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``` Annual School Report Dapto Public School 2013
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2013
Annual
School
Report
Dapto
Public
School
2013
Principal’s message
Another wonderful year of achievement and success saw Dapto Public School continue to grow and challenge learning for the students of our great school. Once again students from our school travelled the state to further their learning and understanding, as well as competing in a variety of fields of endeavour.
Experiences ranged from the challenges of Myuna Bay on the Central Coast to learning about democracy in the halls of Canberra. Students were exposed to many cultural experiences including the Archibald Prize to view outstanding art and to develop an appreciation for the finer things in life. Students in all grades experienced numerous learning opportunities throughout the Illawarra with a number of visiting groups coming to the school to share their knowledge. In August our school competed in the Channel 7 Television game show ‘It’s Academic’. They performed outstandingly, however I am to maintain secrecy on their final outcome as the show will be screened later in 2014.
As always, Dapto Public School undertook the NAPLAN testing in May. Overall the results were good. Additional academic assessment through the UNSW competitions saw Dapto achieve 15 credits and 1 Distinction in English, 1 Distinction and 11 credits in Mathematics, 2 credits in Science and 2 Distinctions and 4 credits in Computers. Overall, the schools’ results were very impressive. Additionally there were
numerous students identified for their academic talents who participated in the Academically Gifted class from this year’s Year 6 as well as students gaining selection in Opportunity Classes and Selective High Schools.
In Public Speaking our students performed outstandingly with Dapto winning two of the three divisions. Congratulations to Sian Luck for
winning the Stage 1 Division and Kayla Kelly for winning the Stage 2 Division. Additionally our school entered the Premier’s Spelling Bee for the first time with Leilanie Taylor, Issac Tsui, Macklan Cook, Madison Brown all performing extremely well in the Regional finals.
In Literacy our students participated successfully in the 2013 Lions Club Essay Competition, with Dylan East winning 1st place for his outstanding essay and Tolson Kennerley receiving an Encouragement Award.
In the area of technology our school has made big investments for the future installing a wireless local area network across the school. This will form the backbone for the implementation of the future ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) program currently in trials in senior grades. Significant funding was also expended in the purchase of computers to run whiteboards and thank you to our wonderful P&C every single classroom at Dapto now has an Interactive Whiteboard which allows the world to be brought into the learning of every classroom.
On the sporting fields Dapto maintained high standards in achievement. Numerous sporting opportunities were again afforded to the students of Dapto.
Six of our students gained Regional selection to compete across New South Wales in a variety of sports in state championships. In 2013 our school competed in a large number of knock out sporting competitions. We had teams entered in Soccer, Rugby League, Basketball, AFL, Oz Tag, Netball and Baseball. Opportunities to participate and compete saw over 250 students represent our school in a variety of competitions and Gala
days. One of our sporting team highlights included our girls competing in the State Football (Soccer) Knockout, making it to the 5th round. Both of our senior boy’s rugby league teams fought out the final of the Paul McGregor Cup with our Year 5 boys overcoming the odds to beat the Year 6 boys to win the area title.
In the Creative Arts our school’s comprehensive program saw additional aspects and opportunities offered to students. This included Dance through the Wakakirri and Stage 1 hip hop group and Music through our Senior and Kindergarten choirs, keyboards, recorder, drums and guitar. Drama through reader’s theatre and movie making and visual arts through Wakakirri prop design, pottery, puppetry and painting. This culminated in our 1st annual Creative Arts Festival where all our students presented their art pieces in our school’s Art Gallery and performances from all our groups were enjoyed by students, parents, community members, special guests and staff. It was a real highlight of 2013.
Some of our individual students have shone in this area. I would like to make special mention of Katie Haldane for her selection in the Illawarra South East Dance ensemble and for her involvement in the NSW School Spectacular in late November at the Sydney Entertainment Centre which was televised on Channel 9 in November.
In another historical moment our Wakakirri group swept all before them in the Illawarra. Once
again, our school won the Illawarra Division of Wakakirri and they were national finalist. This was another wonderful achievement from the team of supportive parents, teachers and students.
As I have always stated, we already had many wins before we took the stage win around the community spirit that was created.
Our Choir Group again shone at the Southern Illawarra Music Festival. Our school performed outstandingly in their renditions maintaining the most amazing vocal harmonies. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Mrs Klepczarek for her talents in managing the entire event.
Once again we allowed our students to shine in the annual talent quest for our K-2 and 3-6 students. It was a chance for individuals and groups to uncover their talents and perform to an audience. Congratulations to Jacob Young, Kai Reynolds, Aidan McLean and Conor Rogers who performed an energetic hip hop dance.
As always, I would like to acknowledge our wonderfully supportive community. We are blessed to have a community that supports our children and staff to achieve what they do. The support comes through a wide range of contributions. Support from cooking barbeques to sewing, from reading in classes to the walking school bus. I would like to publicly thank every parent for their contribution in 2013 and thank you for allowing us to teach your children.
I would like to thank every one of my tremendously committed and talented staff. This includes my incredible support staff in the office Mrs Long, Mrs Mitchell and Mrs Cunningham for all the extra hours they put in going above and beyond. I would like to thank all the School Learning Support Officer’s (SLSO’s), who care for each of their students. Thank you to our General Assistant Kim Wall and to Ted Farrugia and the cleaning staff. These are often the people who work behind the scenes and do not get the credit they deserve.
Finally, I would like to thank my teachers and executive staff. They all work hard to bring their best each day for your children. Their care and concern along with their expertise makes a difference.
2013 has been another wonderful year and our students have had an environment in which to grow and thrive. It has been a year where individual students and groups have achieved. It has been a year where learning has again been the focus. I present this report as a reflection of the year’s events. I thank everyone for their involvement in our wonderful public school. I acknowledge Dapto Public School as the school where we ‘Work Together as a Team’.
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.
Tony Friedrich
Principal
P & C and/or School Council message
Once again the P & C had a busy year. We have undertaken fundraising, purchasing of equipment to support learning and we have put in process the change of our school uniform.
This year we began the process of changing our uniform in order to improve the supply as well as our school image, with an eye on looking and feeling proud of the wonderful school our children attend. In order to make the change, families were consulted and put forward their ideas. The uniform has now been finalised and will be ready for sale from January 20th 2014. Can I thank everyone for their support throughout the process of change and the understanding from our special school community
Fundraising this year was undertaken through our Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls, crazy hair day, the disco and our sausage sizzles for our infants’ sports day and for the Creative Arts Festival. We successfully raised $10,500.00. That money was used to purchase an interactive whiteboard which now means that every child at Dapto Public School has access to this technology in every classroom.
We again participated in the Coles and Woolworths Shop-a-Docket program in 2013. Our school earnt thousands of points. This was used to purchase sports equipment and arts supplies for use by students in various learning programs across the school. Thank you to all parent and grandparents who supported our school.
Can I acknowledge all parents for their support of Dapto Public School in 2013. Thank you to everyone who helped out with classroom reading, covering books, canteen, cooking, walking bus, clothing pool and to the hours put aside from our special parents and grandparents who built props and sewed together hundreds of costumes for our Wakakirri performance. Also, can I thank the parents who sewed our brand new stage curtains.
2013 has been a great year and I look forward to the continued support from our school community in 2014.
Natalie Hutchinson
President Dapto Public School P&C
Student representative’s message
School has been interesting, fun and has been plenty of hard work. Our learning has grown over the years. We both know a whole lot more than when we started. Our teachers have challenged us to be our best and never settle for second best.
Throughout our time here at Dapto Public School the teachers have been comforting and supportive. They have continually helped us to learn. They have been patient and clever in the way they have explained skills to us both. They have been a huge part in our learning. We both have liked all the teachers since Kindergarten.
The other children at school are fun to be around. We have both made so many friends and have friendships we wish to keep when we go to high school. The playground is large and there is plenty of room to play sport while there are quiet areas which are good to use when the time is right. The smaller children even play on the fixed equipment.
There are so many activities and sports to choose from. The choices range from athletics to cross country and team sports include rugby league, girls and boys soccer, Oz Tag, basketball and newcombe ball. There have been numerous opportunities to make representative teams. Our school achieves amazing things in dance. The
Wakakirri dance group is an incredible experience. We have had the chance to compete in the Illawarra and in Sydney. In fact we are known around Australia for our performances as we have won the National title twice.
There are so many opportunities in the Creative Arts. These include photography, media, drums, guitar, choir and the visual arts. These opportunities have been a big part of our school life.
We are both excited about going to high school, however we will miss Dapto Public School. We will miss the environment and the teachers. We will miss Dapto because it feels like our second home. We feel ready for high school and would like to thank our teachers for preparing us and making us confident to face the next challenge in our learning.
We both wish the captains for 2014 all the very best. It is a role we have both enjoyed so
very much and will cherish forever.
Katie Haldane & Jake Attwell
Dapto Public School Captains 2013
Student Information
Student enrolment profile
Dapto Public School in 2013 had an enrolment of 573 mainstream with an additional 11 children enrolled in our Class for intellectual disability and our Multi Category Class.
Class Sizes
Roll class Yr Total in class Total per yr
1 KA K 19 19
2 KH K 20 20
3 KK K 20 20
4 1F 1 22 22
5 1N 1 21 21
6 1S 1 22 22
7 2H 2 24 24
8 2M 2 24 24
9 2S 2 24 24
10 2/3E 2 7 27
11 3 20 27
12 3A 3 29 29
13 3H 3 30 30
14 3/4T 3 6 30
15
4 24 30
16 4BW 4 30 30
17 4E 4 29 29
18 4/5H 4 8 28
19 5 20 28
20 5N 5 31 31
21 5W 5 30 30
22 6D 6 28 28
23 6L 6 30 30
24 6M 6 30 30
25 K 1J 1 8 20 26 K K 12 20 27
Student attendance profile
The school community supports the school in ensuring children attend school. Once again our attendance rate is above Regional and State average.
Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Sch
oo
l
K 95.4 95.7 95.3 95.0 96.7
1 93.5 94.7 94.8 93.9 95.1
2 92.7 95.0 94.3 95.2 95.3
3 94.4 94.8 94.4 94.0 95.4
4 93.7 95.0 93.1 94.2 94.2
5 93.4 94.6 94.1 92.4 96.0
6 93.1 93.7 93.8 93.7 92.8
Total 93.7 94.8 94.2 94.0 95.0
Reg
ion
K 94.3 94.5 94.4 94.3 95.0
1 93.4 93.9 93.9 94.0 94.2
2 93.9 94.0 93.7 93.9 94.4
3 93.9 94.3 93.6 94.0 94.5
4 93.7 93.9 93.7 93.9 94.4
5 93.7 93.8 93.3 93.7 94.1
6 93.2 93.6 93.1 93.4 93.7
Total 91.8 94.0 93.7 93.9 94.3
Stat
e D
EC
K 94.3 94.7 94.7 94.3 95.0
1 93.7 94.2 94.2 93.9 94.5
2 94.0 94.4 94.2 94.2 94.7
3 94.1 94.5 94.4 94.4 94.8
4 94.0 94.5 94.3 94.3 94.7
5 94.0 94.4 94.2 94.2 94.5
6 93.6 94.0 93.8 93.8 94.1
Total 92.1 94.4 94.3 94.2 94.7
Staff Information
2013 saw some changes to our staff. Our long serving librarian Mrs Lindsay and the very much loved Mrs Jones both retired after long and distinguished careers. They will be missed and our school community wishes them all the very best. Mrs Wilbraham also has moved on from our school to take up a role with coordinating literacy across our region. I wish her all the very best for her future career.
There have been some new additions to our permanent staff. Mrs Reilly comes to Dapto with a wide range of experience and has become our librarian. Mrs Steuart has become our classroom teacher in our Intellectual Disabilities class and Mrs Nordstrom, a well-known teacher at Dapto, is now permanent on our staff. We welcomed Ms
Rebecca Glover as our school counsellor two days a week.
It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all staff must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies.
Workforce composition
Position Number
Principal 1.0
Deputy Principal(s) 1.0
Assistant Principal(s) 4.0
Classroom Teacher(s) 18.0
Teacher of Reading Recovery 0.735
Learning and Support Teacher(s) 1.5
RFF Teacher 2.076
Teacher Librarian 1.0
Teacher of ESL 0.2
Teacher Intellectual Disability 1.0
Teacher Multi Category 1.0
School Counsellor 0.6
School Administrative & Support Staff 6.062
Total 37.573
Teacher qualifications
All teaching staff meet the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
Qualifications % of staff
Degree or Diploma 100%
NSW Institute of Teachers Accreditation 20%
Financial summary
This summary covers funds for operating costs and does not involve expenditure areas such as permanent salaries, building and major maintenance.
Date of financial summary 30/11/2013
Income $
Balance brought forward 148,446 Global funds 317,832 Tied funds 203,644 School & community sources 150,566 Interest 6,890 Trust receipts 28,605 Canteen 73,741
Total income 929724.00
Expenditure
Teaching & learning Key learning areas 35,907 Excursions 61,582 Extracurricular dissections 44,895
Library 4,764 Training & development 643 Tied funds 204,436 Casual relief teachers 66,510 Administration & office 81,274 School-operated canteen 60,366 Utilities 53,232 Maintenance 26,204 Trust accounts 24,585 Capital programs 122,979
Total expenditure 787377.00
Balance carried forward 142347.00
A full copy of the school’s 2013 financial statement is tabled at the annual general meetings of the Parents & Citizens body. Further details concerning the statement can be obtained by contacting the school.
School performance 2013 Academic achievements
NAPLAN / Literacy and Numeracy
Dapto Public School again undertook the NAPLAN testing in May. Our school had good results and these results are in table form below and are attached to the Myschool website. Our school again participated in a range of Literacy programs. In public speaking our school successfully won 2 of the 4 divisions in the local Dapto Learning Community event. Additionally our school participated in the Premier’s spelling challenge where our students performed well at the regional finals. In the UNSW testing students at Dapto achieved 15 credits and 1 Distinction. In 2013 our school implemented our K-6 spelling program which has been positive for children. The program has a phonics base and supports our reading program. The program will continue in 2014. In numeracy our NAPLAN results were again good and results can viewed in the tables below. In the UNSW testing Dapto students achieved 11 Credits and 1 Distinction. Our professional development focus 2014 will see the creation of our new scope and sequence to match the national curriculum. The My School website provides detailed information and data for national literacy and numeracy testing (NAPLAN).
NAPLAN Year 3 - Literacy (including Reading, Writing, Spelling and Grammar and Punctuation)
NAPLAN Year 3 - Numeracy
NAPLAN Year 5 - Literacy (including Reading, Writing, Spelling and Grammar and Punctuation)
NAPLAN Year 5 – Numeracy
Minimum Benchmark Achievements
Percentage of Year 3 students achieving at or above minimum standard (exempt students
included)
Reading 96.3
Writing 96.3
Spelling 96.3
Grammar & Punctuation 96.3
Numeracy 98.8
Percentage of Year 5 students achieving at or above minimum standard (exempt students
included)
Reading 96.4
Writing 92.7
Spelling 96.4
Grammar & Punctuation 91.6
Numeracy 95.2
Percentage of Year 3 students achieving at or above minimum standard (exempt students
excluded)
Reading 96.3
Writing 96.3
Spelling 96.3
Grammar & Punctuation 96.3
Numeracy 98.8
Percentage of Year 5 students achieving at or above minimum standard (exempt students
excluded)
Reading 97.6
Writing 93.8
Spelling 97.6
Grammar & Punctuation 92.7
Numeracy 96.3
Other achievements
Dapto Public School offers a wide variety programs to support a holistic education providing the children with experiences to build learning, whole world knowledge and self-worth.
Significant programs and initiatives Sport
Dapto Public School continues to be an active
member and supporter of the Dapto PSSA. This
has enabled many students to attend sport trials
for district teams, zone teams and regional
teams. In 2013 six students were successful in
gaining selection in South Coast regional teams to
attend the state carnivals in their chosen sport.
In terms 1, 2 and 3 many of our primary students
participated in the District Sport gala days and
were involved in a variety of sports including
cricket, newcombe ball, netball , football (soccer),
touch football and dragon tag. For those students
who could not attend the gala days a school
based sport option was available including tennis,
table tennis and ten pin bowling. Throughout the
year students take part in games and skill
development programs. A gymnastics program
was offered in term 4 for students. All students
from K-6 participate in skill based activities.
Dapto PS entered teams in the Paul McGregor /
Rod Wishart Cup, Paul Kelly Cup, Illawarra Sports
High Netball Day. Teams also participated in the
NSW PSSA state knockout in girl’s football and
boy’s basketball.
The school swimming, cross country and
track/field carnivals were all held successfully
with a large component of students going on to
represent at a district level. We had 12 students
attend the regional swimming carnival, 5
qualified for regional cross country and 7
students participated in the regional athletics
carnival. The K-2 students also participated in an
athletics carnival.
The Creative Arts
2013 has seen many achievements in our successful Creative Arts Program. In 2012 we identified that an area of improvement was the level of inclusion and participation of all students in CAPA and in particular performance opportunities. In 2013 we sought to continue with our successful programs whilst also putting new activities and programs in place to promote a greater level of inclusion. An overview of the 2013 programs and initiatives are outlined below.
Creative Arts Facebook Page In 2013 we began a trial of a Dapto Public School Creative Arts Facebook Page as a means of communicating information about our programs and as a way of celebrating student success. The page has been an overwhelmingly positive success with over 180 followers of the page. Interpretation of the data accessible on the page shows us that hundreds of people see and respond to the posts about our programs on a regular basis. Parents have responded to posts with positive and supportive likes and comments. The page has also proved to be a very successful
tool in boosting attendance at events at our school such as the Creative Arts Festival and Photography Exhibition. The ability to post photos of student work has also been a fantastic means to share instantly to parents what their children have been creating.
Visual Arts Program: This year in Visual Arts, students experienced a wide range of making and appreciating activities about varying subject matter in a number of forms. This year, there has been a focus on developing knowledge and understanding about the elements of art and how they and other artists use them to make informed choices when creating their art. Making and appreciating activities culminated in the school’s annual Art Gallery with approximately 1500 artworks on show, including a self-portrait from every student in the style of Amedeo Modigliani.
Digital Photography / Media Program:
In 2013, our Digital Photography / Digital Media program continued. Students in years 4 and 6 participated in lessons where they developed skills in photographic techniques, composition and interpretation. Students learnt about taking photographs to draw audience attention and as a means of creative expression. Students also learnt about manipulation of their photos through the use of a number of software
programs. This focus also developed aspects of visual literacy and the knowledge of how images may be manipulated for different purposes in the media.
Our photography program culminated in our annual Photography Exhibition with over 400 photos professionally printed and displayed in the hall, where visitors were able to vote in the People’s Choice Award. A selection of our student’s work was also entered in the nation-wide Moran Photographic prize.
Creative Arts Groups In an effort to encourage the inclusion of all students in the creative arts, 2013 saw a number of improvements in the way in which Primary Creative Arts Groups were run. Students were given the opportunity to choose from a number of performance groups or to participate in rotating activities. All activities were designed to provide students with a wide range of making and performing opportunities across visual arts, dance, drama and music. Staff were supported and assisted when needed to ensure that creative arts groups were a positive and productive experience for all.
Creative Arts Festival A highlight of 2013 was our first Creative Arts Festival. This massive undertaking saw the involvement of all staff and students in a day of performances and displays that was attended by the vast majority of our community. Through many months of collegial planning and preparation, we were able to deliver a festival that showcased the high level of achievement of our students K-6 in the creative arts. The festival provided a purpose to our creative arts groups and the means to share our successes. The Creative Arts Festival was a fantastic community building exercise and an overwhelmingly positive experience.
Primary Dance Group 2013 was another successful year for Dapto
Public School Dance Group. Our production,
entitled "What's A Memory?" (An adaption of the
Mem Fox children's picture book "Wilfrid Gordon
McDonald Partridge,”) highlighted the
importance of being a caring friend regardless of
age and disability.
116 students from Years 3-6 were involved as on-
stage performers or back stage crew. After eight
months of rehearsal and preparation, our Dance
Group performed at the regional straight final in
the Wakakirri National Story Festival at Win
Entertainment Centre in August. Against tough
competition from 12 other schools from our
region, we were awarded first place. An
awesome achievement for all of the students,
teachers, parents and grandparents involved.
Dapto Public School Dance Group also showcased
our production at the D.P.S. Creative Arts Festival
which gave us another opportunity to perform
for the Dapto community.
Primary Choir This year’s choir saw the participation of 63 students from years 3 to 6. The Primary Choir rehearsed weekly during creative arts groups to learn lyrics, actions and self-discipline required to be part of a group. The choir’s rehearsals and hard work culminated in their performance at the Southern Illawarra Music Festival in Term 3. Parent’s, staff and students were very pleased with their performance and with the way they represented Dapto Public School. The Primary Choir also had the opportunity to perform as part of our school’s ANZAC ceremony and were able to give an encore to their SIMF performance as part of our Creative Arts Festival where they performed to further acclaim.
Kindergarten Choir: This year saw the development of a Kindergarten choir at our school. In preparation for their performance at our Creative Arts Festival, 73 students developed skills in singing, performing actions and timing. It was a very successful and popular performance at the Festival and proved to be a confidence building exercise for our students. Junior Music Day
In Term 3, our Year 1 students attended the Dapto Learning Community Junior Music Day at Hayes Park Public School. The day provided the opportunity for our students and staff to meet with students and teachers from our nearby schools and to perform together a number of songs. The students were required to learn a list of songs which they performed along with the other schools or independently. As part of one performance, the students were also required to learn sign language actions which they used whilst singing the song. It was an enjoyable day for our students which provided a great performance and social experience.
Banksia Southern Stars In Term 3, students from Banksia participated in the Southern Stars Festival at WIN Entertainment Centre. The students performed over two performances a dance titled “Bom Bom” in ‘onesie’ costumes which formed part of a newspaper theme. To prepare for their dance, the students attended a number of combined rehearsals. This was the first year that our school participated in Southern Stars. The performances were a rewarding and self-esteem building opportunity for our
students and we look forward to continued participation. Stage 1 Dance Program As part of the Creative Arts and PDHPE curriculum, Stage 1 students participated in Hip-Hop lessons for sport. Under the guidance of Mr Sanderson, approximately 150 students learnt a 3 minute routine during Terms 1-3. These lessons resulted in a very successful performance at the Creative Arts Festival and all students finished the program with a new and strengthened appreciation of dance and performing. Talent Quests All students at Dapto Public School are given the opportunity to showcase their talent in our annual infants and primary talent quests. It certainly has become a major event on the school calendar each year and every student that participates is given the opportunity to shine. This year, over 130 students from K-6 were involved in this exciting and valuable performing arts experience.
Archibald and Art Gallery Excursion: In Term 2, students in Year 5 travelled to the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney to visit the Archibald Prize exhibition and to tour the gallery. It was a valuable experience for our students to see in person, artworks they had discussed in class. A highlight of the excursion was the way in which our students were able to capably discuss their thoughts and interpretations of the artworks and the way in which they interacted with members of the community to discuss the paintings on show.
Stage 3 Dance Program In Term 3, Stage 3 students participated in a dance program in preparation for the Year 6 farewell. All students learnt a number of both traditional and modern individual, group and partner dances under the expert guidance of Mr Sanderson and Mrs Nordstrom. This program provided the students with the necessary skills to successfully participate in the Year 6 Farewell.
Technology
Our achievements include:
Installation of Interactive Whiteboards in all
classes and the staffroom was completed in 2013.
All teachers have been equipped with desktop
computers to utilize the IWB’s.
The purchase of additional computer resources including class desktops and iPads for students has enhanced student access to up to date ICT resources. The use of iPads has been very successful with students being able to connect to the digitally based 21st century, developing ICT skills, creative learning, problem solving skills, having choice in learning, and experiencing a deeper level of engagement with their learning.
The school’s IP range was successfully increased to facilitate the use of these additional resources as well as staff devices. DPS has increased the IP range, allowing approximately 1,000 users which will be needed for long term growth.
Major upgrades were recently commissioned to our school website, making it more efficient to use and navigate. Our website is regularly updated to inform the school community through our weekly newsletter, photo albums and classroom activities.
All areas of the school now have accessible, stable wireless network connectivity.
Learning and Support Team
The Learning and Support Team assists teachers to meet the specific learning needs of their students. There is an emphasis on early identification of students experiencing difficulties in learning and providing early intervention at all stages. The team meets at least once a week to discuss learning and welfare needs of students.
The Learning and Support program is designed to provide skills, strategies and reinforcement of concepts in the areas of academic, social and behavioural support. In addition to students already identified, thirty-nine students were referred to the Learning Support Team during 2013. Students were supported in their learning by three main programs - the Learning and Support Program, Reading Recovery and the English as a Second Language Program. Each program is flexible and can change from term to term to meet the needs of individuals and learning groups. Flexible learning support allows the school the opportunity to tailor support based on student needs and teacher expertise.
The Learning and Support Teachers and School Learning Support Officers work closely with the classroom teachers to provide the best possible support for children. This support may be provided through team teaching, small group work or targeted, individual programs where required. Programs also include Individual Learning Plans for targeted students and behaviour plans.
Eight Access Requests were processed throughout 2013 seeking additional support or special placement for students with complex needs. Nine students who received funding under the School’s Learning Support Program were identified and prioritised. Students accessed Integration Funding Support and received in-class support from School Learning and Support Officers (SLSOs). Short term regional funding was successfully applied for to provide a mentor who worked with students identified with challenging and complex needs.
During 2013 the teaching staff participated in a Personalised Learning and Support Signposting Tool (PLASST) – trial. This involved all teaching staff undergoing training to become familiar with the Disability Discrimination Act and the Disability Standards for Education. Through profiling student’s relative strengths and needs, the trial built the capacity of teachers by providing them with greater knowledge of the learning and support needs of their students.
The school also participated in the collection of nationally consistent data on students with disability. The data reflected the support that is being provided to students and the steps the school is taking to ensure that all students can access education on the same basis.
Aboriginal education
Our school is committed to improving educational achievement of our Aboriginal students. Twenty one students have personalized Learning Plans to support improved educational outcomes. Parents are instrumental in developing these plans.
Aboriginal perspectives are taught throughout our curriculum and resources were purchased to support the teaching of Aboriginal cultures and history.
NAIDOC week was celebrated and a cultural experience for all students was organized. Visiting performers presented stories, dance, music and artefacts to the students.
School planning and evaluation 2012—2014
School evaluation processes
NSW public schools conduct evaluations to support the effective implementation of the school plan. The processes used include:
School planning 2012—2014: progress in 2013
School priority 1
Outcome for 2012–2014
An increased level of achievement for every student in spelling.
2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include:
Increase the number of Year 3 and 5 students scoring in the top bands of NAPLAN in spelling.
Growth of NAPLAN spelling scores by 5%.
80% of students achieving grade expectation or beyond in spelling.
Strategies to achieve these targets include:
Implementation of phonics program K-6.
Teaching of spelling rules K-6
Adjusted assessment procedures around spelling.
School priority 2
Outcome for 2012–2014
An increased level of achievement for every student in grammar.
2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include:
Increase the number of Year 3 and 5 students scoring in the top bands of NAPLAN in grammar and punctuation.
80% of students achieving grade expectation or beyond in spelling. Strategies to achieve these targets include:
Professional development around teaching strategies for students around grammar.
Introduction of K-6 grammatical features.
Embedding grammar into writing programs.
Adjusted assessment procedures around writing.
Professional learning
In 2013 Dapto Public School had as a focus the implementation of the new English curriculum. All staff participated in the professional development and implemented the learning throughout term 4. Our continuation of the L3 program saw staff maintain their training in the program. Currently all teachers K-1 are trained, with the program showing good results in the junior years. Additionally our staff all completed training in anaphylaxis awareness, CPR, and first
aid, to name a few.
Parent/caregiver, student, and teacher satisfaction / School Tone Background
A survey for our school community was sent to parents in late August. There were 179 surveys returned which represents 65% of families here at Dapto.
Findings
The findings showed significant improvements in all areas of perception from our community. Again 98% of parents were proud of the school
they send their child to. 100% of parents indicated their approval of the Arts program at the school and there was 99% satisfaction of the teachers and their approachability and informative approach.
Future Directions
Although greater satisfaction of the sports program here at Dapto was expressed, there were comments that parents were unaware of sports programs. As a result greater effort will be made to communicate sporting choices for children in 2014.
About this report
In preparing this report, the self-evaluation committee has gathered information from evaluations conducted during the year and analyzed 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.
Natalie Hutchinson – P&C President
Carol Harford – Class Teacher
Jayne Rixon – Class Teacher
Andrew Hedger – Classroom Teacher
Kerrie Manahan – Assistant Principal
Karen Klepzarek – Relieving Assistant Principal
Michelle Elliott – Relieving Assistant Principal
Kerry Mungovan – Assistant Principal
David Dark – Relieving Deputy Principal
Tony Friedrich - Principal
School contact information
Dapto Public School
66 Sierra Drive, Horsley, NSW 2530
Ph: 4261 2247
Fax: 4262 2038
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.dapto-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
School Code: 1727
Parents can find more information about Annual School Reports, how to interpret information in the report and have the opportunity to provide feedback about the report at:
https://detwww.det.nsw.edu.au/high-performance/annual-school-reports
