MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL - WORLD TEACHERS DAY

28 October 2005

On World Teachers Day I reaffirm teaching as the great, noble profession. And what honourable, diverse and imposing responsibilities teachers have in Australia. In more than 9,600 primary and secondary schools alone, teachers educate 3.3 million students. Our schools are staffed by in excess of 233,000 teachers, and without question no other profession more comprehensively helps guide the minds and spirits of young Australians, educating them as future citizens.

As a grandparent I want to see my grandchildren thrive on the ‘journey to greatness’ that you and I wish for all children; thus my respect for teachers who help lead the way. Indeed I admire the teacher’s capacity to steer through a satisfying yet demanding landscape – in classroom teaching and management, student behaviour and counselling, curriculum development, student assessment, professional collaboration and engagement with parents. I especially commend experienced teachers who inspire and mentor new colleagues facing unforeseen problems, or who from time to time may simply need to be guided in their vocation by wiser heads.

In our world of growing distractions and uncertainties, teaching reminds us of values that enrich and offer balance to our students – lifelong education, the sharing of knowledge and experience that may not always be found in books, valuing the history and treasures of our world, service to others, and respect for the dignity and worth of each individual.

Teachers, I salute your contributions and wish you every success and fulfilment for the future.

(Michael Jeffery)