St Josephs Oatley - Annual Report 2004
ABOUT THIS REPORT
The Annual Report to the School Community for this year provides the school community with fair, reliable and objective information about school performance, initiatives and developments during the year and the achievements arising from the implementation of the Annual Development Plan 2004.
The report draws together information of major interest and importance to the school community and demonstrates accountability to the Catholic Education Office, Sydney and other regulatory bodies.
This report complements, and is supplementary to school newsletters and other regular communications. Further information about the school and/or this report is available at the school. The contents of this report will be discussed at the Parent Information Meetings in February next year.
Geoff Carey
Principal
17th December 2004
School Features
Our school is located in the growth area of the St George railway corridor and draws most of its students from the local parish community. The school was established in 1953 by the Sisters of St Joseph and is closely linked to the parish.
Staff
The staff of 18 includes the Principal and Assistant Principal, Religious Education Coordinator, 7 classroom teachers (FTE), Executive Release Teachers (0.4) and Relief from Face to Face Teachers (0.42) and a full time Secretary. The school has an energetic part-time team including, Literacy Team (1.02), a Teacher/Librarian (0.4), Library Technician, a Special Needs Teacher (0.1), Music and Dance Teacher, Technology Support (0.1) and 2 Teacher's Aides. (25hrs)
At year's end, the school community will farewell two long-serving members of staff. After 9 years at St Joseph's Mrs Julie Woods is retiring from classroom teaching. She leaves with our immense gratitude for her contribution to the education of a generation of St Joseph's students. Mrs Judy Martin leaves the school to take up the leadership position of Assistant Principal at St Joseph's Rockdale. Over the 5 ½ years Mrs Martin has fulfilled many roles, most recently as Religious Education Coordinator. Her contribution to the leadership of this school will be enjoyed for many years.
Students
The current student population is 198 Students, which continues the upward trend in enrolments. Strong enrolment pressure exists in years K-4 with some drop of boys to Congregational schools in years 5 and 6. Currently there are 100 males and 98 females; with 73 students classified as having a language background other than English. The overwhelming majority of students are Roman Catholics from the parish of St Josephs. However, there is an increasing number of families from other Catholic traditions joining our school community.
Classes are broadly arranged in the seven class groups Kindergarten to Year Six. Some grades are arranged in stages in some key learning areas. Special targetted programs in Literacy and Numeracy have mixed grade groupings.
Major Achievements from the Annual Development Plan.
Celebrating our Catholic Faith
Liturgical celebrations have been enhanced through utilising the talents of the staff, parents and students throughout the year.
Once again the students supported a range of fund-raising activities including the Charitable Works Fund, St Vincent de Paul, Lions Club, Youth Off the Streets, Catholic Missions, Starlight Foundation and Project Compassion.
Confirmation was celebrated this year in the parish.The school staff, community and students played a leading role in the organisation of the celebration of the sacrament.
Kindergarten students were presented to the parish community at Sunday mass.
The Student Representative Council developed a link with the parish chapter of St Vincent de Paul; organising hamper donations for Easter, a blanket collection, gift and food hampers collections.
Working in Partnership
Through the parent working bees, significant improvements were made to the school plant. This was especially highlighted with the completion of the major landscaping project at the conclusion of the building program. These working bees were extremely well supported by parents. This support greatly assists in maintaining the quality of the school environment.
Strong community involvement was encouraged throughout the year in such areas as: the ‘Bridging the Gap' Literacy Intervention Program, interschool chess and debating competitions, liturgical celebrations, Physical Education programs, classroom activities, working bees, landscaping of the school environs, and costuming, sound and staging for the end of year production
Teaching and Learning
The Literacy Committee continued to assist in the development of classroom strategies to enhance literacy development throughout the school. This year the program became more flexible and tailored to the needs of a greater range of students. Timetables were arranged over shorter targeted periods with extension into the areas of numeracy.
A procedure to better identify student special needs was developed and implemented. The staff began to differentiate curriculum materials,to provide experiences of greater depth and challenge. Specialist Speech Pathology services were engaged to work with staff in training and modelling best practice.Staff was in-serviced on the Archdiocesan Numeracy Strategy Phase 2.
Teaching and learning practices have been enhanced through continued access to the Internet, which was complimented by the installation of the Curriculum Server allowing teachers and staff to access their work from a range of locations. Three staff members took part in specific training in multimedia production including the use of the school's new digital video/still camera.
A Gifted and Talented Committee was formed to assist with the implementation of programs for students with special gifts and talents. One of the functions of the Committee was to identify and test students for giftedness. Significant staff development was delivered in assisting teachers in catering for gifted students within the classroom; identifying opportunities outside of the curriculum and the organisation of a range of guest presenters and facilitators for the students.
Boys in Education
During 2004, a research project has been conducted into the reasons behind the decline in academic achievement of boys. A selected teaching staff member has been responsible for gathering information about the performance of boys in education and presenting the staff with useful strategies to motivate and engage boys in the learning process.
Resources
Year One of the Technology plan was implemented with significant Archdiocesan assistance. Technology was upgraded and added to the network with the establishment of the new library.
Pastoral Care
Various pastoral care initiatives were put in place again this year to further build positive relationships within the school community and to enhance staff and student learning and well being. These initiatives included Special Needs and Gifted and Talented programs, Boys in Education awareness- raising, a Peer Support Program K-6 with an anti-bullying focus and the Kindergarten Buddy System.
Parents and staff established support for individuals and families undergoing difficult circumstances or severe illness in the school community.
The networking of the school with family welfare and learning support agencies in the community was continued this year to assist individual students and their families in need.
Liturgical Life
The School celebrated its Official Blessing and Opening during the year, with a special liturgy officiated by Cardinal Pell. Students from K-6 participated in the order of the service, group performances and in the choir.
Classrooms of the new building were dedicated to St Patrick, St Francis of Assisi, St Catherine of Siena and Mary Mackillop. Prayer and blessing celebrations were held to commemorate these feast days.
Liturgical celebrations have been enhanced throughout the year through utilising the talents of the staff, parents and students, particularly with music and the formation of a school choir for First Eucharist and Confirmation.
Students attended Benediction with the parish again this year, with some classes attending the parish rosary time before midday mass on Thursdays.
School foyer and classroom sacred spaces were developed over the year to give focus to the seasons of the Church's Liturgical Year and to aspects of our Catholic faith.
Classes from Years 3-6 led the school in prayer at morning assemblies.
Staff and Student Life Formation
Once again the students supported a range of fund-raising activities including Project Compassion, the Charitable Works Fund and the Catholic Missions Appeal.
Class groups from K-6 attended the Oatley Caring Centre to socialise with the elderly and disabled clients.
Social Justice
A Sorry Day Liturgy was held at the beginning of National Reconciliation Week in order to promote awareness of social justice issues. A number of Year 6 students participated in the 40 Hour Famine.
Religious Education Program
A major focus this year in Religious Education has been the implementation of the Revised Archdiocesan Religious Education Curriculum for Yrs 3-6.The student Religious Education textbooks, To Know, Worship and Love, have been incorporated into classroom programming for Years 3-6 and used as a valuable resource and support for parents of these students.
Religious Education resources were updated this year with the addition of new class sets of bibles, liturgical gowns, sacred space kits, music CDs and teacher reference materials.
Links with the Parish
The Kindergarten students were presented to the parish community at a Sunday Mass at the beginning of the first term. The staff and students liaised again this year with the parish chapter of the St Vincent de Paul society, to organise donations for Easter, a blanket collection in winter and toy and food hampers for Christmas.
The students represented the parish at the Oatley Annual Combined Churches Carol Festival.
Sacramental Programs
The parish sacramental program for Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation continued under the inspired leadership of Maureen Horne and Therese Newell. The school continued to support this program with staff and the use of the school facilities.
Choirs for the celebrations of First Eucharist and Confirmation were led by Mrs McPherson, Mrs Martin and Mr Frost, which added greatly to the liturgical grace of these Sacraments.
Students from the school community were featured, acknowledged and prayed for at special assemblies prior to and after each of the sacramental programs. It was pleasing to see so many of the parents of the school leading the preparation groups.
Professional Development and Study Focus of Staff
All teaching staff participated in a professional development program for the revised Archdiocesan Religious Education Curriculum for Yrs 3-6.The whole staff engaged in a Professional Development Day for the implementation of the revised R.E. curriculum, led by the school Executive, and assisted by Cathy Langdon and John Burland, Regional Catholic Educational Office Advisers. Fr John Doherty, our Parish Priest, worked with the staff to in-service them on the principles of effective liturgy.
School Development Initiatives
Facilities Development
2004 saw the completion of the planned works of the major building project. The demolition and redevelopment of the library area into soft fall playground and the relocation of the library and teacher resources to the former convent were the major projects for the year. The year was highlighted by the Blessing and Opening of facilities by His Eminence Cardinal George Pell on the 2nd of September.
Parents and Friends
The Parents and Friends Association contributed both funds and considerable labour to the playground and landscaping redevelopment. Whilst the project continues, the major thrust of the plans has been completed and the students are enjoying the facilities. The Parents and Friends also purchased portable staging enabling the school and parish the capacity to enjoy liturgy and productions.
Canteen
The school canteen continues to be managed successfully by a sub-committee of the P&F. The volunteer workers are a feature of the tuckshop. This committee rose to the dual challenge of meeting the Healthy Eating Canteen accreditation and the emerging issues of student allergies and anaphylaxis.
Social Events
This year the Parents and Friends contributed greatly to a range of social activities, which brought tremendous life and spirit to the community. These events were organised by a tireless energetic team and included St Joseph's Day Picnic, Tennis Night, Mothers Day, DK Book Night, SkatePlus, Australia's Big Morning Tea, Trivia Night, Tupperware Party, Mother's Luncheon, Garage Sale, Fathers Day, Lions Club Festival, Bus Shopping Trip, Family Photos, Melbourne Cup Lunch, Dad's Golf Day, Wine & Cheese Night and the seven Grade End-of-Year Dinners
Basic Skills Test
Students in Year 3 and Year 5 participate in the Basic Skills Test. The purpose of this test is to provide information to parents and teachers about the achievements of students in aspects of Literacy and Numeracy. The test provides a measure of students' performance compared with other students in the State and gives an indication of areas of strength and areas for improvement. Each year the results are analysed by the school to inform teaching practice with a view to improving student performance.
The results for this year were very pleasing. After a poorer than expected performance year last year, Year 3 levels of achievement have returned to above state average level and are exactly equal with the socio-economic equivalent schools. The year five result was outstanding, especially in Numeracy with 100% of students achieving bands 5 and 6 and 96% achieving Bands 5 and 6 in Literacy. Immediate intensive analysis and programs were put in place to target any areas of deficiency.
Parents of students participating in these tests received detailed information on their child's results including their achievement according to Skill Bands. The Skill Bands graduate from Skill Band 1 through to Skill Band 5 (Year 3) and Skill Band 6 (Year 5). The graphs below indicate the performance of our students.
Primary Writing Assessment
Primary Writing Assessment (PWA) is a curriculum-based assessment for Year 3 and Year 5, testing students' skills in particular aspects of Literacy. This year the PWA was conducted on Wednesday 30 July. PWA results are reported on the same Skill Bands as the Basic Skills Tests. The results of the test provide diagnostic information about student writing achievements that can be used to inform teaching and learning programs in order to improve writing outcomes. The results in this assessment were also commendable. In Year Three 64% (State average 46.5%) of students scored in the top two bands. In Year Five 73% (State average 48%) of students scored in the top two bands
Archdiocesan Religious Education Examination
Year 6 students gained outstanding results in the Archdiocesan Religious Education Test including 4 High Distinctions, 7 Distinctions, and 10 Credits from a group of 28 students (with a significant group of students new to Catholic Education). Student scores averaged 70.1%, which was above the regional and archdiocesan average. This result placed the school near the top of all Archdiocesan schools.
During 2004 other features of student performance included:
UNSW Testing
The school achieved excellent results in the University of New South Wales Competitions. Students achieved well above the competition averages with 3 High Distinctions, 26 Distinctions and 61 Credits awarded across a range of competitions.
Australian Mathematic Challenge
The University of Canberra devised the Australian Mathematic Challenge, where students solve mathematical challenges over a three-week period. Nine selected students from Years Five and Six achieved the wonderful result of 2 High Distinctions 2 Distinctions and 2 Credits.
Debating
Year 5 and 6 students successfully participated in the Regional Debating Competition with great skill and poise. In line with the school's Gifted and Talented Policy two selective teams were chosen and had specialist coaches train the teams. All St Joseph's teams performed exceptionally well, with the selective teams in particular competing with great distinction.
Chess
Chess continues to grow with our students competing in NSW Junior Chess League. This year the school entered 7 teams with students competing from Kindergarten to Year 6. Our top championship team again was placed 4th in its highly competitive division.
Sport
Swimming
Mackillop Team - Emily Klepac
Regional Team - Isabella Ritchie, Jake Kefford, Emily Klepac, Hayden Smith
Athletics
Regional Team - Hayden Smith, James Radcliffe, Sophie Phelan, Emma Saunig, Alex Sapcas, Rian Pijcke, Rebecca Dennis, Alec Pijcke, Dean Rorris, Jarred Smith, Chris Rorris, Laura Wey, Laura Finneran
Cross Country
Emma Saunig, Hayden Smith
Softball
State Champions Mackillop - Isabella Ritchie and Rachel Williams.
U16 State Team
Netball
Regional and Zone - Sophie Phelan and Emma Saunig
Soccer
Regional Team - Hayden Smith
Rugby Union
Mackillop Team - Jake Kefford
Hockey
Sydney Team - Brontë Horder
Nestle Write Around Australia, Premier's Reading Challenge
The students from Years 5 and 6 took part in two major literacy events this year, being the Nestle Write Around Australia Competition and the NSW Premier's Reading Challenge. Three Year 5 students, Abbey Gibson, Tess Renneberg and Alexander Rorris were selected as Zone Finalists for the writing competition, while 29 students across both grades achieved the set goal of reading 20 books from a selected list between the months of February to August as part of the Premier's Reading Challenge.
Lions International Art Competition
This year the school participated in the Lions International Peace Poster Competition. Three students made it to the regional level Sophie Phelan, Amy Mercer and Katherine Tatara. Sophie Phelan's entry was selected for the national finals to be judged in Tasmania later this year. The winner will represent Australia.
Performing Arts
This year the school participated in the Eastern Region Performing Arts Festival held at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. The school had involvement through many levels. Dustin Tran and Brontë Horder were selected to perform as part of the Archdiocesan Showcase group, performing at all five festivals.
Laura Finneran joined Brontë and Dustin in representing the Eastern Region in the Specialists Vocal Ensemble. Ms Lisa McCallum was selected as a dance choreographer for the specialist dance ensemble. Year 5 and 6 students performed in both the choir and the mass movement. Our choir was under the leadership of Mrs McPherson and the Dance/Movement with Ms McCallum.
School Review and Strategic Planning
Educational Audit and School Review and Development
This year the school successfully participated in the system process of Educational Audit. The Educational Audit is a validation process, which examines all aspects of school management and curriculum. This validation report stated that the school met all requirements for Registration Years K-6 for the years 1999-2004.
Arising from the Audit were many commendations including the Religious Education and Religious Dimension of the School, the teaching practice, programming and policy documentation and resources.
There were a number of recommendations arising from the audit which have been included in the future directions section of this report and will also be addressed in the formal School Review and Development which will take place during Term One 2005.
Enrolment
The School's Enrolment Policy follows the Archdiocesan Policy. It makes provision allowed under the policy to give priority to siblings. The Enrolment Committee exists to consider and approve all enrolment applications and includes as its members Fr John, Principal, Parent Representative and the Assistant Principal. The Enrolment Committee takes into consideration information gained from small group screening and advice from previous schools/pre-schools.
Curriculum
The Educational Audit Process enabled the school the opportunity to review all curriculum policies. Major changes were made to the RE curriculum in line with the introduction of To Know Worship and Love texts. The Mathematics Policy was updated to take into consideration Archdiocesan Numeracy Strategy and the New Mathematics Syllabus. The School's Creative Arts Policy is provisional and will be formalised next year.
Excursion Policy
Adjustments were made to the excursion policy in line with increased responsibilities of various child protection legislation and OH&S issues. Funds collected in advance through the school fee accounts have been largely spent, any significant amounts will be rolled over to the cohort next year.
Occupational Health and Safety Policy
As an important aspect of the Educational Audit process the OH&S Policy was significantly improved and adjusted as a result of our new facilities. Mr Frost worked with Mr Paul Rafter from the Catholic Education Office to complete this important task.
Student Welfare/ Discipline
Student Welfare Polices were reviewed and based on Catholic Education Office Document Pastoral Care Guidelines For Catholic Schools available on the CEO website: http://www.ceo.syd.catholic.edu.au.
Complaint and Grievance Policy
Complaint and Grievance Policy exists within the Catholic Education Office in various areas. Currently the Catholic Education Office is developing generic Complaint and Grievance Policy which will draw on best practice from existing policies. The school continues to be conscious of the need to provide efficient and fair methods in dealing with complaints and grievances. In the first instances parents are asked to speak with the class teacher on matters concerning the class. All other complaints and grievances are directed to the principal or his delegate. In order to deal efficiently and fairly with the complaint, parents are asked to give as much detail as possible to the school secretary in order that all relevant background material, witnesses and data can be prepared to assist the meeting.
Early Intervention and Special Needs Program
Literacy
Various testing procedures have been used to identify students' literacy learning needs:
- Early literacy screening (Kindergarten)
- PM Benchmark assessments
- Bridges - Early Years & Middle Years
- Completion of past Basic Skills Tests (BST)
Programs have been implemented to support each student's literacy development:
- Early literacy program for all students Kindergarten - Year 2
- Bridges - The Early Years has been used to assist those students with specific learning needs in Kindergarten and Year 1
- Bridges - The Middle Years has been incorporated to benefit students Years 4 - 6
- BST support - Students in Year 3 requiring additional literacy support received small group instruction prior to the BST
Numeracy
Completion of past BST papers and consultation with classroom teachers identified those students in Years 2 & 3 requiring assistance with numeracy. Targeted students received small group instruction throughout the year.
Special Needs
After consultation with classroom teachers and the literacy team, the Special Needs Committee selected students (K-6) presenting with learning difficulties. These students have been referred to the special needs teacher for clinical assessment. Where necessary outside agencies have been utilised to identify specific needs.
Gifted Education
Staff continued with professional development opportunities in meeting the needs of the gifted. The Gifted and Talented Committee provided leadership in this key area and was responsible for the implementation of “Blooming Tuesday” an activity-based afternoon aimed at catering for student's gifts and interests.
KEY AREA 1: Our Catholic Identity
1.1 Religious Education
1.1.1 Implement the revised K-2 Religious Education curriculum and RE Online
1.1.2 Provide professional development on the integration of scripture
1.1.3 Develop understandings, appreciation and practice of liturgical ritual
1.2 Catholic Identity
1.2.1 Clarify with students their role in the parish, including St Vincent de Paul, Caritas, Altar Servers and School choir
1.2.2 Continue support for the engagement of parents in parish programs
1.2.3 Strengthen the Josephite charism in the school
1.3 Social Justice
1.3.1 Linking of student engagement with current social justice issues.
KEY AREA 2: Teachers and Curriculum
2.1 Assessment Practice and Use of Data
2.1.1 Continue with in-service on the analysis of student performance data and its use to inform teaching practices
2.1.2 Review the school's approach to reporting student achievement, including the use of portfolios
2.2 Literacy and Numeracy
2.2.1 Review current practice with a view to strengthening the tracking of student achievement in numeracy
2.2.2 Induct new teachers into the school's policy in the teaching of Mathematics
2.2.3 Support a whole-school approach to student literacy to include:
• Stronger focus on phonemic awareness
• Guided, reciprocal, shared and modelled reading and writing
2.3 Information and Communications Technology
2.3.1 Continue implementation of ‘Myinternet'
KEY AREA 3: Students' Learning
3.1 Diverse Learning Needs of Students
3.1.1 Develop the use of Individual Teaching Plans (ITPs) to plan and document coherent responses to learning needs of students who fall outside funding criteria
3.1.2 Apply contemporary research to support improved educational outcomes of boys
KEY AREA 4: Safe and Supportive Environment
4.1 Pastoral Care Policy
4.1.1 Develop a Code of Conduct for the school community and integrate with the school's pastoral network
4.2 Pastoral Skills of Staff
4.2.1 Provide professional development for staff to enhance skills and strategies in the area of students with challenging behaviours
4.2.2 Provide a staff workshop on changes to Child Protection legislation
KEY AREA 5: Partnership, Consultation and Communication
5.1 Partnership with Parents
5.1.1 Conduct a ‘Communications Audit', including consultation with parents, with a view to enhancing communication between school and home
KEY AREA 6: Resources, Facilities and Finances
6.1 ICT
6.1.1 Maintain an up-to-date school web-site
6.1.2 Implement the second year of the Technology Plan
6.2 School Environs
6.2.1 Monitor school security issues