waterfall public school annual school report 1 0 · contribution to the town cryer and a community...

Waterfall Public School

Annual School Report

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Our school at a glance

Students

Student enrolment in 2012 grew throughout the year to a total of 51 students. This was an increase in student population of 4 students, compared with 2011, resulting from two new families moving into the Waterfall area and a healthy enrolment of nine students into kindergarten.

Staff

In 2012 there were ten staff members at Waterfall. These included a teaching principal, a full-time classroom teacher, two part-time teachers, a part-time librarian, a part-time administration manager and four part-time school learning support officers.

All teaching staff met the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.

Significant programs and initiatives

In 2012 Waterfall Public School once again participated in:

Community of Schools on the Park (COSOtP ) initiatives including Environmental Camp (Year 4) and SLIPS program for School Leadership in Primary Schools Training (Year 5)

Sutherland Shire Schools Music Festival (K -6)

Dancesport (Years 5 & 6)

High School Enrichment Program (Year 6)

UNSW English and Mathematics competitions (3-6)

The school also ran band (2-6), dance (K-2) and choir programs (K-6). All students received dance and gymnastics lessons from external providers.

Student achievement in 2012

In 2012, six Year 3 and six Year 5 students sat the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). The small size of the cohorts makes it extremely difficult to draw accurate conclusions on their performance as year groups compared to State and Region averages. The average of a small group can be

affected by the results of one or two high performing or low performing students.

Literacy- NAPLAN Year 3

The average score of our Year 3 students in Reading, Grammar and Punctuation and Spelling was substantially above State average.

School results in Writing were slightly below State average and substantially below Region average.


The average score of our Year 5 students in Reading, Spelling and Writing was slightly above State average, but slightly below Region average.

School results in Grammar and Punctuation were substantially above State average, and slightly above Region average.

Numeracy- NAPLAN Year 3

The average score of our Year 3 students in overall Numeracy was slightly below State average and substantially below Region average.

School results showed Measurement, Data, Space & Geometry to be substantially weaker than Number, Patterns & Algebra.


The average score of our Year 5 students in overall Numeracy was substantially above State average and slightly above the Region average.

School results showed Number, Patterns & Algebra to be substantially stronger than Measurement, Data, and Space & Geometry.

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Messages

Principal’s message As this is to be my final annual school report for Waterfall Public School I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Waterfall Public School community, including staff, students, parents and caregivers, for its support over the past eight and a half years. It has been a joy to be principal of such a special school and the highlight of my forty plus years in the NSW education system.

Waterfall Public School is a hard place to leave as is evidenced by the longevity of its staff; after eight and a half years I was still a newcomer! Although I will not miss the daily grind, I will very much miss the day to day teaching and contact with students and the many friends I have made at Waterfall. The delightful Waterfall students, the supportive parental community and the dedicated staff have made my job as principal of Waterfall Public School so rewarding.

Our wonderful school motto, Learning and Friendship sums up for me the philosophy of Waterfall Public School and the reason it has been such a successful centre of learning for over one hundred years.

I wish all at Waterfall Public School the very best for the future and look forward to hearing good news about the community and its students for many years to come.

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.

Elizabeth Chick (Principal)

P&C members serving pizza on Pyjama day

P & C message The end of year is always a great time for reflection and to acknowledge the achievements and hard work that has been done throughout the year. 2012 is no exception. It has been a very busy and successful year for Waterfall P&C.

Fundraising continues to be a key focus for the P&C with several fundraising events held throughout the year including: pancake day, chocolate fundraiser, mothers’ day and fathers’ day stalls, a shopping trip, the Tramway Museum barbecue, grandfriends’ day barbecue and several raffles. We also held the annual school disco and a pizza and pyjama day which were both very exciting! The P&C again subsidised weekly band fees, the annual swimming carnival and covered the cost of costumes for dance sport. We also purchased some much needed chairs and in addition made quarterly contributions towards additional hours for a School Learning Support Officer in K//12 classroom. Other business included a request to have school zone flashing lights installed outside the school and submission of a Telstra grant application, a contribution to the Town Cryer and a community morning tea fundraiser for Cancer Council. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tireless work done by the P&C members and the fundraising sub-committee. Your dedication and enthusiasm towards supporting opportunities and experiences for all our children is infectious. It is this dedication that allows children to have experiences they may otherwise not have such as Dance Sport. A huge thank you to you all!

The success of the P&C activities and events would not be possible without the support and contribution of children, families, teachers and the wider community. Your generosity has been invaluable.

Roweena Moffatt (Vice- President)

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Student representatives’ message

School leaders with Mr Knapp at Year 6 Farewell

Being student leaders in 2012 was a great experience. When we were in grade 5 we were given the opportunity to be involved in S.L.I.P.S. This was a program for Year 5 students, training to be student leaders in the following year. At the end of Year 5 we were presented with our student leader badges and given new responsibilities. These were to run the weekly assembly, put food scraps in the compost and run the special end of term events. Being a student leader has prepared us for life by teaching us to be responsible and reliable people.

We know that the 2013 Year 6 students will do a fantastic job, following in our footsteps. Good luck to the soon- to- be student leaders!

Skye, Lily, Lucy, Georgia, Hayden and

Sean (Student Leaders 2012)

Year6's magnificent farewell cake

School context

Student information

It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all students must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies.

Student enrolment profile

Gender 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Male 16 15 11 18 21

Female 15 21 19 23 28

Student attendance profile

Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

K 97.3 97.9 96.6 96.4

1 97.7 97.2 94.3 95.0

2 95.6 95.7 96.9 93.7

3 97.0 97.4 97.0 97.5

4 97.5 97.2 96.2 95.2

5 95.8 97.9 96.6 95.5

6 95.2 96.0 96.2 94.6

Total 96.3 96.6 97.0 96.3 95.5

Management of non-attendance

Student attendance is generally very high at Waterfall. Caregivers of students who are absent from school for an extended period of time without prior notice receive an SMS in the first

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instance followed up by a letter from the school, then possible referral to the Home-School Liaison Officer (HSLO).

Class Sizes

Primary class sizes are included in the annual report in order to provide parents with as much local information as possible. The following table shows our class sizes as reported at the 2012 Class Size Audit.


Roll class Year Total per

year Total In

class

K/1/2 K 9 22

K/1/2 1 8 22

K/1/2 2 5 22

3/4/5/6 3 6 25

3/4/5/6 4 7 25

3/4/5/6 5 6 25

3/4/5/6 6 6 25

Class sizes subsequently increased to 24 students in K/1/2 and 27 students in 3/4/5/6 due to new enrolments during the year, making a total of 51 students, one short of an extra teacher entitlement.

Structure of Classes

Students were taught in two multi-age classes, comprised of a K/1/2 class and a 3/4/5/6 class.

Staff information

It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all staff must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies.

Staff establishment

Position Number

Teaching Principal 1

Classroom Teachers 1.084

Support Teacher Learning Assistance 0.1

Teacher Librarian .084

Counselor .05

School Administrative & Support Staff .946

Total 3.432

The National Education Agreement requires schools to report on Indigenous composition of their workforce.

No members of staff at Waterfall are from indigenous backgrounds.

Staff retention

Staff composition was as for 2011, apart from the appointment of a new casual counsellor, Mrs Keri Lampard, half a day per week.

Teacher qualifications

All teaching staff met the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.

Qualifications % of staff

Degree or Diploma %100

Postgraduate

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 30/11/2012

Income $

Balance brought forward 56005 Global funds 48320 Tied funds 54640 School & community sources 23262 Interest 2665 Trust receipts 2956 Canteen 0.00

Total income 131844

Expenditure

Teaching & learning Key learning areas 10550 Excursions 3407 Extracurricular dissections 20595

Library 921 Training & development 25 Tied funds 52001 Casual relief teachers 4723 Administration & office 21167 School-operated canteen 0.00 Utilities 6502 Maintenance 4317 Trust accounts 3045 Capital programs 0.00

Total expenditure 127256

Balance carried forward 60593

A full copy of the school’s 2012 financial statement is tabled at the annual general

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meetings of the School Council and/or the parent body. Further details concerning the statement can be obtained by contacting the school.

School performance 2012

Waterfall Public School provided a range of quality learning experiences for its students in 2012. Georgia was chosen to participate in the COSOtP Enrichment program for gifted and talented Year 6 students. She attended the enrichment class at Heathcote High School every Wednesday during terms 2 and 3.

Achievements

Arts

Waterfall P.S. offered students a variety of opportunities in the Creative and Performing Arts (C.A.P.A.)

Music

All students were members of either the junior or senior choirs. These choirs performed at several school functions throughout the year, and at the Sutherland Shire Schools’ Music Festival. The Junior Choir also presented an item at Miranda Westfield during Education Week.

The Waterfall Band demonstrated great improvement in 2012 under the leadership of band tutor, Mr Ben Gandy. The students received weekly band lessons, the cost being subsidised by our wonderful P&C. The band, comprising students from Year 2 to Year 6, performed at a number of school functions during 2012.

Waterfall School Band with tutor, Ben Gandy

Dance and Drama

The junior dance group, comprising all students K -2 worked with enthusiasm and determination throughout the year to improve their dance skills under the tutelage of Mrs Garwood and Mrs Chick. The group presented a very successful dance item, England Swings at the Sutherland Shire Schools’ Music Festival as well as performing at school functions such as Grandfriends’ Day. The group also performed at Westfield Miranda during Education Week. Waterfall entered the Dancesport Challenge for the first time as a school in our own right, with great success. The P&C provided us with beautiful costumes and subsidised the cost of ballroom dancing lessons. Many thanks to Mrs Knapp, for co-ordinating the group! We were ecstatic when Chloe and Reece and Jasmin and Morgan reached the finals of the competition. Drama was a highlight of the year with both classes presenting wonderful scripted drama performances at special assemblies throughout the year.

Dancesport performers

Junior Dance Group performing England Swings

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Visual Art

Our Waterfall artists exhibited their artworks at the Sutherland Shire Schools Music Festival. Olivia was a worthy finalist in the program art competition with a wonderful painting entitled London Olympics.

Sport

Students are offered regular opportunities to participate in a diversity of fitness, fundamental movement skill and games skill activities. Other sporting programs and achievements in 2012 included:

A K-6 cross-country carnival. Three students, Chelsea, Genevieve and Corey represented the school at the Engadine Zone Cross- Country Carnival.

Participation in the Premier’s Sporting Challenge, a ten week physical activity challenge. Our school attained a Gold Medal.

K-6 participation in a gymnastics program, where children had access to expert tuition. Students showed improvement in flexibility, strength, co-ordination and gymnastics skills.

A Mini-Olympic Sports Day. Students were placed in teams to represent different nations and competed in fun events designed to replicate events at the London Olympics.

K-6 students were involved in the Jump Rope for Heart skipping program, promoting fitness and healthy lifestyle.

K-6 participated in the Footsteps Dance Program.

Waterfall P.S. again hosting the Small Schools Athletics Carnival, and children competing in a range of individual and team events. At the Engadine Zone Athletics Carnival, our school was represented by Chelsea in the 100m.

The Special Swimming Scheme in which children improved water safety skills, and received stroke correction. 40% of our students can now swim a distance greater than 25m.

National Competitions

Our primary students participated in the University of NSW academic competitions in 2012. Once again we achieved some excellent results.

11 students participated in the English competition. Georgia gained a Distinction, while Chloe and Jorja received Credits.

12 students participated in the Mathematics competition. Emma, Jorja and Chloe were awarded Credits.

Academic

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.

Yr 3: from Band 1 (lowest) to Band 6 (highest for Year 3)

Yr 5: from Band 3 (lowest) to Band 8 (highest for Year 5)

In 2012, six Year 3 and six Year 5 students sat the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). The small size of the cohorts makes it extremely difficult to draw accurate conclusions on their performance as year groups compared to State and Region averages. The average of a small group can be affected by the results of one or two high performing or low performing students.


The average score of our Year 3 students in Reading, Grammar and Punctuation and Spelling was substantially above State average.

School results showed little difference in Reading, Grammar and Punctuation and Spelling.

School results in Writing were slightly below State average and substantially below Region average.

In Reading 50% of students achieved Band 6.

In Spelling, 83% of students attained Band 5 or Band 6.

In Writing 50% of students attained Band 5

or Band 6.

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The average score of our Year 5 students in Reading, Spelling and Writing was slightly above State average, but slightly below Region average.

School results in Grammar and Punctuation were substantially above State average, and slightly above Region average.

67% of students attained Band 6 or higher in each of the four strands of Literacy.


The average score of our Year 3 students in overall Numeracy was slightly below State average and substantially below Region average.

School results showed Measurement, Data, Space & Geometry to be substantially weaker than Number, Patterns & Algebra.

Weaknesses in aspects of Time, and aspects of 2D and 3D shape were highlighted.


The average score of our Year 5 students in overall Numeracy was substantially above State average and slightly above the Region average.

School results showed Number, Patterns & Algebra to be substantially stronger than Measurement, Data, and Space & Geometry

In overall Numeracy no student achieved below Band 5.

Progress in reading

Progress in numeracy

The My School website provides detailed information and data for national literacy and numeracy testing (NAPLAN).

Click on the link http://www.myschool.edu.au and

Significant programs and initiatives

Aboriginal education

Student leaders regularly opened weekly assemblies and special functions with an Acknowledgement of Country. An extra verse of our National Anthem was also sung by students in Dharawal, the dialect of our local indigenous people.

Aboriginal perspectives were incorporated into units studied in Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE). In the unit Our Stories, K/1/2 students shared stories, oral histories, photos and artefacts related to aboriginal Australians. They were particularly interested in the artefacts borrowed from the Equity Library and enjoyed creating artworks and acting out dreamtime stories. 3/4/5/6 explored the unit Belief Systems, incorporating creation theory and the Aboriginal dreamtime.

Multicultural education

Harmony Day was celebrated on 21 March with a special assembly. All students contributed to the construction of a special mural, incorporating the message, “Everyone Belongs” and we sang songs about harmony including “Hearts in Harmony” and “We Are the World”.

Multicultural perspectives were incorporated into units studied in HSIE. Both classes studied United

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Average progress in Reading between Year 3 and 5

School SSG State DEC

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Average progress in Numeracy between Year 3 and 5

School SSG State DEC

http://www.myschool.edu.au/

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Kingdom in connection with the London Olympics, learning about customs and belief systems, landmarks, food, animal life etc.

K/1/2 explored different cultures through the unit Christmas Around the World. 3/4/5/6 studied the unit Identity, exploring the influence of cultural background on the formation of personal identity.

Progress on 2012 targets

The following information outlines the Waterfall Public School’s progress in meeting the identified targets for 2012.

Target 1 (Curriculum and Assessment)

To familiarise staff and school community with National curriculum documents and implement on target by 2014

To revise reporting system and develop improved K-6 assessment tasks by 2014

Our achievements include:

Participation by staff in professional development courses focusing on assessment e.g. Assessment K-6 Literacy and Numeracy

Target 2 (Literacy)

Improved outcomes in literacy

Increased use of interactive technology in teaching of literacy


In 2012 NAPLAN testing of overall Literacy

67% of Year 5 students attained Band 6 or higher in each of the four strands of Literacy.

Interactive literacy resources for use on smartboards were purchased and are in regular classroom use

Staff participated in professional development courses focusing on literacy e.g. Quality Teaching in ES1 and S1: Reading and Writing and On-line training e.g. Speech, Language & Communication Needs and Understanding Dyslexia and Significant Difficulties in Reading

Target 3 (Numeracy) Improved outcomes in numeracy

Increased use of technology in teaching of numeracy


In 2012 NAPLAN testing of overall Numeracy all Year 5 students achieved Band 5 or higher.

Interactive numeracy resources for use on smartboards were purchased and are in regular classroom use

Staff participated in professional development courses focusing on numeracy e.g. Quality Teaching in Mathematics, a combined school project with Yarrawarrah P.S. and Jannali P.S.

School evaluation

NSW public schools conduct evaluation to support the effective implementation of the school plan. In 2012 our school carried out evaluations of Homework and School Planning.

Educational and management practice- School Planning

Background

As per Department Education & Communities policy, Waterfall Public School Improvement plans are developed every three years in consultation with staff and P&C. Each year we evaluate progress made, make revisions as necessary and set targets for the following year. These plans are reported on each year in our annual school report and uploaded to our school website.

It was thus decided to survey the Waterfall community regarding school planning.

Seventeen responses were received from parents/caregivers, representing 53% of Waterfall families. All students 3-6 were surveyed as well as all teaching staff.

Findings and conclusions

Parents/Caregivers

90% parents/caregivers agreed that the main purpose of school targets is to improve student performance and that the school’s planning processes are usually responsive to student needs.

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17% parents/caregivers would like more input into school planning.

Some parents/caregivers were unaware that the School Improvement Plan is available to download from school website.

Students

It was apparent that most students were unfamiliar with the school planning process.

Staff

100% staff members felt that school priorities and targets set to improve school performance are identified through planned evaluation.

Some staff members felt that there should be more staff involvement in the planning process.

Future directions

We will publicise that the School Improvement Plans and Annual School Reports are uploaded to our school website each year as some parents/caregivers were unaware of this. We will also invite parents/caregivers through the Waterfall P&C to join a school planning committee.

Curriculum-Homework

Background

Homework is set for students from kindergarten to Year 6. At Waterfall P.S it is our intention to make homework relevant, regular and able to be completed with relative independence.

It was decided that it was timely to survey the Waterfall community regarding opinions about setting of homework tasks.

Seventeen responses were received from parents/caregivers, representing 53% of Waterfall families. All students K-6 were surveyed as well as all teaching staff.

Findings and conclusions

Parents/Caregivers

94% parents/caregivers agreed that students should receive regular homework.

70% parents/caregivers would prefer that homework is set on a weekly rather than a

daily basis to allow time for after school activities.

82% parents/caregivers believed that homework assisted them to gauge their children’s school progress.

94% parents/caregivers felt confident about assisting students with their homework when necessary.

Students

60% students recognized the importance of completing regular homework and felt that it helped them with their learning.

95% students felt confident in following homework routines independently.

Staff

100% staff members felt that the regular setting of homework was important.

100% of staff members were confident that students were able to follow homework routines independently and that homework tasks were modified to suit individual students where necessary.

Future directions

We will investigate the possibility of a weekly contract for homework to allow more flexibility for completion and/or an opt–out for those students whose parents do not wish them to complete homework.

Parent, student, and teacher satisfaction

In 2012 the school sought the opinions of parents, students and teachers about the school.

17 responses were received from parents, representing 53% of Waterfall families. All students K-6 and all staff, both teaching and non-teaching completed the survey

Their responses are presented below.

High Medium Low

Parents 80% 20% 0%

Students 75% 25% 0%

Staff 100% 0% 0%

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Professional learning

In 2012, Professional Learning Funds were used to facilitate the professional development of staff. All staff benefited from these funds with a total of $4948 being spent, drawn from tied funds ($3066) and additional school funding ($1432).

In addition, staff attended courses requiring no funding or funded from outside sources.

The average expenditure per staff member was $1129. Funds covered the cost of course fees and the provision of casual relief.

We were also very grateful to receive a special grant of approximately $7000 to be used to support professional learning, planning and implementation of ‘Every Student, Every School’ (ESES) initiative. Some of these funds were expended in 2012 to fund staff attendance at ESES briefings and Learning Support Conferences but the majority of the funds will be earmarked for on-line training programs for all teaching staff in 2013.

In 2012 staff attended the following courses: Junior and Senior Choir Workshops, Computer Coordinators Conferences, Quality Teaching in ES1 And S1 Classroom, Learning Support Conferences, ‘Every Student, Every School’ briefings and Platform leadership training.

School Planning 2012-20014

The school planning policy provides direction for the preparation and implementation of school plans including the identification of priority areas, intended outcomes and targets that are consistent with the NSW State Plan and the Department’s planning documents.

School priority 1

Curriculum and Assessment

Outcome for 2012–2014

Implementation of new syllabi incorporating National Curriculum

Evaluation and revision of current reporting and assessment system

2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include:

To ensure 100% of teaching staff are familiar with new Australian curriculum and can confidently implement NSW English syllabus in 2014

To revise reporting to parents about student progress systems

Strategies to achieve these targets include:

Professional development of all teaching staff in new English curriculum through staff meetings, on-line training course: The Learner and the New Curriculum, School Development Days, Combined Schools Conference: Building Capacity, Maximising Engagement

Familiarisation of staff with new syllabi and timeline for implementation National Curriculum through exploration Board of Studies website

Appointment of a school leader to facilitate introduction of new English syllabus

Introduction of revised reporting to parents on student progress system: Parent-teacher interviews to be held Term 1 and Term 3 Written reports Term 2 and Term 4

School priority 2

Literacy


Improved outcomes in literacy

Increased use of interactive technology in teaching of literacy


To have no students in Bands 1 & 2 (Year 3) or Bands 3 & 4 (Year 5) in Reading, Spelling, Grammar & Punctuation and Writing in 2013

To attain above state average growth in in NAPLAN results from Year 3 to Year 5 in Reading, Spelling , Writing and Grammar & Punctuation

To further develop staff expertise in use of technology in order to promote student engagement in the teaching of literacy

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Professional development of staff through

1. Online training Australia: Understanding and Managing Behaviour and Understanding Dyslexia and Reading Difficulties

2. Staff meetings

3. School Development Days

Appointment of school instructional leader to

facilitate introduction of new English syllabus

Analysis of SMART and Best Start data to determine overall areas of students’

strengths and weaknesses in literacy

Development of individual learning plans to

assist students at risk in consultation with

Learning Assistance Support Teacher (LAST)

School priority 3

Numeracy


Improved outcomes in numeracy

Increased use of technology in teaching of numeracy


To have no students in Bands 1 & 2 (Year 3) or Bands 3 & 4 (Year 5) in Number, Patterns &Algebra, Data, Measurement and Space & Geometry in 2013

To maintain above state average growth in in NAPLAN results from Year 3 to Year 5 in Number, Patterns & Algebra, Data, Measurement and Space & Geometry

To further develop staff expertise in use of technology to promote student engagement in the teaching of numeracy


Professional development of staff:

Taking Off With Numeracy-

Assessment & Analysis Phase

Analysis of SMART and Best Start data

to determine overall areas of students’

strengths and weaknesses in numeracy

Development of individual learning plans to

assist students at risk in consultation with

Learning Assistance Support Teacher (LAST)

About this report

Web: http://www.waterfall-p.sch.nsw,edu.au

School Code: 3396

Parents can find out more information about Annual School Reports, how to interpret information in the reports and have the opportunity to provide feedback about these reports at:

http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/asr

In preparing this report, the self-evaluation committee has gathered information from evaluations conducted during the year and analysed 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.

Elizabeth Chick, Principal

Rodney Knapp, Teacher

Roweena Moffatt, Vice- President Waterfall P&C

School contact information


15 Mc Kell Avenue Waterfall

Phone: 0295299638

Fax: 0295481238

Email: waterfall-p.school@ det.nsw.edu.au

http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/asr

waterfall public school annual school report 1 0 · contribution to the town cryer and a community...

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