PRIVATE MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

TUMUT PUBLIC SCHOOL

Mr DARYL MAGUIRE (Wagga Wagga) [12.15 p.m.]: On Thursday 9 August I opened the Tumut Public School. This major building project was jointly funded by the New South Wales Government and the Federal Government at a cost of $7.4 million, of which the New South Wales Government contributed $3.7 million. The result is eight new classrooms with interactive whiteboards, a new communal hall, upgraded classrooms and library in block G, upgraded canteen and student toilets, upgraded administration facilities and dental clinic, demolition of five timber buildings, upgraded car parking, new covered walkways and landscaping.

The records show that the Tumut school commenced operation in January 1859 in Fitzroy Street as a national school with more than 20 pupils. After many years and alterations its status was raised to superior from 1881 to 1919. From January 1920 until December 1927 it was a district school and from 1928 to 1960 it operated as an intermediate high school. The site was also home to an infants school for students from kindergarten to year 2 for many years. Tumut High School was built and opened for students in the late 1950s and became Tumut Public School in 1961. Until 2010 the site was split into two, with kindergarten to year 2 students in classrooms at the Capper Street site and students in years 3 to 6 in classrooms at the Tumut Public School site.

Many people have worked hard over the past few decades to consolidate the Tumut Public School site. The site now includes shared space for kindergarten classes, connected classrooms and a computer room. The school has always enjoyed strong community support and that has been instrumental in ensuring that it continues to thrive. The parents, grandparents and even great grandparents of some of today's students also attended the school in its various guises and at its various locations. I am sure that everyone is pleased to see the building project completed, and it will serve the community for many years. Former students also would be amazed by the modern technology that is an integral part of our twenty-first century education system.

I acknowledge the partnership that is at the heart of teaching and learning at any quality school; that is, the partnership between professional and committed staff, parents and the broader community. That partnership ensures that teaching meets the individual needs of each student. I commend the staff on their outstanding work for the young people of Tumut Public School. I also acknowledge parents and caregivers for their commitment to and support of the school. Schools are not simply bricks and mortar; they are at the heart of everything that a community does. I acknowledge all who were involved in the project and the part they played in making the co-location of the two schools to one site the great success that it has been.

This is an exciting time for public schools in New South Wales, starting with this Government's announcement of a record $14.2 billion budget for the Education and Communities portfolio. This Government has provided more money for early childhood education and care, more teachers to personalise lessons and whiteboards to provide access to interactive learning. The Literacy and Numeracy Action Plan is ensuring that students achieve above the Australian average in national tests. The Government is also providing more money to build new schools and to modernise and improve the upkeep of schools. In that regard we have more good news because the former primary school site in Capper Street is now being converted to provide accommodation for the Gadara Special School, which I will have the privilege of opening in December. That will be another great asset for the Tumut community.

This Government is also transferring decision-making power to schools and communities with the Local Schools, Local Decisions initiative. Our students continue to achieve results that match the best in the world thanks to excellent teachers and a rigorous curriculum. Tumut's new facilities are part of the great transformation that is taking place in New South Wales public schools. I congratulate everyone involved on such a wonderful day. I particularly thank the students for their warm welcome and for entertaining their families and friends. We had a great day.