National Primary Education Week runs from 3rd to 7th August

Primary schools across Australia are opening their doors to local communities for National Primary Education Week from 3rd to 7th August.

During the five-day programme, schools are hosting student-led forums, exhibitions and performances for families and neighbours.

Australian Primary Principals Association president Angela Falkenberg said the week highlights the work happening in classrooms across the country.

“National Primary Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary education delivered in primary schools every day, right across Australia,” Falkenberg said.

Primary schools build literacy, numeracy, confidence, curiosity and character in the early years.

Falkenberg argued those foundations support stronger secondary and tertiary pathways, and happier, healthier and more resilient communities.

Another focus from 3rd to 7th August is the role of parents in children’s success at school.

Teachers bring expertise in child development, learning and wellbeing, while parents know their own child in ways no one else does.

“When these two forms of expertise come together, children flourish,” Falkenberg said.

Frank Oberklaid urges early support

Professor Frank Oberklaid, a child development expert, backed closer cooperation between schools and families.

He argued children do best when parents and schools work as partners, because adults can support development and spot issues early.

Oberklaid also encouraged parents to ask primary teachers how they can help learning and development at home.

Australian Primary Principals Day

The week ends with Australian Primary Principals Day on 7th August.

The day recognises the complex role principals play as school leaders, community leaders, mentors, crisis navigators and advocates for children’s wellbeing.

“Australian Primary Principals Day is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge primary principals, the humble heroes within every community,” Falkenberg said.

APPA represents more than 7,600 primary principals and school leaders across Australia.

The association’s reach also includes 200,000 primary teachers and 2.2 million primary students.

APPA covers 24 jurisdictions across Government, Catholic and Independent schools.

Angela Falkenberg is also available during the week for comment on NAPLAN.