Schools visited during 2007...

The great education divide

Sam and Jenny Bailey saw the complete contrast in schooling during September 2007 when they spoke first to students from Broken Hill School of the Air, then pupils at Cabramatta High School in Sydney's western suburbs.

"The challenges facing students in these extreme situations were in complete contrast. While school of the Air students face difficulties with drought and isolation, the Cabramatta pupils face massive cultural and language barriers," said Sam.

"And we came away from both events thinking there are a lot of great kids out there who have the potential to achieve great things for Australia in the future."

Sam and Jenny with the new leaders at Cabramatta High School, (l-r) Namanja Markovic - Captain; Annie Van - Captain; Jennifer Tra - Vice Captain; and Tung Huynh - Vice Captain; who they met after speaking to all students at a school assembly in late September, 2007. They will lead their school during 2008. Cabramatta High School features students from dozens of different cultural backgrounds and is proud of its work in bringing such diversed young people together in a highly successful learning environment.

Sam and Jenny Bailey visited and spoke at the Broken Hill School of the Air Mini School held at Kallara Station, near Tilpa (south-west of Bourke), on September 18, 2007. They are pictured here with students at the mini school. These children all live on remote rural properties throughout western NSW and study at home, supported by teachers and staff based at the School of the Air in Broken Hill.

Other schools Sam and Jenny visited in 2007

Sam speaking to students at Yaapeet Public School, in the mallee district of Victoria, in mid-2006.

Nhill Public School (country Victoria) students with Sam in July 2006.

Sam spoke to students at Warialda Preschool and St Josephs Primary in April 2007.