Bannister Creek Primary School in Lynwood has been celebrated at the 2024 WA Education Awards, receiving the Cultural Responsiveness Award for its dedication to promoting a cultural inclusivity and safe learning environment.
Only six schools were awarded at the event, which was hosted by the state government to recognise the exceptional achievements of public schools and their positive impact on young people.
Bannister Creek Primary School was awarded for its commitment to cultural responsiveness through programs like the Aboriginal Parent Liaison Group and cultural education initiatives.
The school’s Baldja Waangkiny (Talking Strong Together) group brings together parents and Aboriginal leaders to guide cultural learning opportunities and community projects.
Principal of Bannister Creek Primary School, Susan Archdall, believes that by listening to First Nations voices and embedding these actions into the school’s practices, they are ensuring cultural responsiveness and hope to inspire other schools to follow suit.
“Bannister Creek Primary School is vested in reconciliation. We want our school to pave the way for other schools and hope that winning this award will allow us to do a great job of that,” Ms Archdall said.
“Being recognised for the hard work that has gone in so far has strengthened the passion in our community.”
She believes as a society, we must “listen harder than we speak” and is proud of the progress made at the school in creating a supportive, culturally inclusive environment for all.
“Our parents and leaders are proud of our school and the work we are all doing together. Aboriginal leaders from other schools have commended us and asked to come visit to yarn with us about how to get the ball rolling on their own projects,” Ms Archdall said.
“It is fantastic to be making these strong links out into the community.”
The other five schools recognised at the awards ceremony were Morawa District High School for Excellence in School Leadership, Gwynne Park Primary School in Brookdale for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (Primary), and Applecross Senior High School for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (Secondary).
Beachlands Primary School was honoured for Excellence in Disability and Inclusion, while Lockridge Primary School received recognition for Excellence in Wellbeing and Learning.
WA Education Minister Dr Tony Buti congratulated all the winners and thanked school staff across the state for their commitment to providing “high quality, innovative, and diverse education to all students.”
“It is wonderful to have the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the excellence of our school staff who are instrumental in changing the lives of young people,” he said.
“With both regional and metropolitan schools represented in the award winners, I know our public schools across the State are delivering exceptional education opportunities for young Western Australians no matter their location.”
