NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar has promised to support principals and school communities every step of the way as they recover from the recent flood disaster.
The Secretary travelled to the Mid North Coast last week where he met with leaders from impacted schools to thank them for their efforts and hear about some of the challenges they faced.
“We know this continues to be a distressing time for many of our Mid North Coast, Hunter and Central Coast communities,” Mr Dizdar said.
“Over the next 18 months we’ll be implementing a targeted Student Wellbeing Recovery Strategy with Student Support Officers placed in primary schools in those flood-affected areas where we’ve identified high wellbeing needs.”
Mr Dizdar said the support officers would deliver programs to support students’ psychosocial recovery.
The Secretary’s visit included stops at Smithtown, Taree, Taree West and Cundletown public schools, as well as Chatham and Taree high schools, where he also spent time with students who shared their personal stories of losing homes, property, livestock, and family businesses.
“The students I met showed a deep sense of gratitude for the support they have received from family, friends and community. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience within our schools,” Mr Dizdar said.
At the peak of the flooding, more than 200 schools were closed, including nearly 150 public schools.
Mr Dizdar said none of the impacted public schools had reported significant structural damage.
“Thankfully, there was very little damage to any of our schools. We provided extra services for schools to support the clean-up efforts and ensure they were ready to re-open for students as soon as possible,” he said.
The Secretary said school staff had worked tirelessly during the disaster.
“Our school leaders and staff were on the ground throughout the flooding, supporting their communities and students,” Mr Dizdar said.
“Schools also provided learning from home resources to those students who were unable to attend in person.”
Taree High was among the schools to close during the flooding. On reopening, students worked with staff in the school’s kitchens to make curried sausages, pasta bakes and Anzac biscuits.
Executive Principal Nigel Reece said they then helped deliver the meals to community members.
“That’s what community looks like. It was a real team effort to prepare and deliver the meals. What it shows is that kindness matters,” he said.
Principal Katie Smith said when students returned to Kempsey East Public School, they lined up for a sausage sizzle and ate together under the covered outdoor learning area.
“It was so good to see our students back, reconnecting and enjoying a special ‘We Missed You’ barbecue lunch,” she said.
Wingham High principal Paul Ivers said schools were prepared to support students in an ongoing capacity.
“Being mindful, you don’t have to have lost everything to be impacted by this event. The bubble can burst, or problems arise for some students down the track,” he said.
Families impacted by the flooding are encouraged to visit the NSW Government’s flood recovery website, where further support is available.
Photos from the Secretary's recent visit to Mid North Coast schools are available on request
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