The start of a new school year is a very exciting time for students, parents, teachers and principals with so much anticipation for what the 2015 school year will bring.
Today, I welcome back more than 62,000 state school students returning to 195 schools across Tasmania.
I extend an especially warm welcome to our newest enrolments, 4,860 young students embarking on their schooling adventure at kindergarten this year.
At the other end of the spectrum, 176 students at six regional high schools extending to Year 11 and 12 this year are embarking on their senior secondary education, a 26 per cent increase on last year.
Our $45.5 million investment in extending our rural and regional high schools to Year 11 and 12 sends a very clear message that school doesn't end at Year 10, and regional communities are embracing this.
We firmly believe that if we can lift the educational outcomes of students, we
can lift Tasmania, which is why we've invested more than ever before in
education.
We are determined to improve our students' literacy and numeracy outcomes, and
this year is the first full year for our new 25 literacy and numeracy specialists.
This July, 10 full time equivalent nurses will join our schools, promoting
health and wellbeing alongside a range of specialist support.
And, our Teachers Assistants will provide more support time for teachers and students with an additional week of employment.
This year, we will also see a draft Bill to amend the Education Act to ensure it meets the needs of students into the future.
I would like to wish each and every one of our students embarking on their school year the very best for a successful and rewarding 2015 school year.
Back to School Fast Facts (as at August 2014 Census):
Number of Government school students state-wide: 62,629 including:
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