25 May 2009

More than 500 school students from 10 NSW public schools will join Minister for Education and Training Verity Firth at Sydney's Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre, via videoconference, for the official launch of Education Week 2009 today.

Ms Firth said the live hook-up across ten remote sites would give students and teachers the chance to showcase their school's achievements during Education Week, which runs until Sunday.

"NSW boasts a world class public education system and this is our opportunity to share in our successes," Ms Firth said.

"This year's Education Week has a focus on the environment and the initiatives being undertaken in our schools to promote environmental sustainability.

"Today we will be crossing live to schools across NSW to give over 500 students the chance to demonstrate their ideas and achievements for a sustainable future."

Schools involved in the launch are:

  • Wyong Creek Public School on the Central Coast
  • Narooma Public School in the Illawarra
  • Macintyre High School in New England
  • North Sydney Boys High School
  • Bungwahl Public School on the North Coast
  • Yenda Public School in the Riverina
  • Merrylands East Public School in South West Sydney
  • Sylvania High School in the Sydney area
  • Orana Heights Public School in Western NSW
  • Winston Heights Public School in Western Sydney.

Some of the environmental achievements to be showcased through the videoconference will include:  Enviro Patrols; revegetation to prevent erosion to enable the construction of an outdoor Environmental Classroom; a school veggie garden that supplies the canteen; and worm farms.

Ms Firth said the NSW public education system was the largest in the southern hemisphere and encouraged everyone in our local school communities to get involved in Education Week celebrations.

"Over the coming week there will be many exciting activities for communities to get involved in at their local public school, including expos, educational displays, open days, debates and sporting and performance showcases - something for everyone," she said.

Some other major Education Week 2009 events include:

  • Principal for a Day on Wednesday 27 May where community and business leaders will visit schools and shadow a principal for the day;
  • Back to School Program held in conjunction with the Education Foundation, where past graduates and volunteers return to school and share their stories with current students.