Public schools welcome new school psychologists for 2024

Across WA, 65 new school psychologists have been welcomed to start 2024, set to support schools to enhance student wellbeing, engagement and achievement.

These dedicated professionals are ready to embark on their journey, whether in Kununurra, Albany, or somewhere in between, to apply their valuable expertise in mental health, learning, human development and school systems. 

Six of our newest school psychologists have chosen to make WA their home, having joined us from elsewhere in Australia. 

A result of a commitment to increase the number of psychologists in schools, we have started the school year with 629 school psychologists, a record number in public schools. 

We spoke to a couple of them, to find out why they do what they do. 

Isaac 

Having finished his Master of Professional Psychology placement in schools in the North Metropolitan Education Region in 2023, Isaac is now ready to begin full-time work in the region. 

“I was always interested in medicine and health in general, but getting to know people socially has always been a strength of mine so psychology seemed like a natural fit,” he said. 

“I don’t think there’s been a single day where I haven’t left my school feeling fantastic about the work we’re doing helping students.”  

Camille 

"The experience has been amazing so far. The team has been incredible,” said Camille, from Kununurra. 

“I’ve worked as a school psychologist at six locations in regional NSW and I was just looking for a bit of a tree change. I’m a psychologist who loves hiking and the Kimberley is beautiful.” 

Speaking on the communal bond of the latest psychologist inductees to the Department, Camille was surprised by how the group has come together.  

“l haven’t had an induction like this before. It’s awesome that we will have the same cohort for the next two years,” she said.  

“It’s good to have built these relationships so we can be a support for each other and to share knowledge.”  

We also spoke to Emily who has brought valuable experience from her work as a teacher to her new role as a school psychologist.  

Emily, a former teacher 

“I’ve been a teacher for 14 years all over Australia and overseas,” Emily said. 

“I’ve taught for three years in Fitzroy Crossing and the past four years with the School of Special Educational Needs: Behaviour and Engagement, combining work with my psychology studies.  

“While I’m at the beginning of my journey as a psychologist, my experience as a behaviour and engagement teacher has given me a great start.” 

Elysha 

Early career psychologist Elysha, has joined the South West Education Region in Bunbury after participating in the Leap into School Psychology program last year. 

”The Leap program was a perfect entry point for me to explore a career in school psychology and I have felt so supported, making the transition to working in schools,” she said.  

“The sense of connection and support that Leap, and now the induction program, provides is hard to come by and deeply valued.”