Recently, all 3165 schools across NSW were invited to nominate one student amongst their cohort to receive recognition for their respectful conduct. The awards are an initiative to recognise and encourage high standards of behaviour in schools.  

From the nominees, ten were named recipients of the inaugural Premier's Respect Awards. Among these was Arly Seaton who is in Year 2 at Lightning Ridge Central School. 

Schools were asked to look for nominees who showed respect to fellow students academically or socially and toward those who were a target of teasing or bullying. Respect toward teachers and the community was also highly regarded. 



“I’d like to congratulate all students who were recognised and thank their teachers, principals and school support staff for their efforts putting forward nominations," Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said.

“Respect is an important component of developing a student’s interpersonal relationships and personal identity.Being respectful is something we all should do in our daily lives, and it is important that as a society we are proud of and celebrate respectful behaviour from our students.”  

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the aim of the new annual awards is to lift student behaviour in schools by giving respectful conduct the same high regard and prestige as academic achievement. 

“I am in awe of the nominations we received for our first Respect Awards. It’s such an honour to recognise these extraordinary young people who are having such a positive impact on our school communities every day,” Mr Perrottet said.