The Australian Open is over. The Australia Day long weekend is over. The school holidays are over and public schools in every part of this nation are welcoming back students. These first days back at school are always incredibly important as our hard-working, dedicated teachers begin the process of working with students to assist them to achieve their full potential through sound educational pathways.
A previous Assistant Principal and current Teacher Trainer, when interviewed about the first days back at school, stressed that this time is incredibly important as teachers work hard getting to know their students and where possible their students’ families. They also ensure students feel welcomed and safe and have access to the required educational resources and support materials and are comfortable in their learning environment. Returning to school is a big change from the holiday period as students return to a life of routine. These first few weeks are about settling in, setting up classroom processes and procedures and acknowledging the challenges that teachers have to deal with throughout the school year.
Public schools across Australia are renowned for being accessible, safe, respectful and diverse, with a focus on quality education outcomes and meeting the individual learning needs of all students regardless of their social, cultural, and financial background.
The Public Education Foundation (PEF) is very proud to provide life changing scholarships to students in our public school system to assist them to achieve their full potential. In addition, we provide scholarships to teachers and principals. We also provide scholarships to students in year 12 who are transitioning to TAFE and university.
Media reports in recent days relating to teacher shortages reinforce why we at PEF are working hard to provide scholarships to students in year 12 who are transitioning to teacher training at a public university. PEF is currently working with major donors and sponsors to increase the number of Teacher Training scholarships to help address teacher shortage. To assist with teacher retention, we offer scholarships for teachers to gain access to professional development and for principals to attend globally renowned leadership programs.
We at PEF are proud of our commitment to no more than 10% of our donations going to the foundation‘s operations. This figure is audited annually, to ensure we are adhering to this commitment. With a team of 5.1 full time equivalent, in 2023 we managed over 1103 scholarship applications, awarded 730 new scholarships worth $1,928,363. In addition, the Foundation engaged with 717 schools and had a greater national reach than ever before.
Along with students and staff, we are excited to be embarking on a new year resulting in high quality public education outcomes.
David Riordan
CEO
For more information please contact:
Paul Somers, Tel: 02 7814 2806
Public Education Foundation: http://www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au
About the Public Education Foundation
The Public Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing life-changing scholarships to students and educators in public education, and enhancing the value and reputation of public education. See more details at www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au.
