David Bartlett, MP Premier Thursday, 21 May 2009

Government schools across the State are today celebrating their outstanding achievements as part of Public Education Day 2009.

Speaking at a special reception at Parliament House, Premier and Minister for Education and Skills, David Bartlett, said that Public Education Day, a joint initiative of the Australian Education Union and the State Government, aimed to lift the profile of public education in the community.

"Public Education Day 2009 is a wonderful day to celebrate public education by recognising those many people who make such a significant contribution to our state, our community, and most importantly to our learners," Mr Bartlett said.

"Tasmanian Government schools have a lot to celebrate.

"The theme of this year's Public Education Day is 'Education for Everybody'. It's my passionate belief that we should be extremely proud of our State education system and what it offers our young people to see them through life.

"I am committed to providing our students with the best possible education in Government schools.

"Since the Tasmanian Government came to power in 1998, we have invested a total of $7.260 billion for education, training and information services in this State.

"A record investment of $1.06 billion will be injected into the Tasmanian education and training sector in 2008-09.

 "Our teachers are at the forefront of ensuring that we reach those goals and I applaud their commitment and innovation."

Mr Bartlett also presented certificates to the winners of two statewide competitions held as part of Public Education Day celebrations.

AEU Tasmanian president Leanne Wright said that 'Premier for a Day' was a statewide competition where students submit an entry of 100 words or less, stating "Why I would like to be Premier for a Day".

"'Portrait of the Premier' was a statewide competition where students submit a creative artwork featuring a portrait of the Premier of Tasmania," Ms Wright said.

"Nearly 340 portraits and approximately 100 essays were received from all over the State and judges were extremely impressed with the quality of entries."

Mr Bartlett paid tribute to the members of the two judging panels for their time, effort and expertise.

"I'd also like to pay tribute to this important celebration and with our partners the Tasmanian Polytechnic and the Tasmanian Academy are helping to celebrate public education in Tasmania," Mr Bartlett said.

Competition Winners:

Premier for a Day:

Winner:
Jack Greenwood,  12, St Marys District High School

Highly Recommended:
Jordan Thorp, 11, Summerdale Primary School
Annie Chessells, 11, Campbell Street Primary School
Michaela Melville, 10, Lindisfarne Primary School
Janelle Briggs, 10, Hillcrest Primary School

Portrait of the Premier:

Winner:
Dylan Barker, 13, Queechy High School

Highly Recommended:

Xavier Dargan, 11, Summerdale Primary School
Josephine Michalek, 12, Ogilvie High School
Danielle Price, 11, Lauderdale Primary School
Samuel Williams, 10, Acton Primary School

Contact: Rod Scott on (03) 6233 2170
http://www.tas.gov.au