kirwan state school · kirwan state school is an inclusive school and is the educational setting...

Kirwan State School

ANNUAL REPORT

2018 Queensland State School Reporting

Every student succeeding State Schools Strategy

Department of Education

2018 Annual Report 1 Kirwan State School

Contact information

Postal address PO Box 1047 Thuringowa Central 4817

Phone (07) 4799 1888

Fax (07) 4773 7702

Email [email protected]

Webpages Additional information about Queensland state schools is located on:

the My School website

the Queensland Government data website

the Queensland Government schools directory website.

Contact person John Kratzmann Principal

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

http://data.qld.gov.au/

https://schoolsdirectory.eq.edu.au/


From the Principal

School overview

Kirwan State School, established in 1977in the expanding city of Townsville, aims to prepare every student for the future by providing quality educational outcomes within a safe, supportive and challenging environment.

Additional support provided by the Chaplain, Defence Services Teacher Aides, Guidance Officer and Indigenous Aides augments the efforts of Physical Education, French LOTE, Music and classroom teachers to provide a meaningful Prep to Yr7 learning environment.

Curriculum is differentiated yet conducted within an integrated classroom setting with opportunities for Gifted students and students with disabilities to participate.

Co-curricular activities including camps, excursions, eistedfodd participation, band, choir, a range of inter-school sports, community events and leadership activities add value to the opportunities for student participation.

Parents take an active role in the school via its canteen, fund-raising (major facilities programs) and direct classroom support in a range of in-class support programs. Awareness of and care for the environment is evidenced in the school's achievement of the status of a "Reef Guardian" school under the auspices of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Our dynamic, expert staff care for each and every child and we are very proud of the quality of evidence

informed teaching and learning in every classroom. We are equally proud of our sporting, musical, arts

based and social achievements.

This report provides a clear and concise summary of the achievements and opportunities in 2017 and

planned aspirations for 2018. It provides information on school curriculum, staffing, parent involvement,

student performance and our safe and supportive learning environment.

Collectively we are safe, respectful, responsible learners.


School progress towards its goals in 2018

Kirwan State School provides quality opportunities for every student through building expert, professional staff.

Goal Summary

Improve whole school Levels of

Achievement in English, Maths and

Science for every student

2018 Level of Achievement - Students who received a C, B or A

English – 80% whole school Math – 81% whole school Science – 83% whole school

An explicit focucs on literacy using

the Literacy Continumm as a tool to

map and drive teaching and

learning

All Prep to Year 3 teachers map every student on the Literacy Continuum. Group activities and intervention planned using this formative assessment.

Use disciplined spirals of

collaborative inquiry to drive

school improvement and grow

active, engaged, successful learners

100% staff engage in collaborative inquiry through staff meetings and 1 day per term teacher release professional development per term. Learning is tailored according to teacher professional learning needs.

Continue to grow a colalborative

coaching culture strengthening

teaching and learning through

observation, reflection and

feedback

Expert coaching framework implemented in Prep, Year 1 , 2 , 3, 4 and 5. Coaching embedded short term data cycles to improve teaching and learning and student outcomes. Explicit targeted intervention.

Focus on our schoolwide positive

behaviour strategies to grow our

safe and supportive classroom

learning environments.

School wide positive behaviour strategies created safe and supportive classroom learning environments. School climate excelled. New whole school reward structure introduced.

Future outlook

The future looks strong for Kirwan SS.

Build staff capability in curriculum knowlege, quality pedagogy, formative assessment and student engagement

Embed a collaborative culture strengthening teaching and learning through collaboration (not cooperation), coaching, observation, reflection and feedback

Systemise high yield school practices across classroom, cohort and school

Embed literacy as a general capability – reading and writing

Continue to build strong, caring, professional relationships across out entire school community


At Kirwan SS teachers work collaboratively to discuss student learning, reflect on their teaching and continually strive to be the best teachers we can be.

Our culture of strong community events and positive relationships is very stron

Kirwan State School

Instructional coaching cycle


Our school at a glance

School profile

Coeducational or single sex Coeducational

Independent public school Yes

Year levels offered in 2018 Prep Year - Year 6

Student enrolments

Table 1: Student enrolments at this school

Enrolment category 2016 2017 2018

Notes:

1. Student counts are based on the Census (August) enrolment collection.

2. Indigenous refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia.

3. pre-Prep is a kindergarten program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, living in 35 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, in the year before school.

Total 877 900 907

Girls 429 444 447

Boys 448 456 460

Indigenous 136 149 170

Enrolment continuity (Feb. – Nov.) 95% 96% 95%

In 2018, there were no students enrolled in a pre-Prep program.

Characteristics of the student body

Overview

Kirwan State School is an inclusive school and is the educational setting for a varied group of students who come from a range of backgrounds. This includes approximately 16% Indigenous students and 18% Defence Force families. Families from Kirwan State School include those where both parents work, one parent works and also single parent families. We are an enrolment managed school and cater for the needs of all students within our catchment zone.

Average class sizes

Table 2: Average class size information for each phase of schooling

Phase of schooling 2016 2017 2018

Note:

The class size targets for composite classes are informed by the relevant year level target. Where composite classes exist across cohorts (e.g. year 3/4) the class size targets would be the lower cohort target.

Prep – Year 3 23 23 24

Year 4 – Year 6 25 26 26

Curriculum delivery

Our approach to curriculum delivery

Our teaching staff at Kirwan deliver the Australian Curriculum. Our expert teaching staff continually use

student learning evidence to inform teaching practices to meet curriculum demands. Our school has an

https://earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/early-years/kindergarten-programs/kindergarten-in-indigenous-communities

https://qed.qld.gov.au/publications/reports/statistics/schooling/schools


explicit focus on building our students into learners that know what they are learning, why they are

learning it and what they need to do to be successful. Our distinctive curriculum programs offer wonderful

opportunities for students in and out of the classroom.

Kirwan State School offers a number of distinctive and successful curriculum offerings. These include:

Profiling and evidence driven instruction for every child A special education program with 100% integration into mainstream classroom programs Enrichment activities including Artist in Residence and Author in Residence programs A whole school musical performance at the Townsville Civic Theatre every

second year (2015 – The Little Mermaid –112 students in the cast, 2017 - Shrek

Jnr – 130 students in the cast)

Science specialist program

School funded ICAS testing through our ‘talented writers’ program

Award winning music instrumental program, band and choir

Robotics club

Kirwan Dance program Japanese Student visitors – Kokugakuin School

Leadership Programs – GRIP leadership, Student Leaders, P-2 Helpmate program

Year 5 and Year 6 school camps

Under 8’s and Junior School celebration days

Whole school Christmas concert – under the stars

Co-curricular activities

Kirwan State School has a proud tradition of success in team sports including Rugby League, Softball, Basketball and Netball. Our participation in these sports is based on intensive school training and participation with school teams at gala days. We provide opportunities for our students to excel to the highest level in all sports.

Kirwan also has a strong and successful music excellence program. This program offers keyboard, voice and guitar training to students in Year 1 onwards, instrumental music program (woodwind, brass, strings and percussion), junior and senior choirs and a School Musical every second year. Our school participates strongly in Fanfare and Eisteddfods. Each Semester our musical students entertain our community with a variety of concerts.

2018 School Sports Day

String ensemble at a school music concert evening.


We commemorate special days with whole school celebrations including: ANZAC DAY and REMEMBRANCE DAY ceremonies, NAIDOC DAY, Under 8’s day and Newspapers in Education learning

Kirwan provides the opportunity for students to participate in ICAS tests on a voluntary basis. Students are invited to attend various Leadership programs – GRIP Leadership and ATSIAP. We certainly don’t to forget to have fun. Our bookweek parades are tremendous.

How information and communication technologies are used to assist learning

Kirwan State School staff are committed to integrating information and communication technologies into the classroom using quality pedagogy and differentiation as platforms to achieve success. Each classroom has a data projector (some of which are interactive projectors) which allows teachers instant access to online digital information which is used to present visual literacy from the Curriculum into the Classroom units of work. Computers are used in every classroom with a pod of lap tops available for borrowing for classroom work. Increasing use of iPad in the classroom has increased teachers’ ability to differentiate for the learning needs of students, particularly those with special needs. Our specialist Science program utilizes ipads for every student. We have a specialist digital technology teacher working across all year levels.

Social climate

Overview

Our community and school are very proud of our school climate. We value our strong positive

school wide behaviour support program. All teachers and staff members maintain very high

expectations on student behaviour and consistently reward students who demonstrate our rules –

safe, respectful and responsible behaviours. Our whole school use the ‘gotcha’ reward system

and every classroom has positive reward systems. Our SWPBS team constantly revise school

2018 NAIDOC Day Celebrations– Kirwan SS

2018 ANZAC Day – Kirwan SS


behaviour information to determine specific ‘behaviour lessons’ that are taught across the school in

every classroom. Our active Case Management team drill down into student behaviour and target

students who need a little extra care and attention.

Our teachers have a reputation for going above and beyond for our students and families.

Collectively, we are proud of the safe and supportive learning climate in every classroom.

Parent, student and staff satisfaction

Tables 3–5 show selected items from the Parent/Caregiver, Student and Staff School Opinion Surveys.

Table 3: Parent opinion survey

Percentage of parents/caregivers who agree# that: 2016 2017 2018

their child is getting a good education at school (S2016) 97% 94% 95%

this is a good school (S2035) 98% 96% 97%

their child likes being at this school* (S2001) 100% 93% 96%

their child feels safe at this school* (S2002) 100% 97% 97%

their child's learning needs are being met at this school* (S2003) 88% 94% 96%

their child is making good progress at this school* (S2004) 89% 94% 92%

teachers at this school expect their child to do his or her best* (S2005) 100% 97% 99%

teachers at this school provide their child with useful feedback about his or her school work* (S2006)

90% 94% 92%

teachers at this school motivate their child to learn* (S2007) 92% 92% 97%

teachers at this school treat students fairly* (S2008) 98% 89% 96%

they can talk to their child's teachers about their concerns* (S2009) 98% 99% 97%

this school works with them to support their child's learning* (S2010) 89% 94% 96%

this school takes parents' opinions seriously* (S2011) 89% 91% 94%

student behaviour is well managed at this school* (S2012) 92% 93% 89%

this school looks for ways to improve* (S2013) 97% 96% 97%

this school is well maintained* (S2014) 97% 96% 97%

* Nationally agreed student and parent/caregiver items.

# ‘Agree’ represents the percentage of respondents who Somewhat Agree, Agree or Strongly Agree with the statement.

DW = Data withheld to ensure confidentiality.

Table 4: Student opinion survey

Percentage of students who agree# that: 2016 2017 2018

they are getting a good education at school (S2048) 98% 97% 98%

they like being at their school* (S2036) 100% 98% 97%


Percentage of students who agree# that: 2016 2017 2018

they feel safe at their school* (S2037) 97% 97% 98%

their teachers motivate them to learn* (S2038) 100% 97% 97%

their teachers expect them to do their best* (S2039) 99% 99% 99%

their teachers provide them with useful feedback about their school work* (S2040)

97% 98% 99%

teachers treat students fairly at their school* (S2041) 93% 93% 94%

they can talk to their teachers about their concerns* (S2042) 93% 93% 91%

their school takes students' opinions seriously* (S2043) 97% 89% 96%

student behaviour is well managed at their school* (S2044) 95% 90% 93%

their school looks for ways to improve* (S2045) 100% 98% 98%

their school is well maintained* (S2046) 100% 97% 98%

their school gives them opportunities to do interesting things* (S2047) 97% 97% 99%




Table 5: Staff opinion survey

Percentage of school staff who agree# that: 2016 2017 2018

they enjoy working at their school (S2069) 98% 97% 98%

they feel that their school is a safe place in which to work (S2070) 97% 95% 98%

they receive useful feedback about their work at their school (S2071) 97% 90% 93%

they feel confident embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across the learning areas (S2114)

97% 85% 95%

students are encouraged to do their best at their school (S2072) 98% 97% 98%

students are treated fairly at their school (S2073) 95% 90% 93%

student behaviour is well managed at their school (S2074) 95% 84% 90%

staff are well supported at their school (S2075) 93% 82% 92%

their school takes staff opinions seriously (S2076) 95% 92% 90%

their school looks for ways to improve (S2077) 98% 98% 98%

their school is well maintained (S2078) 97% 95% 98%

their school gives them opportunities to do interesting things (S2079) 92% 90% 88%




Parent and community engagement

Parents are involved in the life of the school in a variety of ways. Our volunteers, who number in excess of 100, support the school through reading programs, tuckshop volunteer work, School Musical wardrobe crew and set design, fete organization and running, and at P&C fundraising opportunities throughout the year. Highlighted signature events throughout the year include sports days and swimming carnivals, Music Concert, Under 8s day, Kirwan Dance and Christmas Concert, NAIDOC day, ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day and the Annual Rock Pop Mime.


Our Indigenous parents were also represented through the formation of a Focus Indigenous Parent Group which is instrumental in assisting the school to implement Personalized Learning Plans for all Indigenous students. Our senior school parents are key decision makers in planning and delivering the senior events for the year including the senior shirts, graduation and year book. This group operates as a subcommittee of the P&C. We also have weekly e-newsletters and assemblies for both our junior and senior students.

As an Independent Public School we have a strong School Council that support and foster community participation and local school decision making.

Respectful relationships education programs

At Kirwan we strongly believe that the quality of relationships between our school stakeholders directly impacts on the quality of teaching and learning for every child. Therefore, we have developed and implemented a range of programs that focus on appropriate, respectful and healthy relationships. At Kirwan we have a student support team who meet weekly to address the identified needs of students (on a referral basis from staff). A strong case management approach drills down further into the needs of students. Kirwan has a full time guidance officer, behaviour support teacher, school chaplain and range of support staff that work with students in and out of the classroom. We have explicit social skilling, anti-bullying, relationships and life education programs run by our qualified staff. Staff professional development focusses explicitly on building quality relationships with every student and family. We firmly believe quality, authentic relationships hold the key to success.

The school has developed and implemented a program/or programs that focus on appropriate, respectful, equitable and healthy relationships.

School disciplinary absences

Table 6: Count of incidents for students recommended for school disciplinary absences at this school

Type of school disciplinary absence

2016 2017 2018

Note:

School disciplinary absences (SDAs) are absences enforced by a school for student conduct that is prejudicial to the good order and management of the school.

Short suspensions – 1 to 10 days 28 50 38

Long suspensions – 11 to 20 days 0 1 0

Exclusions 0 0 0

Cancellations of enrolment 0 0 0

Environmental footprint

Reducing this school’s environmental footprint

Our school is very conscious of our environmental footprint. We are a large school however consistently reflect on our practices.

Each week, our Year 3 Helpmates deliver an environmental message on parade. This includes tips such as switching off lights and air conditioners, putting rubbish in the bin so that it doesn’t end up in the ocean and conserving water when brushing your teeth.


Electricity consumption jumped up in 2017. We were addressed this issue and reduced electricity usage in 2018. We also worked hard on keeping our school green through the use of our bore pump. Water consumption has reduced however our school grounds look excellent.

Table 7: Environmental footprint indicators for this school

Utility category 2015–2016 2016–2017 2017–2018

Note:

Consumption data is compiled from sources including ERM, Ergon reports and utilities data entered into OneSchool* by schools. The data provides an indication of the consumption trend in each of the utility categories which impact on this school’s environmental footprint.

*OneSchool is the department's comprehensive software suite that schools use to run safe, secure, sustainable and consistent reporting and administrative processes.

Electricity (kWh) 387,808 513,396 411,422

Water (kL) 9,238 7,854 6,119

School funding

School income broken down by funding source

School income, reported by financial year accounting cycle using standardized national methodologies and broken down by funding source is available via the My School website at.

How to access our income details

1. Click on the My School link http://www.myschool.edu.au/.

2. Enter the school name or suburb of the school you wish to search.

3. Click on ‘View School Profile’ of the appropriate school to access the school’s profile.

4. Click on ‘Finances’ and select the appropriate year to view the school financial information.

Note:

If you are unable to access the internet, please contact the school for a hard copy of the school’s financial information.

Our staff profile




Workforce composition

Staff composition, including Indigenous staff

Table 8: Workforce composition for this school

Description Teaching staff* Non-teaching staff Indigenous** staff

Headcounts 64 34 <5

Full-time equivalents 58 24 <5

*Teaching staff includes School Leaders.

** Indigenous refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia.

Qualification of all teachers

Table 9: Teacher qualifications for classroom teachers and school leaders at this school

Highest level of qualification Number of qualifications

*Graduate Diploma etc. includes Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree, and Graduate Certificate.

Doctorate 1

Masters 7

Graduate Diploma etc.* 2

Bachelor degree 52

Diploma 0

Certificate 0

Professional development

Expenditure on and teacher participation in professional development

The total funds expended on teacher professional development in 2018 were $190 000

The major professional development initiatives are as follows:

Whole staff release for guided cycles of Inquiry 1 day per term (TRS)

Administration development – ACER Conference for School Leaders

Targeted Instructional Coach development in Literacy

Whole staff Explicit Instruction

Phonological Awareness Training P - 2

The proportion of the teaching staff involved in professional development activities during 2018 was 100%.

Staff attendance and retention

Staff attendance

Table 10: Average staff attendance for this school as percentages

Description 2016 2017 2018

Staff attendance for permanent and temporary staff and school leaders. 96% 96% 96%


Proportion of staff retained from the previous school year

From the end of the previous school year, 95% of staff were retained by the school for the entire 2018.

Performance of our students

Key student outcomes

Student attendance

The overall student attendance rate in 2018 for all Queensland state Primary schools was 92%.

Tables 11–12 show attendance rates at this school as percentages.

Table 11: Overall student attendance at this school

Description 2016 2017 2018

Overall attendance rate* for students at this school 93% 93% 92%

Attendance rate for Indigenous** students at this school 89% 90% 87%

* Student attendance rate = the total of full-days and part-days that students attended divided by the total of all possible days for students to attend (expressed as a percentage).

** Indigenous refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia.

Table 12: Average student attendance rates for each year level at this school

Year level 2016 2017 2018

Notes:

1. Attendance rates effectively count attendance for every student for every day of attendance in Semester 1.

2. Student attendance rate = the total of full-days and part-days that students attended divided by the total of all possible days for students to attend (expressed as a percentage).

3. DW = Data withheld to ensure confidentiality.

Prep 93% 93% 93%

Year 1 93% 93% 91%

Year 2 92% 93% 93%

Year 3 93% 93% 92%

Year 4 93% 94% 92%

Year 5 92% 93% 93%

Year 6 93% 92% 91%

Student attendance distribution

Graph 1: Proportion of students by attendance rate

14

13

13

12

12

11

25

24

28

49

50

48

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2018

2017

2016

Proportion of Students

Attendance Rate: 0% to <85% 85% to <90% 90% to <95% 95% to 100%


Description of how this school manages non-attendance

Queensland state schools manage non-attendance in line with the Queensland Department of Education procedures: Managing Student Absences and Enforcing Enrolment and Attendance at State Schools; and Roll Marking in State Schools, which outline processes for managing and recording student attendance and absenteeism.

Kirwan utilises an student absence management plan that involves tracking and celebrating student attendance. Teachers and school administration track students with attendance issues and respond according to school policy on an individual case basis.

NAPLAN Our reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy results for the Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 NAPLAN tests are available via the My School website.

How to access our NAPLAN results

1. Click on the My School link http://www.myschool.edu.au/.

2. Enter the school name or suburb of the school you wish to search.

3. Click on ‘View School Profile’ of the appropriate school to access the school’s profile.

4. Click on ‘NAPLAN’ to access the school NAPLAN information.

Notes:

1. If you are unable to access the internet, please contact the school for a hard copy of the school’s NAPLAN results.

2. The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

Conclusion

Kirwan State School is a proud community asset. Dedicated, caring professional staff, great students and supportive parents – that’s us.

http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/education/management/Pages/Managing-Student-Absences-and-Enforcing-Enrolment-and-Attendance-at-State-Schools.aspx

http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/education/management/Pages/Roll-Marking-in-State-Schools.aspx

http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/education/management/Pages/Roll-Marking-in-State-Schools.aspx



http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan


John Kratzmann

Principal

kirwan state school · kirwan state school is an inclusive school and is the educational setting...

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