2016 Annual Report to the School Community
Ss Peter & Paul’s
Primary School
Doncaster East REGISTERED SCHOOL NUMBER: 1604
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 1
Contents
Contact Details ............................................................................................................................................ 2
Minimum Standards Attestation ................................................................................................................ 2
Our School Vision ....................................................................................................................................... 3
School Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Principal’s Report ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Education in Faith ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Learning & Teaching ................................................................................................................................... 8
Student Wellbeing ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Leadership & Management ....................................................................................................................... 14
School Community .................................................................................................................................... 16
VRQA Compliance Data ............................................................................................................................ 18
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 2
Contact Details
ADDRESS 16 Beverley Street Doncaster East 3109]
PRINCIPAL Mrs Maria McIntyre
PARISH PRIEST Rev Jerald Cecil Mariadas
TELEPHONE (03) 98422056
EMAIL [email protected]
WEBSITE www.sppdcstr.catholic.edu.au
Minimum Standards Attestation
I, Maria McIntyre attest that Ss Peter & Paul’s primary School is compliant with:
All of the requirements for the minimum standards and other requirements for the registration of schools as specified in the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) and the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2007 (Vic), except where the school has been granted an exemption from any of these requirements by the VRQA.
Australian Government accountability requirements related to the 2016 school year under the Australian Education Act 2013 (Cth) and the Australian Education Regulations 2013 (Cth)
19 May 2017
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 3
Our School Vision
A SPIRIT-FILLED COMMUNITY INSPIRING:
the love of God
the growth to wholeness
a love of life and learning
the courage and confidence to respect and care for others
Our Mission Is To Bring Our Vision to Life!
Ss. Peter & Paul’s School is a Catholic Learning Community
welcoming and challenging its members to live as Jesus lived and
realise their full potential through:
• A quality Religious Education which integrates religion and life
• Active engagement with issues relating to self, others and the wider community
• A comprehensive and stimulating integrated curriculum which encourages enquiry and
creativity
We believe in:
• Our relationship with God, each other and creation
• The history, tradition and teachings of the Catholic Church
• Fostering Values Education as a basis for students’ potential life roles
• The intrinsic dignity of the individual
• Learning as developmental, life-long and liberating
The guiding principles in pursuit of our Mission are:
• The gospel values of Jesus
• The development of quality relationships
• Commitment to community within and beyond the school
• Development of the whole person through challenging learning experiences
• Employment of best teaching and learning practice
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 4
School Overview
Ss Peter & Paul’s is situated in a quiet residential area between Doncaster Road
and the Eastern Freeway. The grounds provide a range of active, creative and
passive play areas and include two basketball/netball courts, play equipment
which includes structures for creative play, an enclosed sandpit, a synthetic
surfaced courtyard, shaded seating areas and natural grass play areas.
The three wings of the school are linked by hallways and a secure covered
walkway which also links the student toilets to the classrooms. All rooms have
been refurbished and are spacious providing excellent learning environments.
Classrooms are well equipped and all have computers, iPads, projectors,
interactive whiteboards and air conditioning. F – 2 classrooms have fenced
outside learning areas we call home yards. Specialist learning areas include a large
well equipped performing arts room, visual arts rooms, well stocked inviting
library, computer lab and LOTE rooms. Open areas are available for active
learning and break out rooms for small group work.
The structure of the classes reflects the school’s multiage philosophy and the
interpretation of the Reggio Emilia influence. The structure of the classes reflects
the school’s multiage philosophy and the interpretation of the Reggio Emilia
influence. In 2015 Foundation students numbered 26 and were in two classes of
13 during the mornings for literacy, numeracy and some specialist lessons. From
12.15 the students were in one class grouping. There were 2 classes of Years 1 & 2,
3 classes of Years 3 & 4 and 3 classes of Years 5 & 6.
The community is culturally diverse with students and parents being born in 39
different countries. This creates a rich and vibrant community where students,
staff and families can truly celebrate the diversity of Australian life.
This creates a rich and vibrant community where students, staff and families can
truly celebrate the diversity of Australian life.
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 5
Principal’s Report
Ss Peter & Paul’s provides a balanced education in a Catholic faith community. A
balanced education means providing more than the basics. Students at Ss Peter &
Paul’s achieve excellent standards in literacy and numeracy testing and these skills
are the tools for students to access an exciting and stimulating broad curriculum. The
traditional ‘3 Rs’ are the tools for broad learning with a focus on students being
active participants in their learning.
Learning at Ss Peter & Paul’s develops critical thinking, creativity and communication
and collaboration skills. It supports students to see themselves as lifelong learners,
to set goals for themselves and to celebrate their own and their peer’s achievements.
This is done by creating engaging and authentic curriculum where learning tasks
have a purpose and the processes are varied and suited to 21st century children's
interests. During 2016 we were selected to participate in a learning project being
conducted by Corwin Australia. This project is to develop teaching pedagogy based
on John Hattie’s Visible Learning principals. The project continues for three years.
Students commencing school in 2016 will be completing year 12 in 2028. The world
they will enter as young adults will look very different to what it is now. They will
need skills to access knowledge that does not exist yet. They will need to understand
themselves as learners and be motivated to learn and develop new skills. This is not
done by competing and comparing themselves to others but by seeing themselves as
team players who can work with others and make a contribution.
Each learning area is underpinned by thorough planning and high quality teaching
utilising innovative learning strategies. The inquiry approach is used to complement
all subjects. It stimulates the children’s interests and allows them to inquire and
explore through a variety of topics. It personalises learning and encourages self-
management skills. This approach is open ended and has the capacity to suit varied
learning styles and levels. The final component of the inquiry approach allows
students to use higher order thinking skills and evaluate their own learning. Children
are encouraged to work across the curriculum areas and this develops their ability to
transfer learning from one domain to another. Religious Education underpins all
areas of this process.
Ss Peter & Paul’s staff are highly motivated and committed to ongoing professional
learning to continually improve the outcomes for all students.
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 6
Education in Faith
Goals & Intended Outcomes
That the opportunity for school families to participate in liturgical celebrations will
increase
That the school community will value the importance of Catholic practices
That the staff will be nurtured and supported in their roles as educators in faith
To Support all members of the Ss Peter & Paul’s Community in their faith journey
Achievements
Throughout the year close links have been maintained between school, parents and parish through liaison with Parish Priest, Pastoral Associate and Liturgist Groups within the parish on a regular basis. Parents are kept up to date with the RE Program via student workbooks, and School/Parish Newsletters. The student diaries provide links to the school program and the Sunday Gospel readings. As part of the preparation for the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation parent and child workshop evenings facilitated by a guest speaker, Paul Spence, and students attended a Parish Mass to publically commit to their preparation for reception of the Sacraments. Families from each year level prepare and assist one Sunday Parish Mass each year. Fr Jerald celebrated classroom Masses or Liturgies with each class in their classroom. Large numbers of parents attended. All classes have daily formal and informal prayer and meditation sessions including Grace before meals. ‘Buddy classes' have continued the tradition of leading the Holy Week, Easter and Advent liturgies.
During a pastoral visit to the parish Archbisop Denis Hart blessed a new artwork by Anthony Russo. Each year one of the four school closure days for staff development has a Religious Education or formation focus. In 2016 staff learning was led by Peter Lynch. On this day staff learnt about the CEM document Horizons of Hope and modified the planning processes.
The Religious Education Leader, Peter Lynch,
continued to attend REC Zone Network Meetings and the Catholic Education (R.E.) Conference.
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 7
VALUE ADDED
Daily prayer and a short meditation in each classroom at the beginning of each day
Parish/school Mass for blessing of the new school year and commitment of school staff
Middle and Senior Class masses – Classroom Masses twice a year
Whole school masses for Feast days and Celebrations – Feast of the Sacred Heart, Feast
of Ss Peter & Paul, Feast of the Assumption, Mother’s Day, Fathers’ Day, End of School
Year Thanksgiving Mass
Whole school liturgy depicting the events of Holy Week
Whole school liturgy celebrating Easter and the Resurrection
Year 6 students, accompanied by the Religious Education Leader, attended the St
Patrick’s Day Mass at the Cathedral
Each class made two annual collections of goods for donation through St Vincent de Paul
Society to parish families in need, for the Feast of the Sacred Heart and for Christmas.
Fundraising for Project Compassion
Year 6 Graduation
The Religious Education Coordinator attended Zone and Regional Network meetings
each term to continue to develop effective learning and teaching strategies in Religious
Education to be used in the school program
Family Christmas Carols Evening
Parent /child workshops in preparation for reception of sacraments
Weekly whole school assembly lead by a class which links learning to a prayer response
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 8
Learning & Teaching
Goals & Intended Outcomes
That student learning in literacy, with a particular emphasis on reading, will improve
across the school
To raise the levels of students’ Numeracy skills particularly our less abled and more able
students
That student engagement within their learning will improve
Achievements
NAPLAN Data indicates the following percentage of students in the school who met the national minimum standards, as assessed from 2014-2016 and the percentage of changes in results from the previous year at Years 3 & 5.
E1221
Ss Peter & Paul's School, Doncaster East
PROPORTION OF STUDENTS MEETING THE MINIMUM STANDARDS
NAPLAN TESTS 2014
%
2015
%
2014 - 2015
Changes
%
2016
%
2015 - 2016
Changes
%
YR 03 Reading 100.0 100.0 0.0 100.0 0.0
YR 03 Writing 97.1 100.0 2.9 100.0 0.0
YR 03 Spelling 100.0 100.0 0.0 100.0 0.0
YR 03 Grammar & Punctuation 94.4 100.0 5.6 100.0 0.0
YR 03 Numeracy 100.0 100.0 0.0 100.0 0.0
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 9
YR 05 Reading 93.3 96.0 2.7 94.4 -1.6
YR 05 Writing 100.0 96.0 -4.0 100.0 4.0
YR 05 Spelling 100.0 96.0 -4.0 97.2 1.2
YR 05 Grammar & Punctuation 93.3 96.0 2.7 100.0 4.0
YR 05 Numeracy 100.0 100.0 0.0 97.2 -2.8
In a small school changes in performance from year to year is due to differences in
performance of 1 or 2 students and reflects differences from year to year in the
cohort of students. One student may represent between 2 and 5%. Most years at Ss
Peter & Paul’s, particularly in Year 5, we will have students with disabilities, who
would usually be exempt actually participating in NAPLAN, so they have the
experience of sitting a formal test before they leave primary school.
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 10
VALUE ADDED
Educational Programs
• EASL support – teaching in small groups for students who are learning English as their
second language
• Italian language classes Prep to Year 6
• Mandarin language classes Prep to Year 6
• Specialist Literacy & Numeracy Support Prep – Year 6
• Early years literacy program Years Prep - 2
• Specialist classes for Performing Arts, PE and Art
• Decoding instruction in small groups
• Weekly school assemblies
• School Vegetable Garden
• Environmental education
• Student participation in International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) from the University of New South Wales
• Gateways Programs
• Meditation
Music/ Performing Arts Programs
• Weekly Performing Arts Lessons
(Drama/Dance/Music) Prep – Year 6
• Keyboard and guitar lessons offered
• Ballroom Dancing lessons and evening at
Box Hill Town Hall
• School Choir
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 11
Information and Communications Technology
• Computers in all classrooms
• Mini notebook computers with specific software and internet access to support small
group work in the junior literacy programs
• Computer laboratory with touch screen computers
• Sets of iPads for use in classrooms
• Sets Chromebooks for use by Year 5 & 6 students
• Range of software to support specific learning needs
• Interactive Whiteboards in all classrooms
• Reading Eggs literacy program for all students P – 2
• Mathletics and Spellodrome program for students Years 3 – 6
• Use of class BLOGS for publishing work and discussion forum
• Use of MyClasses page for students’ home learning and parent information
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 12
Student Wellbeing
Goals & Intended Outcomes
To create an environment that enables every student to feel happy, safe, engaged and accepted at school
To support students to build positive relationships with others through the application of social emotional learning
Achievements
Students’ sense of Well Being continues to be supported by Restorative Practices across the
school. This has included regular Circle Time sessions and Restorative Meetings to resolve
conflict situations. The continued rollout of Kid’s Matter further supports students’ well-being and
connectedness to school.
Catholic Education Office financial support for a Student Wellbeing Coordinator has continued,
supporting Judy Harris to remain in that role at Ss Peter & Paul’s. This is supplemented by
Chaplaincy funding from the Federal Government.
We continued our commitment to whole school Social Emotional Learning with all classes
undertaking weekly ‘Values for Life’ sessions. Ss Peter & Paul’s School is part of a Catholic
Education Office sponsored project looking at ‘Outward Facing Schools”. The Year 6 Student
Action Team worked with the student wellbeing leader, Judy Harris, to develop Values initiatives
for the whole school.
All Year 6 students have been appointed to a leadership position with the school and participate
in Student Action Teams and a leadership skills program with Judy Harris.
The School Wide Positive Behaviour Support Program continued. This has given all of the
students an understanding of the behavioural expectations for every area of school life. It also
ensures consistency of expectations across the school.
AVERAGE STUDENT ATTENDANCE RATE BY YEAR LEVEL %
Y1 96.26
Y2 95.66
Y3 95.81
Y4 94.90
Y5 95.37
Y6 93.81
Overall average attendance 95.30
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 13
Non- attendance is addressed by requiring parents to supply reasons for student absences and for personal contact with parents by the Principal to address any issues relating to unwarranted absences. An influence on attendance data is the number of families who travel to visit extended family, particularly grandparents, who reside overseas.
VALUE ADDED
Social Emotional Learning Initiatives
• A whole school approach to Values Education including explicit teaching including Values
for Life
• A whole school approach to Social Emotional Learning including implicit and explicit te A
whole school approach to Values Education including explicit teaching aching
• Kids Matter
• Restorative Practices
• Bounce Back
• Alannah and Madeleine Foundation Better Buddies Program
• Student Leadership Program
Physical Education/Sports
• PE program Prep – Yr. 6
• Annual whole school intensive swimming program
• School Sports Carnival
• Inter-school Sports Competition – Years 4-6
• Participation in Zone and Regional swimming and athletics
• Sports clinics – athletics, rugby, netball, football, soccer
• District Cross Country
• School Excursions
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 14
• Year 5 & 6 outdoor education focus camp
STUDENT SATISFACTION
Data from formal student surveys shows that students feel connected to school and peers, feel safe at school and are motivated to learn. The majority of the students’ responses place us in the top end of the middle 50% of all Victorian Schools.
Student data also shows that students feel supported by teachers and are highly motivated to learn. Responses to questions regarding motivation to learn and student behaviour both scored in the top 25% of schools in Victoria.
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 15
Leadership & Management
Goals & Intended Outcomes
To strengthen the professional learning culture within the school
That staff learning leads to improvement of student outcomes
Ensure staff learning is aligned with the school’s visions and goals
Ensure learning environment and emerging technologies are effectively utilized
Achievements
EXPENDITURE AND TEACHER PARTICIPATION IN PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
DESCRIPTION OF PL UNDERTAKEN IN 2016
The following professional learning was undertaken by individuals or small groups of teachers and or support staff
Peer Coaching for Teachers
Restorative Practices
Wellbeing & Community Partnerships
Anaphylaxis & Epipen updates
Multilingual Language Learning Communities
Curriculum Leadership
Victorian curriculum
Curriculum Development – Physical education
LOTE
Literacy intervention
Google Apps for Education/Hapara
Data base for Administration
Student Behaviour Management
Visible Learning
Inclusion
Student leadership
Staff members continue to show ongoing commitment to enhancing their teaching practice through ongoing learning. This includes engaging in formal post graduate study, an openness and willingness to share their learning and support each other in advancement of skills and knowledge.
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 16
NUMBER OF TEACHERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN PL 20
AVERAGE EXPENDITURE PER TEACHER FOR PL $1,900
TEACHER SATISFACTION
Staff survey data shows that teachers are confident in their capacity as teachers and have a high focus for continual school improvement. They rank highly their relationship with students and parents as partners. All indicators of a staff of hard working teachers who are continually implementing developments in their knowledge and practice in a collegiate work place for the purpose of improving student outcomes and wellbeing.
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 17
School Community
Goals & Intended Outcomes
To ensure that the school community is vibrant, involved and active
To provide opportunity to build partnership with parents to foster understanding of the
school’s vision, values and objectives through involvement in a range of school
organisations and programs
Achievements
We have continued to attract more Catholic families to the school through marketing,
advertising, open days and incidental school tours. Our Display Board continues to feature
special events to inform the community of current happenings.
Community related highlights of 2016 have included: - • The Annual General Meeting of Parents and Friends in which all office bearer positions
were filled. • Parents and Friends community activities: Hot Cross Bun Day, Pizza Day, Hot Dog Day,
Footy Day, Father/student twilight school • Parents as classroom helpers • School’s ANZAC Ceremony for Year 5 and 6 children at Templestowe • School Athletics Carnival. • District Swimming, Cross Country, Basketball and Athletics Carnivals. • Social Justice Support with collections for Bahay Tuluyan (street children in the
Philippines) & St Vincent of Paul • Out of School Hours Care; Curriculum Day and School Holiday programs. • Advent Carols Family evening. • Past students’ work experience and community work • Weekly newsletters available in hard copy, by email and on the web and app • Booking formal parent teacher interviews online • Welcome BBQ for Prep families
PARENT SATISFACTION
Parent responses to the insight SRC survey shows that they see Student Motivation,
Connectedness to School and Peers and development of Social Skills as major strengths of
the school, scoring these high. This correlates with responses from the student surveys.
Ss Peter & Paul’s Primary School Doncaster East
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 18
VRQA Compliance Data
TEACHING STAFF ATTENDANCE RATE
Teaching Staff Attendance Rate 90.5%
STAFF RETENTION RATE
Staff Retention Rate 100.00%
TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS
Doctorate 0.00%
Masters 28.57%
Graduate 42.86%
Certificate Graduate 28.57%
Degree Bachelor 71.43%
Diploma Advanced 64.29%
No Qualifications Listed 0.00%
STAFF COMPOSITION
Principal Class 2
Teaching Staff (Head Count)
20
FTE Teaching Staff
12.950
Non-Teaching Staff (Head Count)
9
FTE Non-Teaching Staff
4.009
Indigenous Teaching Staff
0
Please note staff Long Service Leave and Study Leave is automatically calculated as non attendance