A major new initiative to integrate community health and social services directly into Western Australian schools has been welcomed by educators, who say such programs are already proving to make a tangible difference in student engagement and attendance.
Four-Year Trial Set for Four Schools
The $21 million, four-year Connected Community School trial is scheduled to commence next year. The program will be rolled out at four selected schools: Ashburton Drive Primary School, Clarkson Primary School, Girrawheen Senior High School, and Roebourne District High School.
First announced in August, the trial aims to provide students and their families with easier access to essential support services. A portion of the funding is also earmarked for strengthening partnerships between the schools and local sporting or community organisations.
Educators Report Positive Early Results
Girrawheen Senior High School teacher Adam Clarke reported that his school is already witnessing the benefits of a similar approach through its existing high-performance program.
"We're trying to get the best out of the students, they are committed to being at school on time, being prepared, and they have to meet a certain criteria, with that our attendance rates have improved," Mr Clarke said.
He expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of expanding this model across the entire school. "We are just really excited about the prospect of where can we go from here, not just from a sport perspective, but from a mental health and wellbeing perspective," he added, highlighting the goal of involving most learning areas and connecting with local groups.
Government Backing and Broader Vision
The program was officially promoted at Girrawheen Senior High School on Wednesday, where Federal Education Minister Jason Clare appeared alongside State Education Minister Sabine Winton and State Health Minister Meredith Hammat.
Minister Clare emphasised the critical link between a student's health and their educational outcomes. "These sort of supports at our schools can help to make sure that young people who need a bit of support get the support they need," he stated.
"When their health's okay, their education thrives, more young people finish school, more young people go on to TAFE, and more young people go on to those university degrees."
The funding for this trial comes from the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement between the State and Federal Governments, which is set to inject an additional $2.4 billion into public schools over the coming decade.
