Dr ANDREW McDONALD (Macquarie Fields—Parliamentary Secretary) [2.50 p.m.], by leave: I bring to the notice of the House the achievements of Lurnea Public School. I was a guest of the school's parents and citizens association at a recent meeting. I am extremely proud of Lurnea Public School, which is a comprehensive school in my electorate with approximately 480 pupils. The school is multicultural. Last year I was very impressed with a young girl called Sithembile Sihambi who was chosen as regional ambassador to represent south-west Sydney in the public schools ambassador program, which has 274 students. Last year she gave a very impressive speech, which included the words, "You are all special, no matter who you are and where you are from", words that apply to everyone in the school and also resonate in this place. The school captains this year are Senio Toa and Rowann Hawcher and the vice captains are Sam Timu and Kristy Ann Tucker.

Lurnea Public School receives Priority Schools Programs [PSP] funding but also was receiving funding under the Priority Action Schools program, which ceased in 2007, despite my personal entreaties to the full Cabinet at that time. I personally thought this funding was very important and took the matter to a full Cabinet meeting and asked for this funding to be continued. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful. However, I am still very keen to see this funding restored as many of the children in the school come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many are from itinerant families and do not access the assessments that may be required for the school to apply for extra funding. I question the data that is used to select which schools in New South Wales receive this funding, because Lurnea seems to me to have similar demographics to other local schools in my electorate that are still funded.

At this stage I would like to pay tribute to Paul Mastronardi, the Principal of Lurnea Public School. Paul is a passionate believer in his school, the staff and pupils. I also pay tribute to the much loved and committed Deputy Principal, Sandra Forman, for her dedication to the students and the local community. Under the Primary Schools for the 21st Century component of the Building the Education Revolution program, Lurnea Public School will receive $2.5 million for a new library. Construction work for the new library was being carried out on the day I was there. This new library will allow for the old library to be converted into extra classrooms. There will also be a $500,000 upgrade to the school's administration facilities, which will occur during the school holidays.

Also, under the National School Pride component of the Building the Education Revolution program, Lurnea Public School will receive $200,000 for projects that will be completed by 20 December 2009. Some of this work was going on the day I was there and the school was looking very spick and span. There are still two areas that need to be cabled—the preschool and the R block office—and there are only two interactive white boards in the school. I will be working to see if that number can be increased. The school has some excellent innovations. The use of boys classes has been very successful, and a fathers/men and children evening on 19 August in conjunction with Burnside was also very successful. Similar classes and evenings are planned for next year.

Positive behaviour intervention strategies [PBIS] have been implemented over the past three years. The six school rules, which apply to students and teachers, are printed on signs outside the school so they are in full view of parents and students. This is a very effective strategy and has already achieved great results. I met the parents and citizens association executive, whose president, Jennie McKenny, is the Aboriginal education assistant at the school. Unfortunately, the parents and citizens association had a large amount of its funds embezzled last year but is now well and truly back on track. The association consists of a wonderful team of advocates who do a wonderful job. When I asked what was the best thing about her school, Jennie said, "We are a nice mob."

When I first visited the school in the mid-1990s as a paediatrician I was struck by the wonderful commitment that the staff had for their students. I am pleased to report that this commitment is unchanged. I believe that this school is what we as a society are all about: providing the best opportunity for everyone to be able to achieve their full potential. I am tremendously proud of the students and staff of Lurnea Public School and commend them to the House.

Private members' statements concluded.