Narara Public School Assistant Principal Denis Weiss will be among 59 people honoured for their dedication to the teaching profession at the first NSW Department of Education Service Recognition Dinner.
Mr Weiss has been with the Department since 1968 when he started teaching at Villawood North Public School.
He said he had seen many significant changes in public education in the past 50 years, including a reduction in class sizes, an increase in staff numbers and the development of new technologies.
“In the earlier days you would spend a lot of time preparing stencils to be run off on a ‘spirited’ duplicator. The Gestetner was used sparingly for important documents. How things have changed,” Mr Weiss said.
The awards night, on Thursday 16 November, will shine a light on some of the most committed and hard-working public educators in the state, with each individual recognised working a minimum of 50 years with the Department.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“To log 50 years or more of service with the one organisation is an exceptional achievement, but to do it in public education elevates it to the extraordinary.
“We’re incredibly thankful to Denis for his outstanding service over such a long period of time.”
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:
“During a year in which we’ve marked 175 years of public education in NSW, it’s fitting that we now celebrate significant individual milestones from people who have given so significantly to public education in this state.
“So much passion and sacrifice goes into the teaching profession and many other roles within public education and I’d like to personally acknowledge and congratulate Denis for his service.”
*Interviews and images available on request
Contact details:
Luke Horton | 0436 950 946 | mediaunit@det.nsw.edu.au