The start of the school year brings with it challenges for both parents and students.

From parents ensuring school uniforms haven’t shrunk over the summer holidays to kids cramming books into backpacks, it’s an exciting and sometimes testing time for all as we prepare for the year ahead.

There’s no denying that growing up can be tough. Navigating school, friendships and peer pressure, it’s no surprise that kids often don’t realise the great privilege of getting an education.

And it is our responsibility as adults, parents and leaders to encourage our youth to make the most of their time in the classroom and learn as much as they can about themselves while preparing for the world around them.  

I encourage all our local students to take advantage of the school year. Learn something new from your teachers, experiment with subjects you think you might like or even take the time to volunteer and work out what really matters to you.

Looking back, it’s no secret that I was not the smartest student in the room. I came to Australia hardly speaking a word of English and thanks to my parents and teachers I was taught the true value of hard work and dedication, all which led me on the path to becoming the Mayor of our amazing City.

As a father myself, I know that all we want for our children is the best and I extend my desire for my own children’s success to the over 65,000 young people in Canterbury-Bankstown.

Every one of you is capable of great things.

And my message to you is simple. Try your best, study hard and if a kid like me, who came to this country at 12 with no English, can be Mayor…the possibilities for you are limitless.

Regards,

Mayor Bilal El-Hayek