Informer: Some lessons can be hard to learn

Whether they are tough and strict or sweet and kind like Ms Honey from Matilda, educators certainly have a way of sticking around in your brain (even when other memories begin to fade).

My admiration for teachers has grown even more over the past couple of years as the COVID-19 pandemic broke out and I was forced to help home school my little sister.

Grade 5 maths was hard, but Grade 6 maths? Hoo boy that made me question my overall intelligence.

Her teacher was always around to help with anything we needed, despite also having to home school her own kids at the same time.

Earlier this year, teachers across NSW launched a campaign calling for a pay rise. And after experiencing just a small part of what they deal with every day, it's hard to say that they don't deserve one.

NSW's self-proclaimed "premier for families" Dominic Perrottet recently announced $250 per household would be given to parents of school-age children next year to spend on accommodation.

"This program is a big thank you to parents. Every parent who has homeschooled knows the enormous sacrifices and how challenging it's been during the past three months," Mr Perrottet said.

"We want you to get out with your kids, or take some respite from them and go out with your partner, and enjoy the best that NSW has to offer."

However, Perrottet denied that the NSW Government's $2.5 billion recovery plan left out people, like teachers who don't have children, who also deserve a 'reward'.

Teachers have also been mandated to get the jab in Victoria, NSW, the NT and the ACT, leading to some concern that parents would ask teachers whether or not they were vaccinated for COVID-19 as students head back to the classroom.

"We would prefer that parents didn't inquire into matters that might be asking our members to disclose personal medical information, particularly for those members of ours who, for medical reasons, may be unable to be vaccinated," Australian Education Union senior industrial officer Patrick Judge said.

The ACT's chief health officer Dr Kerryn Coleman has even stated the vaccine mandate for teachers could be rescinded in the capital once children under 12 are eligible for the jab.

Tasmania had its first COVID scare (and lockdown) recently, but the state has yet to mandate educators to roll up their sleeves. Queensland and South Australia are the only other states yet to make teachers get the vaccine.

2021 has been a cruel teacher - and if there is anything this year has taught me, it is to expect the unexpected.

In NSW, the corruption inquiry into former Premier Gladys Berejiklian is still ongoing and over in WA, the search for missing four-year-old Cleo Smith has entered its seventh day.

A $1 million reward has been announced for information leading to her location, with police fearing the little girl was abducted.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said West Australians were all "praying for a positive outcome" and it's safe to say the rest of Australia is too.

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