OFF YOU GO: Dad Mark Ellis says goodbye to four-year-old Max, off to his first day of pre-primary. FIRST DAY TEARS: It was all too much for little George Mitailas, 5, as he says goodbye to mum and begins school at West Balcatta Primary School pre-primary classes. CLASS OF 2013: First day for West Balcatta pre-primary students. NO WORRIES: William Binning, 5, was full of anticipation for his first day at West Balcatta Primary School. ABOUT 416,000 students started school this morning across WA, with 273,220 -- or more than half -- attending the State's public schools. Boost for indigenous students Mr Collier also used the first day of school to announce a new partnership between the Department of Education and Department of Indigenous Affairs to improve the educational outcomes of Aboriginal students. Mr Collier is minister for both portfolios and has organised for the current Deputy Director General of Indigenous Affairs, Duncan Ord, to be seconded to the Department of Education. "Mr Ord is highly respected for the work he has done over many years in Aboriginal education, training and development within DIA and he will recommend a way forward that takes into account what is working well now, what needs to be improved, specific strategies for remote community schools and the national agenda through the Council of Australian Governments," Mr Collier said. He has extensive experience in working with communities and stakeholders. He will bring his expertise over the next year to give more traction to the six key areas of the Government's Aboriginal education plan.