Full services school pilot at Girrawheen

The Albanese Labor Government is investing in better support for Western Australian students and families through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement (BFSA), which is delivering an extra $2.8 billion to WA public schools over the next decade. 

As part of the BFSA, the Cook Labor Government is investing $21 million to pilot full service schools through the Connected Community School Trial which will deliver targeted programs and support services that strengthen student engagement, improve the transition to high school and better connect families with their local school community. 

At Girrawheen Senior High School, the full services school pilot has a strong focus on supporting Year 7 students and their families transition to high school, with new and expanded programs and supports including: 

• A speech pathologist providing targeted assessments and small group work to strengthen communication, literacy and classroom engagement.  
• Culturally appropriate health screening and support for Aboriginal students, delivered on site through partnerships with Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service.
• New student wellbeing programs including Music Club, Afterschool Homework Club and Maths Academy to support participation and confidence.
• New and expanded services for parents and families including financial literacy workshops, sessions on cyber-safety, emotional wellbeing and English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) support.
• Case management including through community support workers involving home visits and assistance for families needing additional support.  
• Partnership with University of Western Australia Optometry to facilitate free eye health screenings for students performed by final year Optometry students, under the supervision of experienced Optometrists.

One of the key areas of reform under the BFSA is strengthening student wellbeing.

Early intervention and tailored support can make a big difference to student wellbeing, participation and family engagement in school. 

That is why some of the BFSA funding, which is delivering an extra $2.8 billion for Western Australian public schools is focused here. 

The trial for full service schools started in 2026 and will run for four years. 

The four schools involved in the pilot are working closely with families and local organisations to deliver services and programs tailored to the unique needs of their school communities. 

The four schools are Ashburton Drive Primary School, Clarkson Primary School, Roebourne Senior High School and Girrawheen Senior High School.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare:
“There is an obvious link between health and education. 

“Students who struggle with their mental health are less likely to be at school and keep up at school.

“By Year 9, students experiencing poor mental health are on average 1.5 to 2.8 years behind the rest of the class in literacy and numeracy.

“That’s why some of the funding in the agreements we have signed with every state and territory to fix the funding of our public schools is focused here. 

“It’s all about helping kids keep up, catch up and finish school.”

Quotes attributable to WA Minister for Education Sabine Winton: 
"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.

"The aim of this trial is to provide the right support, at the right time, to really move the dial in terms of improving student wellbeing and outcomes over years.

"We know students learn best when they feel supported, connected and safe, and that support shouldn't stop at the school gate.

"This trial is about wrapping practical support around students early, particularly during the critical transition into high school, so they can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

"The Cook Labor Government is proud to partner with the Albanese Labor Government to deliver real, on-the-ground support for Western Australian students and families through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement."

Quotes attributable to Member for Cowan Anne Aly MP: 
“By supporting families, we’re ensuring students in Cowan are able to access the transformational benefits of education.

“Every student deserves the chance to thrive at school, and that means supporting their wellbeing as much as their learning.

“By having supports on site, we’re not only strengthening schools, we’re ensuring students have the supports and settings they need to learn and grow.”