I was shadowing Principal Rachel Privett at Darlinghurst Public School, founded in 1883, and now with 137 students ranging from Kindergarten to Year 6. The school was also open to parents and carers as part of NSW Education Week. Another group of visitors were officials from Macquarie Bank who were regular volunteers for the “Big Buddies Programme” of assisting the students to read. Literacy is still an important issue in schools.

A theme at the school was the importance of protecting the environment. I was most impressed to see that part of the school grounds had been converted to a flourishing vegetable garden where children can gain first-hand experience of the practical importance of looking after the environment. (This is now fashionable - the US First Lady Michelle Obama has also converted some of the White House South Lawn to be used for the same purpose: the first time vegetables are to be grown at the White House since Mrs Roosevelt planted her “Victory Garden” there in World War II).

I was also interviewed by School Captains Grace and Felix and some of their colleagues (aged 7-12 years). Naturally they had checked me out of Google beforehand to get a lot of background information. They asked the questions in an articulate and confident fashion - obviously potential broadcasters!

I left Darlinghurst Public School - as I am sure that the other Principals for a Day had also left their own schools - with a sense of wonder. The NSW schools do such a great job each day all day - and yet we only seem to hear the bad news (this is not a good reflection on those of us in the media!) There is a great story here to be told.

“By their fruits shall ye know them”. We have only to see what a good job the schools do with children to see what great places they are.

Hopefully the Principals for a Day will be champions of the NSW public education system and be active in publicizing the great work being done.

Keith Suter