Malibu School principal Noelene Mason and Pre Primary pupil Zeedan Nichols are thrilled at the IPS status.
Camera IconMalibu School principal Noelene Mason and Pre Primary pupil Zeedan Nichols are thrilled at the IPS status. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson

Trio of Rockingham area schools gain Independent Public School status

Vanessa SchmittWeekend Kwinana Courier

THREE schools in Rockingham have gained Independent Public School (IPS) status.

Malibu School and Safety Bay and Waikiki primary schools will have more autonomy with the IPS standing.

Education Minister Peter Collier said the new status followed an exhaustive development and selection process.

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“Independent Public Schools have stripped away the barriers that used to shackle principals and staff from doing their jobs effectively; that is, providing the very best teaching and learning environments for students,” he said.

“Principals say they have never looked back after becoming independent and having the authority at school level to select staff, run budgets and decide how their schools operate.”

School staff and council members will be part of a comprehensive transition program next term to prepare them for the transition.

Malibu School principal Nolene Mason said IPS status was exciting for the whole school community.

“It enhances how we are working together as a community to be an even more vibrant and strong school,” she said.

“It makes our goals more achievable in the future.”