Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:02:53 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 list Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Wheatbelt agricultural school wins prestigious national award http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132814 Content:

Cunderdin’s agricultural college has won the prestigious VET in Schools Excellence at the Australian Training Awards.

 

Congratulating the Western Australian College of Agriculture - Cunderdin, Education Minister Liz Constable, who attended the awards in Canberra, said the prize recognised excellence in the provision of vocational education and training in schools.

 

“For the Cunderdin agricultural college to be recognised in this way is a huge honour and a pat on the back for the staff and students at the school,” she said.

 

“The college has a proven record in delivering training and structured courses, giving students time in the classroom and practical experience in trade areas on the work farm.

 

“In 2008, 100 per cent of Year 12 graduates went on to employment or further education and training after completing the minimum Certificate II in Agriculture.

 

“This demonstrates how the WA College of Agriculture - Cunderdin is playing a part in developing today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce.”

 

The Minister said the agricultural college was one of four WA award winners.

 

“This State should be proud of providing four winners and three runners up,” she said.

 

“This result, one of the best ever, demonstrates the high quality of education and training in WA.”

 

Minister's office - 9222 9699
Date: 23/11/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Education
Region: Wheatbelt
]]> Arbouin, Shane Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:39:24 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132814 Promoting higher standards in higher education regulation http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132790 Content:

Legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly last night to ensure that applications to establish a new university or university college in Western Australia are assessed using nationally recognised criteria and standards.

 

Education Minister Liz Constable said there had been a rapid expansion in the number of Australian institutions offering higher education.

 

“It is critical that we strengthen our quality assurance framework to maintain our education industry’s reputation for quality,” Dr Constable said.

 

“This legislation will implement national protocols for higher education approval processes that had been developed after extensive consultation with the Commonwealth, States, Territories and education providers.”

 

The Minister said the national protocols would provide the framework for the:

 

·           establishment and recognition of Australian universities or university colleges

·           operation of overseas universities

·           approval of non-university higher education providers to operate and to offer accredited courses in WA.

 

Amendments to the Higher Education Act 2004 would allow institutions such as Raffles Education to have their proposal to establish a university college in WA fully evaluated.

 

“Higher education is a significant export earner, bringing in $15billion nationally and approximately $1billion into this State,” Dr Constable said.

 

The final decision to grant university or university college status is made by the Western Australian Parliament.

 

The Minister said the amendments would also provide extra protection for students against fraudulent or negligent providers.

 

Minister's office- 9222 9699
Date: 18/11/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Education
Region: Eastern Metropolitan
]]> Stratford, Pamela Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:07:47 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132790 Minister opens new $34million Ashdale Secondary College http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132729 Content:

Education Minister Liz Constable today officially opened the $34million first stage of the new Ashdale Secondary College in Darch.

 

The college opened in February with its first intake of 143 Year Eight students on a temporary site at Madeley Primary School, and moved to its new buildings in July.

 

Dr Constable said the college’s outstanding facilities would ensure the best possible education for generations of students.

 

“Ashdale Secondary College’s futuristic facilities and buildings are ideal for the information and technological age, and will help ensure students are well prepared for the challenges of 21st century life,” she said.

 

“The college already has a number of unique programs in partnership with education providers, industry and business, including Microsoft, Apple, SciTech and Edith Cowan University.”

 

Principal Carol Strauss said the opening was the culmination of hard work by students, staff and parents.

 

“Today’s opening heralds our emergence as a science and technology school and with specialist teachers in each area, we are ensuring every child has the skills and knowledge to achieve their potential,” Ms Strauss said.

 

Ashdale Secondary College, and Ashdale, Landsdale and Madeley primary schools have been selected to form a cluster of independent public schools.

 

The Minister said this selection would give the four schools greater freedom to make decisions that best suited the local communities.

 

“The partnership between the four schools will give students in Ashdale and surrounding areas a seamless education from Kindergarten to Year 12,” she said.

 

Designed by Donaldson and Warn Architects and built by Broad Construction Services Pty Ltd, the school’s facilities include:

 

·                learning community block

·                administration area

·                Year 10 music and media facilities

·                visual arts and performing arts block

·                library and cafe block

·                design technology.

 

Planning is under way for the school’s second phase, which will enable the school to offer Year 11 and 12 courses.

 

Minister's office - 9222 9699
Date: 4/11/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Education
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:51:15 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132729 Striking addition promised for Ellenbrook http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132707 Content:

The community can catch a glimpse of the future of Ellenbrook Secondary College after artist impressions of extensions to the school were released today.

 

Education Minister Liz Constable said the $25million Stage Two project would transform Ellenbrook Secondary College into a senior high school for the first time.

 

“Ellenbrook is a fast-growing suburb with families who will benefit from the high-quality facilities being built at Ellenbrook Secondary College,” Dr Constable said.

 

“The school was designed to be an integral part of the townsite and its progression to a senior high school is yet another milestone for the community to celebrate.

 

“The artist impressions promise spectacular buildings which will be an attractive addition to the Ellenbrook town centre from early 2011 when construction is complete.”

 

The school has nearly 800 students in Years Seven to 10, with enrolments expected to increase next year when the school offers Year 11 courses, and again in 2011 when the first group of students reach Year 12.

 

Building contractor Universal Constructions Pty Ltd has already begun work on

Stage Two which includes:

 

·             seven science laboratories

·             materials technology facilities such as woodwork, metalwork and a technical graphics studio

·             eight upper school classrooms

·             three seminar rooms

·             resource/activity areas

·             a lecture theatre

·             four IT laboratories

·             additional tennis courts and car parking facilities

·             improvements to existing buildings, such as new food and visual arts studios.

 

The buildings were designed by T and Z Architects, the designers of Stage One of Ellenbrook Secondary College, which opened in 2007.

 

Minister's office  - 9222 9699
Date: 29/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Education
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:10:30 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132707 New focus as Governor Stirling Senior High School marks 50 years http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132699 Content:

Education Minister Liz Constable today marked Governor Stirling Senior High School’s 50th anniversary by announcing the new state-of-the-art facilities will allow for the provision of specialist engineering and arts/media programs.

 

Dr Constable said the educational and geographic context of Governor Stirling sees it uniquely placed to be one of the State’s premier schools.

 

“The specialist programs will cater to the needs of both academically gifted and vocationally oriented students,” she said.

 

“It will also provide a first rate education for all local students.”

 

The $63million new school will also be the permanent home for the Swan District Primary Extension and Challenge program, giving gifted and talented primary-age students access to the excellent secondary facilities.

 

“Governor Stirling Senior High School is on the verge of an exciting new era,” the Minister said.

 

“The school has a proud history and it now has a fantastic opportunity to build on its great traditions to become a flagship school for the eastern suburbs of Perth.”

 

The school plans to build on existing links with Swan TAFE and local industries, and the opportunities created by the new Defence Industries National Partnership to increase the number of students graduating in engineering-related subjects

 

“This will be made possible by the new facilities which will include science, design and technology laboratories and high-level information technology infrastructure,” Dr Constable said.

 

“The existing Gifted and Talented Education academic programs will also be expanded.”

 

Architects Donaldson and Warn are currently developing designs for the new school, with demolition of the existing site set to begin in December 2010.

 

The Minister said students would be relocated to nearby school sites until the 2013 school year, when the rebuild was scheduled for completion.

 

“Students in junior secondary school will move to the former Midland Primary School site, while those in senior secondary school will be accommodated at Cyril Jackson Senior Campus in Ashfield,” she said.

 

“Both sites are well-equipped to ensure there will be no disruption to students’ education during the rebuilding process.”

 

Minister's office - 9222 9699
Date: 28/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Education
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:26:00 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132699 Bunbury schools to choose respect http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132650 Content:

A highly successful initiative that has seen a significant improvement in student behaviour at Carey Park Primary School will be implemented in other schools across Bunbury.

 

The ‘Choose Respect’ initiative, which was introduced to Carey Park two years ago, uses a code of behaviour to develop and maintain a culture of respect.

 

Premier Colin Barnett and Education Minister Liz Constable visited the school today to acknowledge the program’s success.

 

Dr Constable said she was pleased the City of Bunbury would expand the program across other local schools.

 

“Carey Park Primary has successfully included the seven codes of behaviour into every part of the school day - from flying flags at the school entrance, to including messages on respect in the daily morning announcements,” she said.

 

“The program has been enormously successful with incidents of bullying falling by 30 per cent and episodes of bad behaviour declining by 40 per cent.

 

“When incidents of bullying do occur, the severity is much lower and the effect it has on the victim is greatly reduced.”

 

The seven codes are:

  • treat each other with respect no matter how others treat you
  • treat yourself with respect
  • forgive others that don’t treat you with respect
  • resist your natural desire to pay back or take revenge
  • apologise when you do not treat others with respect
  • support others who are not being treated with respect
  • ask for support when others do not treat you with respect.

Dr Constable said the State Government had placed a strong emphasis on behaviour and values in education.

 

Minister's office  - 9222 9699
 
Date: 20/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Education
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:54:05 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132650 Minister opens new $27.3million Manea Senior College http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132651 Content:

Education Minister Liz Constable today officially opened Bunbury’s new $27.3million Manea Senior College.

 

The college opened its doors to 152 Year 11 students in February and will offer Year 12 courses from 2010.

 

Dr Constable said the college was a culmination of a community vision.

 

“The world-class learning environment and outstanding modern facilities can only help students to achieve their goals,” she said.

 

“Manea Senior College has already established a firm place at the heart of the community and is an important part of the city’s emerging education and training precinct.

 

“Gaps in local education have been filled, with students now able to obtain high-level training qualifications at the same time as pursuing a Tertiary Entrance Ranking and a WA Certificate of Education.”

 

The Minister said the selection of Manea Senior College, as one of Western Australia’s first independent public schools, was an indication of how well it had developed in its short life.

 

Principal Paul Matthews said the college would now have greater freedom to make decisions best suited to the needs of students and the community.

 

“Being the only regional senior college to be named as an independent public school is a great honour and will greatly enhance the opportunities we can create for students in Bunbury and the South-West,” Mr Matthews said.

 

“The excellent staff and teaching programs we have, and our productive partnerships with the likes of Edith Cowan University and TAFE, mean the Manea experience is extremely positive for all involved.”

 

Dr Constable said the college was named after prominent general practitioner and former Bunbury mayor Dr Ernie Manea and his wife Beulah (Snookie), who won an Order of Australia Medal in 2007 for her commitment to the community.

 

“The Maneas have been outstanding Bunbury citizens for more than 50 years and this college is a fitting tribute to their dedication and hard work in their community,” she said.

 

The college was designed by architects Cox Howlett Bailey and Woodland and built by Perkins Contractors. It was recently named best public building in WA by the Australian Institute of Architects.

 

Facilities include:

·        12 general learning areas

·        three computer zones

·        two seminar rooms

·        education support facilities

·        staff facilities

·        four science laboratories, technician and prep areas

·        two information and technology laboratories

·        graphics laboratories

·        media room

·        library resource centre

·        cafeteria

·        additions to the hospitality area of the South West Regional TAFE.

 

Minister's office  - 9222 9699
 
Date: 20/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Education
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:40:12 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132651 Minister opens $27.1million Dalyellup College campus http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132643 Content:

Education Minister Liz Constable today completed the amalgamation of schooling in Dalyellup by officially opening the upper campus of the new Dalyellup College.

 

The college brings together the former Dalyellup Primary School and Dalyellup Secondary College and will offer Year 12 courses by 2013.

 

The school opened its doors in February to nearly 1,000 students.

 

Visiting the campus today, Dr Constable said the creation of one school for students from Kindergarten to Year 12 was the culmination of a community vision.

 

“This modern and innovative school will ensure students in Dalyellup receive an excellent public education for many years to come,” the Minister said.

 

“At this college for example, pre-primary students perform in a purpose-built performing arts centre and Year 6 students have access to fully-equipped science laboratories.”

 

Dalyellup College has also been allocated $1.6million for four new classrooms and $200,000 which the school intends spending on new sporting facilities under the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution program.

 

Principal Gary Quinn said the concept of a seamless transition from primary to secondary schooling was already proving successful.

 

“Students can see a clear pathway all the way through to Year 12, and realise how fortunate they are to have access to these wonderful facilities,” Mr Quinn said.

 

The new facilities include:

 

  • performing arts theatre
  • media and information technology facilities
  • science laboratories
  • material technology facilities
  • visual arts facilities
  • food technology facilities
  • education support facilities. 
Minister's office  - 9222 9699
Date: 19/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Education
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:35:25 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132643 New school addresses Australind population boom http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132644 Content:

A new $12.5million primary school in an Australind suburb will help meet the needs of a rapidly-growing population.

 

Education Minister Liz Constable today officially opened Kingston Primary School.

 

“The large number of young families building homes and moving into Kingston, Treendale and Binningup ensures Kingston Primary School has a bright and prosperous future,” Dr Constable said.

 

“Kingston Primary School started strongly when it opened in February this year, with an innovative partnership with Edith Cowan University that brings final-year student teachers to the school to fine-tune their teaching skills.”

 

The school was recently selected as one of the State’s first Independent Public Schools.

 

“This will provide the school with more flexibility to address the community’s needs in terms of teaching, learning and management,” the Minister said.

 

There are more than 400 students at the school and enrolments are growing.

 

Already demand for kindergarten and pre-primary places at Kingston has prompted the construction of three more early childhood classrooms and a multi-purpose room.

 

Designed by Hassell Architects and built by Cimeco, the school includes:

  • 12 classrooms
  • three early childhood classrooms
  • library resource centre
  • music room
  • art and craft room
  • covered assembly area with canteen
  • hardcourts marked for netball, tennis and basketball.

Minister's office - 9222 9699
Date: 19/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Education
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:44:05 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132644 More teachers available to teach Aboriginal languages http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132592 Content:

Aboriginal languages have an increased chance of being preserved with an additional nine Aboriginal educators trained to teach six different languages in public schools.

 

Education Minister Liz Constable today met with a group of the educators in Broome to congratulate them on their achievement.

 

Dr Constable said she was pleased almost 6,000 students from kindergarten to Year 11 were learning an Aboriginal language.

 

These nine teachers join 97 others who have completed the two-year Aboriginal languages teacher training course since its inception, enabling 25 Aboriginal languages to be taught in 79 schools across Western Australia.

 

“Many Aboriginal languages are endangered and teaching them in schools is an important initiative in reviving and maintaining the traditional languages,” she said. 

 

“To preserve the languages for the future we need as many young people as possible to learn them from qualified Aboriginal teachers.”

 

Learning an Aboriginal language enhances the identity, self esteem and engagement of Aboriginal students and promotes reconciliation with the wider community.

 

“The languages are being taught in remote, rural and metropolitan areas to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students,” the Minister said.

 

Department of Education and Training Aboriginal languages curriculum officer, Lola Jones, said the training course helped Aboriginal language speakers learn language teaching skills.

 

“When they graduate they can teach their Aboriginal language at schools in their community,” Mrs Jones said.

 

During their two-year traineeship, all participants spend at least one hour a week teaching a language class and also do four weeks of theoretical training in resource development, planning, teaching and assessment.

 

2009 Aboriginal languages teacher training graduates:

 

Bunuba language

Diane Chungal, Fitzroy Valley District High School

 

Walmajarri language

Bernadette Williams, Fitzroy Valley District High School

Daisy Yamera, Fitzroy Valley District High School

Lorraine Cherrabun, Bayulu Remote Community School

 

Wajarri language

Megan Roberts, Waggrakine Primary School

 

Banyjima language

Ronnelle Hicks, Tom Price Primary School

 

Nyangumarta language

Diane Stewart, Cassia Primary School

 

Noongar language

Tania Bennell, Warnbro Community High School

Kerry Smith, Balga Senior High School

 

Minister's office  - 9222 9699
Date: 8/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Education
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:10:13 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132592