Today I was pleased to recognise retiring teacher Vickie Pettett in Parliament. This is what I said:



Vickie Pettett will have been taking a well-earned rest in February for the first time in more than forty years.

She began her teaching career in 1968 at Dunedoo Central School. It was at this school that she met her future husband John, a fellow teacher. In 1983, Vickie took up a teaching position at St Paul's Primary School in Gateshead, and then at St Joseph's Primary School in Charlestown both in my electorate of Charlestown - before moving to St Therese's Primary School in New Lambton, where she has taught for the past 25 years, and to where many of the families in my electorate choose to send their children.

Our society needs great teachers like Vickie Pettett. As I reflect on her teaching career I think of all of the thousands of children who have been inspired and helped by her over the years.

I congratulate her on behalf of the people of the electorate of Charlestown, and as she commences her retirement, I wish her and John health and happiness in the years to come.