NSW Department of Education & Training
2010 Annual School Report
Rylstone Public School
NSW Public Schools – Leading the way
3025
Messages
P & C message
Principal’s message
The School P&C conducted a number of
fundraising activities throughout 2010. These
included catering at the Rylstone Show, a clearing
sale in March, catering for the Bridgeview Inn
official opening and the Friday night raffles at the
Rylstone Hotel.
2010 proved a year of challenge and opportunity
for the students of Rylstone Public School. Our
School has been somewhat disrupted with the
Building the Education Revolution works but
these will add lasting improvements to our
School. This year has seen the addition of a new
fixed equipment playground, a special programs
room and a new covered learning area that will
become the new lunch area in 2011.
The P&C has expended funds on revitalizing the
Kinder and Year 1/2 toys, purchased a set of
football guernseys, bought 3 new computers,
contributed funds towards purchasing a new
interactive whiteboard, purchased a BBQ, air
conditioned the computer lab and assisted with
paying for the Life Education Van’s annual visit.
Our staff demonstrated great resilience to
continue to provide our students with some
wonderful opportunities throughout the year. My
thanks to all parents, community members and
students for their efforts in 2010.
I certify that the information in this report is the
result of a rigorous school self-evaluation process
and is a balanced and genuine account of the
school’s
achievements
and
areas
for
development.
This year we have welcomed several new parents
to our P&C committee and I would like to thank
those parents for helping out in a time of need. I
would like to use this opportunity to encourage
any interested parent, grandparent or willing
community member to become involved in P&C
in the coming years.
Alan Kerr
Principal
Sharon McKay
President
School Council message
Student representative’s message
The Student Representative Council had a very
productive 2010 organising many events for the
students at the school. Various fun days were
held throughout the year and also sporting
competitions such as a soccer round robin were
held at lunchtimes.
2010 has been a successful year at Rylstone
Public School. There were some excellent
sporting results, both by individuals and teams,
strong performances in cultural and artistic fields
and satisfactory, if not outstanding, results in the
NAPLAN academic tests.
As well as this, the extra curricula opportunities
like music, choir, excursions, after school
activities among others have all helped to make
2010 a fantastic year.
My thanks to the staff, parents, guardians and
community members who put in countless hours
to support the students and the school in many
ways, from assisting with reading in class to
coaching sporting teams, or helping with canteen
and other P & C activities.
The School Council is always happy to hear any
ideas that might improve some aspect of school
life and continue to improve the education
offered to the primary students of the district.
Thank you once again to all who helped in 2010.
There was the successful Teddy Bears’ Picnic for
the Infants students and a pyjama movie night
was held with a donation being made to Mission
Australia. At the end of the year the SRC held its
annual market day with students able to sell their
wares. Our talent quest again proved popular
with many students entering performances.
Overall 2010 was a great year for the Student
Representative Council and much enjoyment was
brought to the school with our activities.
Student Representative Council
2010
Sam Hamilton
School Council President
1
Class sizes
School context
In March 2003 the Government announced its
commitment to publish primary class sizes in
annual school reports in order to provide parents
with as much local information as possible.
Student information
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all students must be consistent
with privacy and personal information policies.
The following table shows our class sizes as
reported at the 2010 class size audit conducted
on Wednesday 17th March 2010.
Student enrolment profile
2010 saw a slight increase in enrolments which
should continue into 2011.
Roll
Class
KM
1/2B
1/2B
3/4G
3/4G
5/6K
5/6K
Students
Enrolments
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Year
Total
per Year
Total in
Class
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
11
11
15
15
10
12
12
11
26
26
25
25
24
24
Structure of classes
2006
2007
2008
2009
The School consisted of four classes. These were
a Kindergarten Class, a Year 1/2 Class, a Year 3/4
Class and a Year 5/6 Class.
2010
Year
Male
Staff information
Female
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all staff must be consistent with
privacy and personal information policies
Student attendance profile
Staff establishment
Student attendance rates
Position
Principal
Classroom Teachers
School Administrative & Support Staff
Total
Attendance rate
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Number
1
5
1.2
7.2
There are no indigenous staff employed at the
school.
Staff retention
2007
2008
2009
In 2010 Mrs Hook took maternity leave during
term one until the end of the year. Mrs Jenny
Gardiner worked on a casual basis at the School
until April, when she took ill. Mrs Gardiner
unfortunately passed away in July.
2010
Year
School
Region
State DET
Management of non-attendance
Mrs Gemma Suttor and Mrs D’Ilio became the
3/4 Class teachers in term two, Ms Natalie Merz
the STL Teacher and Mrs Kelly Curtis a release
teacher from term two on. Miss Katie Bainbridge
became the STL teacher when Ms Merz went to
Glen Alice PS in term four as relieving Principal.
Student non-attendance, once identified, is
referred to the Home-School Liaison Officer. An
appropriate course of action is then agreed upon.
There were no referrals in 2010.
2
Teacher qualifications
School performance 2010
All teaching staff meet the professional
requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
Achievements
Qualifications
Degree or Diploma
Postgraduate
% of staff
100
0
Arts
 The School had several students display their
work at the annual Cudgegong Learning
Community Art Show. This promoted the
subject of art in the school by showcasing
some high quality work.
 The School participated in the art
competitions at the Rylstone Show.
 A large number of students entered art works
into the annual Wollemi Children’s Art
Exhibition, many received commendations for
their efforts.
 The School’s Debating Team, consisting of
Alana Ross, Georgie Rose, Katelyn Franks and
Harry Hamilton, came runners up in the
debating section of the Gulgong Eisteddfod.
 The School Choir and Guitar Band performed
at
the
annual Cudgegong Learning
Community’s Gala Concert.
 The School Choir, Guitar Band and Concert
Band performed for the Historical Society in
September to celebrate the renovations of
local historic buildings.
 Many students entered the Gulgong
Eisteddfod in categories such as duologues,
verse recital etc.
 Four visiting music teachers attended out
school each week providing lessons in guitar,
brass, woodwind and percussion instruments.
 The School presented its annual end of year
production ‘Builders in Blunderland’ at the
Rylstone Hall involving all students in a
dramatic, dancing spectacular.
Financial summary
This summary covers funds for operating costs
and does not involve expenditure areas such as
permanent salaries, building and major
maintenance
Date of financial summary:
Income
Balance brought forward
Global funds
Tied funds
School & community sources
Interest
Trust receipts
Canteen
Total income
30/11/2010
$
19642.21
84511.30
56220.95
36722.38
2296.11
3119.60
0.00
202512.55
Expenditure
Teaching & learning
Key learning areas
Excursions
Extracurricular dissections
Library
Training & development
Tied funds
Casual relief teachers
Administration & office
School-operated canteen
Utilities
Maintenance
Trust accounts
Capital programs
Total expenditure
Balance carried forward
8398.73
12463.38
13636.16
1297.48
4546.36
62733.18
6654.84
25171.15
0.00
11814.60
12053.77
3169.77
0.00
161939.42
40573.13
A full copy of the school’s 2010 financial
statement is tabled at the annual general
meeting of the School Council. Further details
concerning the statement can be obtained by
contacting the school.
The 2010 Debating Team – from left Harry
Hamilton, Katelyn Franks, Alana Ross and
Georgie Rose.
3
 The 5/6 Class participated in a four day
excursion to Canberra and the Snowy
Mountains visiting sites such as Parliament
House, The Australian War Memorial, The
Australian Institiute of Sport, National Film
and Sound Archive, Questacon and Museum
of Australian Democracy.
 The touring Questacon Science Circus visited
our School providing science based shows for
Infants and Primary students. The School
conducted a ‘Science Day’ to coincide with the
Questacon visit.
 The School conducted a ‘Bike Day’ in
conjunction with Bicycle NSW and the NSW
Police Department to enhance the riding skills
of students.
 In term three students participated in a peer
support program focusing on developing
resilience in students.
 The students watched a ‘Stamp Out Bullying’
presentation in term one designed to give
students strategies to prevent bullying.
 Weekly assemblies were conducted and
awards presented to recognise student
achievement and effort.
 The Year 6 students attended the annual
Young Leaders Day in Sydney to foster
leadership skills.
 The Year 5/6 Class attended the Cudgegong
Learning Community’s Leadership Day in
Mudgee.
Sport
 The school’s mixed Small Schools Soccer team
made the final four in NSW in the Small
Schools Knockout for schools of under 100
students.
 Carly Lomax, Year 3 made the final at the
State PSSA Swimming Championships in the 8
Years Girls 50 metre freestyle.
 Guy Hammond [Year 6] qualified for the State
Cross Country Championships for the second
consecutive year.
 Jack Mann, Eddie Mann and Jarrod Cooper
qualified for the State PSSA Athletics
Championships. Jack and Eddie for 100 metre
sprint, Jarrod for Shot Put.
 Jack Mann was selected in Western Region
Rugby League, Rugby Union and Touch teams.
 Joshua Willcox was selected as a Cudgegong
PSSA Representative for the Western Cricket
trials.
 Jarrod Cooper was selected as a Cudgegong
PSSA Representative in soccer.
 Guy Hammond represented Western Region
at the State Under 11 Rugby League Carnival.
 Charlie Miller, Hayden Oldfield and Guy
Hammond participated in the Western Sand
Green Golf Championships.
 The School entered a Year 3/4 team and a
Year 5/6 team in the annual Portland Rugby
League Knockout.
 The School entered teams in PSSA Knockouts
in cricket, netball and touch.
 The School participate in the annual Mudgee
Super 8’s Cricket Day, Mudgee Touch Day.
 The Infants participated in their annual Sports
Day with Kandos P.S.
 Ebaney Pateman and Micaela Radzievic
competed at the Gulgong Horse Sports Day.
 Ebaney, Micaela along with Lucy Evans, Miah
Currie, Molly and Lily Best competed at the
Rylstone/Kandos Horse Sports Day.
 All students participated in a two week
intensive gymnastics program in term one.
 All students in Years 2-6 participated in the
intensive swimming scheme in term four.
The 2010 Mixed Small Schools Soccer Team after
their dramatic 1-0 win over Exeter Public School in
Exeter. The team was coached by Mr Mark Willcox.
Other
 The Infants travelled to Cowra to visit the
Japanese Gardens and then to the Fossil and
Mineral Museum in Bathurst.
4
Academic
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 3 writing
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.
60
Percentage of students
50
The achievement scale represents increasing
levels of skills and understandings demonstrated
in these assessments.
Yr 3: from Band 1 (lowest) to Band 6 (highest for
Year 3)
Yr 5: from Band 3 (lowest) to Band 8 (highest for
Year 5)
40
30
20
10
The graphs following show a comparison
between the school’s results and the overall State
results.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Band
For further information about the school’s
results, please contact the school. Parents can
also seek information on their individual child’s
performance by contacting the school.
Percentage in band
School average 2008 - 2010
SSG average 2010
State DET average 2010
Literacy – NAPLAN Year 3
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 3 spelling
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 3 reading
40
35
35
Percentage of students
Percentage of students
30
25
20
15
10
5
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
2
3
4
5
1
6
2
3
4
Band
Band
Percentage in band
Percentage in band
School average 2008 - 2010
School average 2008 - 2010
SSG average 2010
SSG average 2010
State DET average 2010
State DET average 2010
5
5
6
Literacy – NAPLAN Year 5
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 3 grammar and punctuation
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 5 reading
35
30
30
Percentage of students
Percentage of students
25
20
15
10
25
20
15
10
5
5
0
0
1
2
3
4
5
3
6
4
5
6
7
8
Band
Band
Percentage in band
Percentage in band
School average 2008 - 2010
School average 2008 - 2010
SSG average 2010
SSG average 2010
State DET average 2010
State DET average 2010
Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 3
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 3 numeracy
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 5 writing
35
45
40
Percentage of students
Percentage of students
30
25
20
15
10
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
5
0
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
3
Band
4
5
6
7
Band
Percentage in band
Percentage in band
School average 2008 - 2010
School average 2008 - 2010
SSG average 2010
SSG average 2010
State DET average 2010
State DET average 2010
6
8
Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 5
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 5 numeracy
50
50
45
45
40
40
Percentage of students
Percentage of students
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 5 spelling
35
30
25
20
15
35
30
25
20
15
10
10
5
5
0
0
3
4
5
6
7
8
3
4
5
Band
6
7
8
Band
Percentage in band
Percentage in band
School average 2008 - 2010
School average 2008 - 2010
SSG average 2010
SSG average 2010
State DET average 2010
State DET average 2010
Progress in literacy
The graphs below show the improvement in
student performance from year 3 to year 5 in
reading, writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation
and numeracy.
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 5 grammar and punctuation
35
Average progress in reading
between Year 3 and Year 5
30
25
120
100
20
Progress
Percentage of students
140
15
80
60
40
10
20
5
0
2006 - 2008 2007 - 2009 2008 - 2010
0
3
4
5
6
7
8
School
Band
Percentage in band
School average 2008 - 2010
SSG average 2010
State DET average 2010
7
SSG
State DET
Progress in numeracy
Average progress in writing
between Year 3 and Year 5
Average progress in numeracy
between Year 3 and Year 5
80
70
140
120
50
100
40
Progress
Progress
60
30
20
10
80
60
40
0
20
2006 - 2008 2007 - 2009 2008 - 2010
0
School
SSG
State DET
2006 - 2008 2007 - 2009 2008 - 2010
Progress
School
SSG
The Commonwealth Government sets minimum
standards for reading, writing, grammar and
punctuation, spelling and numeracy for years 3,
5, 7 and 9.
The performance of the students in our school in
the National Assessment Program – Literacy and
Numeracy is compared to these minimum
standards. The percentage of our students
achieving at or above these standards are
reported below.
Percentage of Year 3 students in our school
achieving at or above the minimum standard in
2010
State DET
Percentage of Year 3 students achieving at or
above minimum standard
Reading
100
Writing
100
Spelling
93
Punctuation and grammar
79
Numeracy
100
Average progress in
grammar & punctuation
between Year 3 and Year 5
140
120
100
Progress
State DET
Minimum standards
Average progress in
spelling
between Year 3 and Year 5
88
88
87
87
86
86
85
85
84
84
83
2008 - 2010
School
SSG
80
Percentage of Year 5 students in our school
achieving at or above the minimum standard in
2010
60
40
20
Percentage of Year 5 students achieving at or
above minimum standard
Reading
100
Writing
100
Spelling
100
Punctuation and grammar
91
Numeracy
100
0
2008 - 2010
School
SSG
State DET
8

Significant programs and initiatives
Aboriginal education
The Kindergarten class delved into Aboriginal
education through a variety of art activities and
narrative stories. The 1/2 class participated in an
excursion to Growee Gulph and examined some
Aboriginal cave markings and then produced
some Aboriginal style art. The 5/6 class discussed
Aboriginal rights in relation to Australian
democracy and observed the ‘Aboriginal Tent
Embassy’ in Canberra.
Ensuring overall progress of students by
conducting a number of other
assessments in literacy and numeracy
Target 2
NAPLAN Numeracy results show a 10% increase
on 2009 average scores in Years 3 and 5.
Our achievements include:

Above average improvement compared
to the Warrumbungle District and State
scores, although our scores did not show
a 10% increase..

Focusing
on
greater
numeracy
performance in 2011 with basic number
facts being targeted as an area to
improve.
Multicultural education
The School conducted a ‘Multicultural Day’ which
involved students coming dressed in a national
costume from another country. A special
luncheon was held for all students on this day
sampling a variety of multicultural foods. The
Infants’ students attended the Cowra Japanese
Gardens for their major excursion of the year and
participated in some Japanese language lessons.
The 1/2 and 3/4 classes participated in the CWA
Country of Study program on Scotland. The 5/6
class studied the story of ‘Misery Guts’ which
involved the emigration of a family to Australia.
Target 3
90% of students respond in favourable manner
to Quality of School Life Questionnaire.
Our achievements include:

A greater than 90% mark on nearly all of
the questions posed to students.

Overall attendance of students was
above the Western mark and only 0.05%
below the state average.
Respect and responsibility
The school participated in ANZAC Day services in
both Kandos and Rylstone. Students marched in
the Kandos service and had speaking roles in the
Rylstone service. The Infants classes continued
their Virtues program as part of their
Health/Personal development lessons. The 5/6
Class completed the Personal Development
course and attended leadership days in Sydney
and Mudgee to promote responsibility and
leadership.
Progress on 2010 targets
Target 1
NAPLAN Reading results at or above state
average growth from Years 3 to 5.
Our achievements include:

Year 3 to Year 5 growth was above the
state average.
Kinder students Max Suttor and Jessica Reynolds at
the Life Education Van.
9

Key evaluations
It is a requirement for all NSW public schools to
conduct at least two annual evaluations – one
related to educational and management practice
and the other related to curriculum. In 2010 our
school carried out evaluations of Teaching and
Learning and Health, Personal Development and
Physical Education.
Future directions
The school will continue to offer a broad range of
PD/Health/PE programs to assist in the
development of each student. These will be
monitored to assess effectiveness and relevance
to all students.
Educational and management practice
Background
Parent, student, and teacher
satisfaction
The area for evaluation in 2010 was teaching and
learning. This was evaluated through a
questionnaire to parent and staff.
In 2010 the school sought the opinions of
parents, students and teachers about the school.
Findings and conclusions


Their responses are presented below.
The classrooms at Rylstone Public School
were seen by parents as interesting
places for their children to learn.
There was strong agreement that
Rylstone Public had competent teachers
who set high standards of achievement.

Parents saw the School as having good
technology resources to promote
learning.

A wide range of learning opportunities
are offered for students at the school.

The school was seen as connected to the
community and is looking for ways to
improve what it does.

A wide range of extra-curricular activities
were offered at the school.

There is satisfactory Home-School
communication throughout the year
involving reports, work sample folders,
interviews and meetings.

The school grounds questions scored a
lower response in 2010, possibly due to
the construction of a new COLA and
special programs room throughout the
year as part of the Building the Education
Revolution
program.
Considerable
disruption to playground access occurred
throughout the year.

The students, through the Quality of
School Life questionnaire revealed an
overall positive attitude to their learning
and saw Rylstone Public School as a place
they like to come each day.

The staff were positive overall in the
reporting of student achievement and
curriculum offered but saw technology
and promoting a healthy lifestyle as areas
for focus in 2011.
Future directions
The School will continue to look for ways to
improve the teaching and learning in classrooms.
The Teaching and Learning for School
Improvement program will be implemented in
2011 to assist staff reflect on their current
practice and identify areas for improvement.
Curriculum
Background
The curriculum area evaluated in 2010 was
Health/Personal Development and Physical
Education.
Findings and conclusion

The topics covered in PD/Health/PE were
seen by parents and staff as being
important for their children. A good
range of programs was offered.

Students were seen to have their
knowledge of PD/Health/PE improving.
Parents were kept well informed of their
child’s progress in PD/Health/PE.
10
Professional learning





All teaching staff attended the Combined
Cudgegong
Learning
Community’s
Development Day at the start of term
two with guest speaker Celia Lashlie.
Staff updated their CPR and Emergency
Care certificates with an in-house
inservice at the July Development Day.
Teachers attended courses throughout
2010 that included:
- Autism Awareness
- Brain Gym
- Peer Support
- Best Start follow up
School Learning Support Officers
attended courses throughout 2010 that
included:
- Autism awareness
- Motor Coordination
The Principal attended the Regional
Principals’ Conference in August and the
State Principals’ Conference in October
along with other regional meetings as
required.

Improvement in spelling scores from
February to November

General spelling improvement in student
writing throughout 2011.
Target 2
Students show an average commensurate
growth on the number facts test between
February and November in 2011.
Strategies to achieve this target include:



Number Facts Assessment conducted
across the School in February, June and
November.
Support with analysis of NAPLAN data
Attendance at appropriate teacher
inservice courses.
Our success will be measured by:

Results in numeracy in the 2011 NAPLAN
tests.

Improvement in results from the number
facts assessment between February and
November.
Target 3
All teachers participate in the Team
Leadership for School Improvement K-12
program.
School development 2009 – 2011
Strategies to achieve this target include:
Targets for 2011

Target 1
Improve the spelling results of students in
Years 3 and 5 by 10% from 2010 NAPLAN

Strategies to achieve this target include:

Implementation of a school-wide spelling
scope and sequence scheme.

Inservicing of teachers re spelling programs.


Our success will be measured by:
Assessing of students to check
effectiveness of spelling programs
implemented – South Australian Spelling
test in February and November.
Our success will be measured by:

Participation in the Analytical framework
for effective leadership and school
improvement in literacy and numeracy.
All staff participate in the Team
Leadership for School Improvement K-12
course.
Information gained from Improvement
course implemented at the School.
Results in spelling in the 2011 NAPLAN
tests.
11

Completion of the Team Leadership for
School Improvement course.

The programs offered at the school that
demonstrate the leadership of staff.

The responses of students in their annual
Quality of School Life questionnaire
reflecting their enjoyment of school.
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.
Alan Kerr - Principal
Sam Hamilton – School Council President
Sharon McKay – P&C President
School contact information
Rylstone Public School
Mudgee Street Rylstone NSW 2849
Ph: 63791404
Fax: 63791532
Email: Rylstone-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.rylstone-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
School Code: 3025
Parents can find 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