Willow Tree Public School Annual School Report 2012 3451 The National Education Agreement requires schools to report on Indigenous composition of their workforce. Our school at a glance Students Willow Tree Public School had one staff member who identifies as Indigenous. Our school population is drawn from rural families and families from the township of Willow Tree. Our school has a friendly community school atmosphere. SAS Staff Wendy Barnett: School Administrative Manager Kristy McCarthy: School Learning Support Officer Robina Maybury: School Learning Support Officer Gwen Cone: School Cleaner Howard Matthews: General Assistant The school had 58 students enrolled in 2012. Staff retention From 2011 Willow Tree Public School had two changes of staff in 2012. Term Two, the Principal took on a temporary position at District Office and a Relieving Principal was appointed until the end of 2012. One class teacher took maternity leave from the end of Term 3. A temporary class teacher has been employed until the end of 2012. Teacher qualifications All teaching staff meets the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools. School Captains Isabella Oates Herrera & Lachlan Tydings Qualifications Staff information Degree or Diploma Postgraduate It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all staff must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies. There was three (3) permanent teaching staff. Teaching staff in 2012 comprised of: Karen Clark: Principal (Term 1) John Ireland: Relieving Principal (Term 2-4) Heather Jenkins: Class Teacher Kate Ramage: Class Teacher (Term 1-3) Johanna Teague: Temp Class Teacher (Term 4) Sally Fitzpatrick: Librarian, RFF Staff establishment Position Principal Classroom Teachers Teacher Librarian School Administrative & Support Staff Total Number 1 2 1 2 6 1 % of staff 100% and is a balanced and genuine account of the school’s achievements and areas for development. Significant programs and initiatives In 2012 we assisted our students in developing to their full potential, educationally, emotionally, socially & in sport. Mr John Ireland Significant areas of focus in 2012 include: Relieving Principal Two Kinder come and try mornings and a Transition Class – Open to surrounding Pre School children for five weeks – one day per week. P & C and/or School Council message 2012 has been a fantastic year for the Willow Tree P&C. Our aim is to support our fantastic little school, to raise funds that will assist with purchasing resources for our children and to support the numerous activities that the staff organise to benefit the students. Our annual horse sports day held in March this year was a massive success. A huge amount of thanks must go to Steve & Renea Elford for their tireless work in organising such a great day and to Jane Duddy for your work securing sponsorship and coordinating the canteen. With over 160 riders this is a major event for our reasonably small P&C, however, everyone rallied together to make this event extremely successful which raised over $9,000.00. As with all fundraising events, the generosity from local businesses and organisations has been tremendous. Thank you to you all. We have been fortunate to have the support of the Willow Tree Inn who kindly donated meat trays to be raffled on a Saturday night and also donated profits to the school from raffles held from their Melbourne Cup luncheon. One of our steady fundraisers has been the canteen with this year raising over approximately $3500. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Skye Avard for the thankless task she has done over the past 4 years as our canteen coordinator. This year our canteen has been open two days a week, providing a nice option for parents who want a break from packing lunch boxes. Our funds have been put to good use this year. Our P&C has purchased 10 new iPads totalling approximately $6000 allowing the students to keep up with today’s technology. We have purchased over $3000 in reading resources to be used across the school. The P&C contributed $3000 towards the cost of the Canberra excursion to allow costs to be kept at an affordable price as well as paying for the bus for the younger students to travel to watch ‘Disney on Ice’ which our generous school patron Mr Les Howard donated tickets. Performing Arts: Musica Viva In-Class Technology: Connected Classroom and Interactive Whiteboards and specific lessons on technology. National Partnerships: Accelerated Literacy. QuickSmart and Excursions: Whole School excursion to support positive behaviour with Years 3-4-5 & 6 excursions to Canberra & K-1-2 excursion to Disney on Ice in Newcastle. Messages Principal’s message Willow Tree PS is a community school with high expectations. The school is located in beautiful country surrounds and is well resourced to support our students to become the best possible learners they can be. The staff at Willow Tree work exceptionally hard to provide a wide variety of teaching and learning opportunities for all students. These opportunities incorporate the latest technologies including interactive whiteboards and iPad technologies. Staff members are always looking for professional learning opportunities to stay up to date with current changes and developments. Quality teaching and learning is at the core of what we do here at Willow Tree PS. Throughout 2012, the school continued to work closely with the P & C and wider school community at the benefit of our students. 2012 was a very busy and productive year for the school with a significant amount of change as I am sure will be reflected throughout this report. I certify that the information in this report is the result of a rigorous school self-evaluation process 2 We are blessed at this school to have such an amazingly wonderful teaching and administrative staff. We entrust our most prized possessions into the hands of these people five days a week, thank you to each one of you for the commitment and dedication to our children’s learning and supporting them each and every day. Thank you for organising the many activities they attend and giving them the opportunities they receive. We would like to thank Mrs Barnett who is always happy to help us in the office, Wendy never complains and we’re sure at times that we give her plenty of reason to!!! Thank you to Mr Ireland and Mrs Clark who have created this fantastic little school that our students love to attend. We also cannot go without thanking Mrs Cone & Mr Mathews, our school looks A1. levels for sport. We have enjoyed the many activities that we have been able to attend and participate in whether it be dressing up for different occasions, attending performances in and outside our school or participating in school excursions. The opportunities that we are given at our small school is amazing, we thank all the staff for this as without you all it wouldn’t be possible. Students at Willow Tree Public School certainly do not miss out. Our role as school captains has been varied. In particular we have enjoyed helping other students and staff, meeting and greeting the many guests that visit our school and hosting school assemblies. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the students at our school for supporting us in our role as captains. To our year six peers, thank you for your support, friendship and memories throughout our schooling life, we hope to continue our friendship as we embark on our high schooling lives. To our parents, thank you for supporting us through our primary school years and in particular this year. The advice you have all given us will no doubt help us in future years. Last but not least I would like to thank our treasurer, Tracey Swain and secretary Kristy McCarthy, for their tireless efforts. As you can see our P&C is a major asset to our school and at the end of the day, we are all here to help and support these fine students in front of us. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support this year and would like to encourage all parents to become involved and help in any way possible. To the staff, we really appreciate everything you all do for us. You might at times pull your hair out in frustration, but without your guidance these past six years at school we would not be as knowledgeable as we are today! Thank you to Mr Ireland and Mrs Clark who have been our principals this year, you have both been very positive and supportive towards us as captains. Katherine Bailey P&C President To the current year 5 class, remember that next year is the last year of your primary schooling. Make the most of it, have fun, work hard and remember to learn as much as you can. To Sophie & Cooper, good luck with your role as school captains, it really is one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences you will ever have. Student representative’s message It only seems like last month that Lachlan and I were in Mrs Jenkins classroom, as the younger students looking up to the school captains and wondering if we would ever be in that position one day, and look, here we are, in 2012 standing in front of you all at our last official duty as school captains of Willow Tree Public School. 2012 has been one of the most memorable years of our schooling life. Although Lachlan and I are very excited about starting our new journey at high school, we both believe that Willow Tree Public School has got to be the best school around. We will never forget the fun times we have had and the friends we have made. Thank you Isabella Oates Herrera & Lachlan Tydings One of the most rewarding moments was representing our school at regional and state 3 Management of non-attendance In NSW, it is a legal requirement that children attend every day unless sick or on a planned holiday. This means all children between the ages of six and seventeen are legally required to attend school. School nonattendance is closely monitored by the school, following the school attendance policy. The school refers nonattendance to the Department of Education Home School Liaison Team for further follow up and development of an individual attendance plan. Nonattendance is closely monitored by both school and DEC HSLO team. School context Student information Financial summary It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all students must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies. This summary covers funds for operating costs and does not involve expenditure areas such as permanent salaries, building and major maintenance. Student enrolment profile Date of financial summary Enrollments were similar for 2011 and 2012. Income Balance brought forward Global funds Tied funds School & community sources Interest Trust receipts Canteen Total income Enrolments 80 Students 60 40 20 $ 140418.27 65234.35 45920.68 42548.11 5908.90 2386.00 0.00 302416.31 Expenditure Teaching & learning 0 Student attendance profile In 2012 the student attendance rate remained at a very high percentage as in previous years. 2008 92.4 2009 94.2 91.8 91.3 93.8 96.2 90.9 94.7 93.5 2010 96.5 93.3 95.7 94.7 96.1 95.7 88.8 94.5 2011 96.9 94.3 96.3 94.0 95.3 93.2 94.9 95.1 Library Training & development Tied funds Casual relief teachers Administration & office School-operated canteen Utilities Maintenance Trust accounts Capital programs Total expenditure 5574.75 22243.52 3563.52 672.16 0.00 42968.51 13980.11 51236.69 0.00 13304.14 6314.89 2386.00 0.00 162244.29 Balance carried forward 140172.02 Key learning areas Excursions Extracurricular dissections 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Year Male Female Year K 1 2 3 4 5 6 Total 30/11/2012 2012 96.3 94.6 94.9 95.4 93.9 94.2 94.0 94.7 A full copy of the school’s 2012 financial statement is tabled at the annual general meetings of the School Council and/or the parent body. Further details concerning the statement can be obtained by contacting the school. 4 given the opportunity to wander throughout the band as they were playing to get a better idea on the instruments that were being played. School performance 2012 During 2012 Willow Tree Public School has enjoyed a great deal of success academically, in the arts and on the sporting field. Achievements Arts 2012 saw the students of Willow Tree Public School display their artistic talents to audiences within and outside the school community. QSSAF WOW!!! QSSAF was truly spectacular from the massed choir items to the amazing soloists. This year saw something a little different with the Christmas Concert and I congratulate all of our students who have worked tirelessly in the lead up to this event and represented our school in a beautiful manner. Thanks must also go to the staff at school who gave up their time to provide our students with this wonderful opportunity and to Mr Rod Harris who assisted in transporting our choir stands. Sport The Willow Tree Public Schools Physical Education and Sport programs are developed in conjunction with the K-6 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Curriculum. The children are provided with a balanced program which emphasis fundamental movement skills, healthy lifestyle choices and the development of the whole child. The children participate in PE lessons three times a week, with the emphasises on developing individual skills using minor games and individual skill development activities. The sport program, which runs on Fridays, allows children to participate in major games and was made more successful through the use of community facilities for athletics training after school, the Quirindi Pool for swimming every Friday for sport in Term 1 and Term 4. Parental help enabled us to have smaller groups to better concentrate on specific skills. Students participated in the Intensive Learn to Swim Program with all students improving on their skills. New England Music Conservatorium Visit On Friday 17th August 2012 our school was fortunate to have a “trio” orchestra group from the New England Conservatorium in Armidale perform for our students. The Trio consisted of an electric piano, a violin and a cello. Students enjoyed listening to the pieces of music played and interacting in the activities. Manly Selective High School Band What a fantastic performance by the Manly Selective High School Band. The group of 50 talented students entertained students and staff with their amazing musical skills. Students were 5 This year Willow Tree Public School had many highlights on the sporting field both in individual and team events. The achievement scale represents increasing levels of skills and understandings demonstrated in these assessments. These highlights include: The My School website provides detailed information and data for national literacy and numeracy testing (NAPLAN). A team was entered in the PSSA Small Schools Soccer Knockout competition. Click on the link http://www.myschool.edu.au and enter the school name in the Find a school and select GO. Willow Tree Public School had a large number of students represent the school at Zone, Regional and State levels in a number of sports. Significant programs and initiatives During 2012 we invested a lot of time and energy into making our school an even better place for students to attend. Aboriginal education Each year at Willow Tree Public School all students participate in Human Society and Its Environment units which specifically educate students about Aboriginal history, culture and current Aboriginal Australia. Staff incorporates Aboriginal perspectives into other key learning areas as mandated. This is in accordance with the Department of Education & Community Aboriginal Education Policy. A number of students represented Quirindi PSSA at Regional level in Swimming, Athletics, Touch Football, Netball, Soccer, Tennis, Rugby & Cross Country. RECONCILLIATION WEEK Four students competed in the North West Team at State for Athletics. Mr. Gary Allen from NSW Sport & Recreation together with Mentors & Students from Oxley High School Aboriginal Clontarf program came to our school to teach our students some traditional Aboriginal Sports. Students had a great time learning and participating in the various activities. Mrs. Stella Lamb joined us for Aboriginal Story reading and Miss Sharp worked a Indigenous artworks with all classes. A number of students successfully represented the school at Inter School Horse Sports days during the year. Other Academic In the National Assessment Program, the results across the Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 literacy and numeracy assessments are reported on a scale from Band 1 to Band 10. 6 representation of our school at these important events. Multicultural education CWA Study on “Timor” For over 30 years Willow Tree Public School students have participated in the annual CWA Country poster competition. This year students studied “Timor”. Boys and girls produced outstanding posters that displayed numerous aspects of Timor. Mrs Margaret Harris attended morning assembly on Monday 6th August 2012 Combined Scripture Service The combined scripture service held Tuesday, 11th December 2012 at the Anglican Church in Willow Tree. Thanks to the scripture teachers, Mrs Gallagher, Mrs Redgrove, Mrs Swain & Mrs Roworth who give up their time throughout the year to give the students religious instructions. Respect and responsibility Through our core values, our School Welfare Policy and whole school classroom rules we aim to build the capacity of all students to make the right choices. Students will develop into respectful citizens by creating a safe working environment for all. Our motto “Aim High” is at the forefront of every ones agenda. Our policies and programs reflect this. During the year students, staff and community have been involved in various community activities to promote this. Visitors to the school during 2012 commented on the positive atmosphere of the school and acknowledged the pride the students have in their school by always being in full school uniform. National partnership programs This year we have been involved in the National Partnership Program for Low Socio Economic Status. Being involved in this program has enabled the school to train staff in L3 (to improve Literacy delivery and outcomes within the school) and QuickSmart to improve student’s outcomes in Numeracy. Both programs are being implemented. ANZAC DAY Thank you to all the students and parents who attended the ANZAC march in Willow Tree yesterday, you all looked fantastic in your uniforms and made the staff very proud. Congratulations to all the students who delivered their speeches in an extremely professional manner. It is fantastic to see such a 7 Other programs INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY All students at Willow Tree Public school access Communication technology on a regular basis as an integrated component of teaching and learning programs, as an area of study during release from face to face teaching. Year 5 and 6 students worked with the K-1 students once a week on computer skills. Ten ipads were purchased by the P&C for students to use to further their technology & learning skills. All staff members are using interactive whiteboards in preparation and delivery of their programs. Linkages Program The year six students participated in an orientation day at Quirindi High School in December. Students met their peer support leader and worked in groups that challenged their problem–solving skills and ability to work in teams. The students participated in a variety of workshops that involved introductions to the secondary subjects during the morning and then participated in physical education activities in the afternoon. Students reported that the day was a great success and was enjoyed by all. Quirindi High School Captains were invited to our schools’ End of year Presentation to present awards. Progress on 2012 targets The school targets for 2012 were part of the School Plan and also part of the National Partnership Low SES Planning and Evaluation process. INTER SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT The school continued to build on its strength in developing programs that engage students from other schools in programs that increased student’s confidence and socialisation skills out of their school environment. This year the school continued to interact with students from other schools in a variety of activities. Target 1 Increase the number of students K-6 achieving at or above stage outcomes in writing from 50% 55% 2012. Our achievements include: 78% of Year 3 students at or above NMS. Attending visiting performer concerts held at Wallabadah; 45% of Year 5 students at or above NMS. 45% of Year 7 students at or above NMS. Participation in the Quirindi Small Schools Arts Festival; Attendance at the Spring Ridge Sports Day with students from neighboring schools Ongoing Professional Learning in L3 Framework for Kindergarten teachers to build early literacy skills in ES1 students. Reduction of students (Year 3 & 5) in bottom two bands and an increase of students performing in the top band for writing in NAPLAN assessment. These included: Target 2 8 Increase the number of students K-6 achieving at or above stage outcomes in Numeracy from 45% 50% in 2012. School evaluation NSW public schools conduct evaluation to support the effective implementation of the school plan. In 2012 our school carried out evaluations of Leadership and Curriculum. Our achievements include: 55% of Year 3 students at or above NMS. 27% of Year 5 students at or above NMS. 45% of Year 7 students at or above NMS. Whole school Assessment implemented using K-6 Framework. Parent Workshops conducted to inform parents how Maths is taught at school and to provide parents with strategies to support their child’s learning at home. Strategies Numeracy Target 3 For 66% of teaching programs to reflect the link between assessment and programming in English and Mathematics. Our achievements include: Leadership Background All teaching staff using a variety of Assessment strategies. These strategies are clearly outlined in teaching and learning programs and assessment keeping folders. Teacher programs reflect a variety of strategies addressing the quality teaching framework. Shift towards collaborative planning and assessment with development in whole school planning and tracking of student progress. For the purpose of this evaluation Leadership was defined as the school Principal. The school dealt with quite a significant change in leadership with the Principal accepting a relieving position at Regional Office and a Relieving Principal commencing Term 2 for the remainder of the year. In 2012 the school community was surveyed to examine our strengths and areas for development in the management practice of Leadership. The survey consisted of a series of best practice statements about leadership and those completing the survey were able to respond to those statements on a sliding scale. Findings and conclusions Overall the findings and conclusions were very positive. All responses for the survey were in either of the two positive brackets with no ‘sometimes’ or ‘rarely’ responses at all. 9 Almost Always Usually Some Rarely Parent, student, and teacher satisfaction times School leaders understand the school and get the best from staff and students School leaders value the contribution of individuals and groups School leaders accept responsibility for the quality of student learning outcomes The school ensures that everyone at the school is treated fairly School leaders introduce changes that are good for the students The school is always looking for ways to improve what it does The school involves all groups within the school community in deciding what it is aiming to achieve Staff, Parents and students are encouraged to take leadership roles at the school 80% 80% 20% 20% 0% 0% In 2012 the school sought the opinions of parents, students and teachers about the school. 0% Their responses are presented below. The surveys have indicated a high level of satisfaction from parents, students and teachers. 0% In the parent survey an area for improvement was identified as: 60% 60% 80% 40% 40% 20% 0% 0% 0% - 0% I receive feedback from school staff on how well my child is learning. In the student survey areas for improvement were identified as: 0% - Students have a say in the school policies - Students find all learning activities challenging. 0% In the teacher survey there were no areas for improvement able to be identified. 80% 20% 0% 0% 80% 20% 0% 0% 80% 20% 0% 0% Professional learning School leaders motivate and inspire learners 40% 60% 0% 0% School leaders discuss ways to improve my child’s learning The school receives global funding to support the professional development of all staff. Throughout 2012 funds were utilised in the following way: 40% 60% 0% 0% School leaders are open to new ideas Number of teachers participating in professional learning activities = 100% of teaching staff. 40% 60% 0% 0% These activities included Staff Development Days (also including Small Schools Conference, iTech Conference) and general Professional Learning on the following topics: Future directions Although these results reflect a very positive view on leadership within the school despite all the changes in recent times, it is evident that a focus needs to be placed on communication with parents about student progress and how it can be improved. 10 - Language, Learning and Literacy Training for Kindergarten teachers - Leading Mathematics Learning - Numeracy Forum - Instructional Leadership Strategies to achieve these targets include: - Small Schools Conference (variety of Professional Learning offered) Teachers undertake training in the use of data including SMART to inform teaching and learning. - iTech Conference (variety of Professional Learning offered) - New England Conference Identify students achieving minimum growth in Grammar & Punctuation from NAPLAN and develop strategies to address learning needs of these students. Average expenditure: A total of $1077.31 per teacher (total expenditure $5386.54 between 5 teachers). Development of whole school learning activities for Grammar & Punctuation to add to scope and sequence. The school had no staff working towards accreditation. Explicit teaching of Grammar & Punctuation. Implementation of whole school assessment strategy using K-6 Literacy Continuum in conjunction with K-6 English Syllabus to track student progress. Employment of additional teaching staff supporting the implementation of Grammar & Punctuation, L3 and Literacy strategies in K6 classrooms. Evaluation of Grammar & Punctuation teaching and learning resources to address areas of need. Regional Principal’s There was one temporary new scheme teacher working towards maintenance of accreditation. All staff participated in all School Development Days. School Development Days included: - Mandatory Policy Updates - Prioritising Grammar - Small Schools Conference - iTech conference School Planning 2012—2014 The school planning policy provides direction for the preparation and implementation of school plans including the identification of priority areas, intended outcomes and targets that are consistent with the NSW State Plan and the Department’s planning documents. School priority 1 Outcome for 2012–2014 Increased levels of overall literacy achievements for all students, with a focus on grammar & punctuation. School priority 2 Outcome for 2012–2014 2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include: Year 3 Grammar & Punctuation - Increase the percentage of Year 3 students performing above minimum standard Year 5 Grammar & Punctuation - Increase the percentage of Year 5 students performing above minimum standard Increased levels of overall numeracy performance for all students. 2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include: Year 7 Grammar & Punctuation – Increase the percentage of Year 7 students performing above minimum standard 11 To increase the percentage of Year 5 students achieving expected growth in Numeracy from 45% 55 To maintain or increase the percentage of Year 7 students achieving expected growth in Numeracy. Strategies to achieve these targets include: Employment of additional teaching staff to support the implementation of Numeracy strategies in Stage 1 classroom. Additional staff used to decrease class sizes and prevent cross-stage teaching giving students greater learning opportunities in Numeracy. Implement a series of parent workshops on Numeracy for all Stages. About this report In preparing this report, the self-evaluation committee has gathered information from evaluations conducted during the year and analysed other information about the school's practices and student learning outcomes. The self-evaluation committee and school planning committee have determined targets for the school's future development. John Ireland Relieving Principal Allocated staff meetings for familiarisation, use and plotting of student progress against Numeracy Continuum K-6 clusters and syllabus outcomes. Heather Jenkins Classroom Teacher Kate Ramage Classroom Teacher Evaluation of Numeracy teaching and learning resources to address areas of need. Sally Fitzpatrick RFF & L3 Implementation Wendy Barnett School Administration Manager Johanna Teague Relieving Classroom Teacher Teachers undertake training in the use of data including SMART to inform teaching and learning. School contact information Identify students achieving minimum growth in Numeracy from NAPLAN and develop strategies to address learning needs of these students. 2-4 Merriwa Road, Willow Tree NSW 2339 Development of whole school learning activities for Numeracy to add to scope and sequence. Email: willowtree-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Willow Tree Public School Ph.: 02 67471371 Fax: 02 67471210 Web: www.willowtree-p.schools.nsw.edu.au School Code: 3451 Explicit teaching of Numeracy strategies. Parents can find out more information about Annual School Reports, how to interpret information in the reports and have the opportunity to provide feedback about these reports at: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/asr 12 13