Investing in primary schooling and early education is one of the smartest economic decisions Australia can make for its future, the Australian Primary Principals Association has declared.
The Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) Primary Education Summit of national educators and associated professionals held in Canberra in May explored the critical link between strong early learning foundations and a confident, thriving nation.
The summit agreed to advocate for national system priorities that focus on the urgency of early developmental support, equity for First Nations students, new measurements of success that recognise
wellbeing and connection, and embed services and supports in schools.
Currently, one in four children start school developmentally vulnerable, as highlighted by the Australian Early
Development Census. This is an early indicator of the broader systemic challenges facing the sector, APPA President Angela Falkenberg said.
“Primary schools are challenged by growing inequity, workforce shortages, escalating student wellbeing and
behavioural needs, and increased administrative demands.
“These challenges are compounded by under-resourcing for early intervention and a decline in public trust,” she said.
The APPA Summit consensus aligns with the aspirations of the Mparntwe Education Declaration, which calls
for excellence and equity in education so that all young Australians can become confident, creative
individuals, successful lifelong learners, and active, informed citizens.
The summit affirmed that without coordinated, sustained action, the goals of the Mparntwe Declaration risk
remaining out of reach.
“The Australian Primary Principals Association and its partners are calling for urgent, collaborative efforts to
ensure all children receive the support they need to thrive, and for Australia to realise the full promise of its
education system,” Ms Falkenberg said.
The summit committed to advocate for the following:
- Increasing cross-sector collaboration (health, education, housing, child protection) as fragmented
and inaccessible services are failing to meet family needs. - Investing early and wisely: early environments significantly influence later outcomes – early
disadvantages accumulate and become harder to overcome. - Measuring what truly matters for lifelong success – expand what we measure and value so that we
honour the full complexity of childhood and the true impact of teaching. - Embedding culturally safe practices and pedagogy – ensure First Nations children are better
supported through community-led approaches that start well before school and continue with
strength throughout the primary years. - Elevating teacher and student voices to ensure those at the heart of primary education help shape
its future.
“Primary education lays the foundation for every child’s future – it is where learner identity, confidence, and
possibility are shaped. When we get primary education right, we set children up not just for academic
success, but for a life of meaning, contribution, and connection,” Ms Falkenberg said.
APPA represents over 7,600 primary principals and school leaders across Australia; 200,000 primary teachers; and 2.2 million primary students; all working and learning in primary schools from 24 jurisdictions across all three education sectors (Government, Catholic and Independent).
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