Public schools celebrated the start of Education week as one on Monday, as every public school in the state tuned in to a live broadcast of the opening ceremony co-hosted by St Mary's North and Dubbo College.
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Locally every school in the Peel network, as well as Manilla Central, were represented at an awards ceremony at Nemingha Public School.
In its 65th year the theme for Education Week 2019 is Every student, every voice, and the Nemingha students took that to a whole new level with their rendition of 'Gran Can You Rap' during the awards.
The ceremony saw all 19 schools hand out three awards - a student award and a staff award, as well as a community award for those special volunteers that keep public schools ticking.
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During the ceremony a special posthumous award was bestowed to the family of Geoff Webster, a former long-serving scripture teacher who passed away recently, while Farrer principal Clint Gallagher was surprised to pick up an award after being nominated by his staff without his knowledge.
Director of public schools Ruythe Dufty was at Nemingha for the ceremony, and said education week is about celebrating every student, and everything else that happens at public schools.
"These awards are just certificates, but they mean a lot and are a great way to thanking people for their contribution to public education," she said.
"Teachers give their time beyond the work week, and parents and community members are vital - they are the icing on the cake, but our students are great as well."
Meanwhile MP Michael Johnson attended a ceremony at Quirindi High School, which saw the school celebrate the recent launch of the school's Gamilaraay Language and exchange programs.
