WOODBERRY PUBLIC SCHOOL FIFTIETH BIRTHDAY

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Recently I had the honour of attending Woodberry Public School to celebrate their 50th birthday. The pride that the current and former teachers, students and community members have for the school and its history was on display for the wider community to see and bought many of us to tears. This very special celebration was extra special for the Bates‑Watson-Hirst family with three generations of women attending the school. They all started kindergarten in years ending with a three. Current student Bella Jayne Bates started school in 2023, her mum Sarah Jayne Watson started 30 years earlier in 1993, and her nan Erica Hirst was among the first students 20 years before that, in 1973. The occasion was well attended by past principals and their families, as well as many past pupils. It was a wonderful celebration of the school's history and the community that surrounds it. Congratulations to current School Principal Sarah-Jane Hazell, her teaching and ancillary staff and all involved in organising this special celebration of public education.