st roch’s catholic parish primary school glenvale road, … rochs... · sharing in the...

St Roch’s Catholic Parish Primary School Glenvale Road, Glen Iris

2009

Annual Report to the

School Community

Registered School Number: 1311

St Roch’s Catholic Parish Primary School

2009 Annual Report to the School Community



School Contact Information Address:

Glenvale Road, Glen Iris. 3146

Principal:

Mr. Yvan Frederic

Parish Priest:

Rev. Fr Ian Waters

Education Board Chair:

Mrs. Juliet O’Brien

Telephone:

03 9885 7704

Email:

[email protected]

Website:

www.srgleniris.catholic.edu.au



Our School Vision

ST. ROCH’S VISION STATEMENT

St. Roch’s Catholic Primary School can be defined as a community of people sharing a common belief in a Christian concept of life centred on Jesus Christ

and enlivened by the spirit and values of the Gospels.

Sharing in the evangelising mission of the Church, we emphasise the relevance of our faith to life and

contemporary culture. Committed to the development of the whole person, we strive to provide a teaching/learning environment

where positive attitudes towards faith, life and learning are encouraged and developed to enable all students to meet future challenges and continue as

life long learners. The curriculum is designed to focus on the

development of the spiritual, social, intellectual, moral, emotional and physical aspects and so

enable each child to build resilience and strive for excellence, thus reaching her/his full potential.



School Overview In 2009 St Roch’s continue the 4th year of our phase from the School Review. Our School Improvement Plan and Annual Action Plan allow us to focus upon the areas of Education in Faith, Learning and Teaching, Student Wellbeing, School Community and Leadership and Management. The school is also in the beginning phase of developing the Restorative Practices in the school. I have listed below some of the activities in 2009 in each of these 5 spheres of School Improvement. In 2011 the school will begin the ongoing cycle of the review and prepare for the next four years. In 2009 there were19 members of staff at St Roch’s including the Principal, Assistant Principal, 7 classroom teachers, specialist teachers for Library, PE / Sport, Italian - LOTE, and Music. In addition the school has appointed a part time Literacy Coordinator, two integration/teacher aides and a school admin officer. Notable among programs offered at St Roch’s are a well-developed Literacy program, Prep/Year Five/Six cross-age tutoring, a camping program for senior students, an SRC, Year 5 Leadership program, a whole-school swimming program, Out Of School Hours Care (OSHC) and a special needs program catering for students experiencing difficulties. St Roch’s currently consists of one main building, which has seven classrooms with 5 computers in each room, an administration area, a sick bay, a staff room and a main hall. The Prep classroom is joined by a stair walkway. The library is located in the house adjacent to the administration area, this area was refurbished in early 2009 to allow for an ICT area that houses 22 computers and an Interactive Whiteboard. The Commonwealth Government Grants BER and NSP will allow the school in 2010 to add small multipurpose halls and 2 new classrooms to complete our school. Funds utilised this year included the refurbishment of our playground and pathway. This included removing dangerous trees, replacing retaining walls and asphalt, also replacing the area with a rubber surface. The school surrounds include the Jubilee Gardens, built to celebrate the 50th anniversary in 1980, and the brick-paved pathway, located at the school’s entrance, representing every member of the school community in 1990, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary. A carved sculpture, ‘Learning Life and Faith’, typifies the school’s focus on children’s learning in the areas of spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual education. Clay tiles were designed by all the families in the school and placed on pillars near the main entrance of the school for our 75th birthday in 2005. The Parents and Friends Association has supported the school with facilities that include new play areas by resurfacing the playground and adding some shade area. The school also had a magnificent art show in 2009. The children’s work was displayed in our existing hall and Prep room, along with 2 whole school art works. The first was a series of canvases that depict the school life including sacramental aspects that form a cross. This was coordinated with an aboriginal artist, Lorraine Nelson. The second is a whole school painting from all classes on the creation story. Both these are currently displayed in the Hall. Assisting the night, the children played instruments and sang songs together with the music teacher. This added to “The Arts” component of the school.



The tennis courts which are used for play area during school hours were resurfaced in January 2009. The school is fully air-conditioned and there are five computers in each classroom. The school focused on improving student engagement in Religious Education as well as continually strengthening the bonds between our Parish and School. The Goal for our community allowed us to continue exploring the ways to effectively communicate and connect with our unique community. In the Learning and Teaching areas, the Action Plan allowed the school to continue to explore and engage our students in Literacy and Numeracy and continue to focus on improving student Literacy and Numeracy skills. Within our Student Wellbeing we continued to strengthen the relationships across the school. The Restorative Practice approach was a decision the school took knowing that it will take up to 5 years to fully implement. Our first information session commenced in November 2009 with further sessions in 2010. The school continues to add information to parents from renowned children psychologist to help with parenting ideas. There are a number of outstanding features of our school. The school is deservedly proud of the programs and practices that support the religious dimensions of the school. Overwhelmingly parents, students and teachers support these practices and believe that the building of Catholic Identity is a strength of the school. The school believes that it is doing all it can to establish links between the school and the parish. The school newsletter includes prayers for parents and families to reflect upon. The school is successfully providing programs to support the delivery of the VELS (Victorian Essential Learning Standards). The school has commenced work with the Interdisciplinary strand of VELS, Strand 3. This would see a stronger focus on ‘Communication’, the ‘Thinking Curriculum’, ‘Information and Communications Technology’ (ICT) and ‘Creativity and Technology’. We will have successfully implemented the VELS component by the end of 2010. A whole school focus on Professional Leadership has allowed us to begin to identify a clear sense of purpose for the school. Leadership development at all levels has enabled key people to provide essential leadership to all staff, particularly in the context at each level and across key improvement areas. This will be ongoing in 2010 throughout our school structure and professional development for Leaders, students and parents.



Principal's Report At St. Roch’s, 2009 was a rewarding year for us with many exciting events. Below I have listed some of the activities in 2009 in each of these 5 spheres of School Improvement. 1. EDUCATION IN FAITH

• Appointment of new Religious Education coordinator, Mrs. Angie Mastoras • RE Curriculum Development – We continued to focus on the scope and sequence of

Inquiry units based on the new Coming to Know Worship and Love Texts so that we can participate in a validation of the new Religious Education Frameworks developed by the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Catholic Education Office.

• RE Displays - We have had a considerable focus on the displays in our foyer depicting current periods in the liturgical year. The children have worked with our Religious Education Coordinator and classroom teachers to produce some beautiful displays. A focus was given to investigate some meditation forms that the school will introduce in 2010 with classes and staff.

• Staff faith enrichment is an important aspect of our Professional Learning and the staff had several opportunities to participate. We participated in a staff spiritual develop with staff from the art centre focusing on art and its spirituality in our world.

2. LEARNING AND TEACHING

• VELS – Continue monitoring and reviewing VELS –Victorian Essential Learning Standards.

• Continued Reporting against these Standards • AGQTP Project funding – Australian Government Quality Teaching Program Inquiry

Learning – Staff attended the final Professional Development day that began in 2008 as well as whole school closure days (Developing Inquiry Minds). The coordinators completed the course and feedback early in semester two of this year. We continue to have planning and moderation meetings in Term 2, 3 and 4 in our staff meetings.

• Math’s coordinator attended Cluster meetings and purchased classroom resources, storage containers and new assessment resources (PAT Math’s/ I can do Math’s). Focus on Professional Learning Teams to continue the good results seen at the school.

• Continued implementation of A –E Report Card - reporting against Standards of Mathematics and Literacy in June and added Interpersonal Development in December.

• P-6 Professional Learning Team (PLT) meetings each week that include English and Mathematics.

• Writing was a focus – PLT 3-6 focus on Writing – Developed the Writing Assessment/Analysis Criteria using NAPLAN and Standards.

• Data collection and analysis - ClaSS, SINE, and NAPLAN – continue to collect data on N-Forma database to inform our teaching. Continue to discuss trends.

• Myclasses intranet – used more frequently by students and staff. The ICT coordinator has organised that all students have an email address and myclasses page.



• Information Technology - Ghosted all computers, Updated licensing. Purchased new hardware (interactive whiteboards) and computers for the new lab in the discovery centre. The school purchased a new server to cater for ongoing school needs. The school made a conscience decision to introduce ICT captains for our year 6 students for 2010. We have also implementing a new ICT club in 2010 that is conducted during lunch times.

• Discovery centre – we opened the discovery centre at lunch times and before school on Monday morning to allow access for students.

3. LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT Professional learning

• Leadership Team – new members appointed in 2009 • Leadership Team Meetings with Principal, Deputy Principal, REC and Positions of

Leadership. Continue with the Building Leadership Capacity model. • Create an expert team for our Art show. The team organised coordinated professional

Development, resources and structure for the art show in 2009. • Survey- Staff completed survey on leadership in school to help direct goals and

achievements • Staff Support - Staff allocated an extra 2 days to assist with report writing • Staff Appraisal -Annual Review Meetings using the Principles of Learning and Teaching

as a guide for teachers to set goals for their own teaching. • Principal and all staff using MyDesktop Intranet more, for communicating information

to staff with emails, calendar and the school electronic desktop. • Prof. Learning – 4 X whole school closure days: Inquiry learning, 1 for Religious

Education, 1 Discipline Policy and curriculum, 1 for First Aid and ICT. • Student Leadership – Leadership Program Yr 5 - 6 sessions using Michael Grose

Program – taken by the Principal. • School Board – reformation – regular meetings. • After School Care – Committee of Management formed and the Quality Assurance

process began. • Catholic Education Office Professional Learning - many staff participated in several

projects or seminar days during the year. • Introduced team approach for Art Show committee. The art team organised and

resourced staff for the Art Show. Resource and Facilities Management Some areas of improvement in 2009

• Upgrade playground- jubilee retaining walls redone, trees lopped (dangerous), paving ripped off and rubber surface applied. Shade clothe installed in Jubilee Garden.

• Capital Library work completed- extension and new lab formed • New Computers Purchased new computers for classrooms and colour printer. New

interactive whiteboards in Year 1, Year 5/6, Year 4 and Discovery Centre. • New Blinds Installed blinds in Year Prep classrooms • New split system Air conditioner Year 3 classroom • New furniture Year 5/6 classroom

4. STUDENT WELLBEING • Education Support Specialist – Mrs. Anne Weir assists teachers to develop Individual

Learning Plans for students and organises Parent Support Group ( PSG ) meetings • Intervention Programs include Reading Recovery, ERIK, bridges • Drug Education – currently reviewing the provision of Drug Education and the available

resources • Other Programs under review – Prep – 6 Social Skills Program, Circle club • Buddy program continues to be an important aspect of our Prep transition. It also

caters for the year one students budding up with year 5.



• One Plus One Program introduced in 2008 and continued in 2009– a supportive, one on one program for students who may experience social difficulties in the playground. One teacher is partnered with one student to take a special interest and to support the student.

5. SCHOOL COMMUNITY • School Education Board had 2 new members in 2009 and 2 Board members attended

the Board Induction PD. We are reviewing the meeting procedures and appointed a new Chair for 2009 and Secretary.

• Marketing strategies to attract enrolments –had information day in April • Parents & Friends Association introduced new system in 2009 for fundraising events,

working bees, parent helpers, • St Roch’s has got Talent in August was a great success once again and featured the

children’s art work which was auctioned. • Liaised with local community services and Dept. Human Services. • Social Justice – St. Vincent's Mass for the Poor. Footy Day – Centre care, Mission

week, Family Week. • Tennis coaching- after school • Dance club- during school lunch times • Kelly sports- soccer after school Prep to Year 3

Education in Faith Goals and Intended Outcomes for St Roch’s in 2009: That the learning and teaching of Religious Education be strengthened. That the students will engage in an integrated and inquiry based R.E curriculum. That a clear strategic plan for Religious Education be identified. Achievements: EDUCATION IN FAITH Sacramental Program – included family evening workshops for Yr 3 & Yr 4 Year 3 students received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Year 4 students received the Sacraments of First Eucharist. Confirmation is done biannually (2010). RE Curriculum Development – The school used the online Coming to Know Worship and Love texts that enabled us to participate in a validation of the new Religious Education Frameworks that were developed by the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Catholic Education Office. Yearly planners were organised to be used in 2009 with exemplar units. Students were given the opportunity to participate in mass through readings, offertory processions, liturgical music, choir, Prayers of the Faithful and other mass responses. Students participated in celebrations such as St Roch’s Day, Holy Week, Ash Wednesday, and Advent etc Parents are involved in formal Parent Information Nights for Sacramental programs facilitated by staff and guest presenters. Parents are invited to support the Sacramental program through various home activities. The Religious Education Coordinator supports teachers, parents, students and liaises with the Parish Community in preparation for Sacramental Celebrations. Our Year 6 Leaders attend Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral every year. Our students are also involved in providing ongoing support for various Catholic Agencies such as Centre Care and Caritas. The commitment of the staff to assist the parents in the faith development of the children is to be commended. We also acknowledge and are grateful for the support of Father Ian Waters.



Learning and Teaching Goals and Intended Outcomes To improve learning efficacy and engagement To improve literacy standards in Years P-6 To improve numeracy standards in Years P-6 Achievements: LEARNING AND TEACHING A high priority and focus in every year is Inquiry, Literacy and Mathematics and again in 2009 the staff decided that through the Review Process that a focused upon Inquiry, Oral Language, Writing and Numeracy skills in Mathematics were necessary. Some highlights in 2009 included:

•School improvement Plans and Annual Action Plan was ongoing for 2009 school Year. •Specialist teams were set up to assist with Special Events held at the school using PMI Charts. • P-6 Professional Learning Team (PLT) meetings each week focusing on Literacy and numeracy. •Writing was a focus – PLT 3-6 focus on Writing – Continued development of a writing assessment/analysis criteria for staff using NAPLAN and Standards. •Data collection and analysis - Insight SRC, ClaSS, SINE, and NAPLAN– continue to collect data to inform our teaching. •MyClasses intranet Professional Development was given to staff by the ICT coordinator weekly during Semester 2. •Information Technology - updated licensing, updating technology by purchasing Interactive Whiteboards in school for the Year 4 and discovery centre. • The school can demonstrate that curriculum documents reflect VELS planning. The school also began to keep current planners in line with new strategies learnt in Inquiry Learning through Professional Development. •The school held a magnificent art show that included different aspects from the ARTS domain. The art committee and staff did a great job with the children’s work with displays around the school. The music teacher had each class performing along with individual children playing instruments with change over. •The school sports are another highlight that utilizes the ground of St Kevin’s college. •The end of year Carols was enjoyed by all also held at a local secondary college Sacre Coeur. The children were fantastic.

Compliance Advice Proportion of Students meeting National Benchmarks (These are only based upon the NAPLAN tests 2009 which are a snapshot of a child’s performance) Year 3 Reading -100 % at and above National Standard Year 3 Writing -100 % at and above National Standard Year 3 Grammar and Punctuation -100 % at and above National Standard Year 3 Spelling -100 % at and above National Standard Year 3 Numeracy -100 % at and above National Standard Year 5 Reading -100 % at and above National Standard Year 5 Writing -100% at and above National Standard Year 5 Numeracy -100% at and above National Standard Year 5 Grammar and Punctuation -100 % at and above National Standard Year 5 Spelling -100 % at and above National Standard As is evident by this data, St. Roch’s maintains high standards with Mathematics and English with high percentages achieving the National Benchmarks. However, we do set our own targets



for English and Mathematics and the VELS standards are themselves set at a more challenging level than the National Benchmarks. Our assessment schedule includes both formal and informal assessment of Literacy and Numeracy, enables the staff to keep a track of all students and their progress over time. We can analyse this data, which is stored on the Nforma database, and target the teaching and learning that best fits the needs of the students. Any students who are “at risk” of falling below the average of the class may have an Individual Learning Plan developed for them to cater for their learning needs. Parent Support Group meetings are held once per term to meet with the parents of funded students to discuss the progress of the Individual Learning Plan. Changes in Benchmark results from the previous years 2008/09 Year 3 Reading: 0% improvement Year 3 Numeracy: 0% improvement Year 5 Reading: 0% improvement Year 5 Numeracy: 0% improvement Changes in Benchmark results from the previous years 2007/08 Year 3 Reading: 0% improvement Year 3 Numeracy: 0% improvement Year 5 Reading: 0% improvement Year 5 Numeracy: 0% improvement Changes in Benchmark results from the year 2007/06 Year 3 Reading: 3.4% improvement Year 3 Numeracy: 0% improvement Year 5 Reading: 0% improvement Year 5 Numeracy: 0% improvement These figures in 2008/09 are only based upon the NAPLAN testing and are not a complete picture of the overall performance of the school. The figures in 2007/06 are AIM data figures and are very different to NAPLAN Data. We take into consideration many aspects of a child’s learning to make more informed decisions about their progress. These figures were pleasing and we found that the results showed a slight improvement in English and Numeracy over the past 3 years. We have had a focus on Numeracy and have changed our term planning and attended professional learning days and workshops so it is pleasing to see improvement, even only slight. It is hoped that we can maintain this level of improvement in 2010/ 2011. The trends shown over the past years with NAPLAN and AIM statewide testing has been very pleasing with the school. We are showing high consistent results with gradual improvements in some areas. The school, although pleased, continues to seek for new initiatives and methods to improve all cohorts of children from the lower spectrum to the high achievers in each year level.



NAPLAN Data is not available before 2008. The following are AIM data based on years previous to 2008. However the trends in our numeracy with the AIM data from 2007 to 2003 indicate some good value added to each of the cohorts. Below we have a very different result with our year 5 student’s trends. The graphs indicate a growth in the Standard Mean which is a very pleasing result. The comparison to St Roch’s has with the state and like schools shows a positive aspect to our teaching and learning that is happening within the school.



Student Wellbeing Goals and Intended Outcomes To strengthen relationships across the school. That there are increased opportunities for Peer Connectedness. That the leadership capacity of students be developed. Achievements The school provided an opportunity each term for P – 6 activities, other than Circle Club sessions. We had a change of focus of Circle Club to teacher directed social skills as well as student lead experiences with Year 6 students. In-serviced staff on policy and unacceptable behaviour form in line with bullying policy. The school purchased and implemented Michael Grose Leadership Program- Principal implemented with Year 5 children. Student Attendance Average Student Attendance based upon possible 195 days of school in 2009 is 92.9% Regular student attendance is important for student achievement and students who regularly miss days off school are at risk of missing out on key learning activities and may experience long-term difficulties with their learning. Attendance also helps children to develop social skills such as friendship, building teamwork, communication skills and healthy self-esteem. At. St. Roch’s we have a healthy average attendance rate but it is something that is closely monitored by classroom teachers. Through the school survey conducted with our students satisfaction with school based activities is high. The school has also added activities related to the additional curricular and extra-curricular activities which ‘add value’ to the achievement and well being of students. Such activities included chess club, dance lessons Monday – Friday lunchtimes for boys



and girls, Perceptual Motor Program Year Prep and Year 1, Music lessons, Italian Lessons, PE lessons and library lessons, also offered as part of the school curriculum. St Roch’s has offered a variety of different excursions and incursion related to units of work. Some activities like our Italian Day, St Roch’s Day celebrations, book week activities and dress up, carols afternoon, World Youth Day, Graduation dinner, Sports Carnival were thoroughly enjoyed by all the students and supported by many parents in 2008. The children in our Year 5/6 class also enjoyed Camp at Mt Evelyn which was an action based activity camp. This year the senior students also participated in the Sacrament of Confirmation which is held biannually. The school also introduced Kelly Sports on Monday afternoon to allow students to participate in sport. It also offers Tennis lessons after school for students who wish to participate with a coach. The before and afterschool program also offers a variety of activities for the students who are enrolled in this program.

Leadership and Management Goals and Intended Outcomes To improve Staff professional team work and cohesiveness. To improve Staff Appraisal and Recognition. To improve the clarity, direction and communication within the school. That all members of staff have a clear understanding of their role and others. That all members of the leadership team have a clear vision of future directions or the school. To strengthen the learning and teaching culture through engagement That our school leaders build a climate of trust among staff. Some achievements that were achieved in our Leadership included that the staff:

• Reviewed the school vision statement in line with CEOM at the beginning of the year.

• Improved the sense of team and team work via the establishment of protocols for meetings and professional interactions.

• Provided "Succession Training": Leadership training for school leaders and for those staff interested in leadership and showing leadership potential..

• Improve the sense of team and team work via the establishment of protocols for meetings and professional interactions.

• Provided a variety of communications that include weekly memo, calendar, pigeon holes,

myclasses, my desktop, whiteboards.

Compliance Advice Staff Attendance - (teaching staff) The average attendance rate per staff member Teaching Staff: 96.66% Non-teaching staff: 92.41% All staff: 95.99% Rate of attendance in 2009 The Figure represents the average percentage attendance rate per staff member who were employed at the school on the last day of term 4. The staff is highly committed dedicated professionals who work tirelessly for the students in their care. St. Roch’s are extremely fortunate to have such an excellent team of teachers. Staff morale is good and we enjoy a positive working environment.



Staff Retention The proportion of teaching staff retained in a program year from the previous year is 80% This indicates the rate of retention of individual teaching staff members from one school year to the next. At the end of 2009 we had one part time staff member who left to take up a position in a local Primary school close to her residence. We also had another part time that began her retirement. Teacher Highest Qualifications 6.25% - Masters 37.5%Graduate Diplomas 43.75% - Bachelor of Education 6.25%Graduate Certificate All staff is highly qualified and all are members of the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). As can be noted from the figures, our staff has a diversity of qualifications, skills and expertise, which provides for diversity among the teachers. They have shown a commitment to lifelong learning with their ongoing professional development activities and involvement. Professional Learning (PL) (Includes expenditure and teacher participation in professional learning -PL)

In 2009 the commitment of St Roch’s teachers to the growth of their own professional knowledge and practice was focused in a very professional manner and related to their experience and expertise in their fields. Professional learning expenditure was spent in the following areas: Religious Education courses and Faith development at Art gallery and Religious focus. Victorian Essential Learning- curriculum, learning and moderation. Literacy- ERIK, cluster meetings, Literacy leaders Professional development (Eastern Region), Writers Workshop, Reading Recovery continuing contact, Bridges and whole spelling focus through PLT’s A core group of Staff continued to participate in the Inquiry in the 21st Century that heavy involves the staff returning back to the school and implementing and working with all staff in an ongoing manner. This includes futures work beyond 2010. Information and Communication Technology- reporting procedures, Myclasses and interactive whiteboards sessions after school with experts. ICT network meetings. Leadership- Principal, Deputy Principal, REC, Curriculum Co-ordinators Building Leadership capacity, Principal Induction conference, Deputy Principal Networks and conference Student wellbeing sessions and cluster meetings also benefited the coordinators and building their experiences and knowledge to develop assistance to staff and students. Special Education and reading recovery network meeting and clusters assist in the development of the specialist staff as well as visits to Autism Australia.



The number of staff participating in the different professional learning range from 1 to 12 depending on the area of expertise and relevance to the staff members. The average expenditure per teacher on Professional Learning in 2009 was $1448. This figure indicates all expenditure related to Professional Learning and resources/ books spent in the Library. This figure also includes the costs of replacement teachers for classroom teachers who are on professional development. Financial Performance

Financial Performance for the year ended 31 December 2009

Reporting Framework Modified Cash $

Recurrent income Tuition

School fees 199514

Other fee income 88729

Private income 18404

State government recurrent grants 236,367

Australian government recurrent grants 817,617

Total recurrent income 1,360,631

Recurrent expenditure Tuition

Salaries, allowances and related expenses 1,023,837

Non salary expenses 232,456

Total recurrent expenditure 1,256,293

Capital income and expenditure Tuition

Government capital grants 122,769

Capital fees and levies 10,534

Other capital income 48,355

Total capital income 181,658

Total capital expenditure 326,610

Loans (includes refundable enrolment deposits and recurrent, capital and bridging loans) Tuition

Total opening balance 35,424

Total closing balance 10,672 Note that the information provided above does not include the following items: System levies charged to individual schools, intra-systemic transfers and diocesan supplementary capital fund (SCF) supported borrowings for primary schools. The information provided is not comparable with other educational sectors. The Department of Education,



Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is in the process of reviewing the Financial Questionnaire (FQ) during 2009 that may ultimately change the method of reporting these exclusions. School Community Goals and Intended Outcomes We aim to strengthen parental and community involvement in the school

That parent opportunities to contribute to school life be extended.

To promote school in the wider community

To work in partnership with Stonington Council

To encourage an awareness of Social Justice Achievements included: • Education Week

• Special events e.g. Grandparents Day, Art Show

• Involved elderly parishioners in the life of the school

• Italian Day

• House Tabloid Sports

• Chess club

• Working Bees

• Parent participation in class programs, liturgies and assemblies

• Maintained effective communication with the community

• Begin a process of protocols for school Parents and Friends Association and Parish School Board

• Established school Open Days

• Catholic Education week

St Roch’s has got talent and Fundraising activities

• Visited local Preschools and invited Preschool staff to St. Roch’s

• Flyers sent to Pre-schools to promote school

• Promote Real Estate boards for open Day

• Prep orientation programs

• Advertised the school in local papers and Billboards

• Use of community facilities, sporting grounds, local pools

• SRC fundraisers

• Project Compassion

• Religious Education Program

• Fr Day Breakfast/ Mothers Day Breakfast

As stated in our school vision statement, ST. ROCH’S school can be defined as a community of people

sharing a common belief in a Christian concept of life centred on Jesus Christ and enlivened by the spirit

and values of the Gospels. We all share in the evangelising mission of the Church.

This is evidence in our whole school Social Justice Program; including community fundraising, project

compassion, overseas mission projects, fundraising and our Religious Education Program. Also, our

parents have many opportunities to take part in the school community by assisting as classroom helpers,

being members of a variety of parent committees such as circle club, parent representatives, parents and

friends, school education board and school beautification.

All children are provided with opportunities to use the S.R.C to discuss issues with their classroom

community.

At St Roch’s we believe we have strengthened our parental and community involvement in the school.

The data results collected in relation to school connectedness with our parents show a ranking in the

lower end of the top 30%. The general satisfaction of all our parents is also in the same bracket. This

result allows the school to modify and continue to work in partnerships with our parents.

Surveys that the school conduct through Insight SRC allows the school to gauge parents, students and

staff responses on different aspects of the school.



Future Directions FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR ST. ROCH’S PARISH SCHOOL 2010 AND BEYOND…. St Roch’s will continue to implement its annual action plan for each of the following future years. This will enable us to focus on whole school improvement in the five spheres of the improvement phase until our next school review. Many of the goals set are ongoing to improvement all areas of student outcomes. In Religion we hope that the learning and teaching of Religious Education be strengthened. That the students will engage in an integrated and inquiry based R.E curriculum. This year will also include in reporting with the new Religious Education standards and the staff moderating to the children skills and knowledge. In teaching and learning for 2010 we hope to be more effective teachers and consolidate our integrated inquiry based learning. The school will demonstrate that curriculum documents reflect VELS planning and that an engaging curriculum, building intrinsic motivation for all learners be developed. In literacy we hope that the school can demonstrate support for the lower cohort and extension for the middle and upper students in Literacy: Years P- 6. We hope to focus on continuing their oral language skills. Data collation and using this will be important in our continuation for excellence. In Mathematics we hope to extend the current suite of screening tests to ensure that all areas of Numeracy are tracked across Years P – 6 and produce a Prep-Year 6 Mathematics Continuum and clarify teaching in Number, P - 6. Numeracy taught across the levels will need to be a focus to ensure consistence and uniformity. We hope that in the future we will be able to share and conduct Mathematics nights with our parents. In 2010, we hope to broaden our community profile and encourage future enrolments, especially in Year 5 and 6. We will endeavour to develop partnerships with local agencies, which will benefit all. A culture in the school and around neighboring schools does exist where students leave to secondary schools in year five. We hope to continue to encourage students to remain at St Roch’s with leadership and opportunities to be the seniors in their lifestyle. It is hoped that we can continue to develop our facilities and in 2009/ 2010 we will complete the upgrading of the Library and Library roof. It is also envisaged that we look at ongoing repairs, such as the exterior stairs that will become internal. Other areas include tennis court resurfacing and best plans for the Jubilee Garden. We will look at all safety aspects for our Jubilee garden and Playground and future asphalt works for our top playground area and decide the best outcome. This will include removal of some trees causing an Occupational Health and Safety issue with our students and community. The building Revolution BER from the Commonwealth Government will fund a two million dollar project with classrooms and multipurpose rooms by the completion of 2010. These will include 2 multipurpose rooms and 2 new classrooms. This will also include toilets to be refurbished. The school will also have the jubilee gardens refurbished to create a safer environment for the children to play in. a rubber surface was laid in the school yard. The school will also utilise the Commonwealth Grants given to assist with development of playground, asphalting and new building works that will be carried through to the year 2010.



Also within the leadership and management, in 2010 we will continue to implement the third year of our School Improvement Review, which will help us identify and work towards the areas of improvement. This will include reformation of our leadership team, focusing and highlighting team work within all learning areas. The leadership will also be working closely with the Catholic Education Office with Professional Development called Building Leadership Capacity. We will also continue to survey our community to allow us to determine areas of progress and areas that may need to be addressed. Student Wellbeing is high on our list of priorities and we are reviewing the current Pastoral Care policy, which incorporates our Behaviour Discipline Management Policy, our Anti Bullying policy and our Student Welfare policy. This will include beginning and learning about Restorative practice that is a 2 year implementation and introduction phase. Continuing to develop links between parish and school has also been a major focus for us as it is important to encourage in the children a sense of community and a sense of belonging to the parish long after they have left the school. The school endeavours to strive for excellence with all our students and follow our School Vision.

st roch’s catholic parish primary school glenvale road, … rochs... · sharing in the...

Documents