Department of Education, Western Australia

New year, new me 📅🎒 Welcome to Term 1, 2025. Who's ready for a great year?

Celebrating excellence in education and leadership We are proud to congratulate 3 staff members who were recognised with prestigious national honours on Australia Day. Dr Karen Read AM Dr Read has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant contributions to cricket and secondary education. With more than 30 years of dedicated service, she has been a Principal at five secondary schools, a Director, and a Principal Consultant within the Department of Education. Her passion for creating opportunities for young people and fostering success in both sport and education is truly inspiring. Brooke Wardana OAM Ms Wardana has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her exceptional services to early childhood education. Currently leading instructional coaching and literacy improvement at Nollamara Primary School, Ms Wardana's work has profoundly shaped the lives of Australian children. Her leadership and professional learning initiatives have supported educators nationwide to embrace evidence-based practices and transform student literacy outcomes. John Marrapodi PSM Mr Marrapodi has been honoured with a Public Service Medal for his exemplary work as our Department's Manager of Emergency and Security Management. His tireless efforts enhance the safety of our students, staff and schools and set the benchmark for emergency preparedness and security across Western Australia. From managing natural disasters to addressing security threats, John’s expertise ensures our schools are safer places to learn and thrive.

Kaya Wanju! More than 60 new teachers are now calling WA home, bringing their passion and expertise from the UK, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada to inspire young minds across the state. Today's induction began on a meaningful note with an Acknowledgement of Country, smoking ceremony and performance at our East Perth office. With this latest group of arrivals, more than 230 international teachers have joined WA schools since January 2023, enriching classrooms and communities alike.  Corroboree for Life | GATHER FOODS

2024 Beazley Medallists from WA’s Public Schools Each year, the Beazley Medals are awarded to WA’s Year 12 students recognising outstanding achievement in academic and vocational pathways. This year’s recipients, both public school students, exemplify the very best of educational excellence. Beazley Medal: WACE Congratulations to Ethan Yap from Perth Modern School who achieved an extraordinary WACE award score of 100.40, topping the state with his remarkable performance across 6 challenging ATAR subjects. Ethan’s dedication to excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including a General Exhibition and multiple Subject Certificates of Excellence. Beazley Medal: VET Congratulations to Kevin Castle from Kent Street Senior High School who has demonstrated incredible skill and professionalism in his VET studies. Kevin’s Certificate II in Aeroskills and industry knowledge stood out among over 130 nominees. His passion for innovation and career aspirations reflect the bright future ahead for WA’s vocational education leaders. Ethan and Kevin will be officially celebrated at the School Curriculum and Standards Authority Exhibitions and Awards Ceremony at Government House in February 2025.

Congratulations to John Curtin College of the Arts for winning gold in the School Pathways to VET Award at the 2024 Australian Training Awards! With more than 30 programs delivered, in collaboration with industry partners, the college is setting a benchmark for excellence by preparing students for dynamic and rewarding careers. An impressive 60% of the college's senior students participate in VET programs, showcasing John Curtin’s innovative approach to integrating vocational education into mainstream learning. A well-deserved recognition to the staff, students, and industry partners who make this program such a success! #AustralianTrainingAwards

Congratulations to former Director General Lisa Rodgers PSM for receiving the Murdoch University Award for Leader of the Year Working in State or Federal Government at the 2024 Institute of Public Administration Australia WA (IPAA WA) Awards. Lisa’s dedication to improving the educational outcomes of Western Australian children was at the forefront of her leadership and service to public education during her tenure as Director General of the Department of Education. Congratulations also to the other Department of Education finalists for their incredible achievements: Commissioner for Children and Young People Award for Best Practice in Children’s Consultation – Premier’s Reading Challenge This initiative fosters a love for reading among students from pre-primary to Year 10, using a highly consultative and responsive program design that meets the needs of young readers while building a community of readers across WA. Best Practice in Innovation – Road Safety and Drug Education’s Alcohol and Other Drug Virtual Reality Pilot Project In collaboration with the Mental Health Commission of Western Australia, this project uses innovative VR lessons to engage Year 9 students in non-judgmental, evidence-based education about the impacts of alcohol, drugs, and vaping, building teacher confidence and enhancing learning outcomes. Award for Best Practice in Collaboration Across Government Agencies – WA Student Assistance Payment A joint effort by the Departments of Education, Department of the Premier and Cabinet of WA, and School Curriculum and Standards Authority, this initiative delivered $74 million in cost-of-living relief to more than 389,000 students’ families through a bespoke, secure system within the ServiceWA app. Read more - https://lnkd.in/g9JFcmyG

It’s a Galati party 🎄 🥔 👑 Special guest Tony Galati partnered with the Department for our annual Christmas morning tea hosted by Director General Jay Peckitt. Thanks to the Instrumental Music School Services SIMmering Big Band for playing the Christmas hits and getting everyone into the festive spirit. We hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday. Spudshed

Our Director General Jay Peckitt received a warm welcome in the Kimberley as part of his first visit to the region in his new role. During the visit, the Kimberley Education Regional Office team had the opportunity to showcase its outstanding leadership and initiatives in the region, with staff presenting to the Aboriginal Advisory Body on their key leadership roles in areas such as attendance, community engagement, Two-Way Science, languages/EALD, and Leading the Early Years (KindiLink and Kimberley Schools Project). It was a fantastic opportunity to see the commitment to cultural responsiveness in action and to reflect on how these efforts continue to drive positive change in the region. We look forward to more collaborations that help nurture Aboriginal students' success and promote an inclusive educational future for all. Visiting 5 Broome schools, Jay had the privilege of meeting with principals, teachers, staff and students, touring new facilities, watching learning in action in the classroom. From science demonstrations, to evidence of building strong language skills for reading and writing, and highlights of large-scale project work, the evidence of excellence in education was clear to see. BROOME SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

“You’ve got to look at what you are able to do, rather than what you’re not able to do” 🧡🩵💚 Kelli is a teacher from Ellenbrook Primary School. Kelli's mobility is impaired due to a tumour on her spinal cord. Despite this, Kelli is determined to not let her disability get in the way of her work. #InternationalDayofPeopleWithDisability #IDPWD International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD)

16 Days in WA – Let’s Make a Change Today kicks off the 16 Days in WA – Stop Violence Against Women campaign, running from 25 November to 10 December. This year’s theme, Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play Your Part, is a reminder that we all have a role to create a world where women and children feel safe. At the Department of Education, we’re proud to support this important cause. By standing together, speaking up, and taking action in our schools and communities, we can help change the attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence against women. Over the next 16 days, let’s commit to educating ourselves and others, having open conversations, and showing that violence is never acceptable. Together, we can build a future where respect and safety are the norm. If you would like to access the 16 Days in WA resources, visit the following link 👉 https://lnkd.in/gkwJbh_j #16DaysInWA #StopViolenceAgainstWomen #PlayYourPart Department of Communities WA