- New measures reducing suspension rates significantly
- Programs encouraging disengaged students to attend school
- Aboriginal students better supported
A follow-up review of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School has shown a significant improvement in student behaviour, with a significant reduction in suspensions.
The turnaround comes after a report by the Department of Education's Expert Review Group in 2016 which found issues including low staff morale, poor student behaviour and high suspension rates.
Following the release of the report, the school took on the recommendations and made a detailed plan to bring about positive changes.
So far this year, the number of students suspended has decreased by 22 per cent with the number of incidents resulting in suspensions have been reduced by 35 per cent.
The total number of days that students have been told to stay away from school has also dropped by 46 per cent.
Work is continuing on tackling attendance rates, with programs including a girls off-site engagement program seeing significant improvement in attendance for students who previously truanted regularly.
Staff are also focused on ensuring all Aboriginal students are supported and given every opportunity to succeed through programs including Kalgoorlie Girls Academy, Follow the Dream and the Clontarf Academy.
As noted by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"Staff and students should be commended on the turnaround we are seeing at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School.
"Considerable progress has been made in influencing positive student behaviour, with behaviour management strategies contributing to the reduction in suspension rates in recent years.
"Students should be proud of their efforts in taking the changes on board and also embracing the school's renewed focus on high achievement."
As noted by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
"Principal Ian Masarei has lead a positive transformation over the past two years.
"The school's hardworking staff are unified and morale has changed significantly with a universal goal of building a school environment where every student has the opportunity to achieve their best.
"With the ongoing support of the school community, I have no doubt the improvements we are already seeing at the school will continue."
As noted by Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School principal Ian Masarei:
"Our new direction for the school is one that is focused on student participation in learning and improving student results.
"While there is still more to be done, I urge the community to continue to support their school.
"The backing of parents and the local community is vital and we need everyone to get on board with these very positive changes."
