Wyalong Public School
Annual School Report
2012
3518
Our school at a glance
Student achievement in 2012
Students
Student achievement can be found by accessing
the following link to the My School Website.
Wyalong Public School also known as ‘TOPPY’ is
situated within the rural setting of West
Wyalong, parallel to the Newell Highway. In 2012
Students attending the school resided in West
Wyalong, Wyalong or commuted from other rural
settings. The student population in 2012 was 55
in total.
http://www.myschool.edu.au/
Staff
The dedicated staff at Wyalong Public School are
committed to providing quality teaching and
learning programs for the students in their care.
The teachers cater for the individual learning
styles of students and provide programs to best
support their needs.
All teaching staff meet the professional
requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
Significant programs and initiatives
Our school enjoys a Small School Culture where
students have the opportunity to be nurtured
within a concentrated learning environment.
Students in 2012 participated in:

The schools Music program, performing
in the Choir and School Band at the
School Concert, Candy Striped Fair and
other special school occasions.

The Meals on wheels Program where
students give service to their community
by delivering Meals to the Disabled and
Elderly once a week.

Active After School where students were
subject to sporting opportunities two
afternoons a week after school.

The annual Young Leaders Conference
held in Sydney. School leaders attend this
excursion each year to gain inspiration
and an understanding of leadership and
all it requires.

The Country Areas Program. This
government funded initiative provides
students with opportunity to update their
technological skills as well as network
with students from other schools.
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P & C and/or School Council message
Messages
Wyalong Public School P and C have had another
busy year. Including our annual fundraising
events of bingo night, pie drive and Christmas fair
we also were able to successfully apply for local
council funding for a Public Access Grant.
Principal’s message
Welcome to Wyalong Public School Annual
School Report for 2012.The report presents a
balanced account of the school’s achievements
over the past 12 months and recognises areas
that the school will address in the future.
The P and C where able to assist the school by
contributing funds towards resources and a
whole school excursion.
Wyalong Public School is a small school situated
3.57kms east of the main township of West
Wyalong with a committed teaching staff and
involved local community whose commitment to
education is evident through the maintained
buildings, grounds and participation in
educational activities and events.
Due to several vandalism attacks during the year
we have also looked into installing a security
system and are raising funds towards this project.
President
Neil Ferguson
The community encourages children to see
themselves as part of their unique environment.
At Wyalong School we are committed to
providing for all students, a rich and diverse
curriculum with an emphasis on intellectual,
physical and social development in a stable and
supportive environment.
Student representative’s message
In 2012 we had 9 students on the Student
Representative Council (SRC) voted in to stand for
each year group, including Kindergarten. The
representatives were chosen by their peers. SRC
duties this year included helping with fund raising
initiatives such as the school fete, selling icecreams, and raffles.
Student achievement is recognised across all
curriculum areas and parents and community
members are actively encouraged to participate
in the education of their children in school based
programs.
The School Captains and Prefect and the Sports
Captains also attended the Young Leaders’
Conference in Sydney and listened to some
excellent speakers.
Wyalong Public School provides a sound
foundation for continued learning and recognises
the importance of involving the community in the
school’s events and programs. Our school enjoys
a balanced program integrating academic work,
cultural activities and sport. Thanks must also go
to the entire school staff on their
professionalism, caring attitude and persistence.
Katie Clemson & Jake Leadbitter
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.
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.
Helen Corke (Relieving)
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Management of non-attendance
School context
Parents of students who do not attend school
and do not immediately send a written
explanation are contacted and the explanation
sought.
Student information
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all students must be consistent
with privacy and personal information policies.
Teachers contact parents after 2 days absence.
Students understand that regular attendance is
important.
Staff information
Student enrolment profile
Gender 2007 2008 2009
Male
29 23
22
Female 28 27
26
2010
25
30
2011
31
30
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all staff must be consistent with
privacy and personal information policies.
2012
27
28
Staff establishment
Position
Principal
Classroom Teachers
Support Teacher Learning Assistance
Teacher Librarian
Primary Part-Time Teacher & RFF
School Administrative & Support Staff
Enrolments
80
Students
60
40
Number
1
2
0.2
0.168
0.294
1.206
20
Total
0
5.108
The National Education Agreement requires
schools to report on Indigenous composition of
their workforce.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
Male Female
During 2012 an Indigenous School Learning
Support Officer was employed by the school.
Staff retention
Although no staff left in 2012, Miss Staples went
on Maternity Leave and will return to Wyalong
Public School in 2013.
Student attendance profile
Year
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
2008
93.8
2009
92.3
92.9
97.7
94.6
95.0
93.8
95.3
94.5
2010
94.9
96.4
94.2
94.8
96.8
93.0
96.4
95.1
2011
90.9
92.8
92.8
92.6
95.7
94.0
92.9
93.0
2012
91.0
88.5
91.3
94.0
90.3
96.6
95.4
92.2
Teacher qualifications
All teaching staff meet the professional
requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
Qualifications
Degree or Diploma
Postgraduate
3
% of staff
100%
Financial summary
School performance 2012
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
30/11/2012
Income
Balance brought forward
Global funds
Tied funds
School & community sources
Interest
Trust receipts
Canteen
Total income
$
41732.96
62620.53
77286.52
9537.39
2050.95
1602.30
0.00
194830.65
Achievements
Choir
The school performed locally throughout the year
at many school and community events such as
the Candy Striped Fair, The School Concert, end
of year presentation night and various other
formal school assemblies. In 2012 the choir gave
students the opportunity to sing solos and duets
as well as sing collectively as part of a choir using
microphones, headsets and other PA equipment.
Band:
Students performing in the band this year
enjoyed weekly instrument tuition in clarinet,
recorder and guitar. The band provided
entertainment by performing locally throughout
the year at many school and community events
such as the Candy Striped Fair, The School
Concert, end of year presentation night and
various other formal school assemblies.
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
8690.06
1508.37
7138.97
3092.96
2289.98
68962.08
7730.50
29312.55
0.00
15049.93
3633.65
1751.03
0.00
149160.08
45670.57
Meals on Wheels:
For the fourth consecutive year, students have
provided community service by partaking in the
Meals on Wheels Program. Each Monday
students volunteer their time to deliver meals to
disabled or elderly clients of the West Wyalong
Meals on Wheels Association. Students enjoy
giving back to their community and are well
received by their clients who look forward to
their weekly visits. This program remains to be a
huge success as it continues to generate positive
school feedback within both the school and wider
community.
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.
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Excursions: In 2012, our school staff continued
School Leadership:
to believe that excursions enable students to gain
a deeper understanding of content through
practical experience.
Young Leaders Conference

Sydney, Young Leaders National Conference

Junee Licorice Factory

Temora Aviation Museum
Wyalong Public School again supported the
Young Leaders initiative by sending both Captains
and our Prefect to the day held annually in
Sydney. The students were motivated by the
day’s events and inspired by the guest speakers.
They gained a better understanding of what
leadership is all about and how their new roles
could positively impact our school community.

Lake Cowal Conservation Centre
Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre

Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre
Years 4-6 attended leadership training at

Tullibigeal Central School

Musica Viva
Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre.
Students were encouraged to think about how
they can improve their own school, what good
leaders do and what positive impact leaders have
on younger students.
This year students enjoyed and benefited from a
wide range of practical experiences such as:
Sport:
Geo Quest
Active After School
As part of the Country Area Program, 4 students
and a teacher went to Sydney to learn about
using mobile technology to complete a GeoQuest at Taronga Park Zoo. Students were using
an iPad to complete a timed task utilizing
cameras and answering questions.
Active After School provides students with an
opportunity to participate in structured sporting
activities after school hours, two days a week on
school grounds. These activities continued to
further develop and promote student’s social and
sporting skills.
A visit to the technology center at Macquarie
University allowed students to use Google Maps
and how to create their own maps.
PSSA:
During 2012 students at Wyalong Public School
had many opportunities to participate in sporting
opportunities. These included;

Tennis

Netball

Basketball

Touch Football

T20 Blast Cricket

Small Schools Knockout Soccer (We made
the 4th round!)

West Wyalong AFL/Netball Gala Day
Academic
The My School website provides detailed
information and data for national literacy and
numeracy testing (NAPLAN).
To view these results please either type the
address below into your browser or if viewing our
electronic version simply click on the link below.
Click on the link http://www.myschool.edu.au and
enter Wyalong Public School in the Find a school
box and select GO.
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Significant programs and initiatives
Progress on 2012 targets
Aboriginal education
Target 1: Reading
Aboriginal culture, history and contemporary
Aboriginal perspectives are incorporated in units
of teaching across all Key Learning Areas.
80 % students achieve Sound (C) to High (B) as a
Reading achievement in English. Students achieve
stage based outcomes/foundation statements in
Reading.
Acknowledgement of country is implemented at
school assemblies and special events. Community
elders are invited to do this where possible.
Strategies to achieve this target included:
•Analyse NAPLAN results and students’ work
against syllabus outcomes and develop programs
to address needs identified.
Respect and responsibility
Respect and responsibility are identified as two of
Wyalong Public Schools published values. Respect
and Responsibility also drive the school’s values
framework helping to bring to life the school’s
values mission statement.
•School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) is
employed to split class for literacy session each
morning thus improving the student/teacher
ratio and ensuring students are exposed to
explicit specialized instruction.
Staff and students are expected to demonstrate
Respect and Responsibility at all times.
•Use of Benchmarking to track student growth.
Connected learning
Our achievements include:
During this year we have held a conference with
other classes / schools, using the IWB for
research and using it for lessons.

NAPLAN results show a pleasing increase in
progress between years 3 and 5
Average progress in Reading
between Year 3 and 5*
Edmodo was used by students in 4-6 to connect
with students from all over the world and each
other. The class created a code of conduct to
allow students to feel they can participate in a
safe cyber environment.
School
SSG
State DEC
Web2 tools have been used by students. They
have enjoyed the experience. Study Ladder is also
being used for Mathematics and Literacy to
enhance the Year 3-6 teaching program. This is an
Australian based website which has tutorials and
interactive activities.
2008-2010
53.7
83.5
83.7
2009-2011
49.5
77.8
74.0
2010-2012
82.0
79.0
79.2
• A strong commitment by teaching staff to
provide quality reading programs and using stage
appropriate recourses in class.
• Continued tracking of student growth using PM
Benchmarking.
Multicultural education
Multicultural perspectives are incorporated in
units of teaching across all Key Learning Areas.
Country Areas Program
All staff and students benefited from the
programs implemented by the school’s
involvement in the Country Areas Program, a
commonwealth Government funded program.
The program enabled us to give students
opportunities providing extra teacher support, IT
programs and the opportunity for 4 students in
Year 4 and 5 to participate in a technology camp
in Sydney.
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Target 2: Writing
Our achievements include:
80 % students achieve Sound (C) to High (B) as a
Writing achievement in English. Students achieve
stage based outcomes/foundation statements in
Writing.
• Teaching programs showing areas of need as
identified by analysis of NAPLAN.

Strategies to achieve this target included:
• Analyse NAPLAN results and students’ work
against syllabus outcomes especially grammar
and sentence structure and develop programs to
address needs identified.
A 33.8% growth of student progress in years
3 & 5.
School evaluation
NSW public schools conduct evaluation to
support the effective implementation of the
school plan. In 2012 our school carried out
evaluation of whole school Numeracy Programs.
• School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) is
employed to split class for literacy session each
morning thus improving the student/teacher
ratio and ensuring students are exposed to
explicit specialized instruction.
Numeracy Programs
Background
Each year the ASR committee revises an area of
the school to evaluate its progress as to whether
the area is in need of improvement or
celebration. This year the school has surveyed the
community to find its perception of the
Numeracy Programs.
• Develop writing rubrics
Our achievements include:
• Quality teaching evident in all lessons
• The achievement of stage based
outcomes/foundation statements in Writing
Findings and conclusions
The parent and student perception of Numeracy
taught at school was the focus of the survey. 32
surveys were sent to the families at the school
and 9 surveys were returned.
Target 3: Numeracy
80 % students achieve Sound (C) to High (B) as an
overall achievement in Mathematics. Students
achieve stage based outcomes/foundation
statements in Mathematics.
Students in Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were also
surveyed.
Findings and conclusions
Strategies to achieve this target included:
Parents and students felt Math’s homework was
important and that students were learning
appropriate Mathematics in class this year. Most
students found Mathematics fun in class and felt
that they were improving, however some
students would like to be challenged more. Most
parents felt their child was progressing in
mathematics this year.
• Analyse NAPLAN results and students’ work
against syllabus outcomes especially in
mathematical language, Working Mathematically
and mental computation develop programs to
address needs identified.
• School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) is
employed to split class for numeracy sessions
each afternoon thus improving the
student/teacher ratio and ensuring students are
exposed to explicit specialized instruction.
Future directions
The number of parent replies has increased from
previous years but more parent involvement is
needed to accurately gauge their views.
• Development of Mathematics programs that
target mathematical language, Working
Mathematically and mental computation.
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Parent, student, and teacher
satisfaction
School planning 2012—2014
Analysis of students and parent responses are
presented below.
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.
• Parents are pleased with the number of
students wearing school hats.
School priority 1- Literacy, Writing
 The school community continues to have a
positive effect of staff morale.
Outcomes for 2012–2014
In 2012 the school sought the opinions of
parents, students and teachers about the school.
• Students achieving stage appropriate outcomes
in writing with a focus on sentence structure,
grammar and vocabulary and strengthened staff
capacity to apply consistent assessment to
writing through use of ARC website and CTJ.
•The students are proud of their school and want
to do well in all activities.
•Parents support school programs by sending
students on excursions and sporting events.
2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include:
•Parents are happy with the school uniforms and
a very high percentage of students wear full
school uniform every day.
To increase the achievement of writing skills
from sound to high as an overall achievement in
grades 1-6 from 65% 2012 to 70% in 2013.
Professional learning
Strategies to achieve these targets include:
All staff participated in professional learning in
the following areas:
•
Child Protection

Assessment as Learning

Best Start

Every Student Every School Modules

NSW New Syllabus Implementation

Focus on Reading

Understanding and Managing Behavior

Operation Art

Visual Learning Tools

I learn
•
Anaphylaxis awareness and treatment
•
ARC
•
Language, Learning & Literacy
•
CPR & Emergency Care

CAP development day

Autistic Spectrum Disorder
8

Analyse NAPLAN results and School Based
Benchmarking of students’ assessment to
drive teacher programming and teaching.

A third teacher our STLA is employed to split
the class for the literacy session each
morning improving the student to teacher
ratio, where students are exposed to explicit
specialised instruction in writing.

CTJ is implemented through use of teacher
professional dialogue, use of ARC website
and developing Rubrics.

A School Support officer is employed to help
the classroom teacher deliver quality writing
lessons by assisting students who find writing
challenging and work with those students
employing writing strategies that assist
students in achieving writing outcomes.

Kindergarten teacher trained in L3 providing
specialised writing assistance to complement
Best Start program.
School priority 2 -literacy, Reading
School priority 3- Numeracy
Outcome for 2012–2014
Outcome for 2012–2014
Students achieving stage appropriate
outcomes in Literacy- comprehension and
reading strategies. As well as strengthened
teacher capacity, to improve student learning
outcomes in specific areas of comprehension.
Greater use and understanding of working
mathematically & its language, by students and
teachers through the use of Newman’s Analysis
and the Working Mathematically program K-6.
Students understand and apply Newman’
Analysis and an Improved student achievement in
application of knowledge in Patterns and Algebra
and Number are achieved.
Development and continued use of
assessment-Running Records, Waddington,
CTJ and Rubrics
2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include:
2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include:

•To improve current 75% achievement of sound
to high as an overall achievement in Mathematics
to 80% in 2013
To increase the current achievement reading
level of sound to high from 70% in 2012 to
75% in 2013.
Strategies to achieve these targets include:
Strategies to achieve these targets include:
• Professional Learning for staff by Maths
consultant to ensure the quality of
implementation and assessment of working
mathematically, mental computations Patterns
and Algebra and Numeracy

[Diagnostic Data is implemented and located
on shared drive. All staff can access this and it
is to be continually updated. Students
growth/needs can therefore be tracked.

Maintenance of the implemented reading
programs: such as Reading Eggs and
modelled reading, Guided Reading and Silent
Reading. This is carried out in whole class
literacy groups as well as one to one tutoring
scenarios.

A third teacher our STLA is employed to split
the class for the literacy session each
morning improving the student to teacher
ratio, where students are exposed to explicit
specialised instruction in reading.

Kindergarten teacher trained in L3 providing
specialised reading assistance to complement
Best Start program.

Students identified and support is sought for
students to receive appropriate tutoring
through teacher aide assistance.

Establishing the Focus on Reading Program in
the school to complement L3. Staff training
and implementation of the program to set up
a whole school approach to teaching Reading.

Purchase of 10 iPods (over 2 years) for
increased student engagement in literacy and
numeracy.

Use Best Start analysis to establish student
learning needs in Kindergarten
Classroom teacher’s programs to include;
9

Segments of working mathematically

Mental computations,

Strong use and emphasis on Mathematical
Terminology.

Use of K-6 working mathematically whole
school program evident.

All teachers to explicitly teach process and
skills of Newman’s Analysis
School priority 4- Student and
Community Engagement through CAP
Programs and Creative and
Performing Arts
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.
Outcome for 2012–2014

Develop and maintain CAP initiatives,
maintain community connections and
promotion of the school through school and
community events.
Helen Corke Relieving Principal
2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include:
David Tallon Classroom Teacher
•
School contact information
Strengthen the educational partnership
between the school and community
through CAP initiatives, music programs
and grant applications to improve
community connections and school
grounds.
Wyalong Public School
George Bland Ave Wyalong NSW 2671
Ph: 02 69722140
Strategies to achieve these targets include:
Fax: 02 6977834
•
Participation in CAP initiatives and
maintain positive interactions with other
schools
Web:
http://www.wyalong-.schools.nsw.edu.au/home
Increased positive school awareness,
continued community performances and
sporting events. Establishing a positive
advertisement for the school on highway
billboard and displayed roll up banners in
local shops with current newsletters
attached.
School Code:3518
•
Application of grants in conjunction with
the P & C to promote school and
community unity to improve school
grounds and community access.
http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/asr
•
Application to be part of School
Chaplaincy 2012 initiative to address
student and community welfare issues.
•
Application to be part of PSP program
2012 to support low socio-economic
families.
•
Email: wyalong-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
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:
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