel comprising of representatives from the NSW Department of Education, Catholic Schools NSW, the Association of Independent Schools, as well as the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, a youth representative and an independent chair. NSW’s first Chief Behaviour Advisor will take over chairing the panel following their appointment in 2023.

For more information visit: www.education.nsw.gov.au/respect-awards