Extra special celebration

Education Week is always a time of celebration, but this year’s feels extra special.

This year, Victoria is marking the historic milestone of 150 years of public education, and it is the theme of this Education Week.

Of the schools opened in 1872, the year the public education act was enshrined into law, more than 150 state schools are still open today.

In 2022, there are now more than 1500 schools providing education to Victorian communities, cementing our future as the Education State.

Public education has changed lives, there’s no doubt about that. It is the great enabler. We know that with the right support, every child thrives.

During Education Week — from May 22 to 28 — I encourage every student, parent, carer, teacher and educator to take part in the variety of events and activities being staged across the state. You will get so much out of it.

This year is all about commemorating the past, celebrating the present and imagining the future of education here in Victoria.

It’s an opportunity for all schools, higher education providers and early childhood education and care services to showcase their role in our state’s education story – a story that now includes successfully navigating all the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Victorians are also invited to contribute to a 150 Years of Public Education digital time capsule by emailing school memories, be they photos, reports or trivia, to 150years@ education.vic.gov.au.

For details of events in your area, visit vic.gov.au/education-week-2022 or for more information about 150year celebrations visit vic.gov.au/ 150years.

I encourage everyone to celebrate and support public education in Victoria and Education Week 2022.