Juliana ADDISON (Wendouree) (10:02): Congratulations to Alfredton Primary School principal Laurel Donaldson on celebrating 40 years in education. Over Laurel’s four decades of teaching and school leadership she has had a positive influence on the lives of thousands of students and their families across Ballarat and the district.

Laurel commenced her teaching career at Mount Pleasant Primary School in 1983, and during her distinguished teaching career Laurel has worked as a classroom teacher at Clunes and a specialist PE teacher at schools in the Bungaree cluster before returning to Mount Pleasant as a leading teacher. Laurel’s school leadership roles have included being assistant principal at Woady Yaloak, acting principal at Miners Rest and principal at Alfredton Primary School since 2010.

Laurel is a wonderful role model for teachers and students, demonstrating a love of learning, a dedication to teaching and a passion for education. She demonstrates that teaching is a rewarding and enriching career despite the demanding role of being a principal. Laurel has made and continues to make an extraordinary contribution to public education in our community.

Watch and read more of my speeches to Parliament here – including responses from ministers on how we’re working for Wendouree.