Oatley Electorate Schools

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-104224

Hansard session: Fifty-Sixth Parliament, First Session (56-1)

Oatley Electorate Schools

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (12:10:34):

Today I acknowledge some of the fantastic achievements of local schools in my electorate, starting with Peakhurst West Public Schools junior and senior debating teams, who had their first formal debate in the Inter-school Debating Challenge. The topic was "Should all zoos be closed?" and they were competing against Mortdale Public School. The juniors had the affirmative argument and I hear they worked exceptionally well as a team; unfortunately they lost that debate. The school's seniors then argued for the negative and had a win. The adjudicator praised their arguments and rebuttals. Debating is such a valuable skill to have, and I am impressed that the students showed teamwork, cooperation and support. Learning how to interact with peers in a competitive context, regardless of the outcome, is an important lesson. It is great to see these skills being fostered in many local school programs and competitions, such as debating. Congratulations to the junior team: Ahana, Maya, Marcus, Aliya, Silvia and Siena. Well done also to the senior team: Vienne, Stephanie, Shibaduti, Ai, Suzane and Anabelle.

Another school in my electorate, Narwee Public School, will hold Grandparents Day on Sunday, 28 October. Grandparents Day celebrates the role grandparents and older people play in our society, both in the things that they have done and the things they continue to do. Narwee Public School appreciates that this is a day to spend time with an older loved one and connect across the generations. Narwee Public School is opening its school gates on Wednesday 31 October, inviting all grandparents to come in and either read to their grandchild or have their grandchild read to them. This will be followed by a morning tea in the library. I am so pleased that local schools are getting on board with this important day by extending a warm invitation to older people to interact with the students. Grandparents and seniors contribute so much to our local communities. I congratulate Narwee Public School on recognising the significance of engaging with older generations and celebrating their input into the lives of those around them.

I also acknowledge today the fantastic achievement of Oatley Public School's Jump Rope for Heart event. More than $8,900 was raised by the school to support the work of the Heart Foundation. To celebrate the school's achievements, eight teachers were selected to put on a skipping performance for the whole school and I hear that it was a huge success. Jump Rope for Heart is a fun physical activity program for schools—keeping kids healthy while raising funds to fight heart disease. Students are kept physically active and learn new skipping skills along with healthy heart habits. Students also learn the value of community service by fundraising for an important cause. I wish to again congratulate students at Oatley Public School for their generous fundraising contributions and willingness to get involved in physical activity for a greater cause. Of course I also say well done to the teachers for organising what I am sure was an outstanding skipping performance.

I recognise St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Oatley, my former school, and congratulate year 6 students who participated in an initiative named the City Country Connect program. That program invites year 6 students to write letters of support to the year 5/6 students of St Michael's Catholic Primary School in Manilla, 50 kilometres north of Tamworth. Currently, many of these families are experiencing the drought. As a way of supporting these families, the students at St Joseph's are sending messages of support, extending kindness through words of encouragement. The principal of St Michael's said that the students thoroughly enjoyed reading the letters received from the students and were equally excited to respond to these letters. The positivity that has come from this great initiative has been overwhelming and the students really appreciate this kind gesture. I wish to recognise all students of St Joseph's who participated in the City County Connect program for their kindness and thoughtfulness in such a tough time for rural families.

Finally, I wish to rise to acknowledge the retiring principal of Peakhurst Public School, Christine Geelan. Christine truly made Peakhurst Public her second home and I know how much she enjoyed her time there. She is a capable and outstanding asset to the field of education, and I know that she will be greatly missed by parents and students alike. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Christine for her contribution not only to the school but also to the broader local community. I have had the privilege of visiting the school many times over the years as their member of Parliament. It is clear how the quality of teaching and standard of staff have upheld its respectable reputation in the local community. On behalf of both sides of this House, the families and the children of my local community who attend that school, I wish her the very best for the future.