East Fremantle: Richmond Primary school to become an independent public school

RICHMOND Primary School is one of 42 that will become independent public schools from 2019.

Principal Lisa Dentith said the school had to demonstrate that they had the capacity to manage their own affairs.

“We had to show that our planning processes were effective and that we enjoyed parent involvement in and support for the school,” she said.

“We also had to undertake a change management task and demonstrate that we were able to undertake change and to innovate.”

Miss Denthith said the selection validated and affirmed their schools practices.

“The school’s goal is always to continue to improve and to create an environment where every child can be their best,” she said.

“The School Council is very proactive and has been considering for some time the transition to being a School Board.

“They have reviewed their terms of reference and code of conduct, written a business plan and set targets.

“They have also introduced popular initiatives such as a parent speaker program, where parents nominate themselves to speak to students about their career or life experiences.”

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said she was looking forward to seeing how the status benefited students and school communities.

“Western Australia is leading the way in giving local schools and communities more say on their children’s education,” she said.

“By helping schools and communities come together, we are ensuring children’s learning, welfare and development is the driving force of all decisions.”