St Josephs Oatley - Annual Report 2006

St Joseph's Primary School Oatley

Annual School Report to the Community 2006

ABOUT THIS REPORT

St Joseph’s Oatley is registered by the Board of Studies (NSW) and managed by the Catholic Education Office, Sydney, the ‘approved authority’ for the Registration System formed under Section 39 of the NSW Education Act 1990.

The Annual Report to the School Community for this year provides the school community with fair, reliable and objective information about school performance measures and policies, as determined by the Minister for Education.

The Report also outlines information about initiatives and developments of major interest and importance to the school community during the year, and the achievements arising from the implementation of the school’s Annual Development Plan.

Accordingly, the Report demonstrates accountability to regulatory bodies, the school community and the Catholic Education Office, Sydney. This Report has been approved by the CEO, Sydney in consultation with the Regional Consultant who monitors that the school has in place appropriate processes to ensure compliance with all NSW Board of Studies requirements for Registration and Accreditation.

This Report complements and is supplementary to school newsletters, yearbooks and other regular communications. The report will be available on the school’s website by 30 June 2007 following its submission to the Board of Studies.

The contents of this report will be discussed at the Parents and Friends General Meeting in February 2007

Further information about the school or this report may be obtained by contacting the school on 9580 6588 or by visiting the website at http://www.stj.oatley.syd.catholic.edu.au

PRINCIPAL: PHILIP MOORE

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

This Annual Report to the community for 2006 represents a culmination of the wonderful partnership between staff and parents who work so very well together to achieve our school mission. We are committed to:

  • Centring our lives on Jesus Christ
  • Promoting successful learning in a supportive environment
  • Recognising the uniqueness and dignity of each person
  • Fostering a true spirit of community
  • Working collaboratively in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, providing a school environment that is well managed, safe and engenders a sense of pride

Thank you for your support throughout the year. I look forward to working with you again in 2007.

PARENT and FRIENDS REPRESENTATIVE MESSAGE

During 2006, the P&F continued its focus on building and maintaining an active community of support and participation in school life. Parents participated in a wide range of school and social activities, including reading, gross motor skills, library support, tenpin bowling, mum and dad functions along with a BBQ for the school concert. The adoption of a new constitution, based on the P&F Federation template, was completed in term 4.

Mr Phillip Merrick

P & F President

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE’S MESSAGE

The teachers at St Joseph’s are really nice and we have learnt a lot. Being a leader is great. We get to help everyone. Year 6 for example was buddies to the kindergarten students. We also led the Peer Support programme and got to interact with other classes.

Nathan and Megan

School Captains

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. The parent community actively supports the school financially and through involvement in various curricula and extra curricula activities. The school has an active Parent and Friends Association and applies a levy as an alternative to fundraising activities. The Parents and Friends Association runs several social events throughout the year and has a support group for parents new to the school community. The support group’s activities extend to Kinder Orientation, Tears and Tissues morning tea and a welcome evening for new families held at the start of the year.

The school actively encourages the involvement of parents to support the implementation of the Board of Studies Syllabuses. Parents have been involved with the implementation of the Archdiocesan Literacy Position Paper by assisting with independent tasks within the literacy block. They have also assisted with the successful implementation of the Gross-Motor Skill Programme.

The school encourages the students to be responsible and active participants in decision making and their learning. The Student Representative Council (SRC) attended a Young Leaders Day with a focus on developing leadership skills. Year 6 has been responsible for the following initiatives in the school; Kinder buddy program, playground forum and Peer Support program.

There is a strong sense of community in the school thanks to the active social committee of the P&F which organised many functions throughout the year including “date with dad”, Mother’s day and Father’s day breakfast. The school maintains its links to the Josephite order through celebrating St Joseph’s Day. Whole school events such as the Tabloid Sports Carnival seek to involve the whole school community. Participation in the Lions Club Festival, Caring Centre visits and Carols in the Park help forge links with our local community.

The school received a $25 000 Investing in Our School Program Grant from the Federal Government. This grant was used to install air-conditioners in 5 classrooms. Multimodal presentation technology was also installed in the library and Yr 5 classroom.

CATHOLIC LIFE AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

St Joseph’s Oatley follows the Archdiocesan Religious Education Curriculum and uses the student texts, To Know, Worship and Love, as authorised by the Archbishop of Sydney, George Cardinal Pell.

A number of opportunities exist for the staff and students to develop their understanding, appreciation and practise of liturgical rituals including the use of traditional prayers, sacred spaces and signs and symbols of our faith. Individual classes took responsibility for the planning and implementing of at least one of the major liturgies throughout the year. All children, including Kindergarten, celebrated Mass on Thursdays. Students from Years 2-6 participated in Sacramental programmes, which were supported by staff attendance.

16 students in Year 6 were confirmed, and students in Year 3 received the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Each class also took on the responsibility of the Sacred Space in the foyer, which welcomes people to our school. As part of our development of the understanding and appreciation of the traditional prayers of the Church we continued with the use of the Rosary Bag. The Rosary Bag gave families the opportunity to come together and pray the Rosary. The daily prayer at assembly and the school song also continues to model to students the role of prayer in their lives.

As a school we have continued to develop a close connection with the Parish link through promoting children’s liturgy, the Kindergarten welcome Mass, Sacramental Programs and collecting for the St Vincent de Paul Winter and Christmas appeals. We have developed the students’ understanding of how to live out their faith through Project Compassion, Daffodil Day and Catholic Mission activities in Term 4.

Throughout the year a number of articles were written by the Religious Education Coordinator for the school newsletter, which provided parents with information about the Liturgical Seasons and Feast Days being celebrated in our Church, as well as other information on topics such as the Year of the Eucharist, the Season of Advent and Outreach activities.

We have continued to strengthen the symbolism and traditions of the Sisters of St Joseph in the school, through our St Joseph’s Day Awards and our celebration of Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day. The Staff engaged in a spirituality day at Mary Mackillop Place to enliven the Vision and Mission of the school with a focus on the charism of the Josephite Sisters.

Students in Year 6 sit the Archdiocesan Religious Education tests. Results of this test are analysed by staff and are used to inform teaching and learning from Kindergarten to Year 6. The table below details our results for the 2006 test:

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  • The students were awarded 2 distinction, 14 credits and 6 participation in this exam.
  • Students performed particularly well in Prayer, and Understanding of Scripture and Belief sections of the exam.
  • Further focus is required in the areas of Decision Making and knowledge of the Liturgical Year.

SCHOOL CURRICULUM

St Joseph’s Oatley provides an educational program based on, and taught in accordance with the Board of Studies syllabuses for Primary Education. The Key Learning Areas (KLAs) are English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Human Society and its Environment, Creative Arts and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. In addition, the school implements the curriculum requirements of the Catholic Education Office, Sydney.

The curriculum, teaching and learning are informed by the priorities, goals and indicators outlined in the Sydney Catholic Schools, Towards 2010 Strategic Leadership and Management Plan, in particular: Key Area 2, (Students and their Learning) and Key Area 3 (Pedagogy).

Staff at our school are committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning in all facets of the school curriculum.

Particular features of the school curriculum include:

  • Reading Recovery
  • Reading Recovery is the preferred early reading intervention program.
  • One teacher has been trained in the role as reading Recovery Teacher in 2006.
  • 6 students accessed the program in 2006.
  • Seasons for Growth Program
  • Enrichment Program
  • Numeracy Project 5-8
  • Two teachers in Stage 3 are involved in an action research project studying the transition from primary school to high school. The area of focus includes standardised testing, teaching methodology and student/teacher attitudes.
  • Robotics
  • Four Lego Robotics kits were purchased at a cost of $4000.
  • Eight students trained as Peer Tutors to utilise the program with students in Stage 3.
  • Creative and Practical Arts Mentor Program
  • Two teachers were involved in a Mentor Program with Advisors from CEO Eastern Region.
  • A Specialist teacher was employed in 2006 to teach art, music and drama.
  • The Physical Education program at the school includes:
  • Gross motor K-2
  • Gymnastics K-6
  • Swimming K-2
  • Personal Development Program for Year 6 students
  • Whole school fitness, Health Hustle led by Year 6 and Power walk.

STUDENT PERFORMANCE IN STATEWIDE TESTS

Students in Year 3 and Year 5 participated 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 aspects of Numeracy. The test provides a measure of the students’ performance against established standards in skill bands.

The results give an indication of areas of strength and areas for improvement. Each year the results are analysed by the school to inform teaching with a view to improving student performance. The following tables report on the percentage of students in our school in the top three (3) skill bands. From 2005 the Literacy results include the Primary Writing Assessment results; this was not the case in previous years.

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Year 3 students continue to demonstrate a high level of literacy skills acquisition. The acquisition of numeracy skills while demonstrating improvement in achievement of the top bands indicates a need to consolidate student achievement across the three top bands. Areas of focus in Numeracy will include Space, Geometry, Measurement and Problem solving.

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Student performance in achieving band 6 continues to demonstrate consistent development in Year 5. Intervention programs in Literacy have focussed particularly on reading and writing skills. The use of parent helpers to implement the Bridges Reading Program has provided targeted assistance to three students in Year 5.

Reciprocal Reading resources were upgraded in Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6) allowing for a focus on inferential comprehension skills. The analysis of results indicates the majority of students improved their performance by one skill band between Year 3 and Year 5.

The school’s involvement in the Numeracy project 5-8 has provided valuable insight into teaching methodology and student attitude to mathematics between primary and secondary school. There will be a continued focus on developing students’ ability to solve multi-layered questions in 2007.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

42 students across the school participated in and completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge.

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 supported as part of Enrichment Program. All St Joseph’s teams performed exceptionally well, with the selective teams in particular competing with great distinction.

Chess

6 teams were entered in the St George interschool chess competition and proudly represented our school.

Swimming

Emily,K. competed at the Mackillop Swimming Trials and came first in U/9 Breaststroke and completed at State and came fourth in the U/9 Breaststroke, a wonderful achievement.

CASPA

Year 5 students audition for roles with CASPA Lauren P, Sarah G, Adriana O, Jemille W and Melanie M. Melanie was selected in the CASPA showcase group and performed at the NCEC Conference held at Darling Harbour

UNSW Competitions

  • Science Competition students were awarded 5 Distinctions, 4 Credits.
  • Computer Competition students were awarded 6 Distinctions, 3 Credits.
  • Writing Competition students were awarded 2 Distinction, 5 Credits.
  • Mathematics Competition students were awarded 2 High Distinctions, 3 Distinctions, 6 Credits.
  • English Competition students were awarded 4 High Distinctions, 6 Distinctions, 10 Credits.
  • Spelling Competition students were awarded 2 High Distinctions, 5 Distinctions, 4 Credits.

NATIONAL BENCHMARKS

The national benchmarks describe agreed minimum acceptable standards for reading, writing and numeracy at particular ages. National benchmark data is gained from the Basic Skills tests.

The percentages of our students achieving the national benchmarks are reported below.

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The students consistently meet the national benchmarks both in Year 3 and Year 5.

Students failing to meet the benchmark typically have already been identified as students at risk and are therefore working on Individual Education Plans that target specific areas of need.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND TEACHER STANDARDS

Professional learning

Staff have been involved with the following professional learning experience throughout 2006. This experience is linked to the following key areas of the schools Annual development Plan for 2006.

Key Area 1 Catholic Life
Staff Development Day –Spirituality, School’s Vision and Mission.
Seasons for Growth
K-2 RE Program

Key Area 2 Students and Their Learning
Young Leaders Program

Key Area 3 Pedagogy
Archdiocesan Numeracy Strategy
Numeracy Project 5-8
CAPA Mentor Program
Differentiating the Curriculum
MyInternet- My Classes
Assessment-Consistency of teacher Judgement

Key Area 4 Human Resources Leadership and Management
Young Leaders Program
First Aid/CPR
How Effective Is Our Catholic School?

Teacher Standards

The following table sets out the number of teachers on this staff who fall into each of the three categories determined by the Board of Studies:

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TEACHER ATTENDANCE AND RETENTION RATES

The average teacher attendance rate during 2006 was 98.71%. This figure does not include teachers on planned leave.

The teacher retention rate from 2005 to 2006 was 91.67%.

Mrs Rhonda MacPherson retired at the end of Term 3 after 25 years service to Catholic Education. Mr Moore and Mrs McGrath’s contracts were renewed 4 years and 3 years respectively after successfully participating in contract renewal processes.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE RATE

The average student attendance rate during 2006 was 96%.

ENROLMENT POLICIES AND PROFILES

The current student population is 196 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 96 males and 100 females; with 91 students classified as having a language background other than English. The overwhelming majority of students are Roman Catholics from the parish of St Joseph’s. However, there are an increasing number of families from other Christian traditions joining our school community. There is an increasing number of families that would identify as speaking English as a second language.

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 targeted programs in Literacy and Numeracy have mixed grade groupings.

The full text of school enrolment policies may be accessed via:

There were no changes made to this policy during the 2006 school year.

SCHOOL POLICIES

Student Welfare Policy

The school’s Pastoral Care Policy is based on the Archdiocesan Pastoral Care document Pastoral Care of Students in Catholic Schools (2003). The school’s network of pastoral care measures are based on the principles of restorative justice and due process.

The full text of the school Student Welfare Policy may be accessed via:

There were no changes made to this policy during the year.

Discipline Policy

The school bases its Discipline Policy on the document Pastoral Care of Students in Catholic Schools (2003). The policy is based on procedural fairness and is discussed with students on a regular basis. Information on the policy is also included in regular school newsletters.

Corporal punishment is expressly prohibited in this school. The school does not sanction administration of corporal punishment by school persons and non-school persons, including parents, to enforce discipline in the school.

The full text of the school Student Discipline Policy may be accessed via:

  • School Administration Office
  • Parent Handbook Kinder Orientation

There were no changes made to this policy during the year.

Complaints and Grievances Resolution Policy

Parents who have a major area of concern about a child's learning progress or behaviour are advised to contact the secretary to arrange a meeting or return phone call from the class teacher. At this initial contact parents are asked to state the reason for this communication. Parents may also send a note outlining their concerns and requesting a meeting or a phone call, direct to the class teacher. Teachers or parents who feel that a particular concern is not being resolved satisfactorily can request that the meeting be discontinued. A further meeting will then be negotiated at which the Teacher’s mentor, an executive member, will be present. The Principal will always be available for further discussion.

The full text of the school Complaints and Grievances Resolution Policy may be accessed via:

There were no changes made to this policy during the year.

SCHOOL DETERMINED IMPROVEMENT AND TARGETS

Diverse Learning Needs of Students

Teachers modified learning to cater for the specific learning needs of students who are outside criteria for special needs funding. The Reading Recovery program was implemented for the first time this year.

The teaching and learning program was differentiated to provide for the learning needs of all students within the classroom. Mrs Valliere worked with teachers and students to develop an enrichment program with a focus on curriculum differentiation. Several activities were held throughout the year to support this including Book Week, Literacy/Numeracy Week and Science Week.

Mr Frost and Miss Bruce were involved in an action research project on the teaching of Numeracy to students in Years 5-8 this will be an ongoing focus for 2007.

Pastoral Care

The school’s Code of Conduct was reviewed at a playground forum in Term 1. Year 6 students trained as peer support leaders and conducted the Peer Support Program with students K-6 to develop strategies to prevent bullying behaviours. The school’s student leaders attended a Leadership Forum at Homebush Bay.

Information and Communication Technology

Mrs Sullivan continued to support the implementation of the school’s Technology Plan including MyInternet. The technology levy was increased in 2006 to cover the cost of Myinternet. A scope and sequence linking syllabus outcomes and technology has been developed. Throughout the year teachers participated in professional development in the use of MyClasses.

Assessment and Reporting

A new report has been developed that complies with Federal Government requirements. Teachers engaged in professional development on the improving the consistency of teacher judgement when grading student assessment tasks.

For 2007 the school has targeted the following areas from the Catholic Schools Improvement Framework

Key Area 1

  • (1.1) Vision and Mission.
  • (1.2 ) Religious Education

Key Area 2

  • (2.1) Educational Potential
  • (2.5) Pastoral Care

Key Area 3

  • (3.3) Teaching Practices
  • (3.5) Assessment
  • (3.6) School Climate, Learning Environment and Relationships

Key Area 4

  • (4.2) Professional Development of Staff.

INITIATIVES PROMOTING RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY

The Playground Forum held in Term 1 reviewed the School’s Code of Conduct. This Code is the focus in weekly newsletters and students receive principal’s awards for modelling the desired behaviour to the rest of the school community. A strong emphasis is on being responsible for one’s behaviour and learning.

PARENT, TEACHER AND STUDENT SATISFACTION

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2006 FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Catholic Schools are accountable for all monies received. Each year, the Sydney Catholic Education Office submits to the Commonwealth Government a financial statement on behalf of the 148 parish primary and regional secondary schools. This statement details the income and expenditure of each school and for the Archdiocesan system of schools. In addition, the Financial Report of the Sydney Catholic Education Office is audited annually by Moore Stephens.

A summary of the income and expenditure reported for 2006 is as follows:

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Notes

1. Parents' Contributions include Archdiocesan tuition fees of $51.2 million, School Charges & Building Levy & P&F contributions of $57.1 million.
2. Income from Commonwealth and State recurrent government grants is received by the Catholic Education Office on behalf of the schools. Staff Salaries are paid from this income.
3. CEO Administration and Support excludes salaries which are included in total salary costs.
4. The Total Building Loans and Commitments as at 31 December 2006 were $150 million.

Parents' contributions to this school as reported in this school's Annual Financial Questionnaire for 2006 submitted to the Commonwealth Government Department of Education, Science & Training were:

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