The McGowan Government has committed to continue funding the door-to-door school bus as part of a successful strategy to improve student attendance in Hedland.
The Hedland Schools Attendance Strategy, which has been in place since the start of the year, includes a number of initiatives to encourage students living in Port Hedland and South Hedland to attend school regularly.
The bus service picks up students from their homes and drops them at school and does the return journey at the end of the day.
It was put in place after a number of schools in the area noticed their students wouldn’t attend school on a regular basis.
The Department of Education is funding a total of $96,000 for the bus service over the next two years.
Since the strategy’s inception, 76 students have since re-engaged with school after previously having very low attendance, and regular attendance averaged across four Hedland schools has improved when compared to mid-Term 2 in 2018.
Under the Strategy, the Department of Education, in partnership with the Western Australian Police Force, Department of Communities, Hedland Aboriginal Strong Leaders and the Youth Involvement Council, has introduced local initiatives to work with families to help get children to school and to encourage them to turn up every day.
The Strategy has been so successful that the South Hedland Police Station’s community engagement team has been nominated for an award in this year’s Nine News WA Police Excellence Awards. The awards will be announced on December 5, 2019.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“The bus service has made a real difference in getting reluctant students to return to school and attend regularly.
“This funding will benefit the Port Hedland and South Hedland students and the
wider community immensely, ensuring more students stay in school and don’t miss out on an education.”
As stated by Police Minister Michelle Roberts:
“I welcome the extension of this program, which Police tell me has been a great success.
“We are always focused on reducing juvenile offending and one of the best ways to engage young people, is to ground them with a strong education.
“This is an excellent step forward in creating a positive future for the youth of Port Hedland.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“It’s great that after advocating for the continuation of the service, I am proud the McGowan Government has ensured this will happen.
“The Hedland Attendance Strategy has improved school attendance for local Hedland students by leaps and bounds.
“Our local students are the future of the Pilbara, and this Strategy will encourage their development through their education journey.”
Minister’s office – 6552 5700
