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ST MATTHEW’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL’S ANNUAL REPORT
2014
As the school year draws to a close I would like to thank the students, teachers, parents and friends
that make up the St Matthew’s School Community.
We have an exceptionally dedicated team of over 70 teachers, school officers and other support staff
at St Matthew’s. I’m confident that all parents join me in commending and thanking them for the
outstanding work they do in education and for the very many ways in which they go “above and beyond”
in the service of the school.
I would like to thank and congratulate the Parents and Friends Association who have worked
together to make 2014 such a productive year. I also thank the members of the School Board for their
dedication to “keeping us on track” with respect to policy development and forward planning.
Thank you to our Parish Priest, Fr Rodrigo, for his support of the school and his very visible
presence amongst us. Not all schools enjoy such positive relationships with their parish and I don’t for
one moment take it for granted. In fact school support of the mission of the parish is specifically
mentioned in our Annual Plan.
Congratulations to Mrs Kathi Rutkowski who has been confirmed in her Assistant Principal
Administration role after acting in the position this year. This year I have been privileged to have Kathi
and our new APRE, Elizabeth Fort, in her 30th year with Brisbane Catholic Education, join me on the
school Administration Team.
This year we farewelled Mrs Donna Murray, our long-serving Support Teacher Inclusive Education.
We wish Donna well in her retirement and welcome Rosemarie Bromhall as Donna’s replacement.
Although Rosemarie has been with our Learning Support Team for many years, her new position is as a
full-time continuing staff member. Our Learning Support Team consisting of Donna, Rosemarie and
Sharon Talty were worthy nominees for the inaugural Excellence in Teaching Awards, given by Brisbane
Catholic Education this year.
2014 was the last year for Year 7 to be a part of primary school so this year saw us farewelling two
graduating year levels. We were keen to provide leadership opportunities to our Year 6 students as well
as year 7 so we had two leadership days, two Canberra trips and two graduation ceremonies. 2015 will
cerrtainly have a different feel as a P-6 school. We wish the 125 students who finished Grade 6 and 7 all
the best for their secondary studies.
The following report details some of our achievements arising from our Annual Action Plan. As you
read I hope you will gain an appreciation of our efforts over the past 12 months with many important
initiatives that characterise ours as a progressive school and an exciting learning community.
Chris Brown PRINCIPAL
The achievements outlined in this document align with the Strategic Renewal Plan and Annual
Action Plan 2012-2015 which can be viewed on our school website at
www.stmatthews.qld.edu.au/html/ourschool/renewal_plan.html
In addition to a report on our Annual Goals and Actions taken towards achieving them, this report
also shares information gained during the annual review of various components of our strategic
renewal. Components reviewed during 2014 were:
1. Religious Identity and Culture
2. Responding to the Diverse Needs of Learners
3. Professional Learning and Development
4. Stewardship of Resources
Staff, student and parents contributed feedback to these components and the areas of strength and
areas for improvement are reported below under the relevant priority.
PRORITY 1 - MISSION AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Goal: To support the Catholic and broader Christian faith and spiritual development of St
Matthew’s community, to nurture and promote the religious life of the school, and the faith
formation of students and staff.
Actions
A committee of school staff was established to begin writing a Reconciliation Action Plan, in
response to St Matthew’s theme for the year which was “We Give Thanks for our Heritage” and in
order to further highlight the cross-curricular priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
histories, cultures and spiritualties.
This group has had two meetings, begun gathering resources and started writing the introduction to
the RAP. It is envisioned that this will be completed in Term One 2015 and submitted. During
curriculum sessions with teachers in 2014, an emphasis was given to the cross curricular priority of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Four staff attended a Science Conference, as professional
development, where the main speaker discussed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
contributions to Astronomy. Workshop groups that were attended also investigated Aboriginal land-
care and farming practices.
Elizabeth Fort attended a breakfast presentation given by an indigenous author from NSW- Anita
Heiss. Our teacher librarian, Jenny Brown, purchased some resources that highlight indigenous
characters, for use by students. The teaching staff attended a workshop on writing a RAP, facilitated
by Brisbane Catholic Education staff. Our school symbol for the year was a rainstick which was
used in classroom prayer and decorated with Indigenous dot painting, to remind teachers on a daily
basis of the contribution of Indigenous Australians. Elizabeth Fort worked with Margaret Connors
(REO) to produce a booklet of prayers with the use of the rainstick. These were distributed to
classroom teachers.
Staff retreat- highlighted indigenous lifestyle/practices/staff prayer and reflection. This was
held at Burleigh/Jellurgal Centre
Use of Indigenous material in staff prayer sacred space (Authentic and labelled)
Use of Acknowledgement in prayer gatherings
Ngutana Lui visit- Year Five (incursion)
Ngutana-Lui Year Four (excursion)
Indigenous Art displayed in Foyer as part of Sacred Space
Indigenous cross (Santa Teresa Mission) used in foyer as part of sacred space
Indigenous Flag used in ANZAC celebration.
Goal: To develop a religious education curriculum supported by professional development of
staff, that promotes knowledge, deep understanding and skills about the Catholic and broader
Christian tradition.
Actions
The RE Curriculum Implementation Team was reviewed and consolidated. The team re-
committed themselves to the task and assisted on planning teams throughout the year,
especially at Easter and Christmas and during the CTJ day.
The School Religion Program was correlated and formalised in preparation for External
Validation. The APRE worked with teachers each term, using an updated planning
document, to establish a clear plan for the year. This was shown to the REO, Margaret
Connors who suggested submitting the program for validation in 2015.
APRE purchased new teacher resources for use in planning and in the classroom. These
included background information about life in Jesus’ time, working with scripture to analyse
the worlds of the text and music resources. Local APREs also offered a Prayer In-service
program for teachers to gather resources for use in the classroom, in accordance with the
new prayer curriculum. Thirty teachers took advantage of this opportunity.
Goal: To promote an evangelising mission within St Matthew’s community that supports the
nature and purpose of Catholic schooling, promoting outreach and social justice programs in
the local and global context.
Actions
APRE and School Implementation Team (SIT) attended appropriate professional training.
One team member went with the APRE to an in-service day, in preparation for CTJ day in
2014. Information was given to staff via a presentation about the Worlds of the Text.
APRE and SIT worked with staff to develop units of work. These were given to teachers
with resources, in order to support classroom lessons. APRE Elizabeth Fort attended
professional training on Social Justice, using the Caritas Social Justice Curriculum resource.
This was incorporated into school units of work.
The local St Vincent de Paul members visited the school assembly to tell of the work of St
Vincent de Paul in the parish. They thanked children for their contributions to St Vincent de
Paul.
A collection was held at the start of the year to provide stationery for St Paul’s Woodridge
students. This was delivered to St Paul’s. They also borrowed microphones and equipment
as needed throughout the year.
We continued Mini-Vinnies- Christmas Card Project/ Book Stall at fete/ Christmas food
collection. A group of students made goods for a craft stall at the fete, in order to raise funds
for St Vincent de Paul. There was also a book stall at the fete which raised over $500. A
winter appeal and food collection was also held in support of the local St Vincent de Paul
group. Students made Christmas cards to be sold by the St Vincent de Paul society at the end
of the year.
Three new staff members entered Year 2 of the Catching Fire program, in the Keepers of the
Flame strand. Other participants attended retreat opportunities throughout the year. One
teacher successfully completed BCE’s Religious Education Accreditation Program.
Opportunities were created for meaningful interaction with the Mary MacKillop Garden. A
time capsule was prepared for burial in the garden with samples of photos, uniforms etc…
APA Kathi Rutkowski arranged the commissioning of an artist to paint a mural of St Mary
of the Cross MacKillop on the back wall of the garden. Work began on the placement of a
memorial stone as a marker for the time capsule.
We celebrated the school’s 30th anniversary. A school ball was held at Fitzy’s Loganholme
on August 1 with parents and staff in attendance. School commemorative tea-towels were
made and sold in the year, with each student involved. Car bumper stickers were given to
parents with the 30th emblem on them. A special mass was held with two previous staff in
attendance. A morning tea was held on this day also.
The school supported the parish in the implementation of new Sacramental Program.
Students from the school received the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First
Communion during 2014. School staff attended each celebration and supported the children
in their learning.
Additional Parish-School Masses were celebrated in Terms 3 & 4. Students attended the
parish mass on July 27 and October 26. They had many roles during the mass; in the
processions, as readers and bringing forward the gifts for the Offertory. School staff also
attended these masses. These are to be continued in 2015. In addition, two student leaders
represented the school at the Catholic Education Week mass, held at St Stephen’s Cathedral
in July.
PRIORITY 1 COMPONENT REVIEW: Religious Identity and Culture
Areas of strength:
High percentage of staff and parents acknowledge that staff understand and strongly identify
with the essential purpose and values of Catholic education.
High percentages of staff, parents and students see the school as a welcoming community.
This is supported by Margaret Connors, the EO-RE and the parish priest- Fr Rodrigo
Tomala.
The school’s office immediately identifies it as a Catholic school with art work and religious
symbols that reflect the charism of the school. (St Mary of the Cross MacKillop).
School grounds provide a prayer walk, art mural and Garden of Remembrance that link to St
Mary of the Cross and her sayings.
Use of St Mary of the Cross art work at assembly each week, in ritual procession and sacred
space.
Major events associated with charism celebrated in liturgy and with school activities- St
Mary of the Cross (Aug 8), St Matthew (Sept 21).
All classroom teaching staff are catholic and have Interim or Full Accreditation to Teach
Religion in a Catholic School.
The school mission statement clearly articulates the centrality of Jesus in St Matthew’s
school community; with education provided in the spirit of the Josephite Sisters and St Mary
of the Cross MacKillop.
Staff and students attend twice yearly parish/school masses and the Catholic Week opening
mass at St Stephen’s cathedral, in 2014. Our Parish priest is happy with the links that are
developing between parish and school.
Areas for development:
Students report that classrooms require more religious icons and art work. (Pope
Francis/Archdiocesan pic St Mary of the Cross) Fr Rodrigo Tomala also thinks that more
religious artwork is needed in the classrooms.
With new staff entering the school, there is a need for further professional development on
the charism of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, including education about her life.
Need to develop regular meeting times with Evangelisation/Spiritual Formation Team
throughout the year- one each term.
PRIORITY 2 - LEARNING AND TEACHING
GOAL: To adapt our learning and teaching environments to respond to the changing
structure of schooling
Actions
In preparation for the transitioning of Year 7 to secondary and the consequent impact on
systemic staffing, several teachers were supported in experiencing working in a secondary
school environment.
Student Reflection days were held for Years 6 & 7
Both Year 6 & Year 7 students were given leadership roles – student council, house captains
Both Year 6 & Year 7 engaged in the Canberra Trip
Graduation ceremonies were held for both year levels.
GOAL: To develop in school leadership teams and teachers advanced capacities to utilise
ICLT to improve learning and teaching
Actions
Following performance issues external to the school, staff re-engaged with LIFE Learning
Management System. This is basically a tool for online collaboration in learning and
teaching.
Staff took opportunities to share classroom practices in ICLT
GOAL: To develop whole-school approaches to the provision of pastoral care, student
protection and student behaviour support that foster social and emotional wellbeing
Actions
The school’s submission for a BCE-funded Pastoral Care Worker was approved with
funding to commence in 2015
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) training continued - Green Zone training for
selected staff.
CARE Crusaders were introduced as a strategy to encourage students to keep our CARE
expectations
Student Support Team meetings were held weekly to maximize our capacity to plan for and
respond to the needs of our at-risk students
GOAL: To effectively and efficiently implement the Australian Curriculum within the context
of the BCE Learning Framework
Actions
Teaching staff engaged with the new Geography and Citizenship curriculum and worked to
consolidate History Science Maths and English.
Initial investigations were made into The Arts & HPE curriculum documents with a view to
the commencement of implementation in 2015.
GOAL: To improve literacy and numeracy standards for our diverse student population
through data-informed, evidence-based pedagogy and targeted strategies
Actions
Refinements were made to enhance the efficacy of the upper school Literacy & Numeracy
Block
The Reading Eggs program was extended to middle and upper primary
BCE personnel were engaged to ensure timetabling and training schedule allows for
sufficient opportunities for teachers to regularly assess student progress, using e.g. BI Tool,
and use this data to adjust teaching programs
BCE consultant worked with staff on the effective use of Achievement Standards
PRIORITY 2 COMPONENT REVIEW: Responding to the Diverse Needs of Learners
Areas of strength:
Curriculum is highly accessible to all.
Teachers and support staff work well as a team
Identifying and responding to the diverse needs of the learners
Resources are appropriately targeted to support an inclusive and rich learning environment
for all learners across the school.
Staff closely track the progress of individual students, and teachers continually adjust their
teaching in response to their progress.
Transition processes for students moving into prep and secondary are responsive, flexible
and effective
The school has structures and processes that result in collaborative and positive partnerships
between the school and parents, students and the community, and provide for successful
learning outcomes for all learners. E.g. responsive student support meetings both regular and
as required; alternative breaktime activities to support children with diverse needs; gifted
and talented program; robotics
Areas for development:
To better inform parents of students' performance in the classroom.
Teachers need to become more proactive in identifying professional learning required.
PRIORITY 3 - PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS
GOAL: To continue to be an effective professional learning community that engages with
professional bodies and institutions within the broader community
Actions
External consultants were engaged to assist with the continued implementation of the
Australian Curriculum
Opportunities were given for staff to develop goals that support the School Renewal Plan
BCE consultant assisted with the development of a process to align teachers’ professional
goals to the School Renewal Plan.
GOAL: To develop and promote professional and collaborative partnerships that promote
engagement with parish bodies, the parent community as primary educators, staff and the
wider community in the mission of the Catholic School.
Actions
In her first year at St Matthew’s the APRE met regularly with the Parish Priest to discuss
items of mutual interest including class visits and liturgical celebrations.
An online survey was developed to allow for greater participation by parents, staff and
students in the annual review of our school plan.
Parents and staff collaborated on significant events such as the school’s 30th anniversary
and the Family Fun Day.
The school’s Facebook page became an increasingly popular way to communicate with the
school community with posts typically receiving hundreds of views. One post received over
2500 views by Facebook users.
GOAL: To provide a safe, healthy and productive school environment for students, staff and
community.
Actions Continued training was provided for the Workplace Health & Safety Officer.
Positive Behaviour for Learning strategies, including CARE Awards, were promoted in the
school newsletters and online.
Resources were developed to promote amongst students a greater concern for the health of
the physical school environment.
Playground rules were revised to ensure that children were able to learn through play.
GOAL: To provide professional learning that supports staff wellbeing and development
Actions
Teaching staff worked towards the development of a culture that would support Peer
Observation. This will be promoted further in 2015 in the context of improving students’
reading comprehension.
Staff engaged with BCE consultants to maximise benefits to staff of Performance
Management.
PRIORITY 3 COMPONENT REVIEW: Professional Learning & Development
Areas of strength:
A number of staff are taking lead roles in curriculum areas and are assisting, teaching and
guiding others with new innovations, e.g. LIFE.
The staff as a whole are well on track with the requirements for implementing the Australian
Curriculum.
The professional learning that teachers are involved in is of a high standard and is outlined
to parents and the community through the newsletter, at P & F meetings and Board meetings
and Facebook.
The school intentionally and explicitly connects professional learning with improved student
learning outcomes.
Areas for development:
More consistent involvement and engagement by ALL staff members in professional
practice and collaborative relationships.
There is a need for a more formalised system for recording and assessing staff professional
goals.
Effective communication of the high standard of professional learning that teachers are
involved.
PRIORITY 4 - STRATEGIC RESOURCING
GOAL: To effectively manage the delivery of information, communications and technology
within the school to enhance student and staff engagement with learning, teaching and school
operations.
Actions
Teachers investigated the implementation of iMaths from Prep to 6 with the decision being
made to engage with this program in 2015
A major program of laptop replacement was completed in December
GOAL: To ensure that the school budget supports the school priorities as outlined in the
school renewal plan.
Actions
Staff, school leadership and parents collaborated to ensure that purchases of resources were
supportive of curriculum initiatives and priorities. A major injection of funds was made to
improve reading resources
The school offered support to several families who were experiencing financial difficulties.
With the attachment of Year 7 to secondary a discussion was held regarding the use of our
surplus classrooms with a decision being made to relocate the uniform shop to a larger space
and to provide a more useable room for the Guidance Counsellor and the Pastoral Care
Worker.
GOAL: To strategically plan for maintenance of plant & equipment and for sustainable
environmental practices and processes.
Actions
Year Six leaders implemented recycling strategies to reduce rubbish
Scheduled re-painting and re-carpeting projects were completed in accordance with the
Maintenance Plan
New desks were provided for Years 2 & 3
New chairs were supplied to Years 1 – 3
In response to increased concern for the lack of air conditioning in classrooms, a feasibility
study was commissioned to explore the cost vs benefits of installing A/C throughout the
school. The report will be studied in depth in 2015 with a view to budgeting for some of the
recommendations of the report.
PRIORITY 4 COMPONENT REVIEW: Stewardship of Resources
Areas of strength:
The school has installed a large rooftop PV array which has reduces our call on external
energy supplies.
The school has 2x10000 litre water tanks that service the student toilet blocks.
Overall there is a high level of agreement that the allocation and deployment of staff
throughout the school is equitable and takes account of student needs. This perception is
supported by the allocation of specialist staff to support behaviour and to the support of
students with special needs.
The budget gives a high priority to supplementing funding from grants, BCE and fees for the
support of disadvantaged families and students with special needs.
Areas for development:
In the survey:
14% of parents disagreed with the statement “Resource allocation takes account of the needs
of the disadvantaged and marginalised”
13% of parents disagreed with the statement “There are open and transparent processes for
the allocation of resources”
11% of parents disagreed with the statement “Resource and facilities are used efficiently”
In contrast, these areas received a high agreement rating from staff. Staff, however, had a
low agreement rating with the statement “Teachers can see how Catholic social teaching
impacts on the way resources are used within the school”.
There is clearly a challenge to better communicate the extensive support given to disadvantage
families through fee relief. The appointment of a Pastoral Care Worker will be a clear sign of
Catholic social teaching and outreach in action.
CONCLUSION
At St Matthew’s we dedicate ourselves to promoting the total development of
each person. We aim to provide an educational environment where each child’s
potential can be nurtured through academic achievement incorporating
spiritual, social, intellectual and physical growth.
I look forward to continuing to work with the parents, families and staff of St
Matthew’s as we support our students’ journey at this wonderful school.