Department of Education, Western Australia

Music, culture and connection came together to mark NAIDOC Week at the School of Special Education Needs: Medical and Mental Health (SSEN:MMH) and Perth Children's Hospital. Students from West Beechboro Primary School filled the space with song, while students from Governor Stirling Senior High School's Maali Dancers and Deadly Sista Girlz captivated the audience with powerful cultural dance performances. For students continuing their education in hospitals across WA, these shared experiences provide meaningful opportunities to celebrate culture, strengthen connections and recognise the history, achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Thank you to the students, staff and school communities for their involvement. We also thank guest artist Boori Monty Pryor, Maaman Men's singers, Perth Children's Hospital Foundation and Child and Adolescent Health Service artists in residence Kevin Bynder, Priscilla Bynder-Headland and Steve Aiton, and Noongar Elder Barry Winmar, who partnered to create such a memorable NAIDOC Week celebration.

Before Term 3 starts, our newest recruits participated in a robust and culturally responsive induction at the Department's central office. This group includes teachers joining WA public schools across our Goldfields, Midwest, Kimberley, Pilbara, Wheatbelt, and South Metro regions. To date, the international teacher recruitment program has appointed almost 400 teachers. If you'd like to learn more about teaching in WA, check out 👉 https://lnkd.in/dhyKTGQK

Over 2 days, our Entry and Orientation Program welcomed qualified teachers returning to the profession, relocating to Western Australia, or joining the Department of Education Western Australian from another education setting. Designed to help educators feel confident and classroom ready, the program strengthened participants' knowledge, built new professional connections and provided practical insights into teaching in WA public schools. Sessions covered Teaching for Impact, child protection, cultural responsiveness, curriculum and assessment, teacher registration, support for EALD learners, Department resources and digital tools, student wellbeing, and the professional learning and career opportunities available to teachers throughout their journey. If you're a qualified teacher returning to the Department of Education WA or making the move from another education setting, we'd love to welcome you to a future Entry and Orientation Program. Learn more https://lnkd.in/daRbgBzV

That's a wrap on Term 2! Here's a look back at some of the highlights from across our public schools this term 💜

Strong communities are built through local partnerships Connolly Primary School's collaboration with Kinross Pharmacy is supporting the wellbeing of students, staff and families by providing convenient access to optional healthcare services while helping students stay healthy and ready to learn. Learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/4uHYIv5

Nominations are now open for the WA Education Awards 2026. The awards recognise excellence across Western Australia's public education system, celebrating the way teachers and schools help students achieve their full potential. If you know a teacher or school making a meaningful impact in education, encourage them to submit a nomination. Find out more 👉 https://bit.ly/3IFCJ5y

Global Integrity Day provided an opportunity to reflect on how honesty, accountability and ethical decision-making build trust in public institutions and strengthen confidence in the services we provide. We were honoured to welcome the Honourable John McKechnie AO KC, who shared insights from a lifetime in law, justice and public service, reminding us that integrity is not just an aspiration, but an active commitment demonstrated through our everyday actions. Thank you to Mr McKechnie and our Standards and Integrity team for fostering these important conversations and reinforcing the role each of us plays in upholding integrity in our daily work. Department of Communities WA | South Metropolitan Health Service | North Metropolitan Health Service | Department of Health (WA Health) | Health Support Services (WA health system) | Department of Housing and Works | Department of Justice | Public Sector Commission | Western Power

From classroom learning and cultural performances to collaborative artworks and community events, schools across Western Australia have embraced National Reconciliation Week by going ‘All In’. This year’s theme inspired students and staff to come together to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and perspectives, while strengthening connections with local communities. Through meaningful learning and shared experiences, our schools are helping to build a more respectful and reconciled future for all Australians.

What does it take to become Australia’s first professional astronaut? 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg gave primary and secondary STEM students across WA a firsthand insight into the dedication, curiosity and perseverance behind her remarkable career journey, which will hopefully one day land her in space. During a 3-day tour, Katherine encouraged students to embrace challenges, stay curious and pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Experiences such as these help young people see the possibilities STEM education can unlock, here on Earth and beyond. Read more about Katherine’s visit 👉 https://bit.ly/4uH8s9E Auspire - Australia Day Council WA

The Department of Education has launched “Our plan for education in Western Australia” in recognition of Public Education Day for 2026.   This new strategic plan outlines our shared priorities and actions over the next 5 years towards our purpose: to embed excellence and fairness in public education to set students up for success.    We’re passionate in the belief that learning changes lives, and that educational excellence and fairness come from creating the right conditions for learning at every level of our public education system.   Thank you to all those who supported the development of the plan through consultation and feedback, and helped set our 5 priorities:   1️⃣ Success for students through every stage of schooling 2️⃣ Fair access to quality public schooling 3️⃣ Respected, connected and supported staff 4️⃣ Purposeful partnerships with families, communities and government 5️⃣ Aligned direction and support across the system.   You can find the new strategic plan on the Department website 👉https://lnkd.in/gYM4Y3A3