St Mary of the Angels Primary School Annual School

St Mary of the Angels Primary School Malpas St GUYRA, NSW 2365 Phone: 02 6779 1661 Fax: 02 6779 2016 Email: stma_guy@arm.catholic.edu.au Parish Priest: Father Simon Leworthy Parish: St Mary of the Angels, Guyra Principal: Sharon Wittig Annual School Report 2008 Mission/Vision Statement St Mary of the Angels Catholic Primary School, as an integral part of the Parish Community consisting of Students, Teachers, Parents & Friends and Parish Priest, teaches and upholds gospel values. These values are demonstrated by concern and love for each individual in the community according to the teachings of Jesus Christ who is God the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. St. Mary of the Angels strives to develop each child spiritually, morally, emotionally, academically and physically to the individual’s full potential, instilling self-discipline and self-worth. St Mary of the Angels School Community works together to provide a Christian example and influence in the wider community, and to offer a choice of educational systems. About this Report Principal’s Message The 2008 school year has been one of great excitement and anticipation for St Mary of the St Mary of the Angels Angels. In April the Parish celebrated its centenary, joyously looking back on one hundred years of Primary School is registered by the Board of Studies Catholic worship, fellowship and education. On (NSW) and managed by the Catholic Schools June 13th we turned the sod for our new building Office, Armidale, the ‘approved authority’ for the project to begin. This day linked the past, present Registration System formed under Section 39 of and the future as St Mary of the Angels looked the NSW Education Act 1990. The annual report forward with confidence to another hundred years provides parents and the wider school community of Catholic worship and education. The building with fair, accurate and objective information about of our new school progressed relatively smoothly various aspects of school performance and develop- although inclement weather delayed deadlines. We ment. The report describes achievement of school had expected to move into our new premises at the development priorities in 2008 and gives information end of 2008 but, unfortunately, the buildings were not about 2008 priorities. This Report complements and completed and occupancy is expected early in 2009. is supplementary to school newsletters and other The beginning of the 2008 school year saw changes regular communications. This Report is sent to to our school staffing with new teachers bringing the Catholic Schools Office, Armidale for validation a wealth of experience and youthful enthusiasm. with the requirements of the Education Act 1990 New ancillary staff were also appointed bringing new before being forwarded to the Board of Studies. ideas and talents particularly to the area of disability The validated report will be available on the CSO education. In March the appointment of a new website early in the 2008 school year. The school’s Secretary allowed office procedures to be revised Diocesan Education Consultant also validates that and an excellent working relationship was developed the school has in place appropriate processes to between the Secretary, Principal and School Board. ensure compliance with all NSW Board of Studies During 2008 funding from the Investing In Our requirements for Registration. Schools Program made it possible for St Mary of the Angels to really make technology a priority with the purchase of further ICT equipment. This will ensure that all classrooms in the new school will now be fitted with interactive whiteboards. Teachers began accessing professional development to ensure that this technology will be well utilised and this will continue to be a focus over the next few years. Once again staff have made a commitment to using Quality Learning tools to enhance the learning environment. Literacy sessions encourage students to set their own goals and pace their own learning using matrices and rubrics to help with assessment. Late in 2008 St Mary of the Angels Parish was informed that for the first time in over ten years a Parish Priest would be appointed to live within the Parish. This announcement was cause for much celebration as it will allow greater interaction between the School and the Parish and enhance both spiritual and faith formation for the whole community. With the imminent completion of our new school buildings and a resident Parish Priest St Mary of the Angels has much to look forward to in 2009. put so much time in , over and above their normal work hours. This dedication to our school does much to enhance the atmosphere and the learning environment in our school. As Board Chairperson, I look forward to next year and the next exciting step in Catholic education at St Mary of the Angels. Student Leadership St Mary of the Angels School is a wonderful place to start your education. This is because of the loving and caring environment that the teachers and students provide. As School Leaders we hold important positions of responsibility. We take care of the younger students so that they develop confidence and learn school rules. The younger students look up to us so we need to be great role models. We help the teachers by organising sporting events and other important fundraising events. 2008 has been a great year. This year all of our technology has been upgraded to make learning more fun. We have been able to access exciting websites for mathematics and reading. We have been able to use technology to publish and present our work in Parental Involvement different formats that are more interesting for us and This year has been another busy year. Our very for our audiences. We can’t wait for the interactive active School Board assisted in the preparation of whiteboards to be installed to make learning even an Annual Plan which sets out our goals for the more exciting. This year we have also had the year, performance indicators and our strategies for opportunity to assist other people in our community. achieving them along a suggested time-line. The We made regular visits to Kolora to entertain and Board also assisted in policy review and meeting read with the elderly residents. We helped seniors compliance regulations. This year we had the in our community with a number of celebrations and appointment of a new secretary who has fitted well for the first time ever we helped to deliver Meals into our school community and is providing great On Wheels. We think our school is teaching us support for our Principal. We were also joined by to care for others and be good citizens. Our only a new staff member teaching our infants class. He disappointment for 2008 is that our new school is not is a talented photographer and our parents have all complete. We were hoping to move in before the end benefited from his talents. I would like to thank our of the year but that is not going to happen. We look volunteers who have donated their time throughout forward to coming back early next year to see the the year to keeping our gardens and lawns looking new buildings and wish the students and teachers beautiful. This is a big commitment on their part and the very best in their new school. Senior Leaders I thank them for this. Once again, I would like to 2008 thank our P & F. This year they have donated a large amount of money to our school and given freely of their time to assist in many ways to make life easier School Profile for our teachers and education more enjoyable for our students. Thank you very much. Throughout the year we have received regular updates on our School History new school. As all visitors to the school can see, the building has been going ahead in leaps and bounds. St Mary of the Angels Primary School Guyra was We expect to be able to move into the buildings early established in 1919 with the Ursuline Sisters, and next year. This is an exciting time for our community. is located on the Northern Tablelands. St Mary The facilities offered in the new school are second to of the Angels is currently staffed by lay teachers none. We are very proud of the updated technology, and provides an outstanding education for students especially the interactive whiteboards which will be from K-6. The school’s current enrolment is 36 fitted to every classroom. I offer a special thank students. During 2008 St Mary of the Angels Parish you to our Bishop and CSO staff for their foresight celebrated its centenary. On June 13th the Parish and commitment to Catholic education in Guyra. I and School community performed a Sod Turning would like to thank our Principal and all the staff who Ceremony to celebrate the beginning of our new 2 school building. Building has continued throughout 2008 and completion is expected early in 2009. Staff Profile During 2008 the staff at St Mary of the Angels totalled nine, including the Principal, three class teachers and a teacher librarian. All teachers have teaching qualifications from a higher education institution from within Australia; one teacher has a Graduate Diploma in Literacy, two have a Bachelor of Education Degree, two have a Diploma in Teaching and one has a Master of Arts Degree. Support staff include two part-time Teacher Assistants and a part-time secretary. St Mary of the Angels staffing allocation allows for three class groupings. We have three teachers with over twenty years of teaching experience and one teacher in her second year of teaching. During 2008 she submitted all requirements to the Institute of Teachers to meet Professional Competence as outlined by the NSW Institute of Teachers. At the conclusion of the 2007 school year one teacher transferred to another Diocesan school. This gave the school a staff retention rate of almost 90%. The staff attendance figure is not reported as the number of teachers in the school is smaller than the threshold for which this information is provided. The average daily staff attendance rate for 2008 was %. Location/Drawing Area St Mary of the Angels is located on the Northern Tablelands being a rural community. The majority of our students are from the township and the remainder of our students travel on buses from the outlying farming districts. Enrolment Policy St Mary of the Angels Primary School follows the Bishop’s Commission for Catholic Schools policy Enrolment of Students in Catholic Systemic Schools in the Diocese of Armidale 2002. This document can be obtained from the school office or is available on the Catholic Schools Office web site: http://www.arm.catholic.edu.au. Student Enrolment Year 2006 2007 2008 Boys 33 31 22 Girls 12 14 13 Total 45 45 35 Student Mobility During 2008 three students transferred to other local Teacher Standards schools while another family moved to a metropolitan region. New students to our school included one family from a local school, two families from other Teacher qualifications fall into 1 of 3 categories regional areas and a student from a Catholic school for all teaching staff responsible for delivering the within our Diocese. St Mary of the Angels also curriculum. enrolled a family who recently moved to Australia from the Philippines. Student Attendance The average daily attendance for 2008 was 92.7%. Teaching qualifications from a higher education institution within Australia or as recognised by AEI - NOOSR* Have qualifications as a graduate from a higher education institution within Australia within AEI-NOOSR* guidelines but lack formal teacher qualifications Do not have qualifications as above but have relevant successful teaching experience or appropriate knowledge relevant to the teaching context 100% 0% Structuring of Classes During 2008 changes were made to classes to maximise learning in Literacy and Mathematics. Small composite classes of K/1, 2/3 and 4/5/6 operated each morning to deliver our Literacy/Numeracy Plan. HSIE and Science classes were also covered in this class structure. K/1/2 and 3/4/5/6 structured classes were used to deliver the remaining Key Learning Areas. 3 0% * Australian Education Institution - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition Staff Professional Learning fellow Parishioners and wider community members. Two important liturgical events were celebrated During 2008 staff were involved in many professional during 2008. In April the Parish celebrated its development opportunities designed to improve Centenary with Masses, dinners and less formal both student learning and professional knowledge. activities. This wonderful milestone was followed Whole school commitment to the Quality Learning in June by a Blessing and Sod Turning Ceremony Program continued with staff attending a two day for St Mary of the Angels new school. We all look workshop followed by in-school support visits from forward with enthusiasm to God’s continued blessing the Quality Learning team. Spiritual and faith in 2009. formation were complemented with staff attendance at Lenten programs, retreat days and a designated spirituality day based on John’s gospel. Professional Staff and Student Faith Formation Development in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education saw whole school changes to encourage healthier eating habits and increased During 2008 World Youth Day formed a focus for physical activity for all students. Professional faith and spiritual development. Appropriate modules development was provided to all teaching staff were included in Religion classes from K-6. Parents, demonstrating the use of On-line Profiling for staff and students were kept up to date with releases students with disabilities. Additional Needs in- from Diocesan and other World Youth Day bodies. servicing also included workshops for teachers and School community members were also encouraged teaching assistants in the areas of autism and to follow the countdown to this special occasion aspergers. All staff completed Modules one and two by accessing the World Youth Day website. Staff were encouraged to take opportunities to participate of Chemical Safety Training. in Retreat programs resulting in attendance at New Teacher, Teacher and Principal Retreats. A staff Lenten program was available and a whole Catholic Identity school Spirituality Day was conducted on passages from John’s gospel. The “Catholic Schools at a Crossroad” document was used as a reference to Religious Education Program guide decision making at School and Board level. St Mary of the Angels Primary School follows the Armidale Diocesan Religious Education Curriculum and uses the student text To Know, Worship and Love as authorised by the Bishop of Armidale, Luc Matthys. Year 6 Religious Education Test Average score 2006 2007 2008 Diocesan (%) 66.5 69.6 74.0 This School (%) 58.9 65.0 77.3 Liturgical Life Masses were celebrated each Tuesday morning with students taking an active part in the presentation of Liturgies. Mass themes were carefully selected to enhance learning about the liturgical seasons and to complement themes being studied in class. There was an open invitation for parishioners and parents to attend these weekly Masses. On special occasions parents and parishioners were invited to participate in the organisation and presentation of these Masses. During 2008 the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist were celebrated within the Parish. These sacramental programs included sessions where parents, students and teachers worked together to assist students in their faith formation. Preparation for World Youth Day was also an important part of the liturgical life of the school for 2008. Meetings, prayer focuses and teaching programs all helped to develop an awareness of the importance of World Youth Day. The arrival of the Cross and Icon was celebrated with 4 Social Justice Social Justice is an integral part of the Religious Education Curriculum with social justice issues being addressed within individual teaching units. Students and staff supported Project Compassion, Children’s Mission Week and St Vincent De Paul with various fund-raising activities. A special unit on Social Justice was covered in Term 3 with many of our students receiving major prizes in the Commission for Social Justice Competition. As part of our Social Justice initiatives in 2008 St Mary of the Angels sponsored two teachers from Bhutan in a joint project with the University of New England and UNICEF. Teachers from isolated schools in Bhutan lived with school community members and attended school each day for two week to learn about teaching in multi grade classes. A major focus for the 2008 program was the sharing of ideas around ongoing assessment. Parish Links St Mary of the Angels School and Parish work cooperatively together for mutual benefit. The School is especially proud of the wonderful relationship between the school and the catechists who work in the local public schools. A Parish Blessing Mass was conducted at the beginning of the year to set the scene for faith development and cooperation throughout the year. Joint sacramental programs were run to include students, parents, catechists and teachers from all schools. Ecumenical services were organised during the Lenten season and Advent to develop a sense of community between the school, parish and other local church groups. The school has taken a leading role in the organisation of World Youth Day celebrations within the Parish. Joint fund raising has also been a major part of the school/parish partnership for 2008. During 2008 our Parish Administrator was absent from the Parish for a considerable length of time. This offered a chance for the school to work closely with different groups within the parish and forge stronger links. Parish meetings are now regularly held at the school and the Catholic Women’s League and school share resources for faith and spiritual development. Primary School follows the Board of Studies syllabus for each subject offered (as required for registration under the Education Act 1990) and implements the curriculum requirements of the Catholic Schools Office. Features of the School Curriculum St Mary of the Angels School values each and every individual child in our care. It is therefore important to us that each individual child’s needs are met. An important feature of our curriculum is the dedication of teachers to ensure that this happens. Quality learning tools, based on David Langford Professional Development Courses, are incorporated into class programs to allow students to manage their own learning at an appropriate pace and level. Students monitor this through the use of matrices, graphing and recording. Programs reflect an awareness of individual learning; personal learning plans are in place for funded students and students with needs requiring special targets. With the introduction of more advanced technology the school has made a great effort to bring technology to life within the classroom. Websites are carefully selected to enable students to access literacy and numeracy skills in a format that allows teachers to monitor progress and accelerate learning. Respect and Responsibility St Mary of the Angels actively promotes the “Values For Australian Schooling” with respect and responsibility being a major focus. Our student leaders act as great role models for younger students and accept responsibility for specific tasks around the school. During 2008 the school contributed to society and civic life through participation in Anzac and Remembrance Days, Clean Up Australia Schools Day and other community/school initiatives. The values of Care and Compassion were modelled in weekly visits to the local aged care facility and participation in Seniors Week celebrations. During 2008 senior students from St Mary of the Angels School modelled the values of respect and responsibility by becoming part of the Meals on Wheels program. Students assisted volunteers to deliver meals to elderly and sick residents from the local community. In school initiatives also included the development of a buddy system where students assist our severely disabled student with social interaction by being his “buddy” for the day. This allows a greater level of integration in class and social interaction in the playground. Student Performance St Mary of the Angels Primary School uses a variety of assessment strategies at key points in the learning framework. These include teacher observation, portfolios, projects and presentations. The school also participates in the state-wide literacy and numeracy testing program for the purposes of diagnosing individual learning needs and reviewing whole class teaching programs. Information on student progress is communicated on a regular basis and opportunities exist for external assessment results to be discussed with parents on an individual basis annually. Literacy and Numeracy Students in Years 3 and 5 around Australia sat the National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) Tests in May 2008. Individual student reports were provided in September 2008. The test results provide information about student achievements in literacy and numeracy. The use of N/A indicates results were not available. 5 School Curriculum St Mary of the Angels Year 3 Overall Literacy 2006 2007 2008 Mean Diocese 410.0 417.3 407.8 Mean Diocese 401.3 400.7 404.1 Reading Writing Spelling Grammar & Punctuation Numeracy State 418.0 424.0 419.5 School 353.1 405.2 444.6 (%) Year 3 Year 5 100 83 100 86 100 86 100 86 100 100 Numeracy 2006 2007 2008 State 409.0 407.0 409.6 School 371.0 397.0 442.0 Year 5 Overall Literacy 2006 2007 2008 Mean Diocese 501.4 484.0 489.1 Mean Diocese 486.0 476.9 475.9 Overall Year 3 students performed exceptionally well in all areas. The Year 5 class includes two students funded for disabilities and although this affects school averages we are very pleased with progress that is being made. These students will continue to receive individual support during 2009. Areas targeted for the 2009 literacy and numeracy plan for all students include writing, number patterns and algebra as well as measurement, data, space and geometry for Year 5/6. State 499.0 501.0 497.4 School 471.7 531.5 488.1 School Policy Summary Student Welfare Numeracy 2006 2007 2008 State 491.0 495.0 489.1 School 477.9 452.9 452.3 St Mary of the Angels Primary School seeks to provide a safe and supportive environment which: • minimises risk of harm and ensures students feel secure • supports the physical, social, academic, spiritual and emotional development of students • provided student welfare policies and programs that develop a sense of self-worth and foster personal development The school’s Pastoral Care Policy is based on the Bishop’s Commission Policy Pastoral Care In The Catholic Systemic Schools Of The Armidale Diocese. Year 3 students achieved well above the State and Diocesan averages in literacy. They performed exceptionally well in writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Results in reading were slightly below State and Diocesan averages. Year 3 students were well above State and Diocesan averages in numeracy with particularly high scores in Band 6. We were extremely pleased with the high results in measurement, data, space and geometry as this was a targets area for 2008. Year 5 literacy results were just below the Diocesan and State averages. Year 5 girls performance in grammar and punctuation was exceptional and well above the boys achievement in this area. Overall Year 5 writing results were disappointing and this will be a focus area for 2009. Pastoral Care initiatives during 2008 included the continuation of the “Bounce Back” program as part of the Safe Schools Framework.The focus of this program in 2008 was the development of resilience skills to assist students to deal with simple National Minimum Standards problems themselves and to bounce back from disappointments that they encounter at school and in In 2008 the Commonwealth Government set min- their relationships with others. The implementation imum acceptable standards for Reading, Writing of this program along with active promotion of our Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation and Numeracy Anti-bullying Policy forms an integral part of pastoral for each grade tested through NAPLAN. These are care at St Mary of the Angels. During 2008 the referred to as ’national minimum standards’ and partnership between Centacare and the school was replace the ’national benchmarks’. The percentages strengthened and allowed families to access vital of students in this school achieving the national pastoral care through in-school counselling services. Families were also offered a number of workshops minimum standard are reported below. 6 organised through Centacare to improve parenting skills. The full text of school and diocesan policies are available at the school office. During 2008 St Mary of the Angels Pastoral Care Policy was reviewed by the School Board to ensure that it meets the needs of students and supports the Safe Schools Framework. The revised policy was promoted throughout the school community. Parent, Student and Staff Satisfaction Parents, students and staff all see St Mary of the Angels School as a positive learning environment. Parents frequently comment on the caring environment that exists. They notice the gentle and considerate way that older students care for the younger students. Parents were also very pleased with the delivery of academic tuition. They appreciate the time that teachers take to work on an individual basis with their children. Parents with students on disability funding were particularly vocal in their praise for the work the school is doing to enhance their child’s social and academic education. All staff are very enthusiastic about their work at St Mary of the Angels. They see the school as a place where students are well behaved and enjoy learning. Teachers consider the school to be flexible in changing teaching routines to allow extra curricular activities that enhance learning outcomes. The teachers were very happy with purchases to improve the delivery of technology skills to students but are again concerned that sufficient Professional Development needs to be accessed by all staff to ensure that this technology is used properly. Students at St Mary of the Angels love their school community. They like the way that older and younger students play together and the way younger students are looked after. There were complaints about the delay in finishing our new school building. Year 6 students, in particular, were unhappy that they would not have the chance to move into the new school and other students were disappointed that classes would not begin there on the first day of 2009. Discipline Policy St Mary of the Angels Primary School bases its Discipline Policy on the Bishop’s Commission Policies Pastoral Care In The Catholic Systemic Schools Of The Armidale Diocese, Policy On Suspension, Expulsion Or Exclusion Of Students In Catholic Schools In The Diocese Of Armidale and Management Of Drug Related Issues In Catholic Schools In The Diocese Of Armidale. These policies are based on procedural fairness and are discussed with students on a regular basis. In compliance with the NSW Education Reform Act 1990, corporal punishment is banned in ALL Armidale Diocesan schools. The full text of school and diocesan policies are available at the school office. During 2008 the St Mary of the Angels Code of Behaviour and Anti-bullying policies were both revised to ensure procedural fairness. Changes include more detailed documentation especially around possible suspension or expulsion of students. Changes also require greater communication between the school and Catholic Schools personnel should such a course of action be necessary. Changes to these policies were ratified by the School Board and promoted throughout the school community. School Review and Development Annual School Priorities 2008 Completion of Strategic Management Plan to guide successive Annual Plans that drive school improvement. celebrations. Complaints and Grievance Resolution Policy Active participation of the school in Parish Centenary St Mary of the Angels Primary School procedures for resolving concerns and complaints is based on the Bishop’s Commission Policy Complaints & Suggestions Policy for the Diocese of Armidale. This policy is based on procedural fairness and recognises that members of the school community must have access to processes that allow them to resolve concerns in a supportive, conciliatory environment. The full text of school and diocesan policies are available through the school office. 7 Involvement in World Youth Day activities through the Journey of the Cross and Icon, classroom programming, support for pilgrims and appropriate fund raising to assist Days in the Dioceses. Continued upgrading of ICT infrastructure throughout the school and the acquisition of appropriate professional development to support teachers in their use of ICT. Increased use of Quality Learning tools to improve student learning outcomes and to guide school Major Achievements from the 2008 Annual Plan Improved learning outcomes in literacy and numerorganisational improvement. acy through careful implementation of 2008 School Literacy and Numeracy Plan. A climate of consultation and a focus on safety for all stakeholders during the entire school building project. With the assistance of the School Board, our Strategic Management Plan was completed to guide school improvement in the six priority areas from 2008 until 2011. This SMP will guide the setting of goals in successive Annual Plans to bring about planned, positive changes and improved learning outcomes. During April St Mary of the Angels celebrated a very successful and enjoyable Parish Centenary. The school worked closely with the Parish to ensure the smooth running of this special event. Projected School Priorities 2009 An inclusive environment is developed to include the new Parish Priest into all aspects of decision making and school life. Links with the Parish are St Mary of the Angels played an active role in strengthened. World Youth Day celebrations. The school hosted Risk management strategies are put into place committee meetings during 2007/2008 to ensure to ensure the safety of all community members that our community was informed and involved. The Cross and Icon visited Guyra on 29th January throughout the building and moving process. with a celebration involving the Parish and wider After observation, draft new procedures for evacua- community. The School and Parish worked closely tion, traffic management, supervision, security and to arrange the “Days in the Diocese” program and any other identified area of need associated with to organise fund raising to ensure that young local pilgrims had the opportunity to attend World Youth occupying a new school premises. Day. Commissioning of new school undertaken with significant input from school and wider community Upgrading of technology was a major achievement during 2008. The school purchased three interactive ensuring that all protocols are met. whiteboards for installation in the new school Continued upgrading of ICT infrastructure through- buildings. A portable lap top trolley and computers out the school and the acquisition of appropriate were purchased to ensure that all students had professional development to support teachers in their adequate access to computer and Internet services. use of ICT. A video camera and digital cameras were also Greater use of ICT to enhance student learning purchased to enhance the teaching of technology across different curriculum areas. Technology will outcomes. continue to be a priority as we settle into our A whole school approach to setting, monitoring new school environment in 2009. Professional and supporting student achievement and targets development in this area also continues to be a major developed and implemented. focus. 8 Financial Statement Income Expenditure 20 % 2% 14 % 3% 2% 1% 84 % 74 % fees and private income state recurrent grants commonwealth recurrent grants government capital grants other capital income salaries, allowances and related expenses non-salary expenses capital expenditure The information in this report has been verified and the priorities endorsed by the Director of Catholic Schools and the school’s Diocesan Education Consultant. 9