26 September 2025
Three WA public schools have been recognised for their innovation and commitment at this year’s WA Mental Health Awards.
Forest Crescent Primary School in Thornlie, Mandurah’s John Tonkin College and the School of Special Educational Needs Medical and Mental Health (SSENMMH) are finalists in the Education Award category.
School of Special Educational Needs Medical and Mental Health is one of the finalists in the WA Mental Health Awards.
The award recognises ongoing programs and activities in schools and other education institutions that encourage positive mental health and wellbeing for students, staff and volunteers.
Caleb Jones, principal of SSENMMH, said the nomination was testament to the special school’s role in supporting students with mental health needs.
“It's a proud moment for our staff and community to receive recognition of our support for students' wellbeing and learning,” he said.
“Being named as a finalist in the Education category alongside other worthy schools and organisations is not only about us, but also our enrolling schools, health teams and families we partner with.”
The school, which began in 1943, provides specialist teaching support for primary and secondary students who are in hospital or engaged in outpatient services.
Mr Jones said helping students continue their education while dealing with mental health challenges was a critical part of their road to recovery.
“Young people with physical and mental health challenges are far more likely to struggle at school,” he said.
“But when they have the right support and people around them, this can be turned around.
“The underlying principle of our Liaise-Educate-Transition-Support (LETS) model is to ensure every student is assigned a coordinating teacher who will follow them through their educational journey while navigating health settings.
“We now have a teacher in every CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) clinic in WA, to support the learner and uphold their right to educational continuity.”
Eighty per cent of the students who engage with the School of Special Educational Needs Medical and Mental Health eventually return to their enrolled school, or a suitable alternative.
It’s a source of great satisfaction for Mr Jones and the dedicated team at SSENMMH.
“We are very proud of the results achieved when we work together with other schools, health teams and families in the best interest of students learning and health journey,” he said.
“The evidence is crystal clear.
“Young people's success as a learner and hopes of attaining a meaningful future pathway are closely intertwined with their belonging to a school community and their positive mental health.”
The winner of the Education Award will be announced on 10 October.
For more information about the awards, visit the WA Association for Mental health website.