Taree Public School 2019 Annual Report
3167
Page 1 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
Introduction
The Annual Report for 2019 is provided to the community of Taree Public School as an account of the school's operations and achievements throughout the year.
It provides a detailed account of the progress the school has made to provide high quality educational opportunities for all students, as set out in the school plan. It outlines the findings from self–assessment that reflect the impact of key school strategies for improved learning and the benefit to all students from the expenditure of resources, including equity funding.
School contact details
Taree Public School Albert St Taree, 2430 www.taree-p.schools.nsw.edu.au [email protected] 6552 1233
Message from the principal
I am proud of the achievements of our teachers and students and the progress made towards achieving our school strategic directions. Taree Public School (TPS) delivers high quality teaching learning experiences underpinned by supportive welfare programs and practices.
TPS is committed to providing a learning environment that nurtures, guides, inspires and challenges students. We work in partnership with parents and encourage them to be active participants in their child's education. We are proud of the high levels of engagement from our community, evidenced with over 70% of parents and carers attending the Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) BBQ afternoon, along with numerous community events throughout the year.
The engagement of members of the school community and partnerships with external agencies support the monitoring of student progress and wellbeing. TPS has implemented evidence based approaches to teaching and learning through Visible Learning – professional development that builds teacher and leader capacity to create innovation in the learning environment. This is supported through the implementation of the Early Action for Success (EAfS) strategy and extensive instructional coaching and support for all staff.
Collective Efficacy is enhanced through strategic collaboration throughout the school and a detailed focus on the analysis and review of student data in order to inform future practices. In conjunction, the implementation of evidence based Wellbeing practices supports student Social and Emotional Learning and the development of life skills and social capital. Optimum conditions for student learning across the whole school are supported through clearly articulated behaviour management practices and expectations that promote positive respectful relationships between all members of the school community. All student learning is supported through a culture of high expectations and clear and transparent reporting procedures.
Across the domains of Learning, Teaching and Leading we are delivering high quality, robust and relevant experiences for students, staff and the broader community. I certify that the information in this report is a result of a rigorous self–evaluation process and is a balanced and genuine account of the school's achievements and areas for
Page 2 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
School background
School vision statement
Our vision is to inspire children to be happy, healthy and creative students in an environment that features an involved and connected school learning community.
All students have access to quality teaching and culturally appropriate learning experiences.
We promote the core values of respect, responsibility and acceptance. Motivated students do their best, fully explore their learning potential and become engaged citizens in our local and global communities.
Taree Public School is a place where teachers, parents, community members and students work collaboratively to develop and provide processes, structures, and resources that equip our learners with the necessary skills for tomorrow's future, today.
Our plan is under–pinned by the Connected Communities key deliverables and three strategic directions : • Fostering Quality Teaching and Learning • Wellbeing for Students and Teachers, and • Effective Communication – this has moved into maintenance mode.
School context
Our school is situated in the coastal town of Taree on the mid–north coast of New South Wales. The population of Taree is approximately 18 000. The school is centrally located being only one block from the Central Business District.
Taree Public School has an enrolment of 71 students with 54% identifying as being of Aboriginal descent. The school has a Family Occupation and Educational Index (FOEI) of 209 and as a result attracts significant funds. The school also attracts significant funding to support student learning.
The school benefits from professional learning through the National Partnership on Low Socio Economic Status schools initiative. This is supported through the implementation of the Early Action for Success (EAfS) strategy and extensive instructional coaching and support for all staff.
The school is identified as the educational partner to Taree High School under the umbrella of the Connected Communities Initiative. Both schools continue to work closely together to ensure that the Connected Community Key Deliverables underpin teaching and learning.
Explicit teaching and high quality teacher delivery of literacy, numeracy and a positive behaviour system incorporating elements of Aussie Fair Rules continue to be focus areas.
The school is well supported by its local community and has strong programs in Aboriginal Education to ensure every student is known, valued and cared for.
The school has positive partnerships with external agencies with three playgroups in operation within the school's grounds – Biripi Health with "Young Mums and Bubs", Uniting Burnside with the Hippy Group and Mission Australia with Communities for Children. In partnership with Biripi Health, a Connected Beginnings program has been established.
Page 3 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
Self-assessment and school achievement
This section of the annual report outlines the findings from self–assessment using the School Excellence Framework, school achievements and the next steps to be pursued.
This year, our school undertook self–assessment using the School Excellence Framework. The Framework is a statement of what is valued as excellence for NSW public schools, both now and into the future. The Framework supports public schools throughout NSW in the pursuit of excellence by providing a clear description of high quality practice across the three domains of Learning, Teaching and Leading.
Each year, we assess our practice against the Framework to inform our school plan and annual report.
Our self–assessment process will assist the school to refine our school plan, leading to further improvements in the delivery of education to our students.
For more information about the School Excellence Framework: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching–and–learning/school–excellence–and–accountability/school–excellence
Self-assessment using the School Excellence Framework Elements 2019 School Assessment LEARNING: Learning Culture Sustaining and Growing LEARNING: Wellbeing Sustaining and Growing LEARNING: Curriculum Sustaining and Growing LEARNING: Assessment Delivering LEARNING: Reporting Sustaining and Growing LEARNING: Student performance measures Delivering TEACHING: Effective classroom practice Sustaining and Growing TEACHING: Data skills and use Delivering TEACHING: Professional standards Sustaining and Growing TEACHING: Learning and development Sustaining and Growing LEADING: Educational leadership Sustaining and Growing LEADING: School planning, implementation and Sustaining and Growing reporting LEADING: School resources Sustaining and Growing LEADING: Management practices and processes Sustaining and Growing
The results of this process indicate that Taree Public School has been identified as sustaining and growing in eleven of fourteen elements across the domains of Learning, Teaching, and Leading.
Page 4 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
Strategic Direction 1
Fostering Quality Teaching and Learning
Purpose
Every student deserves a great teacher not by chance, but by design" John Hattie, Nancy Frey, Douglas Fisher.
To ensure high quality teaching and learning is occurring in every classroom.
Individual learning needs of students are met using evidenced based learning and instructional pedagogy to deliver an effective and differentiated curriculum. Our purpose is underpinned by the following quote "Every teacher, every leader and every school improves every year". (Goal 3 Department of Education Strategic Plan 2018 –2022).
Improvement Measures
Staff indicate enhanced teaching practice as a direct result from deliberate and targeted professional learning aligned to the Strategic School Plan.
100% of staff show improvement in self–assessed matrix.
Show transformational growth through the improved literacy and numeracy performance of at least 25% of students in the top 2 bands of NAPLAN.
10% increase of Aboriginal students in the top 3 bands in NAPLAN (Read/Num) from (Premier's Priority 5% to 15%)
100% of teachers differentiate their programs to accommodate students' needs.
A 40 % increase in the number of students who can articulate what they are learning and why when compared to base line data.
Sustained growth from Yr 3 to Yr 5 is equal to or better than state average as reflected in a decrease in the percentage of students in the bottom 2 bands coupled with an increase of students in the top 2 bands in reading, writing and numeracy.
Progress towards achieving improvement measures
Process 1: School Engagement – Professional Development
The leadership team provides tailored opportunities for professional learning that support whole school and individual professional learning goals with a specific focus on Visible Teaching and Visible Learning.
Key Deliverable: Staff report that professional learning opportunities build their capacity to personalise their teaching to meet the learning needs of all students in their class.
Evaluation Funds Expended (Resources)
Visible Learning baseline data and Action Plan established. The Inside Series – Building and characteristics of a Visible Learner are understood by teachers. Developing Visible Learners – $10 980
Learning Dispositions established via consultative approaches with staff, Planning and implementation board students and community. displayed in TPS PL room
Process 2: Early Action for Success
The Instructional Leader aims to improve students' performance through targeted support in the lowest quartile of NAPLAN performance in literacy and numeracy.
Key Deliverable: Aboriginal students are increasingly achieving at or above national minimum standards and overall levels of literacy and numeracy achievement are improving.
Evaluation Funds Expended (Resources)
Page 5 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
Progress towards achieving improvement measures
K–2 staff engaged in extensive mentoring and coaching from Instructional Instructional Leader EAfS $132 000 Leader EAfS.
Targeted and deliberate five weekly teaching and learning programs are data–driven, meeting the learning needs of all students.
Student growth and progress is monitored with embedded evaluative approaches.
Process 3: Data–Driven Learning Community
Implement a whole–school approach to instructional coaching and PL to support staff in providing quality teaching and learning experiences driven by data.
Key Deliverable: Staff report that professional learning opportunities build their capacity to personalise their teaching to meet the learning needs of all students in their class.
Evaluation Funds Expended (Resources)
Staff can talk about the purpose of the assessment tasks and reflect on Inside Series: Building and Developing information gained. Visible Learner seminar. $1020
Whole school assessment schedule has been developed for all key learning areas.
Page 6 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
Strategic Direction 2
Wellbeing for Students and Teachers
Purpose
To drive and improve systems and structures that are inclusive of all students and support them to become self directed learners in a safe and caring environment. Empowering staff to manage their wellbeing and contribute to a healthy workplace culture.
A positive environment will be fostered by: • providing safe learning environments for young people to learn and succeed • promoting positive social behaviour • providing support to vulnerable students • building strong links with parents, carers, and school communities • supporting staff wellbeing , resulting in a healthy workplace culture
Improvement Measures
Increased overall student attendance.
Students participating in intensive tuition improves by 50%. – data adjusted to exclude suspension.
Overall proportion of students attending 90% or greater increases.
Improved self esteem and emotional growth are significantly enhanced and evidenced in TTFM.
100% of teachers promote health and hygiene practices in classrooms.
All students can articulate and demonstrate safe and hygienic behaviours.
Staff wellbeing is significantly stronger based on People Matter Survey and TTFM.
Progress towards achieving improvement measures
Process 1: Attendance
The school community understands and values the importance of regular attendance enabling all students to flourish and prosper.
Key Deliverable: Attendance rates for Aboriginal students are equal to the state average.
Evaluation Funds Expended (Resources)
Effective communication strategies have not been discussed – to follow up. CESE case studies– Trauma informed practices Resources have been sourced and scheduled in to professional learning timeline. CESE – High expectations and student engagement
Develope baseline data on level of volunteers
Process 2: Health and Hygiene
The school actively promotes health and hygiene practices to limit the spread of germs, including viruses in our school.
Key Deliverable: Aboriginal parents and carers report that service delivery from the school site is flexible and responsive to their needs.
Evaluation Funds Expended
Page 7 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
Progress towards achieving improvement measures
Evaluation (Resources)
Increased awareness as a result of improved practices via initiatives such as NSW Health display posters throughout the school and explicitly teaching good hygiene habits. Student Health Plans
The 2020 milestones are underpinned by the critical feedback and its analysis from 2019.
Process 3: Early Beginnings
Thorough cooperation with external agencies and the broader community the school will focus on increasing developmental readiness ie student physical health, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills and communication.
Key Deliverable: Aboriginal families and community members are actively engaged in the school .
Evaluation Funds Expended (Resources)
Extensive consultation and planning has resulted in the Early Beginnings program ready to be operational for 2020. This program aims to promote positive three way partnerships between families – external agencies – and Taree Public School.
A successful extended transition program from pre–school to kindergarten has resulted in increased levels of communication with families and settled students that are engaged in their learning.
Classroom teachers are able to develop effective teaching and learning programs that are differentiated and adapted to individual learning preferences and learning needs.
Process 4: Staff Wellbeing
Develop the wellbeing of all staff members through innovative and proactive initiatives.
Evaluation Funds Expended (Resources)
Staff wellbeing is regularly analysed and is used to inform planning. People Matter Survey
Whole of school staff approaches to wellbeing are improving for everyone. We look to enhance this in 2020.
Page 8 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
Key Initiatives Resources (annual) Impact achieved this year
Aboriginal background loading Aboriginal Background Aboriginal Education Officer employed with Total $ 133 697 the specific aim of supporting Aboriginal families and community members to be AEO – $68 575 actively engaged with Taree Public School.
Low level adjustment for disability Low level adjustment for Taree Public School has several students Disability Total $ 93 849 integrated in to mainstream classes. Funds were utilised to employ an additional School LaST – $ 64 000 Leaning Support Officer and a learning support teacher three days per week. SLSO – Partial funding $ 29 020
Quality Teaching, Successful QTSS total $ 15 474 QTSS funding was utilised to fill a shortfall in Students (QTSS) funds, allowing the school to employ a learning support teacher. Refer to Low Level Adjustment for Disabilities.
Socio–economic background Socio economic Taree Public School has a high percentage of background Total $208 343 students who come from low socio–economic families. Three full–time School Learning Support Officers were employed.
Support for beginning teachers Beginning Teachers Total – Beginning teachers were supported through $14 130 additional release and professional development including instructional coaching.
Page 9 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
Student information
Student enrolment profile Enrolments Students 2016 2017 2018 2019 Boys 43 49 44 40 Girls 35 37 41 32
Student attendance profile School Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 K 94.6 86.3 84.6 94.7 1 89 90.7 78.7 89 2 83.9 90.2 86.1 75.5 3 87.1 85.5 90.4 93 4 84.4 87.1 80 92.4 5 86.5 82.7 91.9 82.6 6 89.9 87.1 85.8 78.9 All Years 88.4 86.7 85.8 85.8 State DoE Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 K 94.4 94.4 93.8 93.1 1 93.9 93.8 93.4 92.7 2 94.1 94 93.5 93 3 94.2 94.1 93.6 93 4 93.9 93.9 93.4 92.9 5 93.9 93.8 93.2 92.8 6 93.4 93.3 92.5 92.1 All Years 94 93.9 93.4 92.8
Management of non-attendance
Attendance at school has a big impact on longer term outcomes for children and young people. When a child is not at school they miss important opportunities to learn, build friendships and develop their skills through play. Regular attendance at school is a shared responsibility between schools and parents. By working together we can have a positive effect on supporting our children and young people to regularly attend school.
Our teachers promote and monitor regular attendance at school and all our schools have effective measures in place to record attendance and follow up student absences promptly. They are guided by the School Attendance policy which details the management of non–attendance.
Page 10 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
Workforce information
Workforce composition Position FTE* Principal(s) 1 Classroom Teacher(s) 4.62 Learning and Support Teacher(s) 0.6 Teacher Librarian 0.2 School Counsellor 1 School Administration and Support Staff 3.41 Other Positions 1
*Full Time Equivalent
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce composition
The Department actively supports the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees through the use of identified positions, scholarship opportunities to become a teacher and by providing a culturally safe workplace. As of 2019, 3.9% of the Department's workforce identify as Aboriginal people.
Workforce ATSI Staff type Benchmark1 2019 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander representation2 School Support 3.30% 7.20% Teachers 3.30% 2.90%
Note 1 – The NSW Public Sector Aboriginal Employment Strategy 2014–17 introduced an aspirational target of 1.8% by 2021 for each of the sector's salary bands. If the aspirational target of 1.8% is achieved in salary bands not currently at or above 1.8%, the cumulative representation of Aboriginal employees in the sector is expected to reach 3.3%. Note 2 – Representation of diversity groups are calculated as the estimated number of staff in each group divided by the total number of staff. These statistics have been weighted to estimate the representation of diversity groups in the workforce, where diversity survey response rates were less than 100 per cent. The total number of staff is based on a headcount of permanent and temporary employees.
Teacher qualifications
All casual, temporary and permanent teachers in NSW public schools must hold a NSW Department of Education approval to teach. Teachers with approval to teach must be accredited with the NSW Education Standards Authority, and hold a recognised teaching degree. All NSW teachers must hold a valid NSW Working With Children Check clearance.
Professional learning and teacher accreditation
Professional learning is core to enabling staff to improve their practice.
Professional learning includes five student–free School Development Days and induction programs for staff new to our school and/or system. These days are used to improve the capacity of teaching and non–teaching staff in line with school and departmental priorities.
Page 11 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
Financial information
Financial summary
The information provided in the financial summary includes reporting from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. The Principal is responsible for the financial management of the school and ensuring all school funds are managed in line with Department policy requirements.
2019 Actual ($) Opening Balance 716,012 Revenue 2,183,208 Appropriation 1,988,364 Sale of Goods and Services 65,055 Grants and contributions 127,170 Investment income 2,619 Expenses -2,270,576 Employee related -2,012,564 Operating expenses -258,012 Surplus / deficit for the year -87,368
Figures presented in this report may be subject to rounding so may not reconcile exactly with the bottom line totals, which are calculated without any rounding.
Page 12 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
Financial summary - Equity loadings
The equity loading data is the main component of the 'Appropriation' line item of the financial summary above.
2019 Approved SBA ($) Targeted Total 177,232 Equity Total 435,890 Equity - Aboriginal 133,697 Equity - Socio-economic 208,343 Equity - Language 0 Equity - Disability 93,849 Base Total 777,912 Base - Per Capita 21,155 Base - Location 1,481 Base - Other 755,276 Other Total 508,057 Grand Total 1,899,091
Figures presented in this report may be subject to rounding so may not reconcile exactly with the bottom line totals, which are calculated without any rounding.
Page 13 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
School performance - NAPLAN
In the National Assessment Program, the results across the Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 literacy and numeracy assessments are reported on a scale from Band 1 to Band 10. The achievement scale represents increasing levels of skills and understandings demonstrated in these assessments.
From 2018 to 2021 NAPLAN is moving from a paper test to an online test. Individual schools are transitioning to the online test, with some schools participating in NAPLAN on paper and others online. Results for both online and paper formats are reported on the same NAPLAN assessment scale. Any comparison of NAPLAN results – such as comparisons to previous NAPLAN results or to results for students who did the assessment in a different format – should be treated with care.
NAPLAN Online
The My School website provides detailed information and data for national literacy and numeracy testing. Go to myschool.edu.au to access the school data. As schools transition to NAPLAN online, the band distribution of results is not directly comparable to band averages from previous years. While the 10 band distribution available to schools who completed NAPLAN online is a more accurate reflection of student performance, caution should be taken when considering results relative to what was formerly a six band distribution. As the full transition of NAPLAN online continues, the most appropriate way to communicate results for NAPLAN online is by scaled scores and scaled growth. This is the reporting format agreed by state and territory education ministers, and is reflected on the myschool website.
Page 14 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
Parent/caregiver, student, teacher satisfaction
Taree Public School engaged with key stakeholders throughout 2019 to seek feedback on school directions and performance: • Over 70% of parents and carers attended the Meet and Greet and PLP BBQ • Student surveys and focus groups strongly indicate effective feedback and a sense of advocacy at school • Staff surveys indicate strong relational trust exists between staff and leadership – contributing to a positive school culture
Page 15 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020
Policy requirements
Aboriginal Education Policy
The responsibility for enacting the Aboriginal Education Policy rests with all Departmental staff. The policy should underpin and inform planning, teaching practice and approaches to educational leadership in all educational settings.
Evidence of effective implementation of the policy included: • Establishing, building and strengthening relationships with the Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, Aboriginal people and communities. • Providing, in partnership with Aboriginal people and communities, education which promotes quality teaching, is engaging, and is culturally appropriate and relevant. • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will match or better the outcomes of the broader student population. • Implementation of Personalised Learning Pathways for all Aboriginal students in a school culture of high expectations.
Anti-Racism Policy
All teachers are responsible for supporting students to develop an understanding of racism and discrimination and the impact these may have on individuals and the broader community. Principals are responsible for examining school practices and procedures to ensure they are consistent with the policy. All schools have an Anti–Racism Contact Officer who is trained to respond to concerns in relation to racism.
Multicultural Education Policy
Teachers address the specific learning and wellbeing needs of students from culturally diverse backgrounds through their teaching and learning programs. Principals are responsible for ensuring that school policies, programs and practices respond to the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity of the school community, and provide opportunities that enable all students to achieve equitable education and social outcomes.
Page 16 of 16 Taree Public School 3167 (2019) Printed on: 8 April, 2020