Kiama’s 2025 Citizen of the Year, Sabrina Kelly, has praised Kiama Public School as a leading example of the benefits of public education, highlighting its commitment to responsibility, resilience and respect.

Kelly, who volunteers as the school’s P&C President, ethics teacher, reinforced reading tutor, and a regular helper with the animals and garden, says the school’s inclusive approach is key to its success.

“Kiama Public School is a place where all abilities, religions, and ethnicities are welcomed and celebrated,” Kelly said.

“We focus on multiple intelligences, because learning is so much more than just literacy and maths.”

While proud of its strong NAPLAN results, the school places equal emphasis on student wellbeing.

Each year, a catered breakfast is hosted before NAPLAN testing to remind students that their worth is not defined by test scores.

The school’s strong community spirit is reflected in events such as family fun nights, discos, and Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls, which also support local businesses and artists.

“Our values of responsibility, resilience and respect are taught in every classroom and modelled in every interaction,” she said.

“If world leaders made decisions with these values front of mind, the world would be a kinder, fairer and more united place.”

“Public education is about opportunity, inclusion, and connection – and Kiama Public School lives those values every day,” she added.