Continuing education for Sykes

Being Principal for a Day at Benalla East Primary School gave local MP Bill Sykes an insight into the efforts made by local teachers to provide the best possible educational opportunities for young people in Benalla.

Whilst the thought might strike fear in the hearts of his former teachers, Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said he was proud to be a part of the ACER Principal for a Day program on Tuesday 25 August.

Dr Sykes, whose three children attended Benalla East Primary School said, “The school’s commitment to providing children with the best available support was most impressive.

“Principal Hazel Bell led by example – during the day Hazel interviewed parents of new students, counselled students about bullying and met with School Council representatives.

“I was particularly interested in the restorative justice program which strives to be proactive in the management of misconduct. Emphasis is on the offender’s understanding that their actions had hurt or offended someone and that they need to apologise as well as ‘mend their ways’.

Dr Sykes continued, “The assistance given to students struggling to keep up academically was provided in a friendly and supportive way. The look of pride on one little girl’s face when she spelt a difficult word was heart warming.”

Dr Sykes also sat in on a Junior School Council Committee meeting which provided a good example of young people being encouraged to develop their leadership skills.

At the end of the school day Dr Sykes joined staff from all of Benalla’s State Schools for a forum on Benalla’s Education Regeneration Project.

Again Dr Sykes was impressed with the passion and commitment to the children’s well being demonstrated by the 160 teachers at the forum.

Dr Sykes said, “Whilst the Benalla Education Regeneration Project is still in its early days it is clearly something that the wider Benalla community should embrace and support.

“With full community support we have the opportunity to redefine the education outcomes for our children and to recommend to the State Government the best means of delivering these outcomes.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “The families of Benalla are fortunate to have a committed group of principals and teachers available to help educate their children. I call on all families to make sure that they do their bit to help educate their children by helping with homework and to support the principals and teachers in their work.

“After such a positive experience I encourage local businesses and community leaders to sign up for the 2010 Principal for a Day program.”

Further information is available at www.acer.edu.au/pfad.

Bill Sykes MP, State Member for Benalla
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture & Water
2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla 3672
Ph: 03 5762 2100 Fx: 03 5762 4478 Mobile: 0427 624 989
Email: bill.sykes@parliament.vic.gov.au