Services now available through Connected Community trial schools

The four schools taking part in the Connected Community Schools trial have all launched their first services, including programs and initiatives to their school communities.

The trial aims to ensure families can easily access community health and social services, while improving students' educational and wellbeing outcomes beyond the classroom. 

Four Western Australian public schools were selected for the $21 million transformative four-year trial and commenced community and stakeholder consultation in 2025.  

Ashburton Drive Primary School, in Gosnells, Clarkson Primary School, Girrawheen Senior High School, and Roebourne District High School are taking a place-based approach to address specific local needs with a range of initiatives, such as making services available onsite to remove barriers to access. 

Heather Fallo, principal at Ashburton Drive Primary School, said the school was proud to be selected as part of the trial.   

“We know that when children feel safe, supported and understood, they are far more ready to learn, and when families feel welcomed and supported, our students thrive,” she said.  

“We have a dedicated Connected Community team, including a program coordinator, social worker and administration assistant.  

“Their main focus is to help connect families with support, make services easier to access and ensure families don’t feel like they’re navigating things on their own.  

“Two social work placement students and a speech pathologist have joined us this semester to assist the team, and our chaplain has been increased to fulltime. 

“As we move forward with this trial, we’ll continue to listen, learn and adapt.” 

While there may be some similarities, it is expected that each site will look and feel different, given the needs of each school community are different. 

The trial will also include an independent evaluation that will run alongside the trial to monitor progress, feedback on what is working and inform improvements and future expansions. 

More information about the trial is on our website.