Members Statement: Yuroke Electorate Schools & David Naismith

Ms SPENCE (Yuroke—Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Youth) (09:55): Today I would like to thank all the principals and their school communities in Yuroke for their extraordinary efforts throughout this pandemic. Educators, parents and students have done a remarkable job getting students to engage in new and different ways. I know this is not an easy task and I thank you all for your outstanding efforts.

I especially want to note outgoing principal of Craigieburn Primary School, David Naismith, who recently announced his retirement from education. David has spent 43 years with the Department of Education and Training, devoting much of his career to sharing the joy of learning with the thousands of students he has taught over the years. His passion for teaching and his recognition of the importance of education has shone through his dedication to Craigieburn Primary. During the past 28 years David has taught at Craigieburn. For nine of those he was assistant principal, and he was principal for the previous 14 years. As principal David oversaw Craigieburn Primary’s move to its new campus on Grand Boulevard, and he helped make it the fantastic school that it is today.

David has always focused on building up the community, making it a safe and inclusive environment for families and ensuring that every child at Craigieburn Primary has the best schooling experience. I thank David for his years of service to our community. There is no doubt that you have had an immense impact on the thousands of students and families that you have taught and assisted over your career. I wish you well in your next adventure.