World Teachers' Day 2022 Reception

Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing, the Honourable Grace Grace MP; representing the Director-General, Department of Education, Deputy Director-General, Early Childhood, Ms Sharon Schimming; Principals and Educators; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands of Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and extend respectful greetings to their Elders, past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

Graeme and I welcome you all to Government House this afternoon as we join the more than 100 countries worldwide that today are celebrating World Teachers’ Day. 

You represent the incredible range of educational providers we are fortunate to have in our State, and have come from as far afield as Jondaryan and Texas to be here, so I thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules.

As Principals and Educators, you are well aware that teaching is so much more than helping a student master the alphabet, or solve a tricky algebraic equation.

Teachers wear many hats, regardless of whether their students are Preppies or Seniors. They are counselors, planners, judges, diplomats, and sometimes even peacekeepers—every single day imparting wisdom and inspiration as much as they are sharing facts and knowledge.

Words such as patience, creativity and adaptability describe the qualities teachers are required to have to tackle the tricky situations that arise in a normal day at school.

Yet COVID-19 demonstrated to all Queenslanders that in the face of an unexpected and unpredictable health crisis, teachers were our State’s champions—embracing innovative ways (such as remote learning) to continue to deliver quality education to their students.

This helped to maintain the vital connections our young people—and their families—depend upon to feel supported.

This year’s UNESCO theme ‘The transformation of education begins with teachers’ alludes to the important role that teachers play in driving positive change^.

Nelson Mandela said that “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”, and we know that an important part of the profession is working to ensure that our children develop into resourceful, independent and tolerant adults, who are prepared to keep learning throughout their lives.

Today’s children face a complex future that will be even more fast-paced and technologically advanced, and where there are many uncertainties. I am reassured knowing that our amazing, hard-working

Educators will rise to these challenges—as they have always done—with enthusiasm, ingenuity and their own love of learning.

On the 28^th of October, the whole of Queensland will have the opportunity to show their gratitude and appreciation, when our schools and communities reflect on World Teachers’ Day and the 2022 State theme ‘Teaching through every moment’. This sentiment encapsulates both the enormous scope of the role and the positive impact our teachers are having on students.

On today’s special international day of celebration, I thank each of you for supporting the wonderful teachers at your schools and for providing such exceptional learning environments for young Queenslanders.

As you leave this evening, and again on the 28^th of October, you will notice Government House lit up in blue, green and purple – the colours of World Teacher’s Day – in recognition, celebration and promotion of the important work you all do. On behalf of a grateful State, thank you.