Community Recognition Statement

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) (13:35): Recently the Federal member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley, and I presented the Macquarie Fields Public School with some new Indigenous and Australian flags. In addition to providing a fine public education for kids in our community, the school makes a concerted effort to teach its students about community service, respect and helping others in need. We stopped for a cup of tea at the students' breakfast shop, which also sold chicken soup but the fairy bread was by far the overall favourite amongst the younger students. The breakfast shop initiative was an idea to assist a number of selected students to learn new skills and build confidence as part of their learning and participation in the classroom. In addition, students were also raising money to support Stewart House. On behalf of the member for Werriwa, I commend the principal, Mrs Kerrie Hayman, and her staff for creating an engaging and supportive learning environment for Macquarie Fields schoolkids. I assured the parents I met at the assembly that their children are receiving a fine public education. They are learning more than reading, writing and arithmetic; they are also learning how to be good young citizens of our community.