The WA Government has pledged $1.62 million in targeted funding each year to give principals more choice to access the assistance they need as part of a plan to strengthen wellbeing support for the state’s education workforce.
The boost to principal wellbeing support will have a particular focus on strengthening supports for principals of regional schools, as well as those in smaller schools which are often the most isolated, said Education Minister, Sabine Winton.
“We want students in our regions to have access to the supports they need, so that when they finish school, they are well equipped and confident to take the next step in their lives – whatever that may be,” said Minister Winton (pictured).
“School leaders play a vital role in the success of our schools and shaping positive learning experiences for every student.
“It’s important the right support services are available for our dedicated and highly capable principals, who navigate dynamic and complex environments every day.
“This is particularly true in our regional, remote and small schools, where excellent leadership can have an outsized impact on staff retention and student outcomes.
“Backed by a comprehensive review, this new approach will further improve health and wellbeing outcomes by supporting principals to access the supports they need.”
Guided by a review of existing services, consultation and feedback to better understand principals’ needs, the new approach will provide the extra wellbeing support to principals from term 1, 2026.
The new principal wellbeing support measures include:
- providing up to $4,000 in targeted funding to each school per calendar year, depending on size and location of the school, that will assist principals to purchase wellbeing supports that are independent and tailored to their needs;
- establishing a panel of wellbeing service providers through an open tender process;
- appointment of a dedicated wellbeing coordinator;
- doubling the number of counselling sessions available to principals and providing direct access to mediation services; and
- a renewed focus on outreach support for new principals and check-ins following critical incidents.
The new targeted initiatives expand on the Principal health and wellbeing strategy 2023-2027, which was shaped by focus groups and aims to give principals better support.
The increase in support for school leaders is included in a new Regional Education Strategy launched by Ms Winton in Kalgoorlie today.
The blueprint outlines a fresh approach to delivering high-quality education programs and student wellbeing initiatives in more than 300 schools across regional and remote WA.
The strategy is focused on six education regions – Goldfields, Kimberley, Mid West, Pilbara, South West and Wheatbelt – which are home to more than 300 of the State’s more than 800 public schools.
The Regional Education Strategy is available at:Â www.education.wa.edu.au/regionaleducationstrategy.
