This week over 86,000 students from across Tasmania begin their schooling year for 2017, all of whom will benefit from positive changes to the education system by the Hodgman Liberal Government.
I welcome our newest students and their families who will benefit from quality early play based learning, and today I had the pleasure of witnessing students at Cambridge Primary School begin their school journey in a wonderful play based environment.
Extensive evidence-based research shows that this Government’s investment in the early years is the key to helping our youngest children and their families reach their full potential, which will flow through their school years and give them the foundations they need for a brighter future.
By giving parents the option to access early education for their children at kindergartens across the state, this Government will help ensure all children have an equal opportunity to access and reap the rewards of early development and play- based learning- no matter where they live.
It is educational opportunities like this which give children the very best start in life, and I am determined to continue lifting educational outcomes for all students across the state. I welcome the students who are returning to school for another exciting year, including our newest Years 11 and 12 students in the 18 schools extending this year.
This Government has extended 30 high schools to year 12, with eight more extending next year. We’ve already seen results, with a 57 per cent increase in enrolments at participating schools since 2014, and an improvement in our apparent retention rates now up to 74 per cent, up from a low 67 per cent under the previous Government.
I also extend a warm welcome to all of our dedicated teachers, principals, leaders and school staff. With your commitment we will be able to achieve our vision for successful, skilled and innovative Tasmanians with a goal to promoting lifelong learning.
I am confident that we are all continuing on the path that will provide the very best framework for Tasmania’s education system and prepare our students for the best chance of getting a job and living a happy and more fulfilling life.
2016 focused on replacing a 20-year-old Act that no longer reflects contemporary practices and research, and 2017 is our once in a generation opportunity to increase universal access to education, improve student outcomes, and break the cycle of disadvantage in this state.
That is why this Government will continue to implement our long term plan for education to ensure every Tasmanian student can look forward to a brighter future.
My best wishes to you all for a happy, safe and successful 2017.
Back to School Fast Facts (as at August Census 2016)
Number of Government students state-wide- 61,925, including:
Number of Government school students in Kindergarten to Year 10 by region:
Number of Government schools for 2017:
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