2021 WA International Education Initiative of the Year – Schools

Congratulations to Mt Lawley Senior High School and their International Student Support Program for receiving 2021 WA International Education Initiative of the Year – Schools Award.

The CISWA WA International Education Initiative of the Year – Schools Award recognises the work of an individual or team in a Western Australian school that has contributed to the welfare, support or academic success of international students.  The initiative should enhance the student experience in the school and/or in the wider community.

This award was proudly sponsored by:

Pam Moss, Director, Public Schools Planning, Department of Education WA presented the WA International Education Initiative of the Year – Schools Award to Lesley Street (right)School Principal and Pippa Beetson (middle), International Student Coordinator from Mt Lawley Senior High School.

2021 WINNER: International Student Support Program, Mt Lawley Senior High School

Mt Lawley Senior High School has established a separate demountable classroom as a common room space for international students as a place to socialise with other international and local students. The room has been set up with microwaves and sporting equipment.

Students are encouraged to support each other and it has facilitated interaction between students form different backgrounds. For example, a group of Year 11 Vietnamese international students are teaching Australian students with Vietnamese heritage Maths and Physics – in Vietnamese.
Because of COVID-19 a number of students were facing the loss of family members due to the virus and a special support group was established during form class. The students were able to talk about their situation and the challenges their families were facing in a mutually supportive environment.

Overall, Mt Lawley Senior high School has recognised the special needs of international students and has set up facilities and processes to support them. This has extended to support after hours and during school holidays when required.