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St. Patrick’s Primary School Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the Community Registered School Number: 0184 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community School Contact Information Address: Principal: Parish Priest: Telephone: Email: Website: 40 – 48 Sutherland Street, Kilmore Mr Keith Hunter Father Peter Rankin 03 57821579 principal@spkilmore.catholic.edu.au www.spkilmore.catholic.edu.au 2 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL VISION St. Patrick’s Parish School Community walks in the footsteps of the Lord and is inspired by His values, attitudes & aspirations. We listen intently to the prompting of the Spirit and yearn with all our hearts to authentically respond to the call of the Gospel. “Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us along the road” (Lk. 24:31) St. Patrick’s School is a Community that passionately nurtures a love of learning, focusing effort and resources on developing the full potential of each child. We commit ourselves to excel. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and age” (Lk. 2:52) St. Patrick’s School Community views itself as a member of the Global Community and we embrace our rights and responsibilities of Stewardship of our planet. “And God saw all that he had made and indeed it was good” (Genesis 1:31) February, 2008 3 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community School Overview St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore, is a coeducational Catholic Primary School at the Southern end of the Kilmore township approximately 60 kilometres north of Melbourne. The school was established in 1968. St Patrick’s is on a small but well presented 3.2 hectare site with the Parish church adjacent on Sutherland Street. The school comprises 21 classrooms in a series of clusters and portables .There is also a Library, Art Room, Music Room, Learning Centre, Special Needs Area, Reading Recovery area and Hall. The Administration Block contains the Library and annex, staff room, first aid area, school reception as well as Principal’s office and other staff offices. An air of excitement is present at the school as there are plans for a new school building on a site beside the Parish Church. The school of 531 children runs 21 classes with three classes at each Year Level. As well as the classroom positions there are specialist positions in Music, Physical Education, Visual Arts, Library/ICT, and LOTE (Indonesian). Reading Recovery and other intervention program staff are also employed at the school. The leadership is supported by a Bursar, a Secretary and an Administrative Support Officer. There are 26 integrated students supported by 5 Integration Aides and there are two other student support staff. Around 10 % of children come from families with a language base other than English and the school has 12 % of families in receipt of the Educational Maintenance Allowance. Enrolled students come from Kilmore and surrounding towns which include Wallan, Wandong, Heathcote Junction, Pyalong, Broadford and Darraweit Guim. All of these areas are within twenty minutes by car from the school. Parents are encouraged to play an active part in the life of the school. The school values and promotes partnerships between the school, home, Parish and church. Parents are active in the Parent Support Group, the Perceptual Motor Program, on working bees, sport and excursions, and as classroom helpers. 4 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Principal's Report During the past school year St Patrick’s School has made good progress. The focus of the 2008 academic year was the School Review. The review was a positive experience which allowed the whole staff to reflect on the work of the school over the previous three years. From the review, the school was able to identify both its achievements and challenges and to develop a School Improvement Plan which sets in place a process for 2009 - 2012 that will enable the school to continue to grow and ensure that its students are prepared to take their place in society. In his executive summary of the School Review, Mr John Renowden, wrote, “St Patrick’s Primary School in Kilmore can be pleased with its achievements over the period under review. The school is generally making good progress in improving the educational outcomes for its students.” He then went on to state • • The school has established a strong Catholic identity and has a strong commitment to prayer, Sacraments and the Liturgy. Student learning has shown excellent progress particularly in Reading. The early years’ literacy strategies (CLaSS) are producing excellent results. Parents perceive the school to convey a caring family focus. Student wellbeing is a strength with its holistic approach to the development of the child. The leadership structure is sound with an increasing focus on developing effective teams and increased collaboration in decision-making. • • • • It is within a context of educational growth that St Patrick’s moves forward with the needs of our children as the focus. Len Devlin Acting Principal July 2009 5 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Education in Faith Goals To nurture the Catholic Culture within our school. Intended Outcomes 1. That the students are highly engaged in the Religious Education curriculum 2. That the students are highly engaged in the prayer life of the school 3. That staff are motivated and active participants in the religious life of the school 4. That parents are supported in their role as prime educators of the Faith of their children Achievements Both our staff and parents have indicated through the 2008 School Review that St Patrick’s school has a strong Catholic identity. In 2008, we have supported parents as prime educators of their children’s faith development. This has been achieved through our whole school family faith nights, Sacramental programs, the home-school link using “To Know Worship and Love” and parent workshops to help develop R.E. resources. We have engaged children in the traditions and practices of their faith through the Sacramental and Liturgical life of the school and an understanding of the importance of the icons and symbols of the Catholic faith. Every day at St Patrick’s, classes begin with prayer and students are given opportunities to lead and participate. Each class is given the responsibility of leading prayer at the commencement of assembly each week and preparing whole school liturgies. 70% of students agreed that “Participating in prayer at this school is very important to me“and “while at this school, reflecting on my faith is very important to me.” In the parent survey over 95% of parents agreed that the school provides the opportunity for their child/children to reflect on their faith, to celebrate the Sacraments and to participate in prayer. These two survey results highlight the value of our Education in Faith program. Teachers have been engaged in Professional Development activities in order to adapt appropriate strategies to the teaching of Religious Education. The text, To Know Worship and Love is well accepted by staff and the new exemplar units have been trialled and adapted to suit the school. This is leading to more effective teaching of Religious Education as this approach encompasses the Inquiry model of learning. Teachers have begun the process of developing their understanding of Reporting and Assessing in Education In Faith in preparation for reporting to parents at the end of the 2009 academic year. Staff regularly gather together as a faith community to celebrate, reflect and worship through Christ. Participation in the communal celebrations occur in a variety of ways, including a Commissioning Mass, an Opening staff Mass, a new staff welcoming Liturgy, reflections and prayer at the commencement of meetings. Staff are provided with the opportunity to prepare, lead and participate in these reflections and prayers. The school participates in at least two Eucharistic celebrations a Term. In 2009, these celebrations have been supported with Father Rankin attending individual class liturgies. These class liturgies incorporate simple celebrations of our faith and the children from the Senior classes participating in Reconciliation. 6 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Learning and Teaching Goals To maximise the academic, social, emotional and spiritual development of each student. Intended Outcomes 1. That improved student outcomes are achieved in Mathematics (number) by students achieving at or above the expected VELS level 2. That improved student outcomes are achieved in English (writing and spelling) by students achieving at or above the expected VELS level 3.That students are highly engaged in their learning 4. That contemporary pedagogy is embedded in our curriculum. Achievements MINIMUM STANDARDS The Federal Government has set a minimum standard for all students to achieve. The following tables identify the percentage of our children who have achieved the minimum standard Year 3 READING 98.7% Year 5 READING WRITING SPELLING 95.6% 97.1% 94.1% CHANGES IN NATIONAL MINIMUM STANDARD RESULTS Year 3 READING + 1.4 Year 5 READING -1.2% WRITING -2.9% SPELLING N/A NUMERACY + 3.8% WRITING 0.0 SPELLING N/A NUMERACY + 5.4% NUMERACY 94.1% WRITING 98.7% SPELLING 97.4% NUMERACY 98.7% The Year Three results show positive growth with an increase in Reading and Writing remaining the same. is very encouraging to see the growth that has occurred in Mathematics, Year 3 (+5,4%) and Year 5 (+3.8%). We are delighted that such a high percentage of students are working above the National Benchmark. Those children who have not met the minimum benchmark are receiving extra assistance through focused teaching and extra support YEAR 3 AND 5 AIM/NAPLAN DATA FIVE YEAR TREND DATA 7 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community 8 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Parent, Teacher and Student Satisfaction The 2008 review surveyed Parents, Teachers and Children in regards to school perception. It was found that Parents were generally very supportive of the educational programs provided by the school. • 77 % of parents agree that the education programs at this school are suitable for my child. 9 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community • • 79 % agree that the school always aims to improve the quality of education it provides. 84 % agree that the teachers at my child’s school are extremely dedicated The Reviewer in his report wrote, “Students are generally happy at school and have good relationships with teachers and most find their learning is stimulating. In the Student Focus Group discussions students indicated their teachers were helpful, friendly, fair, caring and make work interesting • • • • • 84% of students agreed that I am keen to do very well at my school. 79 % agreed that my teachers really want to help me to learn Major findings from the Staff survey were: 90% of staff indicated they are satisfied with their job. 79 % of staff agreed that staff take pride in this school. 75 % agreed that staff at this school always focused on improving the quality of the school’s teaching and learning practices. ACTIVITIES The school provides to all children opportunities to develop in all areas. To do this we need to offer a diverse and varied curriculum that challenges each child to develop not only academically but also be able to be able to think and be adaptable. To do this some of the activities that we provide include: • • • • • • • • The establishment of Professional Learning Teams (PLTs). In 2009, the School has introduced Facilitated Planning which ensures that all student learning is focused. Intensive staff PD has been provided in targeted Literacy, Numeracy, Education in Faith and the relevant VELS areas. Increased use of data to inform teaching and learning. The effective use of the CLaSS program in the early years and extension of this program into Years 3 and 4. The use of parents in the classroom helpers program. The use of a two-hour Literacy block across the school to ensure focused teaching and learning. The use of a one hour Numeracy block to ensure focused teaching and learning. . An increase in individual mentoring and peer support. The use of SINE Mathematics program. The appointment of P-2 and 3-6 Mathematics coordinators. The use of ICT across all domains with the provision of at least 5 computers in each class room. At the beginning of 2009, the school purchased an additional twenty laptops f The purchase of Interactive Whiteboards at each level and the use of ‘myclasses’ program. At the beginning of the 2009 the school spent $49,000.00 on the purchase of new interactive whiteboards. The provision of an excellent Art House which provides many varied activities that allow the children to develop themselves. • • • • • 10 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Student Wellbeing Goals To provide a safe secure and caring learning environment for all students. Intended Outcomes 1. That students have a high level of resilience. 2. That students have a strong connection with their peers. Student Attendance The School Improvement Report provided by the Catholic Education Office identifies the Average Attendance of St Patrick’s children at 93.7% Achievements The 2008 reviewer found “The area of student wellbeing is considered by staff and parents to be an area of strength of the school. Programs are designed to provide opportunities for children to be happy, confident and resilient. The needs of all students as individuals are catered for and effective support strategies are in place.”These strategies that help support student well being include: • • • • An established values education approach incorporating the Bounce Back programs. A Positive Relationships Policy The student wellbeing program facilitated by the Wellbeing Coordinator. The election of School and House Captains. The Peer Support Program where Year 6 students assist younger students. Regular Parent Support Group meetings are held. The school’s Assertive Discipline Model of student management is revised each year. Rules are clear and understood by all children.” • • • • Student Satisfaction The school has a strong student orientation with 96% of staff believing that “Students in this school are encouraged to experience success”. In the student Attitudes to School survey, the safety variables (bullying and teasing) were rated by the students at the 92nd percentile placing the school among the best in the state. Over 75% of students surveyed indicated ‘I get on well with other students at my school’ and a very positive 82% agreed that they ‘get on really well with most of my classmates’ Additional Activities St Patrick’s provides a varied curriculum which attempts to engage all children. These activities and services include: • • • • • • • Visual Arts Program Bounce Back Program “On Psych” Counselling Services School Camps and Sleepovers Music: Piano, Keyboard and Flute Programs provided by trained external music teachers Interschool sport for Years 5 and 6 children Chess Club 11 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community • Gardening Club Leadership and Management Goals To ensure a strong professional culture is evident within the school. To provide an educational setting that is conducive to 21st Century learning. Intended Outcomes 1. That teamwork and planning is effective across the school. 2. That roles descriptions are clear. 3. That an inclusive model of consultative decision making is in place. Teachers' Qualifications All members of our teaching staff are registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching Staff Retention The retention of staff for the 2008 – 2009 school years was 77.8%. Staff Attendance Teaching Staff: Non-teaching staff: All staff: 92.6% 96.06% 93.56% Expenditure and Teacher Participation in Professional Learning Expenditure on specific professional learning arrangements for the last year amounted to $23,441.00 and this equated to $633.00 per staff member. The school used Professional Learning Teams in the area of English, Mathematics and Education In Faith to develop teacher understanding of new educational trends. The school also used external 12 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community sources to provide Professional Development. Examples of the professional development outsourced by the school include: • • • • Interpretation of Student Data Spirituality for the Teacher Prep – 4 Literacy Enhancement All members of the School Leadership Team participating in the CEO Northern Leadership Conference “Inspire and Engage” Implementation of the new Education in Faith Guidelines. • Achievements The Review found the following, “The Principal and small leadership team have created a friendly staff climate with supportive staff who rated ‘job satisfaction’ among its higher responses. There is a good team spirit among staff and this aspect is still developing. The current leadership style displays a great deal of experience, empathy and decisiveness. The leadership is seen by staff as most supportive and reliable. Around 70% of staff agree that there is support from the leaders in this school and staff are able to approach the school leaders to discuss concerns and grievances. (Staff Opinion Survey) Staff work together in a collaborative manner. This was demonstrated when 79% of staff agreed with the staff survey statement, “I feel accepted by other staff in this school.” These perceptions endorse the view, there is good team spirit in the school. The school is committed to the development of all staff members. Teacher learning can be provided by external agencies or can happen within the school context. In 2009, the school introduced Facilitated Planning. Facilitated Planning provides the opportunities for all teaching staff to be provided with up to date pedagogy whilst they are planning in a team. This process has been well accepted by staff and is being continuously evaluated so as to ensure that teachers are able to use up to date teaching strategies for the development of each child. 13 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community School Community Goals To further promote and strengthen the involvement of all families and community groups in the life of the school Outcomes 1. That the parent involvement in the school is strong. 2. That the local community/school relationship is strong. Achievements Participation by parents in school life is welcomed and a range of avenues for involvement are available. They include the School Support Group as well as involvement in excursions, reading assistance in classrooms, library support and help with sport. Parents are trained as reading assistants in the Literacy Parent helper workshops. In 2009, the Steering Committee for the new School Board was created. It is envisaged that the School Board will be launched in Tem 4, 2009. St Patrick’s sees itself not only as an educational institution, but it also has an important role to play in the local and extended communities. To this extent the school has involved itself with many outside activities so that the school can contribute and be an important member of the community. ANZAC DAY In 2009, the school took place in the local ANZAC Day ceremonies conducted by the Kilmore RSL Sub Branch. The school was represented by our two school captains who laid a wreath to remember all those who have paid the ultimate price. SCHOOL CHOIR Under the direction of Mrs Jeannette Pike, a small but dedicated choir has been formed. The choir has performed at the Dionella Nursing Home and the Kilmore Carols Service. LOCAL ENVIRONMENT As part of our commitment to the local environment, several classes have participated in tree planting activities. As part of the Years 3 and 4 Inquiry Unit, all students participated in an excursion that investigated the health of the Kilmore Creek. The school has developed good relationships with such local bodies as Water Watch, the Broken Murray Catchment Authority and Landcare. CHILDREN’S FIRST FOUNDATION St Patrick’s prides itself on the relationship it has developed with the Children’s First Foundation. The school provides free education to children who are under the care of the Foundation whilst they are recovering from medical treatment. SCHOOL PRODUCTION In 2008, students from Years 5 and 6 were involved in a School Production. This production was highly successful and it allowed the children to demonstrate many varied skills. It is envisaged that the school production will be held on a biannual basis. RESPONSE TO THE BLACK SATURDAY FIRES Like all Australians, the school community was shocked with the intensity of the Black Saturday Fires. Several families lost houses and there were a large number of families whose properties and infrastructure were affected by the fires. On the Sunday, after the fires members of the School Leadership contacted all members of our school community who were affected by this tragedy. The following week the school worked closely with those affected by the fires ensuring that basic were provided. Through the generosity of members of our school community and from donations from other Catholic schools and even from institutions interstate, the school was able to disburse $40,000.00 directly to members of our school community who had been affected. Indeed this was an example of how the whole of St. Patrick’s community “walk in the Footsetps of the Lord.” 14 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Financial Performance Financial Performance for the year ended 31 December 2008 (The information for this section is from the VRQA Financial Report tab on your AFS.) Reporting Framework Modified Cash Tuition $ 300,828.00 $ 124,410.00 $ 127,918.00 $ 603,511.00 $ 2, 191,806.00 $ Recurrent income School fees Other fee income Private income State government recurrent grants Australian government recurrent grants Total recurrent income Recurrent expenditure Salaries, allowances and related expenses Non salary expenses $3,348.480.00 Tuition $ 2, 460,745.00 $ 336,832.00 Total recurrent expenditure Capital income and expenditure Government capital grants Capital fees and levies Other capital income $ 2,797,577.00 Tuition $ 129,150.00 $ 124,067.00 $ 5000.00 $ 258, 217.00 Total capital income Total capital expenditure Loans (includes refundable enrolment deposits and recurrent, capital and bridging loans) $190,605.00 Tuition Total opening balance Total closing balance $ 121,000.00 $ 100,500.00 Note that the information provided above does not include the following items: System levies charged to individual schools, intra-systemic transfers and diocesan supplementary capital fund (SCF) supported borrowings for primary schools. The information provided is not comparable with other educational sectors. The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is in the process of reviewing the Financial Questionnaire (FQ) during 2009 that may ultimately change the method of reporting these exclusions. 15 St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Future Directions There is great excitement within the school at the present moment due to the fact that building of the new school will commence shortly. The new school will be built on land diagonally opposite from the present school site. Father Rankin and Mr Keith Hunter have worked tirelessly to ensure that this project has come to fruition. In consultation with Smith and Treacy Architects, the footprint for the new school has been designed to incorporate educational thought for a school that caters for learning in the 21st Century. The plan incorporates four Units which allow children to work in Prep, Junior, Middle and Senior units. Also included in the plan is a new administration block together with an Discovery/Library Information Centre and a fully equipped gymnasium. The school waits enthusiastically for this exciting program so that we can work in a setting which is designed for 21st century learning. The second half of the 2009 school year will see the staff working together in developing their understanding of the assessment and reporting processes involved in Education in Faith. Together with all Catholic schools the teachers are working diligently in developing their understanding of Education in Faith so that Education In Faith can be incorporated into the “A-E” reporting, as stipulated by the Federal Government reporting compliance. One of the review major recommendations was “That improved student outcomes will be achieved in Mathematics particularly the number dimension”. To achieve this goal St Patrick’s will become part of Mathematics Strategic Support. This program will commence early Term 3 2009 with the members of the school’s Mathematics Leadership Team, Len Devlin, Rachel Trotter and Evelyn Pickering working with staff members of the Catholic Education Office (Melbourne) to set direction for the Strategic Plan. The key to the future is the needs of our children. As a school we will ensure that all of the children entrusted work towards reaching their potential and will help and guide these children so that they can become active and purposeful members of our society. 16