Ed Talks WA

With nominations open for the 2024 WA Education Awards, we talk to the most recent recipients of these honours. They explain why they nominated and what winning means to them, their staff, students and the whole school community. We also take a closer look at a new category for 2024, Excellence in wellbeing and learning.

In Jelena Dokic's own words, "the least interesting thing about me is tennis". The former tennis prodigy was forced to deal with more as a young person than any one person should endure during a lifetime. And now she has found her voice through words.

Lead autism researcher, Professor Andrew Whitehouse, explains 'Inklings', a life-changing program for babies aged 6-18 months who are showing early differences in social interaction and communication development. He explains that if we change the way we connect with babies, we can change their whole lives.

Kevin O'Keefe, Principal Advisor of Student Achievement, is preparing for his third and final attempt at retirement. He has spent 53 years in public education, as a teacher, principal, executive director and, more recently, as a member of the Department's corporate executive, advising on ways to improve education outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Derry Simpson, CEO of Youth Focus, explains how they support WA's young people, with more than 40% of those aged 12 to 25 being diagnosed with mental health illnesses - but only half those receiving help. Find out too how you can help by supporting the annual Ride for Youth.

School psychologist consultants, Sarah Papaelias and Brendan Everett, provide tips to families with younger students who are starting school for the first time, including managing nerves and accessing support.

It's a shocking truth that 70 percent of school children say their body image is their top concern, with kids experiencing rates of suicide, depression and anxiety far greater than ever before. Enter Dr Zali Yager, a former teacher and international body image expert who reveals her own body battle and the new resources she's created so that WA teachers can help students embrace their bodies.