Supporting Students to Re-Engage and Flourish at the Y School
The Y School provides a safe space for students to re-engage in education. Through our Curriculum and Re-engagement (CARE) School, we harness the science of learning, Individualised Education Plans and wrap-around social-emotional support to re-engage vulnerable and disengaged students, helping them to experience mastery and academic success.
Positive sustained relationships, co-developed pathways into work or further training and participation in a variety of school culture activities encourages development of the whole student so that they increase their motivation, confidence and ability to continue their educational journey and meaningfully engage in future opportunities.
By engaging with the Y School, young people can grow in 5Cs outcomes – Character, Connection, Competence, Confidence and Caring. As young people grow in each of the 5Cs they increase the likelihood of making positive contributions to themselves, their family, and their community. Ultimately supporting them to flourish.
At the Y School 5Cs outcomes are assessed using the 5Cs Model of Positive Youth Development (PYD), an overarching evidence-informed theory that is applied consistently across Y WA Metro Youth Engagement and Education initiatives.
Students complete social impact surveys at the start of Term 1 in 2024, and once again at the end of Term 3. 41 students contributed data through the 2024 Term 1 Baseline survey, a significant increase from piloting our 5Cs data capture at the Y School in 2023. 32 students responded to T3 surveys in 2024. 17 students completed both a T1 and T3 5Cs survey.
The average 5Cs PYD Score for Y School Students in Term 1 2024 was 59.5, a low score. This represents significant vulnerability within the cohort, with low scores in the domains of Caring and Confidence, and below average scores in Character, Competence and Connection. We interpret this to mean that Y School students having multiple barriers to Flourishing at the start of the school year.
However, by the end of Term 3, the average 5Cs PYD score had increased to 63.6 – a significant increase, from a low score to one that is below average. For the 17 students who completed both a pre and post survey, the average change in individual PYD score was 3.29 – a promising result.
The domains which saw most significant improvements were Caring, indicating that students made good progress in developing pro-social skills like sympathy and empathy, and also Character, reflecting an improvement in traits such as having a social conscience, taking responsibility for actions and valuing diversity.
Student’s sense of school belonging also improved from Term 1 to Term 3, with more positive assessments of the support they receive at the school, their acceptance of rules in place, and their sense of attachment to the school.
These positive results are a true testament to the team of educators and Youth Workers at the Y School, whose commitment to providing consistent, holistic support to students drives real, meaningful change for this cohort.
Growth in school belonging and 5C outcomes are reflected in positive academic and workplace outcomes, with 31 2024 Year 12 students choosing to pursue further education, training or work opportunities after their final year at the Y School. These are significant outcomes for students who, only a few years ago, had disengaged from the formal schooling system, and provide testament to the Y’s belief in the transformative power of education as the foundation for lifelong flourishing.
Supporting Young People to Flourish through Case Management
Through our Case Management services, youth workers provide one-to-one support to moderate- and high-risk young people to navigate the issues that come with adolescence. These can include emotion regulation and mental health, family breakdown or conflict, academic issues, training and employment, housing, drugs and alcohol, as well as sexual health, sexual orientation or navigating gender identity. Support is tailored for each young person based on their unique needs but commonly includes counselling, coaching and referrals to other relevant services.
By engaging with case work, young people can grow in 5Cs outcomes which include Character, Connection, Competence, Confidence and Caring. As young people grow in each of the 5Cs they increase the likelihood of making positive contributions to themselves, their family, and their community. Ultimately supporting them to flourish.
In 2024, 112 young people engaged with Case Management across three sites, with 99 contributing data through surveys. Using the 5C Positive Youth Development (PYD) Student Questionnaire the Y WA captured young people’s strengths and environmental supports both at program entry (‘baseline’) and upon completion (‘reflection’). Of the cohort, 38 young people completed both a baseline and reflection survey.
The overall average 5C score increased from 65.25 at baseline to 68.15 after at least three months of engagement. This indicates that the cohort, overall, perceived themselves to have some strengths (in personal attributes and environmental supports) which were enhanced by engaging with Case Management. The overall change in 5C PYD score has driven a large increase in the Connection domain, and promising increases in Competence, Confidence and Character.
Young people also shared the personal impact of the program. Common themes included improved social-emotional management, achieving personal goals, having someone to talk to, and greater engagement with school or employment opportunities. One participant said, “Having someone I feel comfortable talking to, and who acknowledges that I’m trying to be a better person while taking my own time.” Another reflected, “I feel more comfortable going to school. I learned to walk away when I am angry.”
The Case Management program continues to demonstrate how tailored, one-to-one support can strengthen young people’s skills, confidence, and sense of belonging – empowering them to flourish across every aspect of their lives.
The Base Belmont: Building Confidence, Connection, and Skills
TheBase@Belmont is a vibrant youth centre providing a safe, supportive space for young people aged 11 to 25. Located next to both a primary and high school, the centre operates after school and during school holidays, offering a wide range of recreational, social, and skill-building programs led by experienced youth workers.
By engaging with the Base, young people can grow in 5Cs outcomes – Character, Connection, Competence, Confidence and Caring. As young people grow in each of the 5Cs they increase the likelihood of making positive contributions to themselves, their family, and their community. Ultimately supporting them to flourish.
Reece’s journey is one example of this. Referred to the Base by Centrelink at a time when he was unemployed and uncertain about his future. “I didn’t have anything going on at the time,” he recalls. “I was looking for work, mainly trying to get certifications… I was all over the place when I first came in.”
With the support and encouragement of youth workers, Reece began attending regularly, taking part in activities and connecting with other young people. “To be honest, it’s kind of like a second family,” he says. “When I come here, it actually helps to relieve my stress. Sometimes, where I live, it gets a little stressful, so coming here is a place to wind down.”
Through case management, Reece was supported to find housing and gain work-ready qualifications, including his first aid certificate and white card. Just as importantly, he began to grow in the 5Cs:
- Connection – “The Base helped me like, connect with people. Like slowly progress through with relationships and build trust and all that. When I first came it was a bit difficult, cause when I was living in Midland I didn’t really trust any people there for a few years.”
- Confidence – “When I first came in, I was a bit, a little bit more shy. A bit uneasy.”
- Character – “It’s always good to hear other people’s perspectives on stuff here.”
- Caring – “Last year I had a family member pass away. And Kim helped me out a bit, helped me try get through it and all that. It was a bit difficult but managed to get through it though.”
- Competence – “[Y Youth Workers] also did help with getting me my first aid certificate, also my white card.”
Now Reece is focused on the future – getting his driver’s licence, moving into his own home, and becoming more independent. He is certain about the difference the Base has made: “I reckon I’d probably still be unemployed, and a bit more withdrawn, if it wasn’t for the Base. Oh yeah, I’ll definitely keep coming back.”
Reece’s story is just one example of how the Base@Belmont supports young people to flourish. By creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment, the Base strengthens social connections, nurtures personal growth, and equips young people with the skills and confidence they need to flourish.
Historic Firsts at the 2024 Y WA Youth Parliament
The 2024 Y WA Youth Parliament made history as all eight government and opposition Bills were passed by majority vote. The bills addressed critical issues important to West Australian (WA) youth, including child protection, education, housing, and small business support.
In addition to this remarkable legislative success, 2024 also brought a notable shift in leadership dynamics. For the first time, both the Youth Leader of the Opposition and the Youth Deputy Leader of the Opposition hailed from regional electorates, making a significant step towards greater inclusivity and representation within the program.
Seventeen-year-old Tremane Baxter-Edwards from Wyndham made history as Deputy Leader of the Opposition. His dedication to reforming WA’s juvenile detention system, a key topic put forward by the Police and Justice Committee, was evident.
“As a young Aboriginal man from the Kimberley region, I am very much aware of the dire state of youth crime and its impact on my community and across Western Australia. We aspire for all members of the Y WA Youth Parliament to collaborate with us in passing this bill, which sees to improve the juvenile justice system and benefit everyone involved in our criminal justice system.”
Looking ahead, Tremane aspires for a future in federal politics, aiming to represent regional and remote areas across Australia.
“I envision myself continuing to make a significant impact in my community, advocating for everyone who calls the Kimberley home. I take immense pride in being a Wyndham boy and representing the interests of all residents, especially the youth, in Wyndham. I see my future in politics and as a dedicated community advocate,” he added.
At the conclusion of another successful year of the program, sincere appreciation was extended to His Excellency, the Governor, for graciously hosting the Youth Parliamentarians at Government House. His Excellency’s address provided a thoughtful reflection on the importance of trust in democratic processes and the enduring value of our democratic institutions. The occasion also highlighted the exceptional spirit of cooperation, civic engagement, and dedication demonstrated by this year’s Youth Parliamentarians.
School ReadY Program Continues Strong Rollout
Since April 2024, the Literacy and Language domain of the Y WA School ReadY Program has been successfully implemented across all 14 Early Learning Centres (ELCs), supporting children aged three to five in developing foundational literacy and oral language skills.
Across our centres, the program is progressing well. Take our Yappara House ELC for example where centre director Leanne Coombes shared her enthusiasm for the program and the positive impact it’s having on children’s learning and engagement.
She said, “since introducing this program, I have noticed that the children in our service have a higher level of confidence with their language skills. This in turn has helped them to improve their social skills and their use of imagination, which is evident during their interactions and play throughout the day”.
Leanne also noted the professional development benefits for educators. “Our staff have had valuable opportunities to engage in professional learning which means we are upskilling and building capacity of our educators. The program materials are provided, which means that the staff need to spend less time on planning, and they know what to focus on”.
Y WA Literacy Specialist Renee Chakaodza, has been supporting the rollout at all 14 of our ELCs including Yappara House. She said, “children are displaying increased confidence as they discuss stories, learn target vocabulary words and begin to identify sounds they can hear in words.”
Looking ahead, the program will continue to expand across all 14 centres, with an even greater focus on positive outcomes for the children we serve. We will continue using the LanguageScreen assessment tool to track progress, ensuring children develop the skills they need to flourish in school and beyond.
Inside Our Minds: Amplifying Youth Voices Year After Year
For the sixth consecutive year, the Y WA’s Inside Our Minds short film series gave young people from traditionally underrepresented communities a platform to share their lived experiences with mental health.
In 2024, the series highlighted the stories of seven young people living with disabilities, offering real, vulnerable perspectives that promoted understanding, sparked conversation, and challenged stigma.
Rachael Burns was one of the seven young voices featured in this year’s series. Rachael said, “for me, sharing and speaking has many purposes. I speak publicly not only to help others struggling with mental ill health but also those caring for people experiencing mental ill health. I aim to prevent similar experiences to what I went through, increase understanding, promote compassion and human dignity, and breakdown stigmas surrounding these conditions. I also speak to bring justice to my own experiences and to heal the part of me that was silenced for so long. The part that was denied a voice and hidden in the shadows.”
The series was made possible with support from our key sponsor, Mineral Resources (MinRes), and was produced, filmed, and edited by The Periscope Crew; a remarkable organisation run by young people with disabilities.
The 2024 series was also recognised at the Western Australian Mental Health Awards, earning runner-up in the Mental Health News Media category. This accolade highlights the powerful impact of giving young people a platform to share their experiences and amplify their voices in mental health conversations.
The Y WA CEO Dr. Tim McDonald said, “Every year when we work on a new Inside Our Minds series, we have the privilege of providing a platform for young people to share their lived mental health experiences. At the Y WA one of our primary goals is to assist our youth community to flourish and give them a voice so this initiative has become a crucial event in our annual calendar.”
The 2024 Inside Our Minds series was also presented live during Mental Health Week at Yagan Square, Northbridge Piazza, and Curtin University, and remains available on the Y WA YouTube channel.
Watch the full series here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZrtvBUgsokoaRzQUV8mRn7yA3LqZuI-I&si=A4xZ7ESootm1MzPs
WA Youth Honour the ANZAC Spirit on Kokoda
From 26 March to 4 April 2025, 19 young people from the Pilbara, Goldfields, and Perth metro regions undertook the challenging Kokoda Trek as part of the Y WA’s Kokoda Leadership and Development Program. Over nine days, participants trekked 96km through dense jungle and steep terrain, retracing the footsteps of WWII soldiers and connecting deeply with the courage, sacrifice, and mateship that define the ANZAC spirit.
For many, the journey was transformative. Eliot, a participant from Perth who regularly attends the Y WA’s Base@Belmont, reflected on their newfound appreciation for this history.
He said, “I didn’t know a lot about the war history before going on the trip. But a lot of what [the historian] told us and being able to be in the place and hear the stories has given me a lot more appreciation… It makes it feel a lot more real because I can almost like picture it in my head, like these were real people. They’re not just from the history books…”
Participants spent eight months preparing for the trek with support from Kokoda Courage and the Y WA. On the trek they were guided by local Papua New Guineans, descendants of the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’, who assisted Australian soldiers during WWII. These guides offered expert navigation and deep cultural insights, further enriching the group’s understanding of the shared history between our nations.
Each day tested the group’s physical and emotional limits, but mateship and teamwork kept them going, just as it did for the ANZACs.
Stanis, a participant from Kalgoorlie who regularly attends the Y Goldfields Recreation Centre, reflected on the physical and mental challenges of the trek. He said, “the first day was definitely the hardest…the mountain we had to climb was the biggest one and it was the first day too, so we were struggling…”
Despite the difficulty, Stanis rose to the occasion by offering constant support and encouragement to his fellow trekkers. Instead of sitting down after finishing each leg of the trek, he would stay on his feet to cheer on his fellow participants.
In recognition of his selfless attitude and leadership, Stanis was awarded the Kingsbury Award – named in honour of Bruce Kingsbury, an Australian WWII soldier who demonstrated extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.
“Kingsbury led his men to war and died for them…He was on the front-line and… encouraged his fellow soldiers… I think that’s what [the Kokoda Courage historian] noticed [about me too] because after I would finish, I wouldn’t sit down and take a break. I’d always clap and cheer on the other trekkers walking down, and I would always cheer them on and congratulate them.”
The Y WA thanks all sponsors who supported participants, including Murdock Recruitment, Solutions IT, Maali Mechanical Services Pty Ltd, Rotary Club of Boulder, BB Recruitment & Consulting Services, East Pilbara Race Club, Kevin Michel MLA – Newman, Shire of East Pilbara, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Services, Pilbara Regiment, Cassie Rowe MLA – Belmont and Westpac.
