Schools get independence

Four State schools within the Harvey and Waroona shires have reached an exciting milestone and will operate as Independent Public Schools from semester two.

Harve, Brunswick and Yarloop primary schools and Waroona District High School all achieved IPS status from the State’s Education Department last month.

The move will allow the schools to have more autonomy and flexibility over the decisions affecting their school communities.

It will also allow them to become more involved in the community.

Harvey Primary School principal Jason Romeo said he was delighted with the result.

“We have a great culture at our school, but this will help us to build on it,” he said.

“Being able to make autonomous decisions is great — the school community knows what is best for our school.”

Yarloop Primary School principal Mark Gledhill said staff and school community would have a bigger say in important decisions.

“It is all about lifting our community profile and getting the community into the school,” Mr Geldhill said. Yarloop Primary School has already started meeting community groups at the Yarloop CRC.

The Brunswick community is excited to achieve IPS status.

Principal Claire Nicol said she wanted to thank school chair Jo Dalton for her hard work.

Student leader Sebastian Pruiti said it would help his school “to glow”.

Waroona District High School principal Jacquie Abbiss said it would provide an opportunity for the community and staff to ignite change and move forward.

Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke said she was proud of the schools and wished them well.

“They have worked so hard so it is great to see it pay off.”