Like most things the past four months, Education Week will look much different this year.
Gone are the open classrooms and school assemblies filled with eager parents. Instead, parents will have to make do with virtual celebrations as NSW public schools celebrate Education Week (August 3-7).
Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said Education Week launched today with a live stream featuring students and staff from more than 50 public schools across NSW.
"'Learning together' is our theme for Education Week 2020 and it couldn't be a more apt way to celebrate NSW public school communities in this remarkable year," Mr Scott said.
"The resilience, endurance and creativity of people in education is just incredible.
"We are using technology to encourage schools to run virtual celebrations and the department has put together a series of events for the whole week."
Events planned for the week include a celebration of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day, a student film festival introduced by actor Bryan Brown, a technology webinar for parents, and a conversation with secondary students.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said 'Learning together' was a fitting theme given the extraordinary challenges faced this year.
"In the face of drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, our school communities have proven just how strong and adaptable they are," Ms Mitchell said.
"Teachers and support staff moved quickly to online lessons; parents and carers took on additional responsibilities at home and students adjusted to a new way of learning."
Ms Mitchell said Education Week had been a highlight of the NSW public education calendar for more than 60 years and this year was a time for reflection.
"I cannot overstate the appreciation I have for the incredible way everyone has responded to the challenges of this year," she said.
"Right across the state, students and families have received incredible support from their schools and teachers, and stronger relationships have grown between schools and their communities.
"If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that schools are the cornerstone of our communities in NSW and together we can achieve great things."
A full list of virtual celebrations can be found on the Education Week website or click here.
