2019 School performance data

mercy.wa.edu.au 2019 School performance data

The following information pertains to the 2019 calendar year. 1. Contextual Information Mercy College is located in Koondoola, a north-eastern suburb of Perth, WA. Mercy College is a Catholic K - 12 school comprising approximately 1650 students. The College first opened in 1972 as a with a being built on an adjacent block soon after. However, in 2001, the decision was made to amalgamate the two schools.

Since 2002, Mercy College has included both primary (Kindergarten - ) and secondary (Years 7 - 12) students. Mercy College is very multicultural with our students being representative of over fifty-six different nationalities. 2. Teacher Standards & Qualifications Mercy College employed 124 teaching staff in 2019. Collectively, the qualifications held by teachers and the numbers who hold these qualifications are:

Certificate III 11 Certificate IV 34 Diploma 18 Advanced Diploama 1 Bachelor Degree 98 Bachelor Degree (with Honours) 14 Graduate Certificate 14 Graduate Diploma 48 Masters Degree 21 Doctoral Degree 1

3. Workforce Composition There were 203 people employed at Mercy College in 2019. Of these, there were 124 teachers (both full time and part time) - 33 male and 91 female, 79 non-teaching staff – 16 male and 63 female, of which one female staff is indigenous.

4. Student Attendance at School Year Group 2019 Attendance Non-attendance is managed by the parents of absent students Pre-Primary 92.61% being expected to inform the school via telephone call, SMS, 91.95% email, or written note of the reasons for their son/daughter's 94.55% absence. If this is not received by the school, parents are 95.17% prompted via phone call, SMS or (mailed) letter. 95.57% 94.23% In cases of chronic absenteeism, the school works with Year Six 93.23% families to at first identify the reasons and then address them. 93.25% Extreme cases are referred to the district participation officer 92.49% for intervention. 93.68% 92.11% 93.35% 92.27% Total Attendance % 93.14% JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY 5. NAPLAN Annual Assessments Year Three NAPLAN Data Test Mercy National Differential Numeracy 402.4 408.1 -5.7 Reading 409.1 432.3 -23.2 Writing 430.2 423.1 7.1 Grammar & Punctuation 426.4 439.8 -13.4 Spelling 435.9 418.7 17.2 Light green = greater than Natioanl average Red = not at National average

Year Five NAPLAN Average Growth from Year Three Test 2019 Mercy 2019 National Mercy Growth National Growth Difference Numeracy 439.8 495.8 121.4 86.4 40.5 Reading 492.3 506 92.9 74.7 24.4 Writing 485.7 473.9 101.6 60.8 67 Grammar & Punctuation 489.9 499.1 100.5 59.9 67.7 Spelling 514.8 500.7 101.8 84.6 20 Light green = Mercy growth greater than Natioanl growth Dark green = Mercy growth 25% more or greater than National growth

Year Seven NAPLAN Average Growth from Year Five Test 2019 Mercy 2019 National Mercy Growth National Growth Difference Numeracy 559.3 554.1 89.3 60.3 48 Reading 543.6 546 63.2 40.3 56.8 Writing 516.1 513.1 60.4 40.6 48.7 Grammar & Punctuation 543.3 541.7 44.4 42.4 4.7 Spelling 564 545.6 51.9 44.8 15.8 Light green = Mercy growth greater than Natioanl growth Dark green = Mercy growth 25% more or greater than National growth

Year Nine NAPLAN Average Growth from Year Seven Test 2019 Mercy 2019 National Mercy Growth National Growth Difference Numeracy 595.9 592.0 48.1 38.1 26.3 Reading 586.0 580.4 42.4 34.4 49.0 Writing 585.4 548.9 73.8 37.3 97.8 Grammar & Punctuation 580.2 573.2 44.7 31.7 41 Spelling 591.9 582.3 37.8 32.8 15.2 Light green = Mercy growth greater than Natioanl growth Dark green = Mercy growth 25% more or greater than National growth 6. Parent, Student & Teacher Satisfaction 2019 Strategic Directions Survey Feedback: https://tinyurl.com/y3uvasjv

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY 7. School Income SCHOOL INCOME 2019 FUNDING SOURCE School fees - excluding overseas students -$4, 107, 201.99 Discounts, concessions and scholarships -$2, 049, 947.06 Bad debts -$71, 382.31 $1, 885, 872.62 School fees - overseas students Other receipts from students including subject fees/charges/levies $1, 713, 084.00 Income from excursions/trips $287, 849.50 Other private income not included above $158, 552.02 Government Grants State Grant including per capita and other State grants $5, 383, 986.35 Commonwealth Grant per capita and other Commonwealth grants $15, 462, 332.52 Capital Income Commonwealth Grant for capital purposes Trade Training Centre Other capital income (includes loan drawdown) $587, 636.69 Capital fees and levies TOTAL INCOME $25, 579, 313.70 8. Senior Secondary Outcomes A. WACE (Secondary) Graduation and ATAR/TRAINING WA student numbers

2019 WACE OLNA ATAR Students Training WA Students Eligible Students # % # % # % # % Mercy 185 166 89.7 174 94.1 72 38.9 113 61.1 State 24098 22011 91.3 22730 94.3 12143 50.4 11955 49.6

2018 WACE Pass ATAR Students Training WA Students Eligible Students # % # % # % Mercy 171 149 87.1 74 43.2 97 56.8 State 24350 22317 91.6 13096 53.8 11254 46.2

2017 WACE Pass ATAR Students Training WA Students Eligible Students # % # % # % Mercy 184 170 92.4 96 52.2 88 47.8 State 24332 22175 91.1 13299 54.6 11033 45.4

B. School Curriculum and Authority Awards & Exhibitions: ATAR and VET Students

2019 2018 2017 Top 0.5% in the State 1 - - Certificate of Distinction 2 4 4 Certificate of Merit 14 14 19 C. Median ATAR Scores

2019 2018 2017 Mercy 76.4 82.1 76.70 State 81.05 81.8 81.25 D. Number of Students with Above 90 ATAR or Below 60 ATAR

2019 2018 2017 90+ 10 14 17 <60 6 7 13

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY E. Percentage of Students attempting 4+ courses and achieving a scaled mark of at least 75 in at least one of these 4 courses. 2019 2018 2017 16.7 21.6 15.6

F. Public University First Preference Received (Percentages)

2019 2018 2017 Mercy 64.8 65.7 80.9

G. Courses making the top schools in the state list (top 10% or 15%)

2019 Business Management & Enterprise 2018 Accounting & Finance, Religion & Life, Business Management & Enterprise 2017 Business Management & Enterprise

H. Training WA Complete Qualifications Achieved by Cohort

2019 2018 2017 Certificate I (Y10-12) - 70 40 Certificate II (Y10-12) 89 146 151 Certificate III (Y10-12) 79 71 45

I. Online Literacy & Numeracy Assessments

OLNA COMPONENT 2017 2018 2019 NUMERACY 98% 94% 96% Number who missed 4 11 7 READING 96% 95% 98% Number who missed 7 9 4 WRITING 94% 95% 97% Number who missed 10 8 5

2019 2018 2017 Students eligilble for OLNA 186 186 185 Students with OLNA 173 163 174 % of Students with OLNA 93 87.6 94.1 9. Post-School Destinations (Secondary Only)

18% University 23% TAFE Apprenticeship 2% 1% Employment 4% Police Force ADF 4% University Bridging Course Other 9%

39%

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY School improvement plan progress report 2019

mercy.wa.edu.au SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PROGESS REPORT 2019

ANNUAL PRIORITIES From our new Strategic Plan, we develop our school improvement plan. Our annual priorities and goals are based around a system wide LEAD framework:

LEARNING is what we do – We are committed to learning at every level. ENGAGEMENT is essential – We are committed to Catholic Education's mission through relationships with all. ACCOUNTABILITY is not optional – We have personal and collective responsibility for our system's success. DISCIPLESHIP is our calling – We are committed to deepening our relationship with Jesus.

|LEARNING Vision for Learning - SEW Model Mercy College’s SEW Model is designed to support effective learning and teaching with the focus on what teachers can do to improve outcomes for students across Style, Environment, and Work.

Teachers have embedded the common language and philosophy of the ‘SEW’ Model to ensure all aspects of teaching and learning are considered and reflected upon in order to improve student individual performance.

“The SEW Model is designed to support effective learning and teaching, with a focus on what teachers can do to improve outcomes for students across Style, Environment and Work.”

Teachers plan lessons with elements of SEW as a focus. All teaching staff choose a lesson to invite staff to come and observe, and all teaching staff choose a lesson to view as well. The lessons focus on an element, or elements, of the SEW Model, which is linked to the AITSL standards.

The staff share good practice in an annual showcase of initiatives, strategies and programs as well as exhibiting students work at our K-9 Learning Journeys.

Technology The area of technology will be a major focus heading forward. From 2020 we will have a Technology Department led by Mrs Alison Peterson. The subjects included in the department are: Metal work, wood work, digital and design technologies, home economics and textiles. We are also in the capital planning stage in developing a new build for a technologies centre encompassing the Canteen area. Hopefully this build will commence within a few years. As the use of technology is embedded in the curriculum across all learning areas, it is imperative for Mercy College to advance in this area.

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY Protective Behaviours A child protection curriculum is one way of supporting children and young people in developing protective behaviour skills. In order to meet the Non-Government Schools Registration Standard 12, all schools must deliver to all students a developmentally appropriate protective behaviours curriculum developed by experts.

At Mercy College we have been delivering the Keeping Safe Child Protection Curriculum for three years. This program has been endorsed by CEWA. In the Primary School it is taught explicitly by the classroom teacher. Nadia Fazzari our Primary School Psychologist continues to inform and update parents at the beginning of each year on the Childsafe Framework and the Keeping Safe Curriculum.

In our Secondary School our Pastoral Care Group teachers deliver the Keeping Safe program in our pastoral care periods on a Wednesday. The Keeping Safe program has been developed by experts; however, Mercy College has created and develop a scope and sequence that aligns with our College values and our Catholic mission. Importantly, the program can only be taught by staff who have completed the professional development program for the Keeping Safe modules. This includes relief or temporary staff.

In 2019, Mercy College has worked with CEWA to ensure that all full time and temporary staff have the relevant knowledge and professional development to deliver an essential program to our students. National Quality Standards (NQS) Staff in the early years have viewed each other’s lessons, learning environments and routines to enhance collaboration and parental communication. A specific early year’s newsletter called, ‘Little Steps’ has been developed, so that there is a common vision and effective progression. Thank you to Mrs Jackie Holbrook and the staff for the important work that has been maintained to ensure we are meeting the standards in the Early Years.

K-12: Enrichment Centre Mercy’s Enrichment Centre has had a productive year supporting literacy skills. Our team of nine teachers and two education assistants has implemented programs to improve the reading and writing skills of mainly junior-secondary students.

This year, the Enrichment Centre has been using the Gold Levelled Literacy Intervention resource - known as ‘LLI’. The staff and the students have enjoyed highly engaging fiction and non-fiction texts, e.g. learning about unusual animals, important environmental concerns, historical events and ways to assist others. The program links literacy skills directly to our texts so that we are learning new vocabulary, spelling patterns, and writing skills in context. Because this program involves regular assessments, the Enrichment Staff participated in an assessment training course, which was a wonderful opportunity for the team.

Another new program that has been implemented into Literacy Support is the ASDAN course. This program links important functional skills such as literacy and numeracy to real-life investigations. Some students particularly enjoyed ordering and building flat-pack shelves. The course will be accredited to their final school certificate (WACE).

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY For 2019, the Enrichment Centre was utilised in the following way:

19 sessions of small group work (3-6 students) (16 sessions of LLI and writing groups) per week

8 periods 1:1 (7 secondary school, 1 primary school)

10 sessions 1:2 secondary school using underload teaching staff (3 primary students, 11 secondary students)

Exam room for NAPLAN and OLNA (for students with accommodations/ extra time)

‘Safe Haven’ for transitioning anxiety students (short term)

Year Ten Literacy OLNA support (2 groups)

LLI introduced

ASDAN Course for two Year Elevens (Living Independently)

Year Twelves course support (eg: EALD, English, Math, Working with Children) (4 students)

The cohort of students includes:

25 students with English as a Second Language (ESL)

16 students with Special Needs

4 students with Dyslexia (many others in the academic support group may have undiagnosed dyslexia)

22 students who require academic support

3 Primary students

74 Secondary students 21 - Year Seven, 24 - Year Eight, 9 - Year Nine, 14 - Year Ten, 2 – Year Eleven, 4 – Year Twelve

Group sessions are also organised for students who need further tuition for OLNA/NAPLAN, levelled comprehension and writing. There is continual testing and monitoring to gain the evidence to show the progress of the students.

Consistency and Expectations In order to improve standards and consistency across the Secondary classes, we have been aiming to implement various strategies including developing and implementing a set of agreed guidelines around the setting of homework (Work) and following up on missed assessments (Work and Engagement). Work with teams in learning areas, has commenced, to make more effective use of learning intentions and success criteria (Style). We now recognise and award students who have achieved significant growth in a particular area (Engagement). Further developments will continue to be implemented throughout 2020.).

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY ACE Program – Accelerated Curriculum The ACE program is designed for students who need alternatives to the full main stream classroom approach to learning, with interventions which are embedded within an educational framework.

Further development with the ACE program has taken place this year. The students have individual assessment portfolios, including specific links to the Western Australian Curriculum, to ensure that the learning opportunities provided meet SCSA guidelines.

K-12 STRETCH ProgramEnhancement Acceleration is a developmentally appropriate placement process to advance students’ academic enrolment ahead of their chronological peers in one or more subjects or by one or more whole learning years.

Progressive Learning is an alternative approach to presenting the general capabilities and learning areas within the Australian Curriculum. Once levels of progression are determined for key curriculum areas, students advance incrementally through them by demonstrating proficiency in specific knowledge, skills and understandings. All levels are defined by criteria that describe what a child knows, understands and can do at the time of assessment. These behaviours are observable, allowing teachers todiagnose the stage of learning reached by the student, and to plan the next challenging but achievable step to progress learning.

Progressive Learning allows a student who has demonstrated sufficient subject ability to proceed to the next year level in that specific subject, for example, science. In most cases, the student continues to progress in other subjects at the age appropriate level.

A process of identification occurs so that selected students are ‘stretched’ across the curriculum. Currently we have seven students participating in the program.

KEY FOCUS AREAS FOR 2020 SEW – ‘Environment’ focus, K-12 Literacy Plan, IT Development, Technologies Department, Expectations and Standards, Gifted and Talented, GECKOS initiatives, National Quality Standards (NQS) |ENGAGEMENT Good Standing PolicyEnhancement This year a secondary Good Standing policy was implemented. The policy aims to be: Practical

Accountable – students aware of consequences

Affirming in its desire to improve the student

Inclusive of all staff to build a team approach to working with challenging students.

Good Standing is linked to:

Attendance (unresolved)

Punctuality (to all classes)

Uniform Conduct (broad category)

Further refining and reviewing of the policy will continue to take places in 2020. JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY Good Standing PolicyEnhancement Our Soccer Academy continues to be a ‘value added’ program for the College.

The Mercy College Soccer Academy started the year exceptionally well with both the Year 9/10 NWAS girls' teams reaching the final of the competition. Team 2, were the victors in a penalty shootout.

In the Champion Schools competition, five teams reached Northern Finals for a place in the top 4 teams in WA. The Junior and Intermediate boys were very unlucky in both losing 1-0, the Senior boys dominated their game but couldn't find the net, eventually losing on penalties. The Junior girls were very passionate and dedicated, but were defeated 2-0 and the Senior girls produced a brilliant display to win over Balga 3-0.

In the State Final, the Senior girls played an extremely strong John Curtin team, losing 7-0, but gaining many plaudits to finish the second best team in the State. The Intermediate boys played in the State Shield Final, beating Lynwood 2-1.

The Junior Soccer Academy (Minis) continues to grow, with 80 students now enrolled across Years 4-6. The program has also been implemented in Years 2 and 3, for the second year.

The 5-a-side soccer competition is in its 11th year, an exciting House event played indoor over 50 exciting games. My sincere thanks to our Head of Soccer, Mr Trim Morgan and the Academy coaching staff, Mrs Morgan, Mr King and Mrs Henderson for all their efforts in what has been a 110 game season.

Parent Engagement This year we aimed to have an active parent involvement and produce positive reciprocal relationships in order to achieve the best outcomes for the students. It has been a rewarding year, with increased numbers of parents at our Parent Information Evenings that occur once per term as well as a successful ‘Community Connections’ gathering, where we were able to answer anonymous questions and also showcase some of the great initiatives that Mercy College offers. As suggested by our parents, we now provide child/student supervision during these sessions. Ms Christobel Thaung has volunteered her time to supervise the students, and it has been so greatly appreciated. Thank you to Mrs Michelle Blackburn for leading our Parent Information Evenings as well as to treasurer, Mrs Karina Browne, and to Mrs Shevi Perera. Thank you also to Mr Albert Borrello and Mrs Jennie Jago, for their great input. It has been a very positive year with parent engagement.

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY Library Our Head of Library, Mrs Susan O’Mara, leads a very enthusiastic team in our McAuley Library. The Library is utilised as a resource and learning area continually and the team ensures that the resources are current and an appealing learning environment is maintained.

Hundreds of students utilise the Library voluntarily, at lunch time, after school or during study breaks. They have a great respect for the expectations in relation to conduct and find the Library to be an engaging place to be.

Thank you to our Library team and the work that Mrs Griselda Sorrenti does in the Archives.

Houses Many students look forward to participating in the PP-12 House Days. The staff House Leaders spend their own time planning the activities ensuring there is a connection with the traditions of the House, as well as an opportunity for participation from all.

This is very challenging with so many students and different abilities due to age, across K-12. However, it is important that we come together in a K-12 College to celebrate our history and future developments; building house spirit.

Thank you to our House Leaders for all the extra work in organising approximately 1500 students.

Flynn - Mrs Laura Matthews and Mrs Susan Manfredi O’Dea - Mrs Maya de la Haye and Mr Stephen Jeffrey Augustine - Mr Cody Keenan and Miss Melissa Galea McAdam - Miss Alycia Della-Vedova and Mrs Melissa Milici

Staff Wellbeing This year there has been a focus on workshops, the implementation of positive activities and the sharing of resources for staff, in considering positive mindsets and our own mental health. Thank you to Mrs Darri Stewart and the Wellness Team for trialling different ideas and helping staff build relationships.

KEY FOCUS AREAS FOR 2020

Parent Engagement, Mental Health, Student Well-being, Restorative Practices and Behaviour

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY |ACCOUNTABILITY Strategic Plan 2020-2024 The Strategic Plan 2020-2024 is now complete. Thank you to all of our Community members that contributed. Staff strategic planning groups have now been formed. The plan is available on our website and will be used to form our School Improvement Plan each year until 2024.

CAVE (Careers and Vocational Education & Training) Many thanks to Mrs Antonietta Scriva (Head of Vocational Education and Training), and Mrs Heather Gardiner (Careers and Guidance Counsellor) for their committed work ethic and team approach resulting in our senior students experiencing success with their learning, participating in school based traineeships, attending TAFE or even gaining employment.

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY External VET Study and the number of students involved.

Thank you to Mrs Heather Gardiner for her work in counselling students who are considering university pathways and are unsure of what course to enter or what university to apply for. Many hours are spent with students, assisting them with such tasks as, resume writing, form completion, telephone calls, clothing, transport and visiting the workplaces. The CAVE program was certainly worthy of being presented with a past LEAD award through Catholic Education in WA. Extra Curricula Once again, thank you to all of our Staff who continually go above and beyond to ensure students can engage in experiences that they may otherwise not have the opportunity to do so. The extra time and commitment from staff, in a College where there are expectations to attend other out of school hours’ events, is greatly valued. The students that engage in an extra curricula program or activity are keen to participate and enjoy the sessions.

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY Sustainability Students and staff have begun to embed good practices in relation to sustainability so that our school community is aware of the need to care for our environment and the ecological state of the area. Thank you to Mrs Amanda Huke (Head of Science) who leads a team and assists students with the process of how to create environmental change in the College.

Many different initiatives have taken place this year. With the roll out of recycling bins in offices and classrooms waste has been reduced and recycling increased. Roll out process will continue through 2020 until all areas have both bins. A trial water bottle filler tap is now being used for students to refill water bottles. Onceestablished,single use plastic water bottles will not be sold at the Canteen. Plastic straws have been omitted also. The Staffroom no longer uses single use disposable cups and plates, thereby significantly reducing waste.

Thank you to our Year 12 and Year 7 students that have presented to the Leadership Team with ideas for environment sustainability. The students’ views have already created change in our College environment. Enrolments Thank you to Mrs Lee-Ann Ottenhof for her work in enrolling students into Mercy College, which includes tours, open days, events, marketing and data collation. Our Primary School student enrolments continue to be high resulting in all places being taken. This is the situation for 2020 also. Our Secondary enrolment numbers fluctuate regularly, but enrolment places are also sought after. Next year our enrolment numbers for Year Seven have been the highest ever and therefore a number of students have been placed on our waiting list due to no vacancies. Thank you to Mrs Jackie Holbrook who has occasionally assisted in this area also.

NAPLAN The NAPLAN results in 2019 have once again shown really pleasing results. Our high number of students with English as a Second Language impact our Year 3 NAPLAN scores considerable as the students take a lot longer than those who have an English speaking background as it takes them longer to acquire the skills to be independent in their reading of the English language. The fantastic work that is done in the early years at Mercy, comes to fruition at a later stage as the students' English proficiency improves. The important part to focus on with the NAPLAN results is the growth shown from Year 3 to Year 5 and the growth from Year 5 to Year 7 compared with the nation.

The students in Year 3 have continued to be below the national average in the areas of Reading, Numeracy and Grammar and Punctuation. The improvement this year has been in the Spelling and Writing areas in which we are above the National Average. Students in Year 5 have mirrored these results by being above the national average in Writing and Spelling. Our Mercy College students in Year 7 performed extremely well being above the national average in all areas.

The important story to see with our NAPLAN results is the growth we have achieved from Year 3 to Year 5 and from Year 5 to Year 7. We have outperformed the national growth in these year levels showing the importance of the teaching and learning which is occurring at Mercy College. The growth from Year 3 to Year 5 was exceptional. We have closed the gap considerably with the national average and even gone above the national average in Writing and Spelling. In the areas of Numeracy, Writing and Grammar and punctuation, we outperformed the nation by over 40 points in each subject equating to an above 10% increase compared to other schools in the nation.

The Year Nine NAPLAN data was outstanding. Our Year Nine cohort finished their final assessments with means above the national average for all five of the NAPLAN assessments. More importantly, the average growth achieved by Mercy students between the Year 7 and Year 9 assessments was significantly higher than the average national growth over the same period. In keeping with the trend over recent years, Mercy students showed significantly greater improvement in Numeracy; our students’ scores improved by 26.3% more than the national average. JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA) Staff have provided Year 10 to 12 students with extra support and tutoring for the OLNA. Generally, more students have been able to attain the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy. Students who have not achieved the OLNA thus far will attempt the assessment in the area (Numeracy, Reading or Writing) again in the following year at school.

2016 2017 2018 2019

ATAR - number with 4 93 94 78 72 or more ATAR

ATAR - % of ATAR 52 50.5 42 37.5 students

VET - number with fewer 86 92 106 120 than 4 ATAR

VET % of VET students 48 49.5 58 62.5

NUMERACY (% passing) 90.9 97.9 94 95.2 16 4 11 9

READING (% passing) 95.5 96.2 95 96.8 8 7 9 6

WRITING (% passing) 95.5 94.6 95 95.7 8 10 8 8

Students eligible for OLNA 176 186 186 189 Students with OLNA 150 173 163 175 % of eligible students with OLNA 85.2 93 87.6 92.6

KEY FOCUS AREAS FOR 2020

Sustainability, Capital Development and Safe Environments |Discipleship Fr Albert Saminedi and the Our Lady of Mercy Parish Thank you to Fr Sam who is at the College regularly celebrating Mass, visiting classes or meeting with staff. Fr Sam takes the time to build positive relationships with others and he is so welcoming to parents and visitors also. He makes strong connections and has led a challenging life personally, in the risks he has taken to support humanity globally and to build places for education for children in Sudan. Mrs Melissa Cartner, Our Director of Mission, is well supported when planning our community events such as Harmunity Day, Ash Wednesday Mass and Mercy Day. Our Sacramental programs are conducted through the ‘Our Lady of Mercy’ Parish and our Parishioners are always welcome to attend Mass on Friday’s at Mercy College. Thank you to Mr Drew Griffith, Mrs Jackie Holbrook and Mrs Carmel Gentelli-Pace who also play a great part in ensuring our Masses are joyfully celebrated. JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY Christian Service Learning (CSL) Program Our Christian Service Learning Coordinator, Karen Wilson, was presented with an Australian Association of Religious Education (AARE) award for Meritorious Service. Karen was acknowledged for her exemplary innovation, creativity and passion in developing a comprehensive Christian Service program, regarded as a model of best practice. We are indeed fortunate to have a staff member, in this role, who has so much passion, dedication and a great respect for the dignity of every student.

This year’s programs and projects were:

Breakfast Club – Thursday’s and Fridays

Bread Ninjas

Sam - Animal Rights

PaMaChi - Support for Grandparents who are caring for their Grandchildren.

Detox - Girls outreach

Young Vinnies

Young Mercies

Caritas Group

Tutoring-for Year 7/8

Busy Bee – Saturdays once a month – Parish based

Game Hub - Big Brother Project – Now 5 days a week Mercy Angels

Salam Project- Yr 11’s - Backpack challenge - Helping Refugees

LifeLink – Yr 10 ‘Shhh’... Project

Cross to Bear – Working on projects for the Ministry Team

Mercy College UN Youth Group – We have a UN representative working with a team of students from a variety of year groups. They meet before schools 7.30am – 8.30am on Thursdays mornings and are learning about current Social Justice Issues and how Advocacy works.

Mateship – reworked, it now focuses on young men’s mental health, increasing awareness of suicide and finding safe ways for boys to be able to share their feelings.

The Emmanuel Centre - is a volunteer-run self-help centre for people with disabilities. Small groups of Year 10 Students are visiting the Emmanuel Centre every Monday from PCG to Lunch (week 2 – week 9) - The Emmanuel Centre is a volunteer-run self-help centre for people with disabilities.respect for the dignity of every student.

Thank you to Ms Wilson for her dedication and enthusiasm.

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY The Mercy ‘Growing Enriched Cultural Knowledge in Our Aboriginal Liaison officer, Mrs Mary Eades, Mrs Lucy Reeves, Mrs Melissa Cartner and key staff volunteer their time to plan and ensure that the culture and traditions of Aboriginal peoples is at the forefront of events, immersion programs, professional development and the curriculum. E.g. Assemblies, our Cultural Immersion program, guest speakers, and professional development.

KEY FOCUS AREAS FOR 2020

Catholic Practices, School Song, Prayer Guidelines

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY Strategic Planning – 2019 Annual School Improvement Plan – Feedback Report

System Strategic Strategic SMART Goals Progress Plan Link Outcomes

LEARNING

Enhance student Key Focus Area By the end of 2019, Teachers will have embedded the common language and Not Commenced achievement and One Student philosophy of the ‘SEW’ Model to ensure all aspects of teaching and learning are In Progress wellbeing Learning considered and reflected upon in order to improve student individual performance. Completed & Ongoing

Increase student and staff engagement in their During 2019, a staff group will be established to keep the College current with Not Commenced own learning and Leading Lights platforms as well as the implementation of the programs and In Progress faith formation frameworks at Mercy College. Completed & Ongoing Leadership Formation

Transforming our During 2019, staff in the early years will view each other’s lessons and routines to Not Commenced people to lead enhance collaboration, parental communication will include PD and a specific In Progress outstanding early year’s newsletter will be developed, so that there is a common vision and Completed & Ongoing Catholic effective progression. communities

Not Commenced In order to improve standards and consistency across the Secondary classes, we aim to implement various strategies by the end of 2019. In Progress Completed & Ongoing This initiative still needs some development in some secondary learning areas. It will continue into 2020. JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY System Strategic Strategic SMART Goals Progress Plan Link Outcomes

LEARNING

ACE Program – Accelerated Curriculum Enhancement Not Commenced These young people represent a diverse population of males and females of In Progress primary and secondary school age. They include: Completed & Ongoing

Students with special needs who require an alternative space for learning due to the classroom being over stimulating or too distracting will participate in the program.

Students with disability who need a completely alternate program at various times during the school day.

Behavioural issues - The young people who attend the ACE program may have experienced one or more significant and complex educational, social, developmental, psychological, health, or legal situations which demand unique responses.

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY System Strategic Strategic SMART Goals Progress Plan Link Outcomes

ENGAGEMENT

Enhance parental Key Focus Area By the end of 2019 a secondary Good Standing policy will be developed for Not Commenced engagement in their Two Student implementation in 2020., that is: In Progress child’s learning and Support Completed & Ongoing faith formation Practical

Early years learning Accountable – students aware of consequences and care

Partnering across Affirming in its desire to improve the student communities to provide the best Inclusive of all staff to build a team approach to working with opportunities for challenging students. young families. Not Commenced By the end of 2019 we will focus on Literacy implementation and support through Develop our people the development of programs K-12. In Progress to be leaders in Completed & Ongoing Catholic Education’s The Literacy Plan mission development will continue into 2020. As it is a K-12 Plan there is a lot of information and data to collate.

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY System Strategic Strategic SMART Goals Progress Plan Link Outcomes

ENGAGEMENT

By the end of 2019 we aim to have an active parent involvement and produce Not Commenced positive reciprocal relationships in order to achieve the best outcomes for the In Progress students. Completed & Ongoing Still needs to be communicate to the Whole Staff at this time.

Key Focus Area By the end of 2019, the GECKOS group will lead some targeted strategies to Not Commenced Three Community increase awareness of Aboriginal Culture and traditions throughout the year. In Progress Completed & Ongoing

Not Commenced By the end of 2019 a Wellbeing and Pastoral Care curriculum will be developed through Units of Work linked to the PC model, as well as other initiatives to support In Progress students. Completed & Ongoing

By the end of 2019, the Mercy College Social Committee will focus on activities Not Commenced and opportunities to promote the wellbeing of staff. In Progress Completed & Ongoing

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY System Strategic Strategic SMART Goals Progress Plan Link Outcomes

ACCOUNTABILITY

Increase Key Focus Area By the end of 2019 both students and staff will embed good practices in relation to Not Commenced understanding of Four Stewardship sustainability so that our school community will be aware of the need to care for In Progress our individual and our environment and the ecological state of our area. Completed & Ongoing collective responsibility for Catholic Education’s New Strategic Plan – 2020 – 2024 mission Staff, Parents and selected student groups will have completed a survey in Not Commenced preparation for the development of the new Strategic Plan, so that data can be In Progress Ensure inclusivity, collated to identify priorities. Completed & Ongoing good governance and the resource allocation required Not Commenced to meet our mission Consolidated Protective Behaviour programs form Years PP-10, so that students know when they may be at risk, how to take action and to be safe In Progress Providing learning Completed & Ongoing environments where everyone feels safe and can flourish

Health and well- being of students and staff

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY System Strategic Strategic SMART Goals Progress Plan Link Outcomes

DISCIPLESHIP

Enhance Key Focus Area By the end of 2019, there will be a more noted approach to the recognition of our Not Commenced opportunities for Five Catholic Holy Days of Obligation, so that students Catholicity is realised and practiced. In Progress personal faith Identity Completed & Ongoing development

Evangelisation By the end of 2019, students and staff will be immersed in the five Mercy Values Plan Focus so that the charisms of the Mercy Sisters are upheld and students will know their Not Commenced To develop Mercy values and what is expected, across all areas of development in relation to the In Progress College as a K-12 values. Completed & Ongoing Catholic community, reflective of the vision and mission, depicting love in action.

To ensure that the charisms of the Sisters of Mercy permeates the culture of the college.

JUSTICE • COMPASSION • Service • EXCELLENCE • DIGNITY