Umina school mentioned in State Parliament

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews has congratulated Umina Public School on its 50th anniversary in a speech made recently in State Parliament.

Ms Andrews informed the House that the school first opened its doors to 159 students on February 3, 1956.

Today the school has over 800 students.

"The Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and later to Premier of NSW RJ Heffron officially opened the school on October 25, 1957," Ms Andrews said.

"During the official 50th anniversary ceremony held at the school, Mrs Myra 'Biddy' Elliott recounted her days spent teaching at the school from 1956 to 1958 and from 1972 to 1986.

"In 1956, Biddy taught 50 young students in her classroom.

"Today an equivalent classroom has 19 or 20 students, in line with the State Government's commitment to a reduction in class size in the early years of schooling.

"Two former principals, Donald Anderson (1986-1992) and Robert (Bob) Bourke (1993-1999) who is now Principal of Ettalong Public School, were key speakers at the official ceremony.

"The current principal Mr John Blair, members of the teaching and office staff and students are congratulated on commemorating the Golden Jubilee in such a meaningful way.

"Happy 50th, Umina Public School."

Ms Andrews said that senior departmental officers, namely Central Coast deputy regional director Ms Maree Roberts and Central Coast school education director Mr Frank Potter, were in attendance to pay their tributes to the school's many achievements over the years.

Press release, October 26 Marie Andrews, Member for Peats