Community owes its teachers huge thanks

ASK almost anyone, and they’ll be able to name a teacher who had a big impact on their life. Some can even name several. The scale of the contribution that great teachers make is almost impossible to quantify. It echoes far beyond the classroom, and endures long past the day a student graduates.

Arguably, the entire community benefits massively, when young people guided by great teachers themselves make valuable contributions to society as adults.

Hank Lewerissa, who works at Upper Coomera State College, and was many years at Labrador State School, is one of those teachers that has made just such an impact.

His son has followed him into the profession. One of his former students, Dave Hartley, has also done so, and is now himself principal at Pimpama State Primary College.

Mr Lewerissa received well deserved recognition on World Teachers’ Day yesterday for the almost 40 years he has been sharing his knowledge and love of music with his students.

Mr Lewerissa’s dedication is typical of the profession.

Similar thanks is due to teachers in schools the length and breadth of the Gold Coast who work tirelessly to achieve the best for their pupils.

Data released by the Department of Education yesterday showed that more than 90 per cent of parents are happy with their state schools and the job teachers are doing for their children.

“Teachers make a huge difference to their students’ lives and futures,” Education Minister Grace Grace said.

“... they are truly the foundation of our great education system.”

This newspaper wholeheartedly agrees. We all owe them a huge debt of gratitude.