Public school PM gives private grant

By Jim Mynard
PRIME Minister John Howard last week announced a $750,000 capital grant for Beaconhills College, Berwick.
Mr Howard, who came to the college for the announcement, said he was delighted to spend a little time at the school and took the opportunity to highly commend teachers.
He asked students at the school to value the counsel and instruction of their teachers.
“We rely increasingly on our teachers and we should pay special tribute to the role teachers play in our community.”
Mr Howard said Australia had a wonderfully diverse education system with good government schools and good private schools.
“It is important that parents have a choice about their children’s schooling.
“Beaconhills College is an expression of the fact that parents want that choice.
“However, we should have common goals and standards in those schools.”
He said Government support for independent schools did not detract from its support for government schools.
“I came entirely through the government school system,” he said.