Kurnell Public School
Annual School Report
2011
2341
Messages
Our school at a glance
Principal’s message
Students
Our students in 2011 have continued to make
gains in academic, sporting and creative pursuits.
‘Kurnell Public School provides a caring and
supportive environment where academic
achievement is encouraged and the uniqueness,
personality and talents of individuals are valued
and developed in a positive atmosphere which
fosters tolerance, kindness, optimism and
respect’, reflects our values. There are 187
students enrolled at Kurnell Public School.
Academically, results across all grades were
pleasing in school-based assessments. In
NAPLAN, the average progress between years 3
and 5 in literacy and numeracy were above state
results.
Many children in all classes participated in the
Premier’s Reading Challenge.
Staff
Our school continues to focus on the
development of the whole child. Strong and
effective student welfare programs and our
values system permeate all school programs.
There are 8 classroom teacher positions including
2 Assistant Principals, 2 day librarian, teacher
allocation to support Reading Recovery, Learning
Assistance and R.F.F. programs. The school
counsellor works one day on a fortnightly basis.
The School Administrative and Support Staff
entitlement is almost 2 days a week.
The staff participated in professional
development opportunities at the school and
regional level and also with other local schools.
These initiatives further improved teachers’ skills
in teaching and learning for the benefit of all
students.
Significant programs and initiatives
There have been a number of noteworthy
programs implemented in 2011. These included:
The B.E.A.R. Project, Community Tutor Maths
Project, The Premier’s Reading, Spelling and
Sporting
Challenges,
Rising
Generations
Leadership Program.
Building projects with the federal government’s
Building an Education Revolution (BER) program
were officially opened. All students and staff are
now benefiting from the:
Student achievement in 2011
•
new library;
In university competitions this year students
achieved 2 distinctions and 4 credits in
mathematics . In English a distinction, in writing a
distinction. Spelling 2 credits, science a credit and
computers 2 credits.
•
new special purpose room; and
•
covered outdoor learning area;
In the premier’s spelling bee we were
represented by Zoe E, Tiara, Carla H and Brock R.
The whole school took part in the premier’s
reading and sporting challenges. Other individual
sporting achievements are listed in the sports
section of this report.
These grants continue to improve resources at
the school together with funds raised by an
1
enthusiastic Parents’ and Citizens’ Association
(P&C). Ongoing support from Caltex, Sydney
Airport and the Holt group is also highly valued
and appreciated as they provide resources to
support whole school, class and library programs.
I am honoured to have had the opportunity to
lead and manage Kurnell – a public school of
excellence that promotes a lifelong love of
learning and engages students in developing
strong values that will shape their future lives.
Throughout 2011 students have made links with
Cronulla HS and participated in year 7 transition
and ‘Side Show’ programs.
Details of many highlights are included in this
report and I hope that you enjoy reading about
your children’s and our school’s achievements. I
thank everyone who contributed information to
this report, to parents, staff and students, who
responded to our surveys.
The students have supported environmental
initiatives and were involved in Clean up Australia
Day, Walk Safely to School Day, Schools Tree Day
and the ‘Creating a Green Corridor’ project which
will continue into next year.
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.
Our students also showed their commitment to
sharing and caring for others through their
involvement in Harmony Day and raising money
to assist those affected by the Queensland floods.
Relieving Principal Ms Jo Graham
Through Student Representative Council (SRC)
organised events the students also supported
Mission Australia’s blankets for homeless, Sydney
Children’s Hospital and the Ethiopia appeal.
P & C and/or School Council message
The role of the Kurnell Primary School P & C
is to support the school and its teachers in
their school cultural, academic and sporting
endeavours. It is also a tangible vehicle to
represent the parents, citizens and the
boarder community associated with the
school past, present and future.
And our wonderful Year 6 children helped our
school in so many ways and raised money
throughout the year for their farewell and gift to
the school.
Parents, for the role you not only play in the care
and development of your children but also for
your support of the many programs that operate
in the school. For the countless hours that you
contribute in so many ways. Your support is
invaluable. To the members of the P&C, the
Kurnell Carnival committee and supporters, the
clothing pool coordinators, the canteen helpers,
fundraising coordinators, parent helpers in
classes, reading tutors and parents who help our
school in a multitude of other ways, by teaching
scripture, completing the children’s book orders,
or taking photographs to display proudly at our
school. You work so tirelessly and often you must
feel your work goes unnoticed, but our school
would not be what it is without your help, so –
Thank you.
This was evident for all to see in the 90th Year
Celebration Fete of the Kurnell Primary in
November
2011 has seen another successful year for the
P & C and its many volunteers. These
passionate and selfless and often unknown
volunteers have given of their time support
and countless hours of dedication in the
uniform shop, the canteen, general
fundraising and OOSH.
Through the annual student family donation
and the efforts of our fundraising committee
together with the support from Caltex
Refineries all classroom will have
interactivities whiteboards in 2012.
And of course to our wonderful staff, for your
contributions in making our school such a great
place - your long hours of work, your dedication
to the children, and your commitment to
education as a whole, your enthusiasm and good
humour are truly valued. Thank you for providing
a stimulating and caring learning environment for
the students at Kurnell.
A busy however extremely rewarding year
one that all involved should be proud of.
P&C President Mrs Dianne Maddern
2
Student attendance profile
Student representative’s message
2011 was a great year of learning and fun. I had
many opportunities to represent the school
including the Sutherland Shire writing group
competition, playing violin in the Festival of
Instrumental Strings at the Sydney Opera House
and in the BER opening ceremony here at school.
My class and I also did some wonderful things
including school camp where we did archery,
went canoeing, and despite the fact that Tiarne
and I had to be rescued as we drifted off we still
had a lot of fun.
The SRC ran many fundraising activities. We
raised money for blankets to keep the homeless
warm during winter. We had discoes at
lunchtimes. At Christmas we donated toys and
food for the ‘Toys and Tucker’ appeal to help
families who couldn’t afford Christmas presents.
Management of non-attendance
As the graph above indicates, non-attendance for
full days is not a concern at our school, however,
attendance is still constantly monitored
throughout the year by the school and also by
visits from the home school liaison officer (HSLO).
The graph, though, does not report on partial
attendances.
2011 was a fabulous year when we enjoyed
learning, played school sport or PSSA and then
had the pleasure of performing for the school
concert and end of year Talent Quest. Kurnell PS
is simply a special place and I have learnt so much
and been given so many great opportunities to
succeed.
Class sizes
Primary class sizes are included in the annual
school report in order to provide parents with as
much local information as possible. The following
table shows our class sizes as reported at the
2011 Class Size Audit conducted on Monday 21
March 2011.
Isabelle Williams
School context
Student information
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all students must be consistent
with privacy and personal information policies.
Student enrolment profile
Gender
Male
Female
2007
78
81
2008
76
96
2009
83
97
2010
84
96
2011
92
94
3
Roll Class
Year
Total per
year
Total in
class
KB
K
18
18
KR
K
19
19
1
1
24
24
1/2
1
10
22
1/2
2
12
22
2/3
2
18
27
2/3
3
9
27
3/4
3
18
27
3/4
4
9
27
4/5
4
12
26
4/5
5
14
26
5/6
5
8
23
5/6
6
15
23
Teacher of Reading Recovery
Support Teacher Learning Assistance
Teacher Librarian
Part-Time Teacher
Teacher Relief from Face- to -Face
Counsellor
School Administrative & Support Staff
Total
The National Education Agreement requires
schools to report on Indigenous composition of
their workforce.
5
No staff at K.P.S. has an indigenous background.
6
7
10
Staff retention
Staff retention was quite stable. Three teachers
were on part-time maternity leave and these
days were filled with temporary appointments.
In Term 3 a teacher was successful in gaining a
permanent position at Kurnell Public School. In
Term 4 one permanent teacher was successful in
gaining a transfer through the merit selection
process.
12
13
Structure of classes
There were 8 classes in 2011. Five of these
classes were multi-age with three single age
groups. All class sizes were within the DET
guidelines of 20 in kindergarten, 22 in year 1, 24
in year 2 and 30 in years 3-6. All classes were
structured for optimal student outcomes. Most
classes were organised as parallel classes but
within these parallel classes, there were cluster
groupings of high-achieving students, students
with specific learning needs, and students from
non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB). Within
parallel classes, the practice of cluster groupings
best caters for a wide range of student abilities.
Job sharing with two teachers teaching the same
class occurred in four classes with positive
outcomes for both students and teachers.
Teacher qualifications
All teaching staff meet the professional
requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
Qualifications
Degree or Diploma
Postgraduate
% of staff
100%
--
Financial summary
This summary covers funds for operating costs
and does not involve expenditure areas such as
permanent salaries, building and major
maintenance.
Staff information
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all staff must be consistent with
privacy and personal information policies.
Staff establishment
Position
Principal
Assistant Principal(s)
Classroom Teachers
0.315
0.2
0.4
0.3
0.336
0.1
1.822
12.473
Number
1
2
6
4
Date of financial summary:
Income
Balance brought forward
Global funds
Tied funds
School & community sources
Interest
Trust receipts
Canteen
Total income
the statement can be obtained by contacting the
school.
30/11/2011
$
57019.23
120936.72
46959.39
71747.66
4667.92
56860.99
0.00
358191.91
School performance 2011
Achievements
Arts
Our junior and senior dance groups performed at
the Festival of Kurnell, at our school’s Open Day
and at Westfield Miranda for Education Week, at
the Sutherland Shire Schools Music Festival at the
Sutherland Entertainment Centre, the 90th
Anniversary Kurnell Carnival and at our annual
school concert. Our thanks go to Mrs Marian
McGaw, Miss Alecia and Mr Alexi.
Expenditure
Teaching & learning
Key l ea rni ng a rea s
Excurs i ons
Extra curri cul a r di s s ecti ons
Library
Training & development
Tied funds
Casual relief teachers
Administration & office
School-operated canteen
Utilities
Maintenance
Trust accounts
Capital programs
Total expenditure
Balance carried forward
16632.01
16542.66
25545.29
1026.01
1029.43
46442.55
26922.23
30467.79
0.00
34928.58
14982.72
33432.50
25349.00
273300.77
84891.14
All of the funds from the voluntary school
contribution go to the P&C and were used
directly in classrooms to support teaching and
learning programs. ‘School & community sources’
also includes payments for excursions, sport,
dance and all other extra-curricular activities.
‘Administration & office’ includes payments to
suppliers for GST. This amount is recouped from
the ATO but is included in income in ‘Global
Funds’.
The balance carried forward includes funds
already committed to:

unpaid salaries for teachers, ancillary staff
and teachers’ aides (special);

tied and trust accounts;

unpaid accounts and orders,
maintenance costs; and

asset replacement including the purchase of
another IWB for a classroom.
Our senior and junior choirs performed at our
school’s Open Day and at the Sutherland Shire
Schools Music Festival at the Sutherland
Entertainment Centre with Fallon and Jazmaree
singing beautiful solos. Our thanks go to Mrs
Wendy Riach and Mrs Jennie Lawson.
including
Isabelle was successful in selection to and
participation in the 2011 Festival of Instrumental
Music in Primary Strings and performed at the
Sydney Opera House. She also performed at our
school’s Open Day.
A full copy of the school’s 2011 financial
statement is tabled at the annual general
meetings of the P&C. Further details concerning
5
Dylan and Isabelle performed at the B.E.R.
Recognition Ceremony.
Girls basketball were successful in winning their
competition.
In Winter we competed in Netball and Soccer
competitions. All four netball teams made the
semi-finals with the Senior A team declared joint
premiers. The junior boys Soccer team made the
final.
Harrison was a Cronulla Zone Representative in
AFL.
Sydney represented Cronulla Zone in Soccer and
Basketball.
Rees, Tomysha, Kyla, Alieesha, and Jaime
represented Cronulla Zone in Athletics.
Rees represented Cronulla Zone in Basketball and
also represented Sydney East at the State
Athletics Championship where he finished 4Th.
Ariana, Falon & Jazmaree participated in the
three day gifted and talented workshop which
culminated in the performance of this year’s Create South production of “Aladdin”.
The special swimming scheme in September saw
51 students increase their swimming skills.
Other
Thirteen Stage 3 students participated in
‘Sideshow’- a gifted and talented arts day at
Cronulla High School which focused on DramaJessica and Sydney; Dance- Zoe, Tara, Paris and
Brianna; Visual Arts- Ken and Lauren MusicFalon, Jazmaree, Ariana, Isabelle and Dylan.
Environmental
The school was given a grant from the Catchment
Authority to assist in the creation of a green
corridor. This program was coordinated by
Wendy Riach. The oval and school grounds are
looking just lovely. Jeff Dorrett from the
Sutherland Shire Council’s Green Web came with
plants and equipment to show the children how
to plant their own plants. He also explained what
each plant was, how to care for it and how the
children are improving our school environment.
Artwork from our Kindergarten and Year 1
children was on put on display at the Festival of
Kurnell and from K-6 at the Sutherland Shire
Schools Music Festival.
Troy, Stephanie, Sydney and James won the
Caltex Calendar competition. Their artworks will
be published in the calendar for 2012.
Sport
Our sporting teams competed in various sports
this year and I commend all the children for their
sportsmanship and fair play. Thank you to our
staff members Darryl La Coste, Anne O’Riordan
and Rachael Owens for their coaching. Thank you
to all the parents for their support and
encouragement of all the children.
Fourteen of the senior students participated in
the Premiers Sporting Challenge Sports
Leadership program “Learning to Lead” in March
this year.
Healthy Lifestyles
The students in K-6 participated in a number
of sporting activities in 2011 to help maintain
healthy lifestyles. In term 2 and 3 the
We participated in softball and basketball in in
the PSSA Cronulla Zone competition. The Senior
6
students were actively involved in the
Premier’s Sporting Challenge. Sports in
Schools Australia came and demonstrated
many of their activities in order for us to run
the program in term 1 2012. Kelly Sports ran
an afternoon where the students were
actively involved in a number of fun and
engaging sporting games. This program was
offered to students on Tuesdays after school
during terms 3 and 4. Stage 2 students were
actively involved in morning health hustles
for their daily fitness program. In 2012 all
students from K-6 will be involved in this
program.
Public Speaking
Jessica S, Sophia G and Brock R represented
our school at the zone public speaking
competition.
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.
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)
Literacy – NAPLAN Year 3
Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 3
7
Literacy – NAPLAN Year 5
8
Progress in literacy
Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 5
Progress in numeracy
9
Significant programs and initiatives
There have been a number of significant
programs and initiatives this year at Kurnell
Public School. Five student leaders attended the
National Young Leaders Conference that was held
at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Our leaders
also participated in the leadership program at
Cronulla High. Year 5 and 6 students also
participated in the Shire Wide Youth program
Rising Generations.
Minimum standards
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 percentages of our students
achieving at or above these standards are
reported below.
Percentage of Year 3 students achieving at or
above minimum standard (exempt students
included)
Reading
Writing
Spelling
Grammar & Punctuation
Numeracy
92.6
100.0
92.6
100.0
100.0
Percentage of Year 5 students achieving at or
above minimum standard (exempt students
included)
Reading
Writing
Spelling
100.0
100.0
95.2
Grammar & Punctuation
100.0
Numeracy
100.0
All students participated in the Life Education
program in Term 3 and all K- 2 students visited
Botany Bay National park in Term 4.
Year 5 and 6 students participated in a three day
camp in the Royal National Park. K – 2 major
excursion this year was to Calmsey Hill Farm and
3 and 4 visited The Rocks .
10
Student Welfare
Student Welfare has been a focus in school
planning this year. We continue to build positive
self-esteem and promote student safety through
a number of programs throughout the school,
including Peer Support, Child Protection, Drug
Education and Anti – Bullying program. We have
also included a number of Social Skills programs
as a whole school, in classes and in small groups.
A Theragames program was introduced this year
which develops skills in selected students in
playing games and sharing with others. Our
positive reward system is a feature of the school.
The merit system is the focus of our student
Welfare policy and is structured to allow children
to progress to silver and then gold pennants
through the merit awards presented at weekly
assemblies. Our merit system celebrates student
achievement and contributions and builds
positive self-esteem.
A number of specialised tutor programs took
place this year. The community tutor program
targeting mathematics continued this year as did
the parent tutor programs in reading. The
B.E.A.R. program began this year. This program
developed reading and comprehension skills in
selected Year 1 students and was run by
volunteer parents.
Aboriginal education
Aboriginal education is addressed across the
curriculum by all classes, particularly in the key
learning area Human Society and Its Environment
(HSIE). The individual literacy and numeracy
needs of Aboriginal students were identified and
targeted through individual programs developed
by the school’s learning support team. The
programs were administered by Teachers Aides
Special and funded through an Aboriginal Cultural
Funding grant. Training and development
sessions focused on incorporating visual
organizers
to
improve
reading
and
comprehension skills. School assemblies include
an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ and a weekly
‘Message Stick’ award supporting our school’s
values. Chelsea was the 2011 recipient of a
Sydney Region ‘Deadly Kids’ award which
acknowledges
positive
attitudes,
regular
attendance, perseverance and achievement.
Multicultural education
Multicultural Education continues to
incorporated across curriculum areas K-6.
be
Multiculturalism was celebrated through special
days and events such as Harmony Day and visual
arts competitions
11
Support Programs
Reading Recovery
Progress on 2011 targets
Target 1
Support Teacher Learning Assistance
To increase the number of students achieving in
the top two NAPLAN literacy bands.
The STLA is allocated to the school for one day
each week through the Sutherland Area. The
STLA’s main role is to assist students with high
literacy needs. In 2011, the STLA also supported
the numeracy team in the implementation of the
school’s target to improve student achievements
in number.
In Year 3 27 children sat the literacy test in 2011
compared to 19 in 2010. In Year 5 21 students sat
the literacy tests in 2011 compared to 17 in 2010.
Our achievements include:
The STLA also supported the implementation of
K-6 assessment of reading fluency. This
assessment provided valuable information to
classroom teachers that enabled them to plan
effective programs to target the needs of their
students. It highlighted the students requiring
additional support in literacy and provided a
focus for the STLA program. It also provided an
effective means of monitoring student reading
fluency levels from K-6.
The STLA then monitored those students who
were not reading at a grade appropriate fluency
rate, as reading at an appropriate fluency rate is
essential for comprehension.

Year 3 – 33.3% in the top two bands in
Reading and in Year 5 – 42.8 % in the top two
bands in Reading compared with the 2010
results (Year 3- 21% in the top two bands in
Reading and Year 5- 24% in the top two
bands in Reading)

Year 3 – 40.7% in the top two bands in
Writing and Year 5 – 38% in the top two
bands in Writing compared with the 2010
results (Year 3- 58% in the top two bands in
Writing and Year 5- 24% in the top two bands
in Writing).

Year 3 – 25.9% in top two bands in Spelling
and Year 5 28.6% in the top two bands in
Spelling compared with the 2010 results
(Year 3- 21% in top two bands in Spelling and
Year 5- 12% in the top two bands in Spelling)

Year 3 - 37% in top two bands in Grammar
and Punctuation and Year 5 57.1 % in the top
two bands in Grammar and Punctuation
compared to the 2010 results (Year 3- 58% in
top two bands in Grammar and Punctuation
and Year 5- 47% in the top two bands in
Grammar and Punctuation)
The Learning Support Team (LST)
This year has been extremely busy for the LST.
Students requiring support from K-6 were
identified through NAPLAN and school-based
assessments. Groups were formed to target
specific academic needs. Support programs were
devised and implemented by our STLA and other
support personnel.
One student was referred to the I.M. Support
Class at Kirrawee PS where he was accepted. He
will attend the support class from next year.
Under the umbrella of LST, we always endeavour
to keep parents informed and involved with our
programs. This year we would also like to thank
the small group of parents who came to the
school and helped with support programs for
individual students. Their regular visits
contributed to the progress for some of our
students who required extra assistance.
Target 2
To improve students achievements in numeracy.
In Year 3 27 children sat the numeracy test in
2011 compared to 19 in 2010. In Year 5 21
students sat the numeracy tests in 2011
compared to 17 in 2010.
12

Our achievements include:



Year 3- 33.3% in the top two bands in
Numeracy and Year 5- 28.6% in the top two
bands of Numeracy compared with the 2010
results (Year 3- 32% in the top two bands in
Numeracy and Year 5- 25% in the top two
bands of Numeracy).
parent surveys and weekly newsletters were
made available online.
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 2011 our
school carried out evaluations of the school’s
culture and the teaching of guided reading.
Year 3- 37% in the top two bands in Data,
Measurement, Space and Geometry and Year
5- 33.4% in the top two bands in Data,
Measurement,
Space
and
Geometry
compared with the 2010 results (Year 3- 11%
in the top two bands in Data, Measurement,
Space and Geometry and Year 5- 25% in the
top two bands in Data, Measurement, Space
and Geometry).
Educational and management practice
The School’s communication
Background
Year 3- 22.2% in the top two bands in
Number, Patterns and Algebra and Year 538% in the top two bands in Number,
Patterns and Algebra compared with the
2010 results (Year 3- 32% in the top two
bands in Number, Patterns and Algebra and
Year 5- 12% in the top two bands in Number,
Patterns and Algebra).
The online Zoomerang survey instrument was
used to survey parents, students and teachers
about the school’s communication. Responding
to the survey were:

51 parents;

62 students; and

7 teachers.
Findings and conclusions
Target 3
Statement about
school
Integrating new technologies into teaching and
learning.
Parents
Students
Teachers
almost
always
&
usually
almost
always &
usually
almost
always &
usually
Effective
communication
94%
83%
100%
Various
communication
methods
98%
93%
100%
The school
website is user
friendly
86%
80%
71%
100%
93%
71%
90%
83%
100%
communication
Our achievements include:

increased internet and email traffic across
the school supported both teaching and
learning activities;

an increase in general communication of staff
by email including the weekly diary dates;

another interactive whiteboard was installed
bringing the school total to six and money
was raised to purchase another three which
will be installed in 2012. This means all
classrooms will have interactive whiteboards.


all staff members were trained in the use of
interactive
whiteboards
and
video
conferencing equipment.
The school
newsletter keeps
me informed
class blogs were introduced into some stage
2 classes to promote the use of
communication through I.C.T.
Exploring ways to
communicate to
parents
13
Find out majority
of school
information from
hard copies of
notes/newsletters
information
92%
75%
71%
Interested in workshops
63%
Students
Statement about guided reading
Students
agree & strongly
agree
Future directions
Parents, students and teachers responded very
positively to all criteria in the survey and
therefore a continuation of current processes is
encouraged.
Curriculum
The teaching of reading
Background
The online Zoomerang survey instrument was
used to survey parents, students and teachers
about the school’s teaching. Responding to the
survey were:

51 parents;

62 students; and

7 teachers.
Participate in reading groups 4-5
times a week
73%
Enjoy participating in reading
groups
89%
The books are interesting
100%
Teacher listens to me and gives
feedback
95%
Reading has improved
98%
Read at home a few times a week
93%
Mum or dad read to me
75%
Teachers
Statement about guided reading
Findings and conclusions
agree & strongly
agree
Parents
Statement about reading
programs
Teachers
Parents
agree & strongly
agree
Program meets child’s needs
96%
Improvement in reading skills
88%
Enjoys reading & displays
enthusiasm
92%
Reads 3-5 nights a week
92%
Reads at home to self or others
100%
Brings home readers or library
books
96%
Assist child’s reading skills
98%
Teacher given assessment
75%
Guided reading lessons 3-5 times
a week
86%
Lessons 30-45 minutes daily
100%
Guided groups 5-8 students
100%
Guided groups in the morning
100%
Parent support in classroom
reading
67%
I use a home reading log
100%
Future directions
While parent workshops are held each year for
parents of younger students, parent workshops
need to be offered to parents of older students.
Parent support in classrooms could also be
encouraged to improve student reading skills.
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Future directions
Parent, student, and teacher
satisfaction
Parents, students and teachers responded very
positively to most criteria in the survey. We will
address the area of offering extra-curricular
activities in our new school plan.
In 2011 the school sought the opinions of
parents, students and teachers about the school.
Their responses are presented below.
Professional learning
The online Zoomerang survey instrument was
used to survey parents, students and teachers
about the school’s satisfaction. Responding to the
survey were:

51 parents;

62 students; and

7 teachers.
Teacher professional learning is linked to our
targets and school plan. The focus has been on
mathematics, differentiating the curriculum and
technology. All teachers received professional
learning support through a variety of
opportunities including our community of schools
project, staff meetings, afternoon workshops, full
day workshops, network meetings, regional
conferences and regional key learning area
meetings.
Findings and conclusions
Statement
about school
Parents
Students
Teachers
almost
always &
usually
almost
always &
usually
almost
always &
usually
The school
praises &
rewards
achievement
94%
92%
100%
Friendly school
that is tolerant
& accepting of
all students
100%
98%
100%
As a result of the school’s self-evaluation process
and an analysis of the data from the NAPLAN
results, school-based assessments and surveys,
three year priority areas have been developed to
address needs areas.
82%
95%
86%
School priority 1
satisfaction
Wide range of
extracurricular
programs are
offered
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.
Outcome for 2012–2014
School
promotes its
uniform policy
94%
Teachers set
high standards
of achievement
92%
School office
responds in a
friendly &
prompt
manner
School planning 2012—2014
95%
86%
To increase levels of literacy across the school
with emphasis on reading and comprehension.
2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include:
100%
100%


94%
100%
100%
showing expected or greater than
expected growth in NAPLAN results in
literacy from yrs 3-5
student improvement in school based
literacy tracking data
Strategies to achieve these targets include:

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consistent whole-school approach for
identification of students needing extra
support in reading;

Continuation of Reading Recovery, B.E.A.R.
tutor project and implementation the Fitzroy
Reading program to support students;



Participation in the ‘Catching the Reading
Wave’ project;
Use regular Stage/Grade meetings to plan
and present ideas on how to effectively teach
numeracy and problem solving share
resources and expertise;

Professional learning sessions on quality
teaching of reading and effective assessment
K-6.;
Professional development for all staff on data
analysis, including NAPLAN and school based
evaluation;

Provide workshops for parents/carers to
support and develop student learning in
mathematics;

Students frequently exposed to quality texts;

Resources purchased to support literacy
target;


Develop resources for class maths lessons K-6
to support numeracy programs;
Grade corporate programming to ensure
consistency, planning and quality teaching in
stage teams;

Adequate quality class time allocated for
numeracy.

Adequate, quality time allocated for literacy;

Participation in the Coastal Schools’
academically gifted program for select
students in stage 3;
School priority 3

In school and/or regional support for
professional development in reading;
Improve quality teaching practices and develop of
leadership skills through professional learning.

Provision of workshops to assist parents with
strategies to support their child in the home
reading program K-6
2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include:
Outcome for 2012–2014


School priority 2

Outcome for 2012–2014
Increased levels of overall numeracy achievement
for all students.

2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include:

Strategies to achieve these targets include:
For all students to show expected or
greater than expected growth in NAPLAN
results in numeracy from yrs 3-5.

Opportunities for classroom teachers to
lead whole school programs within Key
Learning Areas;

Provide teacher professional learning on
effective teaching and learning programs in
numeracy and problem solving strategies;
Time table individual teacher discussions
with executive to discuss professional
learning needs;

Create an overall school corporate maths
program which focuses on problem solving
techniques K-6;
Reading initiative “Reading wave”
includes
opportunities
for
A.P.
professional development;

Teachers continue to undertake training
in the use of Data (including SMART) to

For all students to show improvement in
school based numeracy tracking data
Strategies to achieve these targets include:


Increase the opportunities for teachers to
develop leadership capacity beyond their
own classroom.
Increase the collaboration of teachers to
improve the quality of classroom
practice.
Increase the numbers of teachers who
are confident in the use of Quality
Teaching and coding lessons in QT.
Increase the level of staff involvement in
professional learning.
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inform planning for teaching and
learning;

Teachers collaboratively plan and
develop programs for each grade

Teachers use Quality Teaching framework
in their programs and in reporting and
assessment
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.
Jo Graham
Relieving Principal
Dianne Maddern
Parent Representative
Peter Cook
Assistant Principal
Nicole Lanham
Assistant Principal
Anne O’Riordan
Relieving AP
Darryl La Coste
Staff Representative
Sonia Coutts
Staff Representative
Donna Rowley
Staff Representative
Marian McGaw
Staff Representative
School contact information
Kurnell Public School
Kurnell Public School
13-31 Dampier Street Kurnell
Ph: 9668 9864
Fax: 9668 8131
Email: kurnell-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.kurnell-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
School Code: 2341
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
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