AUSTRALIAN PRIMARY PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION JOINS THRIVE BY FIVE
16 June 2023 – Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five initiative is pleased to welcome the Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) to its campaign calling for a universally accessible and high-quality early learning system for all Australians.
Angela Falkenberg, President of the Australian Primary Principals Association Board, said she was proud to join Thrive by Five’s groundbreaking campaign that recognises the critical importance of an early learning system that is accessible to all children, regardless of their postcode, family income or background.
“Evidence shows that the first five years of a child’s life are critical for building children’s life-long social, emotional and cognitive skills,” Ms Falkenberg said.
“That’s why a high quality, early education system will allow children to start school fully prepared and set them up for life.
“We want to make sure that no child starts school developmentally vulnerable and that’s why we’re joining the call for a universally accessible and high quality early learning system in Australia.”
Welcoming APPA, Thrive by Five director Jay Weatherill said that primary school principals and teachers are the first ones to identify the benefits of a high-quality, play-based learning when children start mainstream primary school.
“Many Australian children start school developmentally vulnerable and fall behind in school and for the rest of their life.
“Data from The Front Project has shown that this is more likely for children in remote and outer regional areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and those from non-English speaking or lower socio-economic backgrounds.
“Access to high quality early learning can help these children start school on a level playing platform as their peers and succeed in their schooling years.
“That’s why we need school communities to lend their support to the call for a universally accessible and high quality early learning system in Australia.
“APPA has played a vital role in shaping primary education in Australia and brings a wealth of expertise to the campaign. We’re thrilled to have them join Thrive by Five as a campaign partner.”
