School bells will ring this morning for the first time in 2021, welcoming 275,000 South Australian students in to class.
This includes around 13,000 reception students attending public school for the very first time, and around 13,000 Year 12 students entering their final stage of their schooling in government schools.
This year will also be the final year of primary school for a double cohort of public school students, with 29,000 Year 6 and 7 students waving goodbye to primary school at the end of the year as Year 7 moves into high school from next year.
Education Minister John Gardner said 2021 was set to be a great year.
“This is a time of great excitement and optimism for students and educators alike and I would like to wish them all the very best for the year ahead,” said Minister Gardner.
“The 2021 school year is sure to have its challenges, but I am confident that our students will show the same resilience and determination that impressed us all last year.
“Whatever is thrown at us in 2021 I know our students can handle it with the support of our great educators across the state.
“I would like to reassure parents of children starting school for the very first time that our early primary teachers are extremely skilled at smoothing the transition into school life and they will be focused on ensuring our newest students feel safe and secure.
“Significantly, this year will be the last year of primary school for a double cohort of students, with our Year 6 and 7 students both transitioning into high school in 2022.
“The Year 7 move is on track, with even more families embracing the move this year at our three pilot schools at Mitcham Girls High School, Wirreanda Secondary School and John Pirie Secondary School.
“Our record $1.3 billion education build is in full swing, with more than 70 projects now under construction and more set to begin in the coming months, creating thousands of jobs across the state and providing a critical boost for our economy.
“We are working hard to continue our improvement trajectory in education as we continue to deliver our commitment to supporting our schools to achieve growth for every child, in every class, in every school.
“I want to thank everyone of our educators and support staff in our schools for the work they do, and I am looking forward to a great year ahead.”
