Premier Chris Minns spoke on breakfast radio this morning about the Education Department placing Penrose Public School into recess, a precursor to closing a 134 year old public school!

Penrose P&C Secretary Ms Ellie Egan set the facts: the Education Department is not following its own protocols and the Education Act. The Education Minister must provide 18 months notice with proper consultation before announcing a school closure, to provide local communities the opportunity to organise and boost enrolments. 

The Premier was unaware of Education's noncompliance with the Act and promised to look into it. 

The Premier was also unaware of the population and housing growth expected across the Southern Highlands, requiring retention of schools as vital social infrastructure. 

Our Penrose community and fellow Southern Highlanders have supported this petition with over 1000 signatures. 

A joint Media Release: Premier backfips on education promise by Penrose P&C and Penrose Community Association (PCA) calls on the Premier to follow through on his commitment that his Government "is working to make sure every student gets the world class education they deserve, right where they live." The Premier and Education Minister can intervene, halting the recess decision and direct genuine collaboration with the Penrose community to boost enrolments for 2026 and beyond. 

What can you do?

Write to the Premier and Education Minister calling for a halt to the Penrose Public School recess decision, opening enrolments and engaging in genuine consultation in accordance with the Education Act. 

Premier Minns: premier@parliament.nsw.gov.au  kogarah@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Acting Education Minister: courtney.houssos@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Education Minister: londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

To reach the Penrose community please email: penroseparents@gmail.com and follow us via FB We Love Penrose School

Petition update sent on behalf of Penrose P&C and Penrose Community Association (PCA).