The first group of Independent Public Schools has welcomed their first students for 2010, heralding a “new era in public education in Western Australia” according to the Minister for Education, Liz Constable.
Dr Constable visited Highgate Primary School for the start of the school year, saying the Independent Public School (IPS) initiative would give greater control to schools while maintaining the support and benefits of the public school system.
First IPSs accept students
“For the first time, principals, teachers and the wider school community will be empowered with greater responsibility to ensure students have the best possible learning opportunities and outcomes,” she said.
“The IPS initiative will allow strong leadership to flourish in the public school system, but it will bring other benefits - it means greater responsibility for principals and flexibility in their recruitment of teachers and other school staff.”
Dr Constable praised the willingness of the 34 school communities who opted to be involved in the initiative, saying their pioneering role was crucial.
“Almost 500 teacher graduates will also begin work today - which is similar to last year’s level at the same stage - and I expect that many more graduates will be placed as the year progresses and vacancies become available,” she said.
The 34 IPSs were selected by an independent panel from more than 100 schools which submitted expressions of interest.
The Minister urged schools that were not selected to strengthen their bid for consideration in the next intake.
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