Celebrating the power of primary education
Australian Primary Principals Association
Australian Primary Principals Association president Angela Falkenberg said primary schools around the country would be hosting student-led forums, exhibitions and performances to showcase the inspiring work taking place in their classrooms.
“National Primary Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary education delivered in primary schools every day, right across Australia," she said.
“Primary schools build the foundations of literacy, numeracy, confidence, curiosity and character – essential skills and traits for our children to succeed.
“The benefits of a strong primary education flow into every aspect of our society, leading to stronger secondary and tertiary pathways, and happier, healthier and more resilient communities.”
Ms Falkenberg said that National Primary Education Week was an opportunity to focus on one of the most overlooked factors in children’s success: parents.
“Teachers bring expertise in child development, learning and wellbeing, and parents bring knowledge of their child that no one else has,” Ms Falkenberg said.
“When these two forms of expertise come together, children flourish.”
Professor Frank Oberklaid, a globally renowned expert on child development, said children benefit most when schools and parents work together as partners.
“Children develop best when schools and parents are working together, encouraging and supporting a child’s development and identifying issues early.
“Primary teachers are child development experts, and I’d encourage all parents to ask their child’s teachers about how they can support their child’s development at home.”
The week culminates in Australian Primary Principals Day (7 August), which recognises the important, yet complex and challenging role principals play in leading in their schools.
“School principals are more than educators and leaders, they are community leaders and builders, mentors, crisis navigators and advocates for every child’s wellbeing and success,” Ms Falkenberg said.
“Australian Primary Principals Day is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge primary principals – the humble heroes within every community.”
Please note: Angela Falkenberg is also available this week for comment in relation to NAPLAN.
About us:
APPA represents over 7,600 primary principals and school leaders across Australia; 200,000 primary teachers; and 2.2 million primary students; all working and learning in primary schools from 24 jurisdictions across all three education sectors (Government, Catholic and Independent).
Contact details:
Media contact: please contact Stuart Teather for inquiries and interview requests on 0493 728 147, or [email protected]