The professionalism, resilience and creativity of our public school teachers have never been more obvious to us, the majority of Australian families who send our children to public schools.

Public education has been central to the fight against Covid-19 in 2020. From the outset, and even as the health strategy changed as circumstances changed, public school educators acted in the same spirit in which public schools were established.

In April/May of last year, when communities shut down because of COVID, public schools remained open. During this time, I chatted with a wonderful Year 1/2 teacher...

A well-funded, fully resourced public education system is the cornerstone of a strong democracy and a fair society.

It is really important that we celebrate Public Education Day. This year with the outbreak of Covid-19, it has been a telling reminder of how important public education is.

Universal free public education is one of the great social democratic achievements of our nation.

Recent advent of COVID19 has imposed added pressures on public schools, their staff and students. However, the shining values of public education have continued and even strengthened.

Education is a human right, as well as a public good and a public responsibility. Without a properly funded and considered public education system, Australian society is at grave risk of endemic poverty, inequality, brutality and injustice.

Professor Larissa Behrendt, the first Aboriginal Harvard Law graduate, speaking about the importance of public education to her life.

Rosie Batty shares her thoughts on the importance of public education.

In my global education mission I’ve been often asked: What is the most important thing you learned in school? Much of what was taught to me I have forgotten but one lesson will stay with me.

I first became a supporter of public education in 1967. That was the year when, as a terrified five-year old migrant girl with continuing traces of a Welsh accent, I started at Mitcham Infants School.

Even though I was only seven when we emigrated to Australia, I still remember it. Times were tough for my parents who had four children under eight living in a very small rented flat. Within a week of arriving in Sydney I was sent to the local public school...

I strongly believe that every Australian child should receive an education that allows them to find what inspires them and nurtures their individual needs regardless of their background.

Sally McManus, Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, shares her thoughts about public education.

Kurt Fearnley (three time Paralympic gold medalist and two time Commonwealth Games gold medallist), shares his thoughts on the importance of public education.

Fiona Press, an Australian actress whose career has spanned over 30 years, shares her thoughts on the importance of public education.

Michele O'Neil, President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, shares her thoughts about public education.

Dan Walton, National Secretary AWU, shares his thoughts on the importance of public education.

Jane Caro, author, columnist, broadcaster, documentary maker, and social commentator (and public education advocate!) shares her thoughts on public education.

David Hetherington, Executive Director of the Public Education Foundation shares his thanks.

Brad Chilcott, Executive Director, White Ribbon Australia, Founder, Welcoming Australia, shares his thoughts on the importance of public education.

As the founder of the Public Education Network (PEN) I wish to acknowledge the positive contributions that public school teachers make to the lives of children and young people, their families and communities need to be widely recognised.

I’m so pleased to be celebrating public education day and everything that public education means for Australia. I didn’t go to a public school myself – but that wasn’t my choice, it was my parents’ choice. When it was my choice – for my children – I chose the public school system.

Public schools are at the heart of our community. They are places full of hope, of learning and – most importantly – of equity and inclusion.

Craig Reucassel talking about how his public school shaped his career and concept of social justice.

The best thing that could come out of COVID-19 is that we re-evaluate, then change many of the ways we are doing things. At the forefront of that is the need to fund the public education sector properly, from schools to TAFEs to universities.

I consider myself very fortunate. Not only did I get the opportunity to attend three great Tasmanian public schools – Mt Nelson Primary, Taroona High and Hobart College – but I also have the opportunity to send my own children to great Tasmanian public schools.

Lara Golding, shares her thoughts on #PublicEducationDay

Public Education is the foundation for strong and flourishing democracies. It serves to provide opportunity for all, within a schooling system that promotes inclusion, diversity and shared experience.

This week is an opportunity to celebrate the strengths of our public schools and commend the many who make it possible – the teachers, support staff and administrators.

Free public education funded through a fair tax system is vital for a decent society. It is one of the key elements to putting a brake on the growing inequality in our community and across the globe.

In times of uncertainty and disruption, it is a good thing to remind ourselves of what matters. Public Education Day provides just such a reminder to me, both in a personal and professional sense.