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Sacred Heart Parish School Sandringham 2008 Annual Report to the Community Registered School Number: 937 Sacred Heart Parish School 2008 Annual Report to the School Community School Contact Information Address: Principal: Parish Priest: School Board Chair: Telephone: Email: Website: 11 Fernhill Road, Sandringham. 3191 Erin Macdonald Fr. Frank O’Loughlin Parish Education Board 9598 9322 principal@shsandringham.catholic.edu.au www.shsandringham.catholic.edu.au 2 Sacred Heart Parish School 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Our School Vision Sacred Heart Parish School is a Catholic Parish Primary School situated in Fernhill Road Sandringham. The school has a strong community base, which embraces and fosters its children, staff, parent and community through our gospel beliefs. Our vision statement is a ‘living’ policy document, which will enable us to make relevant changes and therefore, stay in tune with current curriculum and educational practices. Christ is the central focus of our school and we are witnesses to him and his teachings, in our daily lives. As our children are the focus of all the school’s endeavours, we aim to: • • • • • • Provide an environment where Gospel values are modelled and experienced through the sincere interpersonal relations of its members. Provide a warm, safe, secure, caring atmosphere, where all are made welcome and feel they belong. Provide a stimulating teaching and learning environment where students are encouraged to take risks, to respect themselves and others and celebrate successes. To develop an inclusive environment where each child is valued and respected and encouraged to reach their full potential in a supportive, caring, Catholic setting. Develop the whole person intellectually, spiritually, physiologically, physically, socially in an environment that encompasses tolerance, dignity, respect, compassion and love with Jesus as our model to all people. Provide a school where all will have the right to learn in an environment that uses the most effective, current approaches in education. • 3 Sacred Heart Parish School 2008 Annual Report to the School Community School Overview Sacred Heart School was established by the Presentation Sisters in 1912 and was under their direction for seven years. In 1989 the first lay Principal was appointed and while the community regretted the passing of the Presentation Sisters, the dedicated group of lay teachers continue to look after the children in their care, striving to provide a warm community atmosphere and a caring pastoral approach, well supported by our Parish Priest, Fr Frank O’Loughlin. Sacred Heart School caters for approximately 230 children. It is situated on the corner of Sandringham and Fernhill Roads, close to Port Phillip Bay, within walking distance to the beach, the shopping centre and the railway station. Sacred Heart has well-maintained facilities and grounds, nine separate classroom areas, a library, a Reading Recovery/Special Education room, an art/craft centre, a large hall and two separate meeting rooms available for parish and school use. Sacred Heart School offers a broad integrated curriculum, with particular emphasis on the importance of a well-structured Religious Education program from Prep to Year 6. The Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) provides the basis for curriculum planning through the eight key learning areas, thus providing a holistic comprehensive education for the children. Our curriculum embraces the gospel values of love, honesty, justice and compassion and is well supported by co-curricular programs, such as Religious Education, a whole-school literature-based reading program, Japanese, computer education, a Student Welfare Support Group, a swimming program, interschool sport & camp, a secondary school transition program, a Year 6 leadership program, local community interaction, and an assessment and reporting policy which brings together many other disciplines and aspects of life. Facilities which support these programs include an art/science centre, a modern well-equipped, computerised resource centres, excellently maintained facilities and grounds, Church and Parish Hall and meeting room, an adventure playground, and most importantly, a caring and supportive staff and an active parent and parish community. School Building Project In February 2009, Sacred Heart Parish School commenced a major renovation and building project. The project includes three new classrooms, new student toilets, a new library and Deputy Principal’s Office. The BER package announced in February 2009 has enabled Sacred Heart Parish School to build a state of the art Multipurpose Hall to facilitate our students and the wider community. 4 Sacred Heart Parish School 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Principal's Report 2008 was a year of change for the staff, students and community of Sacred Heart Parish. The first six months for 2008 saw the appointment of Mrs. Anne Reed as Acting Principal with my appointment effective from Term 3 We began the 2008 year with an enrolment of 239 pupils, our August Census was 241. There were 9 learning groups: P, P/1.2 x 1/2, 2 x 3/4, 4/5, 2 x 5/6. The programs with support staff were: LOTE (Japanese), PE/Sport Ed., ICT, Visual Arts, Music, Literacy support, Student Wellbeing and Educational Support. The Leadership Team consisted of the Principal, the Deputy Principal, the Religious Education Coordinator, IBL Coordinator, Senior staff and Teaching & Learning Coordinator. The school structure for 2009 is: P, P/1.2 x 1/2, 2 x 3/4, 4/5, 2 x 5/6. = 9 learning groups. The specialist and support programs will include: Literacy support, Physical Education/Sport Ed., Visual Arts, Music, ICT and Japanese. The development and success of Sacred Heart Parish School is not possible without the commitment, dedication and support of our parents, staff, parish community, P.A., Parish Education Board and the enthusiasm of our wonderful students. I sincerely thank each person who has contributed to our development in 2008. I especially thank: Fr. Frank O’Loughlin for his commitment, enthusiasm, leadership, support and pastoral care. Our Leadership Team for their leadership and hard work. Karen Matthiesson for her conscientious effort and thoughtfulness in her role as School Administration Officer. I look forward to your continued support and participation in 2009 Kind regards, Erin Macdonald Principal 5 Sacred Heart Parish School 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Education in Faith Goals and Intended Outcomes To provide further opportunities for staff and parents to develop their faith To provide staff with access to best practice in teaching and learning pedagogies in Religious Education To successfully incorporate the standards when reporting to the parents in Religious Education. To strengthen and promote a shared responsibility between the school, home and parish in Religious Education To continue to ensure teachers successfully implement the new Frameworks Improve the Catholic Culture of Sacred Heart Parish School from approximately 70 points to 85 point over the next 4 years, especially in the areas of behaviour and social justice. Achievements • Successfully implemented the new RE frameworks using a template that is teacher friendly and encourages teachers to reflect on what they do in Religious Education sessions. • • • • • • • • Made RE come alive for the students using the many interesting activities in the new frameworks. Encouraged teachers to talk about RE and to moderate pieces of the students work Provided teachers with continuous professional development to assist them in the role as Educators in faith. Encouraged parents, the first educators in faith to continue to be partners with the school to assist their child on their faith journey Ensured everyone is aware that Sacred Heart is a Catholic school Encouraged students to integrate Christ’s teaching from the scripture into their daily lives Given students an awareness of the history and traditions of the Catholic religion and deepen their relationship with God Continued to strengthen the relationship between the parish and the school Item 8: Valued Added • • • The items highlighted above have all ‘added value’ to the achievement and spiritual development of our students. Religious Education Coordinator program support and release = 1 day per week. Sacred Heart Parish support and assistance. 6 Sacred Heart Parish School 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Learning and Teaching Goals and Intended Outcomes To achieve continued improvement in overall student performance from Prep – Yr. 6 Improve our pedagogy in line with VELs To include the student in planning of their learning, therefore aiming for a 20 point improvement of the next 4 years. Staff need to find out what students know, what they would like to know; then provide the opportunities and resources for them to seek this knowledge. To further develop and incorporate the Inquiry Based Learning approach to enhance our Teaching and Learning pedagogy, thus aiming for a 15 point improvement of the next 4 years. To establish a rich extension program for students with high order thinking skills Incorporate more Boys Ed practices into our Teaching and Learning Incorporate more oral language into our teaching and learning practices. Improve our moderation skills and the passing on of information to staff Achievements • Our CEOM SIR Year 1 Literacy Data reflects trends over the last 5 years. In 2004 100% of students were above the benchmark 80% reading at level 20. The following years reflect a pattern of high achievement for students at Sacred Heart Parish School: 2005 – 100%, 2006 – 100%, 2007 – 97.30% and in 2008 – 100%. Prep and Year 2 results from CLaSS Literacy Data reflect a similar pattern with between 2005 and 2009 with 100% reaching CEO targets. All years were above Like Schools. The Reading Recovery Program has consistently had full coverage, which means all students requiring reading intervention have or are receiving the service. Professional Learning Teams operated across all levels of the school. Staff have been involved in VELs and IBL professional development Professional Development has been closely linked to our Annual Action Plan and School Improvement Plan • • • 7 Sacred Heart Parish School 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Compliance Advice Year 3 Reading Year 3 Writing Year 3 Spelling Year 3 Grammar and Punctuation Proportion of students meeting national minimum standard Year 3 Numeracy Year 5 Reading Year 5 Writing Year 5 Spelling Year 5 Grammar and Punctuation Year 5 Numeracy Year 3 Reading Year 3 Writing Year 3 Spelling Year 3 Grammar and Punctuation Change in national minimum standard results from the previous year Year 3 Numeracy Year 5 Reading Year 5 Writing Year 5 Spelling Year 5 Grammar and Punctuation Year 5 Numeracy Item 6 & Item 7: • • • 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 94.1% 94.1% 100% 97.1% 97.1% 0.0% 0.0% N/A N/A 0.0% -5.9% -5.9% N/A N/A -2.9% N/A no national benchmarks for spelling All Yr 3students meet the national benchmarks and 94.1% of Yr 5 student meet the national benchmarks in Reading and Writing and 97.1% of Yr 5 student meet the national benchmarks in Grammar, Punctuation and Numeracy. 100% of Yr 5 students meet the national benchmarks in spelling In 2008, there was a -5.9% drop in Yr 5 Reading and Writing from the 2007 results and a -2.9% drop in numeracy results from 2007. Item 8: Valued Added • The Parent’s Association (P A) committed funds and support for Literacy & Numeracy resources and Interactive Whiteboards in classrooms. • Significant work has been done to ensure planning and programs reflect strong teamwork at levels. • Team meetings are held weekly for curriculum development, Literacy/Numeracy development and team planning. • Progress of students is monitored by ongoing assessments and use of Individual Learning Plans (ILP’s) as needed. Item 9: Parent, teacher and student satisfaction • The annual Staff Review meetings held in Term 3 indicated a positive level of staff satisfaction. • Staff willingly support one another and take on extra work as required. • Parents have a high level of involvement in the school and support the school with time, effort and financial contribution. • Assemblies, Open Days, School Masses, family activity days, sporting carnivals and class activities have been well supported. 8 Sacred Heart Parish School 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Student Wellbeing Goals and Intended Outcomes Survey results suggest that teachers need further professional development in this area and the students need greater input into decision made at school including that of the curriculum. Our student morale falls within the Middle 50% of schools. We aim to increase this by 10 points in the next 4 years. Students need to be more stimulated and engaged in their learning thus we aim for a 20 point improvement over the next 4 years. Achievements The school Pastoral Care Policy, which includes the Behaviour Management Policy was reviewed and revised in 2006 • Each class dedicates the first weeks of the school year to a social skilling program, focussing on school and classroom rules, social skills, personal development and bullying. The social skilling program has been developed from the Interpersonal Development learning focus statements in V.E.L.S. Interpersonal Development is integrated into all aspects of the curriculum. Social Skilling is taught continually throughout the year and is integrated into other key learning areas. • Teachers have been trained to facilitate Circle Time and they conduct fortnightly sessions with their class. • Student Wellbeing coordinator is allocated release time for 1 day a week • Playground and Classroom Behaviour Folders are used by staff to record and monitor student behaviour. • Information about students with severe allergies is distributed to all staff members. Students with anaphylaxis each have a clearly labelled bag with their photograph on it storing their medication in the first aide room. All staff are aware of which children have anaphylaxis and where their medication is located. • 85% of staff attended an Asthma and Anaphylaxis training session in November 2008. • The school has fulfilled the requirements to become an Asthma friendly school. These requirements included Asthma education in all classes for students and in the newsletter for parents and cares, asthma training for staff members and Ventolin and spacers made readily available throughout the school. Compliance Advice Item 5: Student Attendance • % Average student attendance rate for the year 2008 = 92.58% • Item 8: Valued Added • In 2008, Sacred Heart Parish School continued to support the position of “Student Wellbeing Coordinator”, and implement various programs including the Values Program. Item 9: Student Satisfaction • Student’s responses to the InsightSRC survey in the areas of ‘Wellbeing’ were in the Middle to Top 25 % of schools, stating that they felt very connected, safe and happy at school. 9 Sacred Heart Parish School 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Leadership and Management Goals and Intended Outcomes Provide clear and concise role descriptions. Improve our appraisal, feedback and recognition processes Provide opportunities for staff to challenge and support each other with ideas and feedback in a team environment. We wish to further enable staff to provide inclusive and supportive programs for students with special needs. Achievements • • • • • • • • • • • • To build a team model of leadership and management who have a shared vision To create an effective cohesive team of skilled educators in resources, finance, curriculum To keep abreast of best practice and pedagogy To provide a happy, appealing, engaging, safe school environment The school leadership team to provide an effective and streamlined communication channel between all staff and parents Provide a clear/concise role description for all staff To ensure the school’s finances & resources are managed appropriately, effectively & efficiently. To ensure the school’s leadership practices are democratic & reflect the Vision of the school. To ensure communication structures are effective, clear and transparent Establish guidelines and an effective structure for the leadership team. Develop a professional culture of learning amongst the staff. Provide opportunities for staff to develop as effective leaders in the school. Items 1-3: Teaching Staff: Staff attendance The average attendance rate per staff member The proportion of teaching staff retained in a program year from the previous year Non-teaching staff: All staff: 91% 98.87% 93.32% Staff retention 66.67% Teacher qualifications Listing of teachers' qualifications Masters – 9.52% Diploma – 9.52% Bachelor – 66.67% Diploma – Advanced – 66.67% No Qualifications Listed – 9.52% 10 Sacred Heart Parish School 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Item 4: Expenditure and teacher participation in professional development. CODE 1042 2620 2800 TOTAL ITEM Salaries – Casual Relief Subscriptions and levies Providing for school functions EXPENDITURE 28,399.06 1,581.13 1,668.86 31,649.05 $ $ $ $ • • • • • • The staff participated in 4 Whole School (W/S)~ Professional Learning (PL) days throughout 2008. These days focused on Inquiry Based Learning, RE/Spirituality and the Reporting Process. Individual staff and Leadership Team participated in further PL, including Literacy Clusters, Student Wellbeing Clusters Reading Recovery, ERIK program, School Improvement Plan, Annual Review Plan, Faith Development, ICT Training, VIEU courses, VELs – Maths, Literacy & Reporting W/S Days 1 & 2 = 15 staff W/S Day 3 = 22 staff W/S Day 4 = 17 staff Individual/Leadership Team PL = approx 43 days The average expenditure per teacher for PL = $1220.00 Item 13: Staff Satisfaction • • • • InsightSRC data indicated a positive level of staff satisfaction falling in the Middle 50% of schools Staff willingly support one another and take on extra work as required. They form many important teams to support our students, parents and wider community. Staff support PA & Parish Education Board initiatives. 11 Sacred Heart Parish School 2008 Annual Report to the School Community School Community Goals and Intended Outcomes Strengthen opportunities for parent input and involvement in the life of the school. Create awareness of the extra-curricula activities that exist within the school. To further embrace the relationship between our students and the residents of Fernhill To increase the inclusiveness of the school. Advancing the parish school community through utilise the skills and talents of parents and community members. Revise Parish Finance Committee to include more school families. Greater cross involvement between parish and school – eg. Family Masses Incorporation of the new Building Art and Maintenance committee. Achievements (In this section schools should describe and/or illustrate their achievements in a manner appropriate to the school community.) • • • • • • • • Endeavour to be an open, inclusive school that ensures access to all members of our school community. To involve students, parents and staff fully in the life of the school through providing educational and social opportunities. To promote links between Sacred Heart Parish School and the wider community. Continue to improve an infrastructure that is both useful and beneficial to all in the Sacred Heart community Increase our profile in the surrounding community and parish, through the use of Enrolment Boards and the media. Create a school community where parents feel welcomed and included, and provide opportunities for all parents to become involved in the life of the school. Create a sense of belonging and identity within the Sacred Heart parish and to develop greater links between the parish and school community, such as through the coordination of the Sacramental programs. Increase awareness in the school community of social justice issues through involvement in social justice projects. Celebrate the achievements and talents of students with the school community. 12 Sacred Heart Parish School 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 $ Recurrent income School fees Other fee income Private income State government recurrent grants Australian government recurrent grants 199,062 89,643 41,253 279,242 1,116,941 Total recurrent income Recurrent expenditure Salaries, allowances and related expenses Non salary expenses 1,726,141 Tuition 1,264,274 293,489 Total recurrent expenditure Capital income and expenditure Government capital grants Capital fees and levies Other capital income 1,557,763 Tuition 73,601 59,040 50,000 182,641 Total capital income Total capital expenditure Loans (includes refundable enrolment deposits and recurrent, capital and bridging loans) 61,109 Tuition Total opening balance Total closing balance 515,070 457,487 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. 13 Sacred Heart Parish School 2008 Annual Report to the School Community Future Directions Compliance Advice Sacred Heart Parish School is committed to ensuring that all children have access to quality teaching and learning opportunities that promote mastery of a broad range of skills and knowledge. Driving our school is the belief that students and their learning are at the centre, and that constant learning by teachers is fundamental to school improvement, We will continue to generate opportunities for students to take responsibility for their learning. Over the next 6 - 12 months we will see the completion of two major building projects, being 3 new classrooms, an art/science area, new library and the BER (Building Education Revolution) multipurpose building. Once the buildings are completed the oval will be resurfaced with synthetic grass and a child focused sustainable garden will be embarked upon. Academically the staff will be addressing ways to improve our Naplan ~ literacy and numeracy results in the upper school. We aim to meet or exceed state performance benchmarks, not just those for ‘like schools’. As part of our Catholic Education Office School Review this year the staff have nominated numeracy as a whole school focus for the next 2 years. We will also be addressing education in the 21st Century to ensure that the students feel more engaged and stimulated in their learning. The Leadership Team will be working on role clarity for the staff and setting goals for the coming 12 months. The team will also address the outcomes of our CEO Review and align these with our School Improvement Plan and Annual Action Plan. Our community plays a very important role in our school and we look forward to embracing it and building upon it in the future. I wish to thank the entire community for their support and encouragement over the past twelve months. It has been a hectic time with a ‘changing of the guard’, the commencement of numerous building projects and the many day to day challenges that present themselves within the life in our school. As principal, I look forward to working with the Leadership Team, Parish Education Board, Staff, Students, Parents and the community to building a more cohesive school community that acknowledges, accepts and implements the recommendations that will arise from our review. These recommendations with set the direction and tone of our school for the next four years. I am pleased to present this report to stimulate discussion and generate action for school improvement. Kind regards, Erin Macdonald Principal 14