Annual Report. Pleasant Hills Public School 2886 (2016)

Transcription

1 Pleasant Hills Public School Annual Report Page 1 of 11 Pleasant Hills Public School 2886 (2016)

2 Introduction The Annual Report for 2016 is provided to the community of Pleasant Hills Public School as an account of the school's operations and achievements throughout the year. It provides a detailed account of the progress the school has made to provide high quality educational opportunities for all students, as set out in the school plan. It outlines the findings from self assessment that reflect the impact of key school strategies for improved learning and the benefit to all students from the expenditure of resources, including equity funding. Steven Schultz Principal School contact details Pleasant Hills Public School Crawford Street PLEASANT HILLS NSW 2658 NULL, pleasanthi-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Page 2 of 11 Pleasant Hills Public School 2886 (2016)

3 School background School vision statement At Pleasant Hills Public School students, staff and the community unite to promote a culture of school excellence where every child is a creative, confident, life long learner and a respectful, responsible citizen. School context Pleasant Hills Public School is 25 kilometres north west of Henty and is part of the Lockhart Shire which is predominately a farming community. It is a small rural school with high expectations and quality programs. The school provides education for students drawn predominantly from the semi rural and surrounding rural areas of the Pleasant Hills village. There are 12 families with a total of 21 students enrolled for The school structure consists of an infants and primary multi grade class with a teaching principal, one part time teacher and a school administration manager. In 2016 the school will employ an additional teacher for a further 2 days per week. The school values the development of the whole student: social cultural, academic and sporting. Self-assessment and school achievement Self-assessment using the School Excellence Framework This section of the Annual Report outlines the findings from self assessment using the School Excellence Framework, school achievements and the next steps to be pursued. This year, our school undertook self assessment using the School Excellence Framework. The framework supports public schools throughout NSW in the pursuit of excellence by providing a clear description of high quality practice across the three domains of Learning, Teaching and Leading. Our staff used the School Excellence Framework to inform, monitor and validate the progress and impact of our teaching and learning strategies throughout the year. We thoroughly examined the school plan to determine the elements of the School Excellence Framework that the plan most strongly addressed. Staff reflected on the progress being made across the school based on the expectations identified in the Framework. This provides an important overview to ensure our improvement efforts align with these high level expectations. In the domain of Learning, the school has identified aspects of and factors contributing to wellbeing in the delivery of teaching and learning as evidenced by ongoing specific social skills programs. The fundamental importance of wellbeing is providing an outstanding way to build a culture of trust, respect and valuing of each other. The results have been evident in the changes we have seen in the ways students are relating to each other and, importantly, in the increased engagement in learning. Teachers differentiate curriculum delivery to meet the needs of individual students. A more focused approach to individual learning needs has been a component of our progress throughout the year. Students with high learning needs are being identified early and their parents/carers are increasingly involved in planning and supporting their learning directions. Under the domain of Teaching, all classrooms are well managed, with well planned teaching taking place so that students can engage in learning productively with minimal disruption. The use of technology for learning, the importance of data analysis to inform decision making, the growth of teaching practice through classroom observations, reflections and feedback,and the development of expertise in vital literacy and numeracy programs and in new syllabuses, all highlight a teaching culture that is moving student learning to a new level. Importantly, staff are developing evidence based practice through their reflections and evaluations of our collective work. Under the domain of Leading, the school is committed to the development of leadership skills in staff and students. The school plan aligns to local and system priorities, and the school links with the Greater Kengal community of schools as well as other educational providers to support school programs. All staff are currently undertaking training in the How2Learn program, which has begun to embed itself into our language and culture in the school. Our Infants staff are currently training in L3. Our self assessment process will assist the school to refine the strategic priorities in our School Plan, leading to further Page 3 of 11 Pleasant Hills Public School 2886 (2016)

4 improvements in the delivery of education to our students. For more information about the School Excellence Framework: the department/our reforms/school excellence framework Page 4 of 11 Pleasant Hills Public School 2886 (2016)

5 Strategic Direction 1 Students will be successful learners. Purpose To provide a learning environment that is positive and engaging where high expectations are set to achieve students full potential.to create a powerful learning culture where students are taught about learning and ways they can help themselves to achieve their full potential. Overall summary of progress During 2016 we have had a staff member trained in Kindergarten L3 which is being implemented in the Infants classroom. A new system of tracking individual students on the Literacy and Numeracy continuums was introduced, as well as a new method of programming. Student performance and growth in Literacy and Numeracy has been tracked and informed by the Literacy and Numeracy continuums. This data is recorded and tracked using the PLAN software and in turn used to direct teaching in the classroom. How2Learn concepts and language have been introduced into the school, with the students beginning to embed this into their language. How2Learn materials are evident in classrooms with children becoming accustomed to referring to them. Students have shown an increased willingness to take risks and solve problems themselves, and have shown a deeper reflection of their learning journey. Progress towards achieving improvement measures Improvement measures (to be achieved over 3 years) Curriculum programs and teaching practices effectively develop the knowledge, understanding and skills of all students, using evidence based teaching practices and innovative delivery mechanisms where appropriate resulting in 100% of students demonstrating at or above expected growth on the Literacy and Numeracy continuums. Progress achieved this year How2Learn strategies are being implemented into the classroom. A staff member is currently training in L3 (Kinder and Stage 1).Regular monitoring of student progress on literacy and numeracy continuums which in turn drives practice. Teachers are gaining confidence in using data to track progress. Funds Expended (Resources) L3 training and release $2500 Infants teacher employed additional 2 days per week $11200 Next Steps How2Learn strategies are to be further embedded into the school. Further training is required for staff as well as initial training for new staff in Our Infants teacher will continue training in L3 (Stage 1). In 2017 we will be in EAFS school. We will utilise our Instructional Leader to gain the knowledge required to achieve the best results possible for our students. Training in Multilit/Minilit to enable us to utilise these programs effectively for those students experiencing difficulty. Purchase of Minilit kit. Review our data collection procedures and data wall in 2017 so as to inform the teaching and learning cycle. Professional learning in Building Blocks for Numeracy to support teaching/learning in Mathematics. Employ ann SLSO/teacher to assist implement specific support for students including the Multilit programs. Page 5 of 11 Pleasant Hills Public School 2886 (2016)

6 Strategic Direction 2 Staff will be high performing and collaborative. Purpose To provide high standard educational practices; informed through assessment and enhanced through professional learning that is purpose driven.to build a culture of collaboration through the Greater Kengal Network that enhances professional learning for all staff. Overall summary of progress Staff have been working on using a five week teaching and learning cycle in conjunction with the Literacy and Numeracy continuums. A new system of recording individual progress has been developed. Staff undertook professional learning regarding programming effectively in the small school setting. As such, a new method of programming was designed to meet the needs of the students and staff.. PDP s have become an integral part of collegial conversations and for staff professional growth. Quality teaching, assessment and the use of effective feedback have been a key professionallearning focus in 2016, based on the research of professor John Hattie. Progress towards achieving improvement measures Improvement measures (to be achieved over 3 years) Embedded and explicit systems for collaboration, self reflection on teaching practices with emphasis on assessment resulting in differentiated and individualised learning resulting in 100% of all students demonstrating expected growth on the literacy and numeracy continuums. Progress achieved this year Our Infants teacher has been trained in Kindergarten L3. Professional Learning has focused on plotting children on the Literacy and Numeracy continuums and using these to inform the teaching and learning cycle. PDPs have been used to inform teacher professional learning. Funds Expended (Resources) Kindergarten L3 training $2500 QTSS funding FTE (Semester 2) Next Steps Multilit training for staff to effectively implement the multilit prgram in Review of the school assessment schedule incorporating both internal and external data. Staff will continue to use the PDP goal setting cycle to build their own capacity and achieve their learning goals towards improving student learning outcomes. Further training in How2Learn for both old and new staff. Page 6 of 11 Pleasant Hills Public School 2886 (2016)

7 Strategic Direction 3 Our school community will be inclusive, informed and engaged. Purpose To develop strong partnerships between school and community that empowers all to engage and contribute positively to the school and support student learning. Develop students as global citizens. Overall summary of progress The school celebrated its 125 year anniversary in 2016 which was a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate. It provided the chance to get both old and new students together and showcase the rich history of the school and it's importance to the local community. We received much positive feedback from the day. Methods of preferred communication with the community was discussed with parents, who indicated that that are happy with regular newsletters and . The cost of an app to communicate was deemed prohibitive at this stage. Progress towards achieving improvement measures Improvement measures (to be achieved over 3 years) Positive and respectful relationships across the school community underpin a productive learning environment, and support students development of strong identities as learners resulting in; Families and school working together to create positive attitudes to learning, develop shared understandings of how children learn, and build on the capacity to support learning at home Progress achieved this year Students have completed a year of Bluearth where they have looked at mindfulness and wellbeing. 125 year celebrations held in October which involved both the local and wider community. Much work completed by parents to ensure the event was a success. Visits from the local Pre school children. Funds Expended (Resources) Bluearth program and trainer $2800 School logo enhancement $ year celebrations $1000 Next Steps The school will seek information to create a database of skills and expertise accessible inthe local community. Develop stronger partnerships and strengthen early education and transition to schoolprocesses. Continue to be consistent with outgoing correspondence and school image. Feedback will be sought from parents utilising digital surveys and the Tell Them From Me initiative Further input into the community newsletter to be investigated. Page 7 of 11 Pleasant Hills Public School 2886 (2016)

8 Key Initiatives Impact achieved this year Resources (annual) Low level adjustment for disability Socio economic background SLSO employed to work specifically with students struggling with academic progress. Students had access to STLA support in literacy and numeracy to extend their skills and knowledge. Student financial assistance provided if needed to ensure no child was denied learning opportunities due to financial needs. SLSO employed to work specifically with students struggling with academic progress. SLSO trained in multi lit. Multi lit kit purchased. Students had access to STLA support in literacy and numeracy to extend their skills and knowledge. ($2410) SLSO wages $1800 Multilit Kit $ ($9571) SLSO employed 2 hours per day $ Casual teacher $ Bus travel for Greater Kengal events and excursions $1000 Page 8 of 11 Pleasant Hills Public School 2886 (2016)

9 Student information Student enrolment profile Enrolments Students Boys Girls Student attendance profile School Year K All Years State DoE Year K All Years Workforce information Workforce composition Position FTE* Principal 1 Classroom Teacher(s) 0.13 Learning and Support Teacher(s) 0.2 Teacher Librarian 0.08 School Administration & Support Staff Other Positions 0 1 *Full Time Equivalent The school does not employ anyone Indigenous personnel. Teacher qualifications All teaching staff meet the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools. Teacher qualifications Qualifications % of staff Undergraduate degree or diploma 100 Postgraduate degree Professional learning and teacher accreditation In 2016, staff continued their commitment to participate in a range of quality professional development in the areas of literacy, numeracy and sport. Attendance at these sessions has enabled staff to implement and continue programs to support students. Staff development days were planned as part of the Greater Kengal Network and included: CPR, Anaphylaxis training, TENS training and L3 training. How2Learn training was undertaken across the Greater Kengal network. Many of these sessions were conducted after school at Greater Kengal Small Schools Network meetings and School Development Days. Teachers have continued to undertake professional learning to improve student outcomes as targeted by the school plan. The Principal attended a variety of meetings and essential training days. The staff were involved in school, zone and regionalprofessional learning in The staff participated in the following training and professional learning opportunities: Strategic Financial Management for NSW Public Schools Anaphylaxis e learning Work Health & Safety Induction for Employees Principals Network Meeting Child Protection Update ASCIA anaphylaxis e training Code of Conduct Update CPR training Page 9 of 11 Pleasant Hills Public School 2886 (2016)

10 Financial information (for schools using OASIS for the whole year) Financial information This summary financial information covers funds for operating costs to 30th November, 2016 and does not involve expenditure areas such as permanent salaries, building and major maintenance. In the National Assessment Program, the results across the Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 literacy and numeracy assessments are reported on a scale from Band 1 to Band 10. The achievement scale represents increasing levels of skills and understandings demonstrated in these assessments. In 2016, four students sat the Literacy NAPLAN tests. Results cannot be reported due to the small cohort of students. Income $ Balance brought forward Global funds Tied funds School & community sources Interest Trust receipts Canteen 0.00 Total income Expenditure Teaching & learning Key learning areas Excursions Extracurricular dissections Library Training & development Tied funds Short term relief Administration & office School-operated canteen 0.00 Utilities Maintenance Trust accounts Capital programs 0.00 Total expenditure Balance carried forward A full copy of the school s financial statement is tabled at the annual general meetings of the parent and/or community groups. Further details concerning the statement can be obtained by contacting the school. School performance NAPLAN In 2016, four students sat the Numeracy NAPLAN tests. Results cannot be reported due to the small cohort of students. The My School website provides detailed information and data for national literacy and numeracy testing. Click on the link and insert the school name in the Find a school and select GO to access the school data. Parent/caregiver, student, teacher satisfaction Each year schools are required to seek the opinions of parents, students and teachers about the school. Their responses are presented below. Parents have indicated that they are happy with the opportunities tha their children receive in the small school setting as well as the more personalised attention that is provided. They value the opportunity for the children to mix with differing age groups and the access that the students have to technology. Parents have indicated that they are proud of the school and value it s importance in the community. Students have reported that they find the school a happy and safe place to be and that they enjoy time both inside and outside of the classroom. Students enjoy the activities involving the Greater Kengal Network. Staff have indicated that they value the opportunities that the small school setting provides and that their professional learning needs are being met. The PDF process has been seen as invaluable to future growth as educators. Policy requirements Aboriginal education Aboriginal Education is embedded into our everyday curriculum and we give acknowledgement of country at school assemblies. Pleasant Hills Public School provides programs and experiences designed to educate all students in Aboriginal history, culture and Page 10 of 11 Pleasant Hills Public School 2886 (2016)

11 contemporary Aboriginal Australia. Aboriginal Education is integrated across all key learning areas (KLAs) with particular emphasis in human society and its environment (HSIE). Staff members ensure that the Aboriginal perspective is included in every possible curriculum area so that Australia s indigenous heritage is understood,respected and celebrated appropriately. During school programs, opportunities were developed to expose students to a variety of Aboriginal culture including music, dance and food. Aboriginal national days and weeks are celebrated by providing appropriate learning opportunities for students Multicultural and anti-racism education The cultural diversity of our nation continues to be recognised and celebrated at Pleasant Hills Public School across various KLAs. During 2016, students participated in the CWA Country of study. Units of work are linked to the achievement of outcomes through the study of countries, cultures and world events. Opportunities are provided in classroom lessons and student welfare activities to ensure that all students and members of the school community are aware of potential racial intolerance and the schools and individuals responsibilities to prevent this. Harmony Day is celebrated annually to instill in students a sense of cultural respect for everyone. By participating in Harmony Day activities, our students can learn and understand how all Australians from diverse backgrounds equally belong to this nation and enrich it. Page 11 of 11 Pleasant Hills Public School 2886 (2016)