Education Minister Sabine Winton announces principal wellbeing support funding, with a focus on regional WA

School leaders will be able to access up to $4000 in funding for tailored wellbeing support measures under a $1.62 million State Government investment. Education Minister Sabine Winton said the targeted annual funding, to come into effect from term one next year, would give principals more choice to access the assistance they needed, with a particular focus on regional, smaller, and isolated schools. The new principal wellbeing support measures include up to $4000 for each school each year, depending on the size and location of the school; a panel of wellbeing service providers; a dedicated wellbeing co-ordinator; double the number of counselling sessions available to principals; and a renewed focus on outreach support for new principals and check-ins following critical incidents. Ms Winton made the announcement on Thursday while launching the new Regional Education Strategy, a blueprint outlining a fresh approach to education program and student wellbeing initiatives in more than 300 schools across regional and remote WA. “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,” the minister said. “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.”