Sam Tonks

RECOGNISING her incredible commitment to the Delegate Public School and its P&C, Su King was awarded a Public School Parent of the Year Award last week.

Although she was unable to attend the Sydney ceremony, Su was among those who were acknowledged in the 2023 Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards for Excellence hosted by the Public Education Foundation on September 5.

These awards showcase the wonderful people and extraordinary talent across NSW public education – schools, students, teachers, employees and parents - and all involved in the Delegate Public School agree that Su deserved to be amongst them.

A stalwart of the local P&C for 15 years, Su began her school involvement when her eldest son, Hunter started preschool, and has continued on holding a position in the primary school P&C ever since, often president and always a driving force behind the team.

“Su King is the epitome of what the Public School Parent of the Year should be,” Delegate Public School Principal, Brad Bannister said.

“Always doing her best to support our small school, regardless of whether decisions made have a positive effect on her own children or not.

“Su is a champion for ensuring all students never miss out on opportunities, and as such works tirelessly to fundraise to ensure equity for all.

“She will be moving on at year's end, but Su’s contribution over many years may not ever be matched.”

Congratulations have been flowing in on social media since Su’s award was announced, and while obviously delighted with the achievement, she has been very quick to point out that the P&C “always works as a team to get things done.”

Having said that, Su has been an extremely dedicated part of that team for 15 years, and is looking back over that time as her youngest son, Kyden prepares to finish at the Delegate Public School and move onto high school.

“From street stalls, election barbecues and potato bakes for campdrafts, to our infamous Duck Race and more. There was rarely a term go by without fundraising opportunities,” Su said.

“I have probably seen over 30 wood raffles being drawn, 15 cross countries, 12 duck races, 12 years of canteen, and barbecues too many to count.

“Of course I can't do these things without the community support, or from my family. My son, Kyden always helped cook on a barbecue, the boys always land in the river for a Duck Race. I am grateful to my family and school community for stepping up when asked over the years.

“And it has been a pleasure to see the success of this small town P&C over the years come together on a united project, to give our kids the best possible opportunities as we can.

“I thank those that have been on committees with me over the years. It has been a pleasure to work with you all for the common goal of our school community. We do it for the kids and we all love doing it.

“Thanks for the appreciation for the years of hard work.”