Ashburton Drive Primary School has been chosen as one of only four schools across Western Australia to take part in a new Connected Community School trial.
The four-year trial, worth $21 million, will begin in 2026 and aims to link students and families with wellbeing supports and wider health, community and social networks.
School Board chair Peter Abetz said he was excited to see the program come to Gosnells.
“As chair of the Ashburton Drive Primary School Board, I am excited to see today’s announcement that our school has been selected to be one of four primary schools in WA to participate,” he said.
“At our school, the trial will focus on identifying and providing the support our students need to thrive at school and make a successful transition to secondary education. Over Semester 2, 2025, we will begin consultation to identify the needs and priorities of our school community.”
Mr Abetz said the trial was not intended to increase the workload of staff, with additional funding allocated to help operationalise the program.
Premier Roger Cook said the initiative was part of his government’s vision to give every child the best possible start in life.
“By working closely with schools and families, we can give students the skills, confidence and support they need to reach their full potential,” he said.
Education and Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton said the trial would help schools provide the right support at the right time.
“A Connected Community School is one that provides a range of services and activities, often beyond the school day, to help meet the needs of children, their families and the wider community,” she said.
Health Minister Meredith Hammat said stronger connections between education and health would help create healthier communities in the long term.
“A child’s wellbeing is central to their ability to learn,” she said.
Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley said the trial would also benefit students with disability.
“This trial will help to ensure that children and young people with disability, and their families, are better supported, with services that work in step with schools to meet each student’s individual needs,” she said.
Along with Ashburton Drive Primary School, the trial will also run at Clarkson Primary School, Girrawheen Senior High School and Roebourne District High School.
