12 December 2022
Reward and recognition Public school life
A Geraldton primary school is among those highlighted in a prestigious award celebrating excellence in public service.
Beachlands Primary School, the Department of Education’s Workforce directorate, the Southwest Education Regional Office, and Finance and Commercial Services Executive Director Philippa Beamish Burton were named winners in the 2022 Institute of Public Administration Australia WA Achievement Awards.The IPAA WA Achievement Awards recognise individual and organisational excellence in public service and celebrate those who exemplify best practice.
Beachlands Primary School was awarded for its ‘Tracks to Two-Way Learning’ program in the Best Practice in Corporate Social Values category.
Beachlands Primary School was celebrated at the IPAA WA Achievement Awards.
The school has a successful Wajarri language program that has been running for almost 10 years and runs culturally responsive programs that teach students about Aboriginal culture.
Beachlands Primary School principal Helen Barnes said it was important Aboriginal education was at the forefront of learning, with language and culture embedded in day-to-day practice.
“This award is the result of the hard work and dedication from staff past and present,” she said.
“At Beachlands Primary School, we are committed to shining a spotlight on Aboriginal cultures and histories.
“Through our language revival program, staff work collaboratively with our community to value our local language and history.
“We are so proud of our school and this achievement.”
The Department of Education’s Workforce directorate was awarded gold in the Best Practice in Innovation category for its ‘Keeping our Schools Open’ initiative.
Finance and Commercial Services Executive Director Philippa Beamish Burton won gold as Best Finance Practitioner.
The Southwest Education Regional Office ‘Compass Engagement Program’ won bronze in the Best Practice in Collaboration Across Government Agencies category.