Wewak Street School
Annual School Report 2014
5653
the Rotary Club of Albury West in the form of
the proceeds of the Nail Can Hill Run that will
be used to purchase some new playground
equipment for the senior playground. Sodens
Hotel has also assisted in fundraising to send
eight students from Wewak Street School to
the Schools Spectacular in Sydney. We are
very appreciative of the generosity of these
supporters.
School context
Wewak Street School caters for students
aged from 4 to 18 years with moderate or
severe intellectual disabilities and/or autism.
Some students also have language or sensory
impairments and/or physical disabilities.
The school is located in a very attractive
environment having well maintained grounds
and gardens and extensive play areas,
basketball court and bike track.
We provide an individualised educational
service utilising a multi-disciplinary team
approach involving the expertise provided by
teachers, school learning support officers,
therapists, counsellors and consultants.
This year Wewak Street School has continued
to be funded through the National
Partnership, Special Schools: Centres of
Expertise. This funding has enabled staff from
Wewak Street School to provide professional
learning to local mainstream schools in the
area of alternate and augmentative
communication. Throughout the year our
school has trained staff members from
Hume, Gerogery and Albury North Public
Schools as well as Billabong High School. All
schools have been very appreciative of the
high quality training and the resources
offered to them.
We have excellent facilities including
spacious classrooms, sensory garden,
industrial arts room, kitchens, library, indoor
spa, outdoor pool and hall. The school also
has two buses that enable students to access
community venues.
Principal’s message
Wewak Street School focuses on the
development of Personalized Learning and
Support Plans for our students. These plans
cover all curriculum areas and provide for
quality education in a caring, safe
environment where all students are assisted
to fulfil their potential towards maximum
independence in society.
The building program which continued this
year is now complete with two new
classrooms, bathroom, library, kitchen and
multipurpose room completed early in 2014
and the new shelter, gates and signage at the
front of the school being our final stage of
this project.
This year the school has continued to receive
excellent support from the Albury community
including generous donations from the
Albury Gold Cup Committee to assist in
buying extra furniture, the SS&A Club to
assist with the running costs of the school
buses, Aspire and North Albury Rotary Club
to fund Music Therapy. Wewak Street School
was also fortunate to receive support from
The school is hoping to replace our last shade
sail structure with a permanent shade
structure during 2015. This will be jointly
1
funded by the Department of Education and
Communities and Wewak Street School.
from Albury North Rotary Club. During 2014
there has been quite a response to the fund
raising efforts of the P&C from the
community and businesses to pay for the
Music Therapy. ‘Thank you’ to staff and P&C
members who helped to raise this money.
The P&C feel this beneficial program is an
asset to the students and will continue its
support for as long as possible.
Our targets for 2014 have been achieved,
resulting in the delivery of quality education
that develops the individual talents, interests
and abilities of all students. I welcome this
opportunity to thank the students, parents,
caregivers and staff for their dedication and
commitment throughout the year.
Sadly after 26 years the Friends of Wewak no
longer run the Sunday Bingo at Lavington
Panthers. I would like to thank all of the
volunteers who have helped over those
years. The P&C would like to take this
opportunity to publicly thank Lavington
Panthers for their wonderful support over
these many years.
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.
Linda Cain
Wewak Street School P&C Report 2014
Wewak Street School once again had
students attending the NSW School
Spectacular, which is a fantastic effort by
many people. A concerted effort was made
to finance this excursion. Without the
generosity of members of the staff, the P&C
and members of the wider community the
students would have found it difficult
financially to attend. ‘Thank You’ to everyone
who helped in any way.
The Wewak Street School has undergone a
significant number of changes this year which
includes improvements to the classrooms, a
more relaxed environment for the staff and
students, a long overdue upgrade of the
school hall, new recreational equipment for
the students and an upgrade of the
administration offices and entry to the
school.
We have, as a committee, welcomed some
new members during the year which is very
promising for the P&C. The new members
have added enthusiasm and fresh ideas to
benefit our fund raising activities.
The P&C have also reaped the benefit of the
changes made to the school. The extent of
the upgrade has meant that the list of
requirements or wish list of the staff, for the
benefit of the students, has lessened
significantly.
Sheryl Pitman, P&C President
Student Representative Council (SRC) 2014
Elected student’s representing their class on
the Student Representative Council for 2014
were Lucas Gurney, Blake Clarkson, Cody
Segelow, Byron Williams, Damien Widdows,
Will Clarkson, Hannah Clarke, Shania Bryant,
Music Therapy for the students will be
available in 2015 due to a generous donation
2
Shane Cooper, and Tia Kissier. These students
met each term during their lunch break to
discuss ideas on ways in which to improve
the school and to organise special fundraising
days. They also enthusiastically assisted
teachers in conducting the weekly school
assemblies.
Management of non-attendance
We manage our non-attendance of students
according to the Department of Education
and Communities guidelines.
Post-school destinations
One student leaving the school will access
the Post School Options Program of
Community Participation. Three students will
receive Transition to Work funding.
The SRC raised over $150.00 supporting
Autism Awareness, Jeans for Genes Day, Give
Me 5 for Kids and supporting the children of
Asia for UNICEF Day for Children.
Students attaining HSC or equivalent
vocational educational qualification
A highlight for our Council this year was
hosting the SRC Representatives from
Glenroy Public School at one of the meetings.
Wewak Street School had 4 students
completing Year 12 in 2014. They received a
Higher School Certificate (Life Skills) on
completion.
These students were wonderful in
representing their classes and the school. I
would like to thank them for their eagerness
and participation.
Workforce information
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all staff must be consistent
with privacy and personal information
policies.
Workforce composition
Position
Number
Principal
1
Assistant Principal(s)
3
Classroom Teacher(s)
7.84
Teacher Librarian
0.4
School Counsellor
.2
School Learning and Support
10
School
Administrative
&
Support
1.422
Officers
Total
23.862
Staff
The Australian Education Regulation, 2014
requires schools to report on Aboriginal
composition of their workforce.
Student information
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all students be consistent
with privacy and personal information
policies.
Student enrolment profile
There is currently one full-time Indigenous
staff member working at the school.
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Teacher qualifications
Male
28
34
31
38
38
Female 16
19
25
23
26
All teaching staff meet the professional
requirements for teaching in NSW public
schools.
3
Qualifications
Degree or Diploma
Postgraduate
NSW Institute of Teachers
Accreditation
Financial summary
Further details concerning the statement can
be obtained by contacting the school.
% of
46%
staff
54%
20%
School performance 2014
Other achievements
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
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
Arts
2014 has provided the students at Wewak
Street School with some major opportunities
through the creative arts. The GLEE Club
performed their dance ‘Happy’ at the Albury
Wodonga Eisteddfod and was awarded a
Highly Commended. Selected students from
the school also participated in the Wewak
Dance Day which saw Virginia Ferris, the
choreographer for the Schools Spectacular
coming and training our dancers for a full day
workshop. The GLEE Club students
auditioned for the Riverina Dance Festival
and were unsuccessful in getting selected to
perform in the concert. The students
however were given the opportunity to travel
to Wagga Wagga to watch the Riverina Dance
Festival during term 3. Wewak Street School
is also very proud to have 8 students selected
to perform as part of the D’Arts Dance
Ensemble for the 2014 Schools Spectacular in
November this year.
30/11/2014
$
496233.48
327834.84
79100.86
35460.49
14852.81
324263.00
0.00
1277745.48
10788.34
6447.00
12740.02
796.77
3370.43
91439.59
122256.86
39569.25
0.00
44831.48
9840.46
248622.29
88000.00
678702.49
599042.99
The whole school has participated in the
‘Music Count Us In’ national music initiative.
This saw the forming of the Wewak Choir and
their first performance for Grandparents Day
in term 4. The students sang ‘Paint You A
Song’ which is the national Music Count Us In
performance piece followed by ‘Let It Go’ and
‘Que Sera’.
The students at Wewak Street School were
given the opportunity to have weekly
individualised music therapy lessons by music
teacher
Lauren
from
the
Murray
Conservatorium during the year. The
students have developed their skills,
A full copy of the school’s 2014 financial
statement is tabled at the annual general
meeting of the School P&C parent body.
4
knowledge and techniques across a wide
range of musical experiences.
Sport
The students and staff at Wewak Street
School engaged in a range of local and
regional sporting events.
Locally, the
students in junior and senior sport were able
to participate in a range of weekly learning
experiences based around the sports;
basketball,
cricket,
athletics,
netball
(NetSetGo) and gymnastics. Junior sport
involved students from Albury High School
coming to support the Wewak Street School
students as sport coaches. Students from
Aspect School also attended junior sport
during terms 1 and 2. Senior sport saw the
blossoming of a new partnership with James
Fallon High School students coming from
mainstream and support classes to
participate in senior sport. This experience
provided the Wewak Street School students
with a range of sporting, social,
communication
and
team
building
opportunities.
Selected students from Wewak Street School
were given the opportunity to attend a range
of local, regional and national touring
performances and exhibitions including
Albury High Schools’ Oklahoma, the Magic
Show at the Albury Entertainment Centre,
Circus Quircus, the Archibald Prize Exhibition,
the Wind and String Concert performed by
the Murray Conservatorium and the Flying
Fruit Fly Circus show.
Selected classes throughout the junior school
participated in Riding for the Disabled over
the year. These students are given the
opportunity to ride and care for the horses
during their weekly lessons.
Students from Wewak Street School were
also given the opportunity to enter creative
arts entries into the Albury Show including
artworks,
photography,
collage
and
construction. Some selected students were
also given the opportunity to create 10
artworks that were auctioned off as a
fundraiser for the students attending the
Schools Spectacular which raised $1400.
The students at Wewak Street School have
again worked extremely hard to develop
their unique class performances for the end
of year concert. The concert items are a
showcase of what skills the students have
developed during the year as well as what
creative arts programs the students have
engaged in.
Students from Wewak Street School
participated in the Premier’s Sporting
Challenge. The students had to track their
physical activity at school over a 10 week
5
period. This program also saw four Wewak
Street School students being presented as
Sports Leaders. These students worked with
Emily Powell to promote physical activity
during recess and lunchtimes. The staff at
Wewak Street School participated in the
Premier’s Staff Challenge. The staff wore
pedometers during term 2 to track their level
of physical activity whilst at school.
Our Aboriginal students were engaged in
literacy, communication and numeracy
activities to increase their learning in these
areas. They used appropriate resources from
the school, town libraries and “Museum in a
Box”. Throughout the year the teachers
included an Aboriginal perspective across the
curriculum which is a requirement in the new
Australian Curriculum. We recognised
achievements in the arts, sport as well as
contributions of Aboriginal people in the
World Wars. They learnt about “The Black
ANZACS” from various sources. All students
participated in NAIDOC celebrations by
listening to and reading Aboriginal stories.
They viewed images of Aboriginal paintings
and created artworks.
The students at Wewak Street School
participated in the Annual Combined Schools
Special Education Swimming Carnival that
saw Wewak Street School staff lead the
organization of the day at the Albury Swim
Centre during term 1. Selected students went
to Wagga for the day to participate in the
Riverina Special Education Swimming
Carnival in term 3.
Tia Kissinger, Jordin Free and Baden Bennett
were presented with awards at the Riverina
Region Aboriginal Student “Proud and
Deadly” Awards ceremony. Jordin Free
received an award for encouragement in
recognition of his achievements in literacy
and numeracy. Tia Kissier received an award
for completing Year 12 and Baden Bennett
received his award for Encouragement.
Some selected students were also given the
opportunity to travel to Wagga Wagga to
participate in the Multi Sports Day and the
Wagga Wagga Combined Schools Special
Education Athletics Carnival.
In autumn our budding young AFL/NRL
players from Wewak Street School
participated in the full day NRL gala day at
Jelbart Park in Albury, an AFL day at Wewak
Street School and a visit from some AFL
players from the Greater Western Sydney
team.
The staff at Wewak Street School were
involved in a gymnastics professional
development
afternoon
where
they
developed the skills, knowledge and
technique to teach gymnastics to the
students at Wewak Street School.
Significant programs and initiatives
Aboriginal education
6
Multicultural education
• continual use and exploration of web
based applications such as Bug Club and
Reading Eggs and
This year the students learnt about the
culture, history and people of many
countries. Harmony Day was celebrated on
March 21st and the students presented
information, dances and costumes about
Russia, America, South Africa, Native
Americans, Ireland, New Zealand, Aboriginal
Australians and Japan. The presentations
were very informative and enjoyed by
students, staff and parents. It was pleasing to
have all students involved in learning about
people from around the world as Australia is
home to many people who have migrated
here.
• regular updates to the school website at
http://www.wewakst-s.schools.nsw.edu.au/
Future Directions
• teachers will continue to assess
applications for iPads and software to
improve communication
• teachers will attend professional learning
workshops relevant to computer technology
• purchase of an additional mainframe
switch to support the increases in the
number of computers throughout the school

Technology Report
This year has seen the continual expansion of
technology in the school which included
gaining a number of new desktop and laptop
computers through the computer roll out
under the T4L program, the continued use of
iPads for communication and the greater use
of the interactive white boards. This has had
a positive effect on student learning
outcomes and engagement. The completion
of the building project has resulted in an
upgrade of the network and interactive
whiteboards throughout the school.
exploration of web-based access to the
latest developments in key learning areas
of the new curriculum
Transition and Work Education
Senior students have been involved in
learning about workplace practices. They
have a good understanding of the
importance of a good work ethic and
workplace health and safety issues. Students
have investigated the types and variety of
workplaces and the importance of good
communication skills.
Significant progress was made through;
Students have participated in work
experience across a variety of school and
community contexts. They have worked at
the Commercial Club, Star Hotel and the
Lutheran Nursing Home in the area of
hospitality. Students have also worked at the
Twin City Laundry accompanied by a job
coach. Students have worked in the school
setting by collecting and delivering rolls,
delivering newspapers, gardening, collecting
recycling and composting.
• a number of teachers exploring new
technology at the AGOSCI Conference,
especially in the area of communication
• deploying new computers
• working in conjunction with a speech
therapist to use iPads and computers to
improve outcomes in communication
• updating of switch software to increase
student access to the curriculum
7
Values Education
Throughout 2014 the staff and students have
focused on revisiting values we have learnt
about and demonstrating them at school and
at home. The students attended ANZAC Day
and Remembrance Day services at school.
They demonstrated the value of Respect by
their behaviour at these services. The
students listened and observed a minutes
silence and placed a sprig of rosemary
around the flagpole for remembrance.
National Partnership Programs
Students who demonstrated the values
around school earned the opportunity to
have morning tea in the staffroom as well as
being publicly recognised in the newsletter
and on the executive’s window.
2014 saw Wewak Street School again
participate in the “Special Schools as Centres
of Expertise” project based on the provision
of professional learning to mainstream
schools around assessment strategies and
resources for alternate and augmentative
communication. The teachers at Wewak
Street
School
have
developed
a
comprehensive Communication Resource
which is a valuable asset for assessing
students with communication needs to
enable them to achieve curriculum
outcomes. This resource assists teachers to
analyse how students with a variety of
complex communication needs currently
communicate. This information assists
teachers
in
developing
appropriate
communication and planning for students’
curriculum outcomes. The folder also
contains assessment materials, strategies and
resources useful for quality communication
programs. Wewak Street School has provided
professional learning to staff at Billabong
High School and Gerogery and Albury North
Primary Schools. The feedback from these
schools regarding the training has been
extremely positive.
Environmental Education
Students have been learning about the
importance of living sustainably. Recycling
and composting are carried out in all
classrooms. Turning off lights and using
resources carefully are fundamental to all
staff and students.
Students have planted trees to help cool our
playground and are responsible for watering
and caring for the trees. Students use the
raised garden beds to plant edible produce
which is used in cooking lessons.
Students are involved in a number of
awareness raising activities such as Clean Up
Australia
Day,
Earth
Hour,
World
Environment Day, Planet Ark Tree Planting,
Bilby Day and Low-Waste Food Day. Many
classes have visited local places such as
Wonga Wetlands, Wirraminna Environmental
Centre and the Albury Waste Management
Plant to help gain a deeper understanding of
environmental issues.
8
Students have been learning about the
importance of renewable energy and how
our use of fossil fuels is not sustainable. An
environment award is given out each week at
assembly to a worthy recipient.

Employment of specialized staff in the
area of communication

Professional development to further
develop Wewak Street School staff’s
expertise in using alternate and
augmentative communication

Development of staff expertise in
using alternate and augmentative
communication in local public
schools.
School priority 2
To increase staff and student knowledge of
Aboriginal culture
Outcomes from 2012–2014
 Audit Aboriginal resources within the
school
School planning and evaluation 2012—2014
School evaluation processes
NSW public schools conduct evaluations to
support the effective implementation of the
school plan.

Improve
Aboriginal
cultural
symbolism around the school

Explore
Aboriginal
perspectives
throughout the Australian Curriculum
Evidence of progress towards outcomes in
2014:
School planning 2012—2014: progress in
2014

A second flagpole purchased and
installed to fly the Aboriginal Flag

Aboriginal artworks displayed
throughout the school

Cultural symbols identified, retailers
sourced and purchase progressing

Professional learning about Aboriginal
modern history undertaken
and
resources continuing to be updated,
especially in the area of the Black
ANZACs
School priority 1
To further develop student communication
programs.
Outcomes from 2012–2014
Review communication resource folder
Review and develop improved individual
communication plans.
Individual communication
across all areas .
systems
used
Evidence of progress towards outcomes in
2014:
9
Professional learning
1. Our school is an attractive and wellresourced school e.g. classrooms, library and
grounds
Eleven teaching staff participated in an array
of professional learning throughout 2014 at a
cost of $8795.53. Subjects included
curriculum updates, literacy, communication,
numeracy (Targeting Early Numeracy, TENS),
autism, technology, Live Life Well at School,
sport, music, mental health, finance,
leadership and anaphylaxis training.
2. The school has a strong commitment to
the environment
3. The school is connected to its community
and welcomes parental involvement
4. Parents find it easy to contact the school
to discuss concerns relating to their child
Three new scheme teachers at Wewak Street
School are maintaining accreditation at the
Professional Competence level. The average
cost per teacher was $799.60.
5. The school is a friendly school that is
tolerant and accepting of all students
Ten school learning support officers also
participated in professional learning activities
at a cost of $2762.01. These activities
included first aid, health care procedures and
technology.
6. The students are the school’s main
concern
7. The school has effective welfare programs
8. The school teaches and promotes positive
core values
9. Fair discipline exists within the school
10. Students of our school are well behaved
and respectful
11. The school offers challenging programs
for its students
12. The school maintains a focus on literacy
and numeracy
13. Teachers provide effective extra support
to students who need it
Parent/caregiver, student, and teacher
satisfaction
14. A wide range of programs are offered
15. There is good student access to
computers and strong technology programs
and resources
In 2014, the school sought the opinions of
parents, students and teachers about the
school.
16. The school promotes a healthy lifestyle
Their responses are presented below.
17. I support the school’s uniform policy
Parent Satisfaction Survey
10
18. Our school has competent teachers who
teach their students well
8. The school rules are fair
9. Teachers help us to do our best
19. Our school is a good school
10. Students who need extra help get it
11. I have learnt a lot this year
12. There are a lot of different things you can
do at our school
strongly agree
13. You can get to use a computer for your
work when you need to
17
somewhat
agree
14. I like it at our school
9
agree
15. Our school is a good school
5
somewhat
disagree
13
1
13
0%
50%
100%
disagree
Agree
9
Sometimes
Disagree
5
1
0%
50%
100%
Student Satisfaction Survey
Staff Satisfaction Survey
1. We have good buildings and grounds at
our school
1. Our school is an attractive and well resourced school e.g. classrooms, library and
grounds school
2. The environment is very important at our
school
2. The school has a strong commitment to
the environment
3. I like how the school and the parents work
together
4. The school is friendly and all students are
welcome
3. The school is connected to its community
and parental involvement is positive and
helpful
5. Students of our school are well behaved
and respectful
4. Parents find it easy to contact the school
to discuss concerns relating to their child
6. The teachers care for the students
5. The school is a friendly school that is
tolerant and accepting of all students
7. If I have a problem I know I can get help
11
6. The students are the school’s main
concern
19
Strongly
Agree
Somewhat
Agree
Agree
16
13
7. The school has effective welfare programs
10
7
8. The school teaches and promotes positive
core values
Somewhat
Disagree
Disagree
4
1
9. Fair discipline exists within the school
0%
50%
100%
10. Students of our school are well behaved
and respectful
11. The school offers challenging programs
for its students
Program evaluations
12. The school maintains a focus on literacy
and numeracy
The Department of Education and
Communities, through the Centre for
Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE),
invited secondary, central, primary and
Schools for Specific Purposes to take part in a
pilot of a teacher feedback survey. Wewak
Street School was successfully selected to
participate.
Background
13. The school provides effective extra
support to students who need it
14. A wide range of programs are offered
15. There is good student access to
computers and strong technology programs
and resources
18. I enjoy teaching at our school
The Focus on Learning teacher survey
provided an important opportunity for the
school to gather reliable insights from
teachers and further increase classroom
effectiveness. It enabled Wewak Street
School to identify and respond to
development opportunities for their leaders
and teachers in the short term and initiate
school planning activities.
19. Our school is a good school
About this report
16. I feel part of a professional team at our
school
17. I am supported and able to do my job
well
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.
12
Linda Cain, Principal
Charmaine Borchert, Assistant Principal
Sheryl Pitman, P&C President
School contact information
Wewak Street School
970 Wewak Street
North Albury
Ph: 02 6040 6284
Fax: 02 6040 2320
Email: wewakst-s.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Web:
www.wewakst-s.school.nsw.edu.au
School Code: 5653
Parents can find more information about
Annual School Reports, how to interpret
information in the report and have the
opportunity to provide feedback about the
report at:
https://detwww.det.nsw.edu.au/highperformance/annual-school-reports
13