- Almost 489,000 students begin Term 1 at schools in Western Australia
- Two new public primary schools open their doors for the first time
- Ongoing recruitment has ensured there is a teacher in front of every classroom
Students and staff have been welcomed back to schools across Western Australia.
Almost 489,000 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 are expected to fill classrooms at public, private and independent schools this week.
Staff will greet approximately 324,650 students in 832 public schools, including two brand new public primary schools that are opening for the first time today - Henley Brook Primary School and Jilbup Primary School.
Both Henley Brook Primary School and Jilbup Primary School cater for students from Kindergarten to Year 6, to meet the needs of growing communities and provide high-quality education options for families.
Visiting East Hamersley Primary School this morning, Premier Roger Cook and Education Minister Dr Tony Buti thanked the exceptional teachers and allied professionals who work in schools, along with the parents, grandparents, and carers who share the students' learning journey.
Thousands of students across the State will also benefit from a range of new school facilities opening today, including the Brabham Primary School offsite early childhood education facility, the redeveloped Lesmurdie Primary School, additions at Karratha Senior High School, and an additional classroom block at Alkimos College.
Ongoing recruitment over the holiday period has ensured there is a teacher in front of every classroom.
There are currently 60,532 registered teachers in Western Australia, which is a 2.4 per cent increase since last year.
It is also an exciting day for more than 360 graduates who will take up their first teaching jobs in public schools across Western Australia.
The Department of Education's successful international recruitment campaign has seen 103 teachers appointed to public schools across the State. There are an additional 118 qualified teachers who are in the process of being appointed, and will be placed in schools over the next 12 - 18 months.
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"It is a privilege to welcome students and staff back for the first day of school as the Education Minister.
"I want to make particular mention of those students who are starting their schooling for the very first time. This is certainly an exciting day for them.
"Across the State - from the city to regional and remote areas - our aim is to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education, so they can reach their full potential, and become lifelong learners.
"A thriving education system is the cornerstone of every successful society, and a major contributor to the State's future.
"Two brand new primary schools will welcome students today and add to the growing number of public schools across Western Australia to cater to the needs of our growing communities. Despite pressures on the construction industry, there has been an admirable effort to ensure schools right across our State are ready for staff and students.
"A significant focus on staffing over the past year means there has been an encouraging increase in teachers, and there will be a qualified teacher in front of every public school classroom."
