Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) NSW/ACT, executive director Linda McNeil, said during his time in the portfolio, Mr Piccoli always demonstrated a genuine commitment to consultation and collaboration with all stakeholders in education.
"During his six years as minister for education, Mr Piccoli set in place a culture of consultation and commitment to ensuring the voices of parents and parent groups were included in policy and its implementation," Ms McNeil said.
"Many important changes in education were introduced over that time and because there had been widespread consultation came as no surprise to stakeholders."
"His contribution to education has been significant and the initiatives and reforms he oversaw showed great vision and hope for all NSW students."
"We also extend our welcome to new Education Minister Rob Stokes confident that he will continue the spirit of collaboration we have enjoyed for the past six years.
"We acknowledge that this is a critical time in education with student numbers going through the roof and increasing pressure on school funding at all levels at a time when parents are feeling the pressure of increased school costs."
The Council of Catholic School Parents is comprised of school parents from 591 Catholic schools in rural, regional and metro areas of NSW and so are keen to ensure that the needs of all NSW students are considered and best met.