Thursday, 16 September 2021
Members statements
Recognition of Service to Victorian Education
Recognition of Service to Victorian Education
I rise to acknowledge the outstanding and longstanding service of five educators in my electorate of Essendon.
This week, hundreds of Victorian teachers, principals, school administrators and policymakers are being recognised for their dedication to students, families and learning through the Recognition of Service to Victorian Education program.
These individuals have stepped up again and again to give to our young people the gift of themselves and the gift of learning. And during the last 18 months, this has never been more crucial as our amazing education staff have supported students through a once-in-a-century pandemic.
There is a Chinese proverb which says: ‘If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people’. This is what the Andrews Labor government is committed to in all its work in schools and education and we are proud to continue our commitment and our work to Victoria as the Education State.
In Essendon, we have some absolutely stellar educators and I would like to congratulate these five wonderful individuals and express my gratitude and that of their communities for their service.
• Christine Nash from Essendon Primary School is honoured for 40 years of service.
• Jennifer Skinner from Strathmore Secondary College is honoured for 40 years of service.
• Heather McKenzie from Strathmore Secondary College is honoured for 45 years of service.
• Maria Pollard from Strathmore Secondary College is honoured for 45 years of service.
• Christopher Bassios from Strathmore Secondary College is honoured for 50 years of service.
Their service to education and schools has brought over two centuries of dedication and expertise to the many thousands of students who have crossed their paths.
I look forward to the opportunity to congratulate them in person.