St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills

St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills 3-5 Chapel Lane, Baulkham Hills 2153 Principal: Mrs Danuta Maka Phone: 9639 0518 Fax: 9686 2910 Email: StMichaelsBHills@parra.catholic.edu.au http://www.stmichaelsbhills.catholic.edu.au

Introduction About the Annual School Report St Michael's Primary School is registered by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority, NESA, as a member of the Catholic system of schools in the Diocese of Parramatta. The Annual School Report provides parents and the wider school community with fair, accurate and objective information about various aspects of school performance and development. The Report describes achievement of school development priorities in 2016 and gives information about the 2017 priorities. This Report is a legislative requirement under the Schools Assistance Act, 2008 and the Education Amendment Act 2004. The information in this Report is complemented by the school website where other school publications and newsletters can be viewed or obtained from the school. St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 1

Key Messages Principal I am proud to present to you the 2016 Annual School Report for St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills. St Michael's Primary School's motto is Knowledge, Faith and Love. We believe these are represented in our mission which states that 'the mission of our Catholic school is to provide quality education for our students in a caring and supportive environment'. We are, therefore, committed to educating children in the Catholic faith. We believe that education enriches and empowers the individual. Our curriculum is dynamic, intellectually challenging and diverse, in order to respond to students' needs in a rapidly changing world. The value and dignity of each individual is reflected in the promotion of self-esteem, self-discipline and responsibility. The involvement of all members of the school community is demonstrated through their support and participation in all aspects of school life. Parent Parents are involved either formally through the Parents and Friends Association or assisting in various activities that are part and parcel of school life. For example, parents assist with Stop and Drop ; school banking; book club; helping with reading; maintaining the library collection; special school events; class excursions; assisting with sporting activities; liturgical celebrations; uniform shop; school canteen; review of school policies and Links Morning Tea. Parents are generally supportive of the school and their interest and involvement is always welcomed and appreciated. Student Our student leaders are elected by their peers and teachers. There are twenty two leaders with specific roles. Their leadership responsibilities include acting as ambassadors at various in school and out of school functions, and assisting at our weekly assembly, carnivals, liturgies, and community building events. All our Year 6 students are inducted as leaders and wear their school leaders' badges with pride. They are excellent role models to the rest of the school. The students have the use of a great range of resources, well-equipped classrooms and beautiful playgrounds. All students have been able to make a contribution to the life of the school through active participation in school liturgies, and participation in school and diocesan functions. They have also been provided with debating and public speaking opportunities, including Voice of Youth. St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 2

Who we are History of the school St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills, is a Catholic, systemic school in the parish of Baulkham Hills within the Diocese of Parramatta. The school was established in 1971 by the Sisters of Mercy with the support of the then pastor, and with an enrolment of 73 students. During the past 45 years the area, and consequently the school, has expanded so that the school student population in 2016 was 802. There are currently 28 classes with four classes in each grade. Class sizes vary from 26 to 30. The school is well-staffed with 47 full and part-time teaching staff and 10 ancillary staff. All staff members have appropriate teaching qualifications from universities or institutions of higher learning. The parish priest and the assistant parish priests are extremely supportive of the school and its activities. Location/drawing area St Michael's Primary School, established in 1971, is one of the largest systemic primary schools in the Diocese of Parramatta, located in Baulkham Hills, a district in the north western suburbs of Sydney. Most of the students continue their education at Gilroy College after completing Year 6. A small percentage, however, move onto various high schools including Oakhill College, Castle Hill; Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta; Catherine McAuley, Westmead; Mount St Benedicts College, Pennant Hills; and Parramatta Marist High School, Westmead. St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 3

Workforce Composition Category Number of teachers who hold teaching qualification from a higher education institution within Australia or as recognised within the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) guidelines Number of teachers who have a bachelor degree from a higher education institution within Australia or within AEI-NOOSR guidelines but lacking formal teacher qualifications Number of teachers accreditated to teach Religious Education 46 Number of teachers currently undertaking accreditation to teach Religious Education 0 Number of non-teaching staff (includes teachers' aides) 10 Percentage of teachers who are indigenous 0 The average teacher attendance for 2016 93 Percentage of 2016 teaching staff who were retained from 2015 98 Number of Staff 47 0 St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 4

Catholic Identity and Religious Education Prayer, Liturgical Life and Faith Experiences In 2016, the St Michael s Primary School community was involved in a variety of whole-school Eucharistic and non-eucharistic liturgies throughout the year. All classes were also given the opportunity to attend the parish mass on a rostered basis. Children from Years 3 to 6 participated in the celebration of the 2nd Rite of Reconciliation and the celebration of the Eucharist. All children, Kindergarten to Year 6 (K-6), were involved in the prayer and worship life of the school, in a varied and meaningful way, irrespective of their ability. The reciting of the Angelus prayer took place daily at 12 pm. All staff were invited to participate in prayer experiences regularly throughout each term. These were prepared in a collaborative manner, focusing on Scripture. Social Justice The Year 6 school leaders attended the Young Leaders Day, and supported fundraising initiatives such as the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal and Christmas Hamper Appeal. They provided support for Caritas Australia through Project Compassion. All monies raised were donated to Caritas Australia. School home and parish partnerships The school worked very closely in partnership with the parish to support the Sacramental program. Parents played an active role in the prayer expression and the Sacramental life of the children. Parents, for example, took on roles during Eucharistic/non-Eucharistic liturgies. Members of staff took on the facilitation of the various programs. They supported the rich parish-based Sacramental program, working as group facilitators and home group hosts. The school supported Parish Youth Group initiatives such as Junior Elevate, Children s Liturgy and parish liturgical events. The school supported and encouraged the involvement of children in parish liturgies of the Eucharist. The parish youth coordinator would liaise with the Religious Education coordinator (REC) to work on initiatives to promote student formation and involvement in the life of the parish. Team leaders from the Parish Youth Team came down and spoke to the Year 5 and Year 6 children. The school provided support and assistance to parents who took part in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program. Religious Education The Sharing Our Story Syllabus was embedded in the school based Religious Education program. Ongoing professional development and work was carried out to ensure that the units were planned and catered for the learning needs of the students. School liturgies were varied, meaningful and inclusive in that all children, irrespective of their ability, were able to demonstrate their love of God through reading, liturgical dance, singing, art and drama. Professional Learning of staff in Religious Education The Religious Education Implementation Plan for Religious Education focused on deepening the children's understanding using the senses of Scripture in context to the Year of Mercy. Staff took part in professional development sessions, looking at ways to enhance the children's ability to interpret Scripture. Teaching and learning activities were designed to help the children move from a deeper understanding of the literal to a spiritual sense of Scripture. There has been ongoing professional development regarding best classroom practice in improving the religious literacy skills of all children. The Religious Literacy Assessment (RLA) data for Years 4 and 6 was received in November 2016 and reviewed by all staff. This will inform the basis for planning, when looking at student needs in 2017. St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 5

Learning and Teaching National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) Students in Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9 across Australia participated in National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) in May 2016. The purpose of this test is to provide information to parents and teachers about the achievements of students in aspects of Literacy and Numeracy. The test provides a measure of the student s performance against established standards and against other students in Australia. Each year the results are analysed by the school to inform teaching and learning with a view to improving student performance. The Commonwealth Government sets minimum acceptable standards for literacy, numeracy, reading, writing, grammar, punctuation and spelling at particular ages. These are referred to as national minimum standards. Student performance in NAPLAN in our school is compared to these standards. The percentages of students achieving at or above these national minimum standards, and the percentages of students in the top three bands are reported in the table below. Year 3 Year 5 NAPLAN RESULTS 2016 % of students at or above national minimum standard % of students in top three bands School Australia School Australia Grammar and Punctuation 99 96 81 74 Literacy 0 0 0 0 Reading 98 95 81 71 Writing 99 96 86 80 Spelling 97 94 79 70 Numeracy 96 96 70 63 NAPLAN RESULTS 2016 % of students at or above national minimum standard % of students in top three bands School Australia School Australia Grammar and Punctuation 99 94 61 62 Literacy 0 0 0 0 Reading 93 93 59 62 Writing 96 93 57 48 Spelling 95 93 68 58 Numeracy 92 95 55 57 The NAPLAN results were analysed by staff and as a result teaching programs were modified to address the needs of students. Individual learning plans were developed for at risk students. In Numeracy, the implementation goal looked at improving student performance in space and measurement so that all students could make accelerated growth. In Literacy, the St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 6

measurement so that all students could make accelerated growth. In Literacy, the implementation goal looked at improving the reading comprehension skills of all students Kindergarten to Year 6 (K-6) as evidenced by achieving beyond the expected cluster on the K-6 literacy continuum. School curriculum St Michael's Primary School has programs that provide the following: Individual Education Programs (IEPs) for children who have additional needs a support services team which monitors and works with children with social, emotional, educational and behavioural needs programs of work for class teachers to use with gifted children inservicing of staff in the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in all aspects of curriculum delivery support services for children who require additional assistance transition programs for Year 6 students with specific needs transferring to Year 7 transition programs for Kindergarten children with specific needs The school is involved in a number of co-curricular activities. These include: the international competitions and assessments for schools Voice of Youth debating band choir whole-school sport carnivals - athletics, cross country, swimming St Michael's Primary School also competes in many sporting competitions organised by the Parramatta Diocese. These include: netball soccer rugby league Australian Rules football rugby union touch football cricket The children at St Michael's Primary School compete in, and are successful at diocesan, interdiocesan and state level in many sports including swimming, athletics and cross country, netball, softball, soccer, basketball, Australian Rules football, rugby league and girls and boys cricket. Initiatives to promote respect and responsibility St Michael's Primary School continued to review and support the Wellbeing policy which focused on the acronym RESPECT which articulates our school rules and values. Social skills programs were used to assist some younger children in their peer relationships. An obvious improvement during 2016 was observed in the way children interacted with their peers and with adults. Working with school visitors also provided valuable training for children in their acquisition of social skills. To ensure the appropriate use of technology, the school provided information for parents regarding the acceptable use of technology. A police school liaison officer was invited to speak to students in Years 5 and 6 regarding the acceptable use of technology. St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 7

Professional Learning All staff members were continually immersed in professional learning during weekly staff meetings and through external sources, to benefit the needs of each individual student. The focus for 2016 was based on the School Implementation plans for Religious Education, numeracy and literacy. Teachers developed two professional learning goals to support the school's implementation plans. St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 8

School Improvement Annual school priorities Priority 1 Reason for priority 1 For all students to have a deeper understanding of Sacred Scripture and its application to Catholic life, as evidenced by an improvement in classroom assessment data The Religious Literacy multi-year reports and school based assessment data showed that there was a need for a standard approach when teaching Scripture in order to improve the children s depth of understanding. Steps taken to achieve priority 1 Professional development looked at implementing the approach to teaching Scripture incorporating; programming rich teaching and learning activities assessment and interacting with Religious Education word walls the effectiveness of religious warm ups and use of exploring Scripture kits Status of priority 1 Priority 2 Reason for priority 2 Steps taken to achieve priority 2 Ongoing For all students to improve their use of visualisation skills in geometry by one growth point and for all students in Years 4 to 6 to be at growth point 4 by the end of the year The priority was chosen as a result of alignment with the Extending Mathematical Understanding (EMU) program and NAPLAN results. This data showed a need to improve students' use of visualisation skills in Geometry to solve increasingly complex problems. Steps taken to achieve the goal included: individual Mathematics Assessment Interview (MAI) testing for all students K-6, including the visualisation assessment regular tracking of growth points focusing on vulnerable domains focus on mental strategies that include visualisation during warm-ups to improve numeracy strategies focus on clear success criteria that included visualisation vocabulary Status of priority 2 Ongoing St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 9

Priority 3 Reason for priority 3 Steps taken to achieve priority 3 All students will achieve expected growth in writing, with accelerated growth for all vulnerable students, as measured by Stage statements and the writing continuum. The priority was chosen as a result of the previous data including NAPLAN, Early Years Assessment data and Progressive Achievement Tests in Reading (PAT-R). Professional development for staff occurred with regard to: implementation of FOCUS 160 strategies a focus on implementing daily shared, modelled and guided reading and writing across the school focus on School Measurement Assessment and Reporting Toolkit (SMART) data strategies tracking of data walls using the literacy continuum Status of priority 3 Ongoing St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 10

Projected school priorities Priority 1 Reason for Priority 1 All students will improve their knowledge and understanding of Scripture, as measured by class assessment tools and evidenced by an improvement of 3-5% in Religious Literacy Assessment (RLA) results. To enhance religious literacy skills across K-6 when exploring Scripture. Steps to be taken to achieve Priority 1 Steps that will be taken to achieve the priority will include: Scripture analysis interview professional learning around rich tasks assessments to determine the students' level of understanding using the senses of Scripture Priority 2 Reason for Priority 2 All students will use reasoning strategies to solve multiplication and division problems. Year 2 will be at or beyond partial modelling (growth point 3) and all students in Years 3 to 6 will be at or beyond abstraction (growth point 4 plus). Analysis of the 2016 Mathematics Assessment Interview (MAI) data and NAPLAN shows a need for improvement in the multiplication and division domains across the school. Steps to be taken to achieve Priority 2 Steps that will be taken to achieve the priority will include: all teachers Kindergarten to Year 6 (K-6) to engage in professional learning data analysis and comparison from 2016-2017 multiplicative thinking strategies focus based on Monash University project St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 11

Priority 3 Reason for Priority 3 All students will improve their comprehension skills. Eighty percent of students will achieve expected year clusters in vocabulary and and comprehension and vulnerable students will achieve accelerated growth. Challenges were noted for our students from the item analysis of the reading results from NAPLAN and our PAT-R results. Steps to be taken to achieve Priority 3 Steps that will be taken to achieve the priority will include: to build vocabulary in all aspects of the literacy block and to unpack unfamiliar vocabulary key teachers to plan and provide professional learning opportunities and mentoring for staff focus on rich reading experiences to support the needs of students in modelled, shared and guided reading St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 12

Community Satisfaction Parent satisfaction The Quality Catholic Schools (QCS) data collected and reported showed that parents believed that the partnership between school and families was strong and effective. They felt that communication was open and staff were approachable. They believed that the school was focused on school improvement and learning. Parents believed their children enjoyed coming to school; were motivated in their learning; felt connected to the community; had developed valuable social skills, and had built positive relationship with their peers. Parents were satisfied with the learning opportunities provided for their children. Parents felt that the school was receptive to their views and concerns. The parents felt the educational programs and standards of the school addressed the needs of their children. Parents value to opportunity to participate in prayer celebrations, liturgies and Sacraments to reflect on their faith. Student satisfaction The QCS data showed student motivation for learning was high. They liked, and felt connected to, the school and had a sense of belonging. They felt their learning was engaging and interesting. Students felt the teaching was effective and the learning environment was stimulating. Students were positive about their ability to learn and grow as individuals. Students liked and felt connected to the school. Students felt the learning was effective and stimulating. Teacher satisfaction The Quality Catholic Schools ( QCS) data showed staff believed there was a positive tone in the school with a lot of energy and passion being evident. They felt the Catholic culture was important to them. Staff provided each other with positive feedback. Teachers were satisfied with the Catholic culture of the school. Data showed that the staff were highly motivated and showed a genuine concern for the learning and wellbeing of the students. Strategies were adopted to continue to support the wellbeing of teachers and students across the school. St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 13

Student Profile Enrolment Policy St Michael's Primary School follows the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) Enrolment Policy and Procedures. This document can be obtained from the school office or can be accessed on the CEDP website http://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/policy-central Current and previous years' student enrolment Year Boys Girls Total 2014 407 385 792 2015 410 386 796 2016 387 415 802 Student attendance rates The table below shows the percentage of student attendance by Year level and school average. Kindergarten 93.8 Year 1 93.8 Year 2 94.7 Year 3 94.5 Year 4 94.8 Year 5 93.0 Year 6 94.0 School Average 91.1 Characteristics of the student body The table below shows the number of students in each of the categories listed. Language background other than English (LBOTE) 146 Students with disablities (SWD) 18 Indigenous 10 Managing Student Non-attendance Regular attendance at school is essential if students are to maximise their potential. Schools in partnership with parents and guardians, are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students. The compulsory schooling age is 6-17. Parents and guardians are legally responsible for the regular attendance of their children, explaining the absences of their children in writing within several days to the school, and taking measures to resolve attendance issues involving their children. School staff as part of their duty of care, monitor part or whole day absences. They maintain accurate records of students' attendance, follow up unexplained absences through written and verbal communication, implement programs and practices to address attendance issues when they arise, and provide clear information to students and parents St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 14

attendance issues when they arise, and provide clear information to students and parents regarding attendance requirements and the consequences of unsatisfactory attendance. The principal or their delegate, may grant permission for late arrival or early departure from school, leave or exemption from attendance only in individual cases, on written request from parents and guardians. The principal/delegate will undertake all reasonable measures to contact parents promptly if an unexplained absence occurs. If truancy is suspected, the principal will contact the parents/guardians to ascertain the reason for the absence. If a satisfactory response is not received, the matter will be referred to the relevant staff at the Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Parramatta who will follow up unexplained absences as per legislative requirements. St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 15

Student wellbeing Student welfare, discipline and anti-bullying policies and pastoral care The Student Management policy (Wellbeing policy) was reviewed again in 2016. Parents and children signed a Code of Conduct at the beginning of the year. They also signed a Code of Acceptable Use of Technology. St Michael's Primary School has an anti-bullying policy, which is based on the Parramatta Diocesan Anti-bullying policy. St Michael's Primary School does not tolerate bullying in any form. All members of the community are committed to ensuring that we provide a safe and caring environment at all times. Parents have access to all policies either in a hard copy from the school office or from the school's website. Complaints and grievances policy The school has formal written protocols in place to address complaints and grievances. These protocols are in line with the Catholic Education, Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP), Complaint Handling policy. A copy of the school policy is available from the school office or is available on the CEDP website http://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/policy-central. The policy was reviewed in 2016. St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 16

Section Eleven: Financial Statement Income Expenditure 23.6% 46.5% 14.7% 34.4% 15.9% 14% 50.9% Commonwealth (46.5%) Capital (0%) State (14%) Fees (15.9%) Other (23.6%) Capital (34.4%) Salary (50.9%) Non-Salary (14.7%) RECURRENT and CAPITAL INCOME Commonwealth Recurrent $4,671,081 Grants 1 Government Capital Grants 2 $0 State Recurrent Grants 3 $1,402,377 Fees and Private Income 4 $1,598,806 Other Capital Income 5 $2,372,382 Total Income $10,044,646 RECURRENT and CAPITAL EXPENDITURE Capital Expenditure 6 $3,921,522 Salaries and Related Expenses 7 $5,792,838 Non-Salary Expenses 8 $1,674,981 Total Expenditure $11,389,341 1. Commonwealth relates to Commonwealth Recurrent Grants including per capita funding and special purpose grants. 2. Capital relates to Government Capital Grants. 3. State relates to State Recurrent Grants including per capita funding, interest subsidy and special purpose grants. 4. Fees relates to diocesan and school based fees, excursions and other private income from parents. 5. Other refers to Other Capital Income including drawdowns from the Diocesan School Building Fund to fund Capital Expenditure. 6. Capital refers to Capital Expenditure including School Buildings, Furniture and Equipment. 7. Salaries refers to the total of all Salaries, allowances and related expenses such as superannuation, workers compensation and leave. St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 17

8. Non-Salary refers to all other Non-Salary Recurrent Expenses. St Michael's Primary School, Baulkham Hills Page 18