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NSW Department of Education & Training

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2008 Annual School Report Murrurundi Public School

NSW Public Schools – Leading the way

Our school at a glance

Students Our enrolment at the end of 2008 was 60 students, including 28 girls and 32 boys.

Staff Murrurundi Public School had 11 members of staff in 2008.

This included a teaching principal, two classroom teachers, two part-time classroom teachers, two teacher aide positions, two administrative staff, one general assistant and one cleaner.

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

Significant programs and initiatives Murrurundi Public School supported students’ learning needs by implementing a number of programs and initiatives throughout 2008.

These were:

• Multicultural Education

• Respect and responsibility

• Priority School Program (PSP)

• Active After School Communities

• Environmental Education

Student achievement in 2008

Literacy – NAPLAN Year 3 18% of students achieved the top bands of 5 and 6 for literacy.

73% of students reached National Benchmarks in reading.

82% of students reached National Benchmarks in writing.

Literacy – NAPLAN Year 5 33% of students achieved the top bands of 7 or 8 for literacy.

83% students reached National Benchmarks in reading.

92% of students reached National Benchmarks in writing.

Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 3 18% of students achieved band 5 or 6 for numeracy.

100% of students reached National Benchmarks in Numeracy.

Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 5 27% of students achieved the top bands of 7 or 8 for numeracy.

90% students reached National Benchmarks in Literacy.

Messages

Principal's message Murrurundi Public School is committed to achieving high quality learning outcomes for all its students. While our emphasis is based on achievement in the core subjects of literacy and numeracy, we recognise the importance of developing students' skills and knowledge in the arts, personal development and sporting areas. The school is well resourced and the classrooms reflect a positive, child focused and friendly learning environment where all students work towards reaching their full potential. The partnership between home and school is a strong one and it is this involvement by parents and community members in a variety of programs that enables our students to experience success at school. Our mission statement "Pride in our Heritage and Confidence in our Future" continues to reflect the students' pride in their country, caring attitude towards each other and their readiness to face the challenges of the future. 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.

Jayne Schmarr

2008 Kindergarten students

P&C and/or School Council message 2008 has been another busy year for the school and the P & C and it seems to have flown by so quickly. On looking back to the achievements in

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the past 10 months, a lot has been accomplished and I think that this school community can be very proud to be part of Murrurundi Public School.

The year started with a new fence and the new playground being installed. The P & C made a contribution to this equipment and it was put to good use.

The P & C this year has contributed $5,600.00 to the School, assisting with the purchase of classroom resources, sports equipment, Musica Viva and Excursion costs. As well as assisting with the installation of a second flag pole and soap dispensers for the school toilets on request of the students.

We also celebrated International Teacher’s Day by awarding teachers certificates at a school assembly and made contributions to students who represented the School at State level in different sports.

Our P&C run canteen continues to provide healthy choices, ensuring our children have the option of buying freshly made morning tea and lunches. The Canteen has also catered for Active After School Activities. Throughout the year the canteen underwent a major facelift thanks to the Department of Education. Thanks to all the parents who have been able to help out at the canteen this year.

The catering committee have worked hard all year and have catered for over 20 events, contributing well over 400 voluntary hours and bringing in an income of over $9,000 for the P & C the profits of which we are able to spend on school equipment and resources.

Our fundraising co-ordinators, who have organised many activities including football doubles, hot cross bun drive, pie drive, Mother’s & Father’s Day Stalls, gate keeping at the King of the Ranges and the School Fete, which was a great afternoon of fun and was well supported by families and community members

This year we introduced readymade trousers and skirts for the girl’s winter uniform and continued the improvement to our sport uniform. The P & C has also improved the access of uniforms for our families by having a supply of the most common items on hand and being able to purchase these from our School.

The P & C is already looking at projects for next year and has invested in a landscape design for an outdoor classroom area next to the Parent Room, this will be an exciting project to be undertaken next year as funds allow.

Donna Rea

Student representative's message In 2008 the students raised $468.30 for a number of charities. The students participated in Jeans for Genes Day, Red Nose Day, Stewart House Activities and Favourite Footy Colours Day.

The students also hosted a Murrurundi PS Variety Night. They raised $185.00 towards the Year Six gift to school.

At the 2008 Presentation Night, Year 6 presented the school with a worm farm and rain gauge to be used by our students as part of the Environmental Program. The students also revealed a series of art works depicting nature made by themselves under the guidance of a teacher, Mrs Faulkner during Term 4.

The Graduating Class of 2008

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

Enrolments

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2004 2005 2006 2007 2008Year

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Male Female

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Student attendance profile

Student attendance rates

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2005 2006 2007 2008

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School Region State

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Students, staff and community came together to plant trees along the river bank as part of our

Environmental Program.

Class sizes In March 2003 the Government announced its commitment to publish primary class sizes in annual school reports in order to provide parents with as much local information as possible.

The following table shows our class sizes as reported at the 2008 class size audit conducted on Tuesday 25 March 2008.

Roll Class

Year Total per Year

Total in Class

3-4 4 8 3-4 3 11 19 5-6 5 12 5-6 6 8 20

K-1-2 K 9 K-1-2 2 6 K-1-2 1 6 21

Structure of classes

In 2008 there were three home composite classes, K-1-2, 3-4 and 5-6. The teacher-librarian taught HSIE, literacy and numeracy across the school in her role as the Relief from Face to Face Teacher as well as library.

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

There are 5 classroom teachers at Murrurundi Public School, two of whom are employed part-time. The staff are very experienced and numbers have remained stable over the past few years.

The teaching staff are supported by two teachers’ aides, a School Administration Manager (SAM), a School Administration Officer (SAO), and a part-time General Assistant

Staff establishment Position Number Principal 1Classroom Teachers 2.394Support Teacher Learning Assistance 0.2

Teacher Librarian 0.168Total 3.762

Staff retention Staffing at school has stayed static for the past two years. Throughout the year we welcomed a number of new relief teachers into our school Staff attendance

Staff have access to leave entitlements such as sick leave. In 2008 the average daily attendance rate for staff, as determined by the Department, was 95%.

Murrurundi Public School Staff

Teacher qualifications All teaching staff meet the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools. Qualifications % of staff

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Degree or Diploma 100% Postgraduate NA

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: 30/11/2008Income $

Balance brought forward 111 592.56Global funds 67 429.33Tied funds 109 406.90School & community sources 26 641.55Interest 6 336.69Trust receipts 645.30Canteen 0.00Total income 322 052.33

ExpenditureTeaching & learning Key learning areas 5 393.16 Excursions 7 856.18 Extracurricular dissections 7 296.10Library 5 627.16Training & development 2 560.64Tied funds 181 929.66Casual relief teachers 12 241.83Administration & office 44 344.99School-operated canteen 0.00Utilities 16 240.58Maintenance 4 806.32Trust accounts 645.30Capital programs 0.00Total expenditure 288 941.92Balance carried forward 33 110.41

A full copy of the school's 2008 financial statement is tabled at the annual general meetings of the School Council and/or the parent body. Further details concerning the statement can be obtained by contacting the school.

School performance 2008

Achievements

Arts We continue to provide a variety of experiences for students in the area of creative and performing arts. The school is committed to these programs.

• The Musica Viva Program aims to challenge, inspire, explore and foster experiences through a diversity of quality music experiences. Through the generosity of the P&C, all children were able to attend the performances. In 2008 the children enjoyed performances by Mara and Sounds Baroque.

• A number of students entered art work in the Belltrees Horse Festival Art Prize. These artworks displayed imagination and creativity. Ben Cropper and Ben McKeahnie were awarded Highly Commended for their works.

• The school continued to support the Banool Conservation Art Competition. The theme of environment and conservation allowed our students to explore many creative mediums. Ben McKeahnie was awarded Highly Commended for his painting of a ‘rock wallaby’.

• In 2008 we also entered the Small Schools Art Competition at Currabubula. Stephanie Mostyn was awarded a Highly Commended for her artwork on ‘sealife’.

• K/1/2 and Years 3/4 entered the Upper Hunter Eisteddfod for the first time. The children gave their best and while they found performing in front of an audience challenging they enjoyed themselves. K/1/2 was awarded a Second Place for their nursery rhyme item and Years 3/4 were awarded Highly Commended for their performance in the Choral Speaking section.

• Lily Dunn, performed in the music section of the Upper Hunter Eisteddfod and was awarded a Second Place in the Piano section.

• The students participated in the St Pauls Parish Spring Flower Show by submitting floral artworks. Two students, Tomara Gallegos and Hayley Sevil received First Place awards and Demi Randell, Ryan Holman and Emma Murphy were awarded Highly Commended Awards.

• The students from K to Yr 6 participated for the first time in the nationwide Music Count Us In program. On the 23rd of October, 2008, more than 350,000 school students from over 1,600 schools around Australia, joined by

Federal Arts Minister Peter Garrett, Australian Idol's John Foreman and 2,000 ACT kids at Parliament House, sang the same song at the same time to highlight the importance of music education in our schools. The song which was titled ‘Sing’ was performed by the students at a school assembly and our annual fete as well as at our end of year variety concert.

Sport This year our students participated in inter-school sports programs that encouraged great sportsmanship, team work and a chance to develop their sporting skills. The success of our program depends on the interest of the students, the commitment of the staff in organising and training teams and support of the parents in transporting students to the venues.

The students trained hard and took part in a variety of team sports – soccer, touch football, tag league and rugby league. The P&C donated new sports jerseys and school sport socks for our team members.

The 2008 swimming carnival was a very successful and enjoyable day for students, staff and parents. Our champions were Ryan Holman, Brittnee Hyde, Hamish Johnson, Mikhaila Stockdale and Laura Coffey. The senior mixed relay of Brittnee Hyde, Ryan Holman, Hamish Johnson and Kaleb Slater were so successful that not only did they win at the Zone level but also at Regional. The students were extremely excited about their chance to compete at the PSSA State Swimming Championships and represent not only the region but their school and community at such a major event. The students were placed 16th overall and knocked an amazing 12 seconds off their best time – a wonderful achievement for them all.

2008 MPS Athletic Champions

The Athletics Carnivals encouraged participation and good sportsmanship and our students performed well in all areas. Our Champions were Blair McNamara, Lilly Dunn, Daniel Rea, Hayley

Power, Kaleb Slater, Mikhaila Stockdale, Ryan Holman and Hayley Whitby. Daniel Rea achieved the Grand Champion, Intermediate Boys Champion trophies and was also awarded the Meryl Johnson Encouragement Trophy at the 2008 Belltrees Sports Day. At Zone, Broyde Bergquist and Demi Randell placed third in their events and Mikhaila Stockdale first place in high jump and then second place at Regional. Mikhaila represented our region at State in high jump and jumped her personal best with a jump of 1.42m.

In 2008 we once again held a two day workshop in athletics- track and field events. The workshop provided students from K to Year 6 with the opportunity to further develop their athletic skills and focus on improving and enhancing their talents under the guidance of three athletic coaches from the Armidale region. As this is the second year we have provided this workshop it was great to hear positive feedback from our coaches on how much a number of our students have grown in ability since 2007. The children were also a lot more at ease with the coaches as they remembered working with them the previous year. This program will continue to be an important component of our winter sport program.

We had a number of students try out for PSSA team sports such as rugby league, soccer and touch football. Ryan Holman in Year 6 was successful and became a proud member of the PSSA Boys State Rugby League Team.

Other Throughout 2008 a number of students participated in a variety of external competitions. Many students performed extremely well and we are very proud of their efforts and results.

In the Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Competition Ryan Holman, Demi Randell, Hamish Johnson, Mikhaila Stockdale, Emma Murphy and Luke O’Shea achieved Merit Certificates and Caleb Kaney, Brooke Webb and Samantha Shipman were awarded Distinctions.

In the University of NSW International Competition and Assessments students received the following results:-

• Caleb Kaney- Credits in Science, English and Mathematics; and

• Emma Murphy- Credits in English, Spelling and Technology.

This year Brittnee Hyde from Year 6 was recognised for her talent in writing and was our representative in the Yvonne Winner Memorial Literary Prize. Brittnee received her award and prize of $50.00 from Mr Phil Mitchell at the Annual Presentation Night.

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Three members of our school were recognised for their contribution to our school and community at the Upper Hunter Education Week Awards Ceremony held at Scone High School. The Ceremony included dance, song and music. • Student Award: Brittnee Hyde - For being a

thoughtful and responsible student who’s committed to learning and doing her best;

• Staff Award: Mrs Judith Wilson – For her dedication to her role and commitment to our children, parents, staff and community; and

• School & Community Award: Mrs Louise Murphy – For her positive support and promotion of the school and commitment to the P&C.

These students were awarded Education Week School Awards for their commitment to work and

school life.

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 the assessments.

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




In the School Certificate the performance of students is reported in performance bands ranging from Performance Band 1 (lowest) to Performance Band 6 (highest).

Literacy – NAPLAN Year 3

Percentage of students in bands: Year 3 reading

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School average 2005 - 2007

LSG average 2008

State average 2008

Percentage of students in bands: Year 3 writing

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LSG average 2008

State average 2008

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Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 3

Percentage of students in bands: Year 3 numeracy

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35

1 2 3 4 5 6Band

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Percentage in band


LSG average 2008

State average 2008

Literacy – NAPLAN Year 5

Percentage of students in bands: Year 5 reading

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3 4 5 6 7 8Band

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Percentage in band


LSG average 2008

State average 2008

Percentage of students in bands: Year 5 writing

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3 4 5 6 7 8Band

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LSG average 2008

State average 2008

Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 5

Percentage of students in bands: Year 5 numeracy

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3 4 5 6 7 8Band

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LSG average 2008

State average 2008

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Progress in literacy

Average progress in reading between Year 3 and Year 5

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Average progress in writingbetween Year 3 and Year 5

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2004 - 2006 2005 - 2007 2006 - 2008

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School LSG State

Progress in numeracy

Average progress in numeracybetween Year 3 and Year 5

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5060708090

2004 - 2006 2005 - 2007 2006 - 2008

Prog

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School LSG State

Minimum standards The Commonwealth Government sets minimum standards for reading, writing, grammar and punctuation, spelling and numeracy for years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

The performance of the students in our school in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy is compared to these minimum standards. The percentages of our students achieving at or above these standards are reported below.

Percentage of Year 3 students in our school achieving at or above the minimum standard in 2008

Percentage of Year 3 students achieving at and above minimum standard

Reading 73 Writing 82 Spelling 82 Punctuation and grammar 82 Numeracy 100

Percentage of Year 5 students in our school achieving at or above the minimum standard in 2008

Percentage of Year 5 students achieving at and above minimum standard

Reading 83 Writing 92 Spelling 75 Punctuation and grammar 67 Numeracy 90

Significant programs and initiatives

Priority Schools Program (PSP) This program continued to provide extra funds and staffing supplementation from the Department of Education and Training to support the achievement of targets around the three PSP action areas- quality teaching and learning, classroom and school organization and school culture and home and school and community partnerships.

The evaluation of the targets showed an improvement in literacy and numeracy performance.

• Seventy percent of K-6 students reached regional literacy targets.

• Seventy percent are working at or above expected outcomes in literacy.

• Sixty-five percent are working at or above expected outcomes in numeracy.

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Four senior students travelled to Singleton to take part in a PSP Forum. The students discussed such issues as social justice and equity in our school. The students commented that they found the day interesting and at times challenging as they had to talk in front of other people.

Best Start We were amongst the first 400 schools to be involved in the Best Start Program, a new government initiative. The program focuses on Kindergarten students and assessment practices. The assessment identified the literacy and numeracy knowledge and skills that each child brought to school as they enter Kindergarten. This assessment informed the quality teaching and learning programs that we implement in the early years of schooling. Mrs Coffey and Mrs Schmarr attended intensive professional learning around Best Start and its implementation.

Aboriginal education In 2008 teachers presented lessons with Aboriginal perspectives which further developed our students’ knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal Australia. In 2008 our school added significantly to our Aboriginal Education resources. Personalised Learning Programs were provided for our Aboriginal students.

Multicultural education The school continues to focus on multicultural education in all areas of the curriculum by providing programs which develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for a culturally diverse society.

This year the students took time to discover Mexico and enjoyed a lovely morning tea with the ladies of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) where their posters were proudly displayed. Stephanie Mostyn and Hayley Whitby received Library Encouragement Awards. Mikhaila Stockdale was presented with a CWA Merit Award-1st Place, and Demi Randell a CWA Merit Award-2nd Place.

In 2008 the School Captains, Ryan and Hayley, travelled to Newcastle and participated in the Hunter/Central Coast Regional Harmony Day. The students returned enthusiastic about the day and shared their ideas on how we could promote harmony throughout our school and community.

Respect and responsibility The values of respect and responsibility have been a long-term focus of the MPS Student Welfare Policy. The approach taken at MPS has placed a clear focus on respect and responsibility in the school community, through explicit

emphasis on important cultural and historical events in the school plan.

This year we received a lovely letter in the mail praising our children while out in public.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Whilst driving through Murrurundi recently, my husband and I were very impressed by the way the children wore their uniform. They were so tidy and appropriately dressed for the cold weather.

Yours Faithfully,

Mrs B Clarke Nelson Bay. Elements of the school plan focus on:

• the consistent use of good manners;

• ensuring that students know and understand the words of the National Anthem;

• students taking responsibility for maintaining an orderly classroom and a clean playground;

• students using an appropriate manner of speech when speaking to peers, parent helpers and teachers;

• appropriate behaviour on the sporting field;

• celebrating days of cultural and historical significance such as Harmony Day, ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day;

• recognising and celebrating important community events such as Senior Citizens Week, The Tidy Towns Award and People’s Choice – Community Cultural Award;

• supporting community events such as Carols By Candlelight. On Sunday I went to the Carols by Candlelight. I was waiting for Laura. I enjoyed singing the Christmas Carols. On Wednesday my class went to the hospital and nursing home to sing. I felt happy when the people smiled when I gave them lollies. I’ve had a great week. By Jessica

• encouraging parents to set a positive example within the school.

Environmental Education – ‘Water Watch Program’ 2008 saw the continuation of our participation in the NSW Waterwatch program. Senior students supervised by one of our teachers, Mrs Druitt obtained water samples from the Pages River at the crossing behind the school. Students then conducted a range of testing procedures on the sample measuring variables such as temperature, turbidity, PH, and salinity. Follow up to the testing included uploading the results into a state wide data bank where they could be verified by a co-ordinator from the Catchment Management

Authority. The water was tested each month and all senior students participated in the program. Dear Mrs Schmarr,

On behalf of the Waterwatch Program and Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, I would like to thank Murrurundi Public School for its vital involvement in the Upper Pages River Community River Day. We had an absolute fantastic time working with your students over the two days and their behaviour was exemplary. Thank you again and we look forward to working with you in the future. Happy water watching!

Ms I Berthold

Hunter-Central Rivers Waterwatch Coordinator

Working with the CMA gave the children a real

sense of ownership of their river.

Other programs - Excursions Our major excursions have specific aims to give students practical experiences which are linked to curriculum content and life skills.

Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 students explored Nundle. A number of parents accompanied their children on this excursion and enjoyed their day. Mrs Coffey, class teacher and Mrs Smith, teacher’s aide, were very pleased with how well the day went.

K/1/2 students also went to the theatre in Newcastle. The students saw a stage production

of ‘Possum Magic’ after working on a literacy unit based around the book by Mem Fox.

My favourite part is when they ride the bike to different places around Australia to find food that would make Hush visible again ! I like it because they went to Tasmania. By Lily

Stage 2 and 3 students travelled to Jenolan Caves and The Blue Mountains for three days. On the first day the students ventured into Scenic World and explored the rainforest below. On day two they travelled down a winding road to the Caves and were in absolute awe of the magic of the Lucas Cave. On day three they stepped back in time as they enjoyed a journey on an old steam train and learnt about the role of the ZigZag Railway.

Thanks to the continuing generosity of Mt Arthur Coal all our students visited the Life Education van during the year. The program addresses many of the components and outcomes within the NSW PDHPE curriculum such as importance of physical exercise, healthy food choices, safe and unsafe situations and the consequences of alcohol and drug use.

The children always enjoy their visit with Healthy

Harold from the Life Education Van.

Active After School Communities Program

This after school program offers students an opportunity to participate in activities to enhance their physical activity levels and to provide

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increased opportunities for participation in quality, safe and fun activities which develop the understanding of ‘playing for life’. In 2008 we were able to provide the students with opportunities to participate in gymnastics, walking, lawn bowls and tennis. Lawn bowls and tennis used community venues and were run by community members.

The P&C continue to support the program by ensuring our children have access to healthy afternoon teas of fruit, vegetables and a big favourite, piklettes.

During April the staff also hosted a ‘Let’s Dance’ – afternoon. Children and their parents were invited to come along and join in the fun of dancing. The afternoon was well supported with more than 70% of families represented.

Staff happily support student raising activities.

Progress on 2008 targets

Target 1 To improve writing across all stages by implementing specific strategies to cater for the needs of individuals.

Our achievements included:

• 82% of students in Year 3 and 92% of students in Year 5 achieved at or above minimum standards in writing;

• the development of a variety of teaching and learning strategies based on the NSW Quality Teaching Framework and the implications for teaching writing by class teachers;

• explicit teaching in areas of need, identified in BST/NAPLAN results eg paragraphing, sentence structure and effective introductions;

• formation of committee to compare analysis BST results in target areas; and

• the ongoing development of a whole school scope and sequence for teaching text types.

Target 2 Improved student outcomes in numeracy


• 100% of students in Year 3 and 90% of students in Year 5 achieving at or above the minimum standard in numeracy;

• the revision of and implementation of MPS mathematics scope and sequence;

• the administration and analysis of in-school assessment including SENA and use of BST SMART data analysis to inform programs and teaching;

• a continuation of the whole school tracking processes in mathematics including SENA; and

• continued provision of professional learning in terms of Count Me In Too (CMIT), programming for CMIT, SENA administration and analysis, use of Newman’s analysis and Thinking Mathematically.

Students and staff participated in a fancy hat day

in November.

Target 3 To develop an appreciation and understanding of music whilst improving the student's musical skills.


• increased participation in professional learning around Musica Viva;

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• promoting, supporting and encouraging students to participate in the Conservatorium of Music lessons held at school;

• the planning of and holding a very successful MPS Variety Night where children showcased their talents in performing as well as items learnt at school; and

• increased participation in local Eisteddfods with emphasis on performing prose and the gaining of two class awards.

Staff and parents worked together to ensure our

students enjoyed their major excursions.

Key evaluations It is a requirement for all NSW public schools to conduct at least two annual evaluations – one related to educational and management practice and the other related to curriculum. In 2008 our school carried out evaluations of School Culture and Computer Education.

Educational and management practice School Culture

Background

This year the school chose to look closely at the culture of the school and whether we were doing all that we can to meet our students, staff, parents and community needs.

Findings and conclusions

Parents, staff and students were invited to complete a survey based on management in the school. A summary of the responses is included below. For the purpose of this report only always responses have been included. 7 parent surveys, 6 staff surveys and 29 student surveys were returned.

• 100% of students and parents believe that the school values the students and sets clear goals for them;

• 95% of students and parents believe that staff and students work well together and that students needs are well catered for;

• 83% of staff believe that the school promotes itself effectively to the wider community;

• 83% of staff believe the school rewards students adequately for their achievement;

• “MPS is a fantastic starting block for a child’s education”. said one parent and

• the majority of the students consider Respect, Politeness & Good Manners and Honesty and Trustworthiness as our school’s most important core values.

Future directions

The parent and staff surveys indicated a greater need to promote the school, the students and their accomplishments in the wider community on a more regular basis.

Student, parent and staff surveys indentified a need to review our deterrents for unacceptable behaviour by the students and convey this message effectively to all families. The majority of surveys identified fairness and justice for all as a school priority.

With Miss Pichler, the senior students made

friendship bracelets as part of their COGS unit. The students sold the bracelets and raised

$172.60 for the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Curriculum Computer Education

Background

Each year we select a Key Learning Area to evaluate ensuring we are meeting the needs of our students. As part of our cyclic evaluation we looked at computer education across the Key Learning Areas and the importance it plays in assisting children to learn.

Findings and conclusions

Parents, staff and students were invited to complete a survey based on management in the

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school. A summary of the responses is included below. For the purpose of this report only always responses have been included. 7 parent surveys, 6 staff surveys and 29 student surveys were returned.

• 62 % of students agree that their teacher makes computers fun and interesting;

• 48% of students agree that their teacher develops the computer skills that they need;

• 38% of students agree that they use computers to learn in a number of key learning areas;

• 52% of students, 83% of staff and 57% of parents agree that the students have lots of different programs to use on the computers;

• 100% of staff expect the students to learn whilst using the computers and

• 67% of staff develop appropriate computer programs for their students.

Future directions

The parent survey indicated a greater need to use student work samples to demonstrate student progress and to formally discuss their child’s development and progress during Parent Interviews.

Staff also indicated a greater need to design and plan learning activities where students work together instead of by themselves using technology.

Term 3 Gold Awardees were treated to pizza for

lunch and a bike ride in the park.

Parent, student, and teacher satisfaction In 2008 the school sought the opinions of parents, students and teachers about the school. These surveys indicated that the majority of parents were very happy with the balance between extra curricular activities and in school activities. Major

excursions were also listed as things parents and students wished to continue. The majority of parents and staff also believe:

• That the school continues to provide a very caring environment and is proud of the school’s achievements and

• Students are the schools main focus and students are encouraged to achieve their best.

The student surveys indicate:

• 86% of students enjoy going to school and are pleased with their work:

• 94% believe that their teacher is fair and

• 93% said that the things they learn are important and of value.

Parents assisted students learn to swim.

Professional learning Staff took part in three Staff Development Days in 2008.

First term Staff Development Day included all staff in workshops around Child Protection, Code of Conduct and Anaphylaxis training. Staff also worked on the Quality Teaching Framework and engaging our students in learning.

Second term Staff Development Day continued our journey on the Quality Teaching framework. The day also included workshops for all staff on assisting children with challenging behaviours in the classroom.

The third term Staff Development Day encouraged all staff to explore technology to enhance student learning. A workshop on digital media and the program Photoshop was provided. As a staff we also discussed student and staff health and wellbeing and the impact of MindMatters Level 1 training.

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The students participated in a Drug Forum. The

students gained a greater understanding of keeping themselves safe from drugs through peer

work and enjoyed the role of student leaders.

School development 2009 – 2011

Targets for 2009

Target 1 Improved student achievement in literacy.

Strategies to achieve this target include:

• Analysis of NAPLAN literacy results;

• Staff professional learning in teaching literacy and the explicit teaching of inferential reading skills;

• Class use of connected classroom and technology learning centre to engage all students in learning;

• Professional learning in IWB, Active Studio, and online learning;

• Term focus on inferential reading skills and deeper understanding;

• Purchase of appropriate resources; and

• Classroom programs include technology as a genuine and authentic learning tool for engaging students in literacy.

Our success will be measured by:

• Student growth in literacy as measured by class assessments showing 65% of students at sound or above;

• 60% of students in top three bands for literacy;

• 75% of students will demonstrate strong growth from Year 3 to Year 5 in the NAPLAN; and

• Classroom programs include technology as a genuine and authentic learning tool for engaging students in literacy.

Target 2 Improved student achievement in numeracy.


• Comprehensive analysis of NAPLAN numeracy results by staff;

• Continue staff professional learning in teaching number e.g. Numeracy At Home Program, K-2 Count me in and further investigate Newman’s Analysis;

• Class use of connected classroom and technology learning centre to engage all students in learning;

• Professional learning for teachers in IWB, Active Studio, and online learning;

• Use of technology based programs as a tool to learn and assess number- eg Mathletics; and

• Audit and purchase of new maths resources.


• Student growth in number as measured by class assessments showing 65% of students at sound or above;

• 60% of students in top three bands for number;

• 75% of students will demonstrate strong growth from Year 3 to Year 5 in the NAPLAN;

• Classroom programs in Mathematics have evidence of working mathematically, mental computation activities and use of mathematical language; and

• Classroom programs include technology as a genuine and authentic learning tool for engaging students in numeracy.

Target 3

Greater use of interactive technologies for learning, teaching and for teacher professional learning.


• Access professional learning for staff in the use of Connected Learning Advisory Service (CLAS) for ICT evaluation;

• ICT services to install CC and IWB equipment;

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• Access professional learning for staff in the use of Connected Classroom equipment and Interactive Whiteboards in the classroom context; and

• Develop protocols for email use in classroom and embed email buddy activities in teaching and learning programs.


• Learning opportunities in technology for students and teachers across school communities are increased;

• Increased focus and participation in professional learning for improved student learning in technology; and

• Students communicate on a regular basis with one another adhering to the agreed protocols.

Year 3/4 students designed their own fridge magnets with anti drug messages during the

Student Drug Forum.

About this report 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.

Jayne Schmarr - Principal

Jennie Pichler – School Librarian Teacher

Megan Druitt – Classroom Teacher

Donna Rea – Parent Representative

Judith Wilson – School Administrative Manager

School contact information Murrurundi Public School

Mayne Street

Murrurundi. 2338 NSW

Ph: 65466057

Fax: 65466595

Email: [email protected]

Web: murrurundi-ps.education.nsw.gov.au

School Code: 2686

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

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

annual school report 2008 - home - murrurundi public · pdf file2008 annual school report ......

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