MESSAGE

From the Minister for Education

Since becoming the Minister for Education earlier this year, I have had the pleasure of meeting many P&C presidents and members during my visits to schools

For me, it’s very clear on the big difference that you all make in supporting and building the culture in our school communities.

As I wrote in my message at the beginning of the year, the support that parents and carers provide to schools is crucial. Schools are the glue that bind our local community – places where futures are forged, and students find their passion and pathway in life

Our teachers and school staff are there to foster a thirst for knowledge, and to support and care for our students through their most formative years

To do this, we need to ensure our schools are safe places for learning

At the commencement of Term 3, I announced an updated 10-point plan to strengthen the support for schools to protect all students and school staff from violent behaviour

As part of this, new Connect and Respect resources were developed to reinforce and clearly outline the expectations for schools and parents and carers Collaboration, respect and positive role modelling is key to ensuring that our students and staff are protected against violence – schools cannot solve this on their own The full support of parents, carers and the wider school community is needed to address the issue of violence

The enhanced plan empowers principals to use existing law and policy measures against those that behave in a threatening or intimidating manner or in a physically violent way towards staff or students

We’re building on the existing measures too Previously, students who chose to film fight content were suspended, and now we will also suspend students who choose to share fight content on social media

Minister's Message

The Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA

I would like to acknowledge the support of WACSSO in working together to build respectful and safe school communities We all have a responsibility to say no to violence and ensure our school communities create safe, supportive, and culturally responsive learning environments

Our schools are amazing places that change lives. By working together to keep our schools safe for learning, school staff can focus on what they are there to do – teach our students and ensure they are provided every opportunity possible to reach their potential

A healthy body leads to a healthy mind For students to excel it’s imperative they embrace a healthy lifestyle, which enhances their learning and wellbeing That is why I launched the Minister’s Running Challenge The Term 3 event is open to all primary and secondary students and encourages them to undertake regular physical activity. Participants have the opportunity to win weekly prizes and up to 1000 students who successfully complete the Challenge will receive free entry into the 2023 Perth Running Festival on 8 October 2023. I encourage all students to get those running shoes on and sign up!

I was also happy to announce the launch of the Minister’s Innovation Challenge As part of the Career Learning Toolkit, the Challenge allows Year 8 students to hone their leadership, design and critical thinking skills and be supported by local industry mentors. I am looking forward to seeing all of the innovative solutions that students come up with as part of their pitches

Thank you for your continued support and I wish you all the very best for the remainder of the 2023 school year