5723
FIVE ISLANDS SCHOOL
2011
ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
School 2011 Annual
provides our parents
with an overview of
and achievements in
In 2011, our Building for the Education
Revolution was completed and a new Living Skills
room has been set up. The room also is used for a
library, a room where P and C meetings are held,
and a room that therapists are able to work with
individual students. An interactive whiteboard
has also been installed in the room. We now have
interactive whiteboards in all classrooms.
Five Islands School has an extremely dedicated
and knowledgeable staff. All staff are committed
to providing a safe, secure and caring learning
environment for everyone.
Our targets for 2011 have been achieved,
resulting in the delivery of quality education to
develop the individual talents, interests and
abilities of all students. I welcome this
opportunity to thank the students, parents,
community members and staff for their
dedication and support throughout the year.
Our school at a glance
Welcome to Five Islands
School Report. This report
and community members
our educational outcomes
2011.
Staff
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.
All teaching staff meet the professional
requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
Student achievement in 2011
Our students continue to perform at high levels in
the attainment of outcomes specifically related
to their Individualised Education Programs.
Leonie McKibbin
P & C and/or School Council message
In 2011 all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 were
exempted or withdrawn from Naplan testing as
requested by their carers or parents. This
National assessment tool allows schools to
monitor achievements of all students across the
nation. For many of our students, this tool is not
applicable. Parents continue to be consulted on
the suitability of access to Naplan testing.
In 2011 the P & C have had a quite a few
fundraisers. Thanks to the Newcastle Variety
Club once again we were invited to host the
Variety Splash and Bash providing a BBQ
breakfast. We also had several Bunnings BBQ’s
where we raised approximately $2000 in total.
All year long we had a Cadbury chocolate drive
where we raised approximately $1200.
In 2011 one student was successful in gaining
their Preliminary HSC and 2 students were
successful in gaining their School Certificate.
The P & C made several purchases for the school
this included a carport to cover the schools new
buses. We also paid the insurance on the buses
as well as the car seats for the students. We
were also pleased to send two staff members to
the Asian Pacific Autism Conference which was
held in Perth. This conference provided staff with
current knowledge and skills to support our
students with autism.
In 2011, one student successfully transitioned to
a support unit in a mainstream school.
Messages
Principal’s message
Five Islands School prides itself as a model of best
practice in the education of students with
disabilities. We continually strive to provide a
challenging and rich environment for all students.
We continue to develop capacity across the
school for leadership and teacher quality. There is
a strong emphasis on curriculum access and
suitability, as well as access to the latest
technology.
At the end of the year we held a wonderful fun
day for the students and paid Santa’s Christmas
gift bill. The children thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Sharon Wagstaffe
P and C Secretary
1
students are transported to and from school by
the Assisted School Transport Scheme. For some
students there are ongoing medical conditions
that may impact on attendance periodically.
Significant programs and initiatives
Significant programs and initiatives at Five Islands
School include Environmental Education,
Aboriginal Education, Sailability, Multicultural
Education, Active After Schools Program, Values
Education and Community Access.
Management of non-attendance
Five Islands School regularly monitors the
attendance of our students through the use of
Oasis attendance data. Parents are reminded
regularly that any absence must be explained.
This information is recorded and kept as per
departmental requirements.
School context
Student information
Structure of classes
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all students must be consistent
with privacy and personal information policies.
All multi-categorical classes are grouped as
closely as possible, by chronological age. This
allows continuity in each class when
programming. Programming strategies allow each
child to access the appropriate stage of the NSW
Board of Studies curriculum, whether it is K- 6 or
Life skills.
Student enrolment profile
Post-school destinations
Students with significant disabilities are able to
access a Commonwealth government funded
program called Post School Options. Students’
needs are assessed and their needs matched with
appropriate providers and workers.
Enrolments
30
In 2011 no students were eligible due to their
age, to access Post School Options.
Students
25
20
15
Staff information
10
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all staff must be consistent with
privacy and personal information policies.
5
0
2007
Gender
Male
7
2007
3
7
2008
Male
2009 2010
Year
Female
2008
6
7
2009
9
7
2010
15
7
Staff establishment
2011
Position
Principal
Assistant Principal(s)
Classroom Teachers
RFF Teacher
Priority School Funding Scheme
Librarian
Part-time Teacher
School Administrative & Support Staff
General Assistant
Total
2011
19
7
Student attendance profile
Number
1
1
3
.336
0.1
0.168
0.168
5
.2
10.972
The National Education Agreement requires
schools to report on Indigenous composition of
their workforce. On the basis of the information
Students attending Five Islands School have
excellent attendance rates. The majority of
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available to Five Islands School there were no
Indigenous staff members employed on a fulltime basis in 2011.
Financial summary
This summary covers funds for operating costs
and does not involve expenditure areas such as
permanent salaries, building and major
maintenance.
Staff retention
In 2011, one teacher accepted a promotion to
another school and one classroom teacher was
appointed to Five Islands School.
Date of financial summary:
Income
30/11/2011
$
Teacher qualifications
Balance brought forward
Global funds
Tied funds
School & community sources
Interest
Trust receipts
Canteen
Total income
All teaching staff meet the professional
requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
Qualifications
Degree or Diploma
Postgraduate
% of staff
3
2
37 529.23
66 303.89
47 433.82
21 495.80
1 900.70
1 416.15
0.00
176 079.59
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
16 683.42
3 604.28
3 001.58
177.33
11 025.00
40 493.49
18 715.66
23 960.55
0.00
13 605.71
14 371.33
1 416.15
0.00
147 054.50
29 025.09
A full copy of the school’s 2011 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.
School performance 2011
All students at Five Islands School have
individualized educational plans that address
their special learning needs. All students
Kindergarten to Year 6 access the NSW Board of
Studies Curriculums. All students Years 7 to 12
access life skills programs designed through the
Board of Studies.
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Achievements
Arts
Significant programs and initiatives
Students at Five Islands had many and varied
opportunities during 2011 to be involved in
Creative and Performing Arts.
Aboriginal education
An understanding and development of interests
in Aboriginal history and culture was promoted
through classroom and whole school activities.
Students were able to enjoy Zumba through using
the Active After Schools Program. Every week
Simone came and showed students how to enjoy
Zumba. Simone also held a Zumbathon as a
fundraiser for the school, one weekend at Club
Macquarie. Several students and their families
helped support this event and enjoyed a great
Sunday afternoon doing Zumba.
Our weekly assembly and significant events
always contain an Acknowledgement of Country
which is signed, spoken and visually represented.
NAIDOC week was celebrated through classroom
lessons.
Sport
Students at Five Islands School are regularly
engaged in sporting activities. In 2011 students
participated in the Active After Schools programs
of Fitness, Zumba, Table Tennis, T-Ball, Dance, Tai
Chi and Ten Pin Bowling.
Multicultural education
Students participate in multicultural education
programs in the areas of literacy, Human Society
and Its Environment and connected outcomes
developing the skills and understandings of
tolerance,
acceptance
and
appreciating
difference of cultures.
Class programs include walking, games, sailability
and gross motor activities. These activities have
resulted in student’s level of fitness and overall
participation in all activities increase.
In Term 1 we celebrated Harmony Day with a
variety of classroom activities which addressed
the issues of living in harmony, anti-racism and
centred on the values of justice, equality, fairness
and friendship.
Other programs
Priority Schools Program
Five Islands School continues to be funded under
the Priority Schools Program. This funding is used
to enhance programs in literacy, numeracy and
student participation. We also are given .1
staffing supplementation to support this
program.
Other
All classes are regularly involved in community
access programs and excursions. Students at Five
Islands have participated in excursions to Sydney
Variety Xmas Party, Bowling at Warners Bay,
visits to local parks such as Blackbutt Reserve as
well as regular visits to local shopping centres.
The senior class has also been involved in a
recycling program which has resulted in visits to a
local pet-shop to deliver shredded paper.
4
The activities of PSP include professional learning
for teachers and community members,
development of resource materials and sharing of
effective practice in local networks of schools.
Our achievements include:

Playground
opportunities
have
been
improved for individual needs by providing
more diversified areas- structured area for
bike riding, structured play area for directed
play e.g. ball games and sand play.

Further using acquired skills gained from
Active After Schools Program and
incorporating these across all areas.

Supporting Literacy and Numeracy programs
by purchase of software e.g. PM Readers.
Respect and responsibility
Five Islands School values and promotes the core
values of the DEC. These values underpin all
aspects of our school’s operation and are carried
through to the students, staff and parents.
At Five Islands School we have class and school
rules and expectations of behaviour. We believe
all students have the right to learn in a safe and
happy environment.
Target 2
Our school motto is “Together we strive” and
that is what we endeavour to achieve by
encouraging students to fulfill independent
learning goals and by fostering strong community
partnerships within the school community.
To enhance social participation and personal
development.
Our achievements include:
The school uses a range of significant occasions
such as ANZAC day, Education week, Harmony
day, Naidoc week, Breast Cancer morning tea,
Remembrance Day and the TTT project to
promote and reinforce community values.
All students receive recognition for their
academic, behavioural and social achievements
throughout the year. Class awards are presented
at school assemblies by the school captains each
fortnight and students receive special awards at
Presentation day at the end of the year.

Use of volunteers on a regular basis

Interaction with other schools through
sporting activities such as Bocce

Incorporation of Teacher Outreach Program
from University of Newcastle where students
who are undertaking teaching courses
volunteer at Five Islands School on a regular
basis.

Recognition of students’ achievements in
current Values program.
Target 3
Increased use of technology to
participation, teaching and learning.
support
Our achievements include:
Progress on 2011 targets
Target 1
Using quality teaching framework, focus on
literacy, numeracy and participation for students
with disabilities.
5

Purchase of an Ipad for senior student and
purchase of Apps to support student.

Training and Development of staff
particularly in the area of Ipad and Apps
suitable for individual students.

Installation of Interactive Whiteboard in Bass
Room to support cooking, library programs.

Wi-fi to support senior students in use of
Ipads.
community as a means of determining features of
our school culture.
Target 4
Increase the frequency of school
environmental education and access.
based
Findings and conclusions
Parents were very supportive of the school and
the programs offered at Five Islands School.
Many parents acknowledged the respect they
had for the staff at the school and highly valued
their care and support. Parents felt that school
programs were responsive to their child’s
individual needs.
Our achievements include:

Five Islands School Environmental Education
Policy being updated to meet changing
needs.

HMAS Tobruk visiting for a day to upgrade
school gardens and overall appearance.
Examples of survey responses:


Shredding program by senior students to
deliver paper to local pet shop.

I’m happy with everything at the school. I do
not have any problems with communication
or learning at the school.

Throughout our journey with our son and
autism, this school is the best and most
positive experience we have had.

I can’t fault the school at all, the staff are
wonderful, the facilities are great and I love
the size of the school. Couldn’t ask any more
for my son.

My daughter is doing well and mum is happy
and so is my daughter.
Staff indicated that they felt supported by their
colleagues in the school environment and
generally reported high satisfaction levels.
Whole school policy to promote strategies of
reduce, re-use and recycle within the
classrooms.
Examples of survey responses:

Reducing food scraps by maintaining a worm
farm and selling worm wee to community
members.

The school and its culture make it an
exceptional place to work. Everyone who
works here are here because they want to be.

Recycling aluminium, cardboard and plastic in
the staffroom/.

The school operates to its potential in
offering educational practices that are
prescribed as best outcomes for the students.

I find it a very nice atmosphere to work in. If
need be people are open for suggestions
about teaching or behaviours in school.

Very positive staff who are committed to the
welfare of students and staff.
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 Parent and Staff
Satisfaction.
Future directions
The school will continue to promote a positive
school culture, as well as recognize the
contribution of all stakeholders.
Educational and management practice
Background
A healthy school culture is fundamental to all
schools. Five Islands School surveyed the school
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Curriculum
Parent, student, and teacher
satisfaction
Environmental Education.
Background
As evidenced by the school culture surveys there
was a high degree of staff and parent satisfaction
with the school and what it provided for
students. Student satisfaction is gauged by the
willingness of students to attend school on a daily
basis and their participation and engagement in
learning.
The whole school community has embraced the
concept of reduce, reuse and recycle over the
past year.
Findings and conclusions

Students participated in learning experiences
that taught them to recycle and reuse.

Senior students are involved in a shredding
program at school and deliver shredded
paper to local pet shop.

Students assist in the maintenance of a worm
farm and sell worm wee to the school
community for garden fertilizer.

The school has organized a recycling bin from
the council where students and staff are
encouraged to sort their waste.

Food scrap bins are placed in the staffroom
and classrooms so the worms are fed using
food scraps.

The school was given a grant for a water tank
which will be used for watering gardens when
needed.
Professional learning
Five Islands School is allocated a yearly budget for
teacher professional learning. This funding allows
schools and teachers to effectively plan and
develop appropriate professional learning
opportunities. The school also supports many of
the Professional Learning opportunities through
global funding. The P and C also supported staff
in attending an interstate Conference.
Professional development activities in 2011 were
attendance at Autism Conference in Perth, staff
training in Sentral, staff training in Ipads and Apps
which are suitable for students with disabilities.
School planning 2012—2014
Future directions

The school has applied for solar panels to be
installed.

The school intends to continue its awareness
of the environment and increase our efforts
towards a cleaner environment in the future.
The school planning policy provides direction for
the preparation and implementation of school
plans including the identification of priority areas,
intended outcomes and targets that are
consistent with the NSW State Plan and the
Department’s planning documents.
School priority 1
Technology
Outcome for 2012–2014
Increased use of I-pad and Smart-board
Technology to enhance communication across all
settings.
2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include:

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Students are using ICT to increase
engagement in learning outcomes as set in
their Individual Education Plans

Increased use of I-pad and Smart-board
Technology to enhance communication
across all settings.
School priority 3
Communication
Strategies to achieve these targets include:

Identify Professional learning activities to
support staff in expanding technology skills.

Identify appropriate technology programs for
each student which will support them in the
achievement of their identified educational
learning priorities.

Outcome for 2012–2014

Better student engagement in learning.

Further develop school profile in school and
local community.
2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include:

Update school infrastructure to support
implementation of new technology.
Students will meet individual goals for
communication as set in Individual Education
Plans.
Strategies to achieve these targets include:
School priority 2
Student well-being and engagement.
Outcome for 2012–2014
Improve overall student engagement through
reduced incidents and inappropriate behaviours.
2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include:

Students will demonstrate an increase in
positive behaviour in the classroom/
playground by achievement of goals set in
their Individual Education Plans.
Strategies to achieve these targets include:

Providing opportunities for targeted students
to integrate in language rich environment
and with positive role models.

Create behaviour/ risk management plans
developed for all students with challenging
behaviour.

Reinforce students’ communication skills
through extending access to visual and other
augmentative communication systems

Involve targeted students in integration
program that provides language rich
environments with positive role models.

Create professional learning opportunities to
support staff to implement a Quality
Teaching framework across communication.

Implement resources/ programs for the
changing needs of the students as they get
older and bigger.


Reinforce school rules/ policies for casual
staff/ visitors/therapists.
Create a whole school culture which forges
partnerships with school and local
community groups e.g. HMAS Tobruk/ Parent
Expo.

Create more opportunities to communicate
current items of interest and student
achievement to the community.

Providing safe playground areas for all
students by providing a fourth playground.

Forming a Student Welfare Committee.
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School contact information
School priority 4
Five Islands School
Environmental Education
14 Marmong Street
Outcome for 2012–2014
Booragul NSW

Better manage school purchasing, energy,
water consumption and waste disposal.

Increased
student
awareness
of
environmental issues- Reduce, Re-use and
Recycle.
2283
Ph: 02 49530145
Fax: 02 49530166
Email: fiveis-s.school@det.nsw.edu.au
2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include:
Web: www.fiveis-schools.nsw.edu.au

School Code: 5723
Students will demonstrate a greater
awareness of environmental issues by
achievement of Environmental Education
goals in their individual Education Plans.
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:
Strategies to achieve these targets include:

Reinforce waste minimisation within the
school.

Extend energy awareness in the school.

Reinforce current
Management Plan.

Involve Five Islands School in the
development of a school community garden
with Lake Macquarie High and Booragul PS.
School
Environmental
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.
Leonie McKibbin
Principal
Sonja Drewitt
Assistant Principal
Alison Landers
Teacher
Nicole Smith
Teacher
Sharon Wagstaffe
P and C Secretary
Julie Kelly
P and C Treasurer
http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/asr
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