Mr Lieschke has been a teacher in the public education system for 32 years, for the last 26 he as dedicated his efforts to the students attending Mulwaree High School.

Last Wednesday Mr Lieschke and Mulwaree High School principal Judith Stuart drove to Sydney for the NSW Public Education Foundation presentation evening at the Sydney Town Hall. This Mrs Stuart said is the most prestigious night on the NSW Public Education calendar and it recognises people who have made considerable contributions to education, academic and sporting achievers throughout NSW.

“Mr Lieschke was one of seven people throughout NSW to be presented with a Secretary’s Award for  Excellent Service to Public Education,” Mrs Stuart said. “The recipients were not all teachers but other people associated with the NSW Public Education system as well.

“It is a fitting tribute to Mr Lieschke’s dedicated efforts at Mulwaree High School and the innovations like the three student music events, Mulwaree on Show, Mulwaree Unplugged and Mulwaree Rocks he has instigated with others.”

Mr Lieschke said that to receive the award was a humbling experience and he could not do his job without the dedicated staff and the school community.

“The real reward for me is seeing students achieve their potential, not just in school but when they leave this place and use the knowledge and skills we have encouraged them to attain to reach their goals,” he said.

 “It is not just those who achieve at academic levels, but also those who have struggled academically and overcome difficulties and realise goals they may not have thought possible.

“Although my chosen area is PDHPE as Deputy Principal I am now more involved in administration and student welfare.

“I love Mulwaree High, the school environment and what collectively we aim to achieve. I believe that if you give students the opportunity and encouragement they will amaze you.”