Figtree High School Annual Report 2016 8449 Page 1 of 27 Figtree High School 8449 (2016) Printed on: 5 May, 2017 Introduction The Annual Report for 2016 is provided to the community of Figtree High 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. Karen Burke Principal School contact details Figtree High School Gibsons Rd Figtree, 2525 www.figtree-h.schools.nsw.edu.au [email protected] 4271 2787 Message from the Principal It has been an honour to lead this magnificent school from the beginning of 2016 and build on the work of the retiring Principal, Carol Marshman, the Executive Leadership Team and the dedicated teaching and administrative staff of Figtree High School. The Strategic Directions of Teaching and Learning, Wellbeing and Community Partnerships were worked on throughout the year by all staff. School Plan Action Teams were established with cross–faculty representation and a strong focus of knowing our students as a learner and as a person underpinned all professional learning. The Department’s research paper What Works Best became the cornerstone of professional discussions. The Action Teams developed a deeper understanding of five of the seven key areas in collaborative, workshop–based sessions led by Head Teachers. Identified as a Tier 2 Bump It Up school, the Executive Leadership Team refined Strategic Direction 1: Teaching and Learning to articulate clear improvement measures around literacy in NAPLAN and the Higher School Certificate. This focus has been discussed with the seven Community of Schools and a collaborative venture established for teachers to learn from their respective primary and secondary peers in 2017. The Aboriginal Education team continued to support students successfully in their academic endeavours utilising RAM funding. This included providing tutors for senior students, developing meaningful Personalised Learning Pathways in consultation with families and providing opportunities for students to engage with the University of Wollongong through the AIME program. Aboriginal students collaboratively developed a new Acknowledgement to Country tailored to Figtree, and the AECG have endorsed for us to use on all school assemblies and events. The Flametree Campus of five Emotionally Disturbed classes continues to thrive with three students successfully completing their Record of School Achievement and moving onto further studies at TAFE or the HSC course. Our Autism and Physical Disability classes also continue to ensure a balanced learning program with these students integrating into mainstream classes with support. Sport has been another highlight of our school with achievements at all levels and in a wide range of sports. The Boys Open Baseball team earned a coveted place at State level of the competition, submitting to Westfield Sports High School in the Grand Final. Other community partnership programs included JET (Job Employment Program), GenZ2Work, Youth Mentoring, Volunteering, Young Men’s Forum and our CoS programs included, Technology in Education (TIE) a Year 5 Enrichment Program with a STEM focus and a Creative Arts collaborative film event called Flick It On. These programs represent just some of the outstanding authentic experiences that shaped student learning in 2016. The Secondary Schools Renewal Program delivered a major upgrade to the entrance of our school and included a Page 2 of 27 Figtree High School 8449 (2016) Printed on: 5 May, 2017 much–needed refurbishment of the Administration area. The completion of this venture in the January 2017 school holidays has produced a more welcoming and more functional space. The Administration foyer and internal area showcases outstanding student artworks, which are exhibited on a rotational basis. I certify that the information in this report is the result of a thorough school selfevaluation process and is a balanced and authentic account of the school’s achievements and areas for development. Karen Burke Principal Message from the school community The Figtree High School P&C Association maintained its active support of the school in 2016 with a dedicated group of parents who regularly attended meetings, assisted in generating income and volunteered for various activities. The P&C supports teaching staff in their goal of providing a quality educational facility for all students. We do this by helping to purchase equipment and resources to enhance the teaching of a wide range of academic, vocational and sporting pursuits. The P&C recognises student achievement by providing funds for student awards, and to help parents and students meet the cost of representing the school at sporting and academic events. In 2016, we continued to provide funding for seven Year 7 school scholarships for students from our feeder primary schools. Parents demonstrated their strong commitment to Figtree High School through their ongoing donation of time and voluntary contributions throughout 2016. In addition to attendance at regular P&C meetings and events, we have an increasing number of members trained in the merit selection procedures to allow parent representation in decision making in the employment of new staff. The school canteen has continued to thrive and operate with the support of parent volunteers. Their support provided a valuable service to the school and generated considerable funds to the P&C that are invested back into school improvement projects. In February 2016, we introduced “Albert” our EFTPOS machine as suggested by the SRC for students to pay for purchases at the canteen. We found this so successful that we introduced a second machine to cope with demand. The canteen has maintained a wide range of healthy food selections in accordance with the Department of Education policy. Mrs Narelle Jacobsen and Mrs Diane Grant are to be commended for their ongoing commitment to our canteen. The P&C meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm.These meetings are an excellent opportunity to listen to guest speakers and discuss information relating directly to the education and welfare of students in the school. The P&C warmly welcomed Karen Burke to role of Principal at Figtree High School. Finally, I would like to express how proud I am being P&C President at Figtree High School. I wish to thank Linda Wright, our P&C secretary and Chris Ryman our treasurer for their ongoing commitment to our school. The P&C at Figtree High School is a welcoming and inclusive one and we continue to welcome new members. The support of our parents is appreciated by both the P & C and the school. Sharyn Low P&C President Message from the students The Student Representative Council (SRC) has enjoyed a very rewarding year with the students being offered a variety of skill building and leadership activities along with the planning and organisation of many fundraising events. To best equip our SRC members in developing strong leadership skills, a number of students attended a variety of conferences including the Grip Students Leadership Conference at WIN Entertainment Centre, the Elevate Young Leaders Forum at the University of Wollongong, the Halogen Leadership Conference at Sydney Olympic Park, Secondary Schools Students Leadership Program held at NSW Parliament House and the You’re The Voice 3 day overnight conference at Murrumbateman. These events provide our students with opportunities to develop confident communication, inter–personal and organisational skills to lead our student community. Our school was represented by SRC members to a number of important events including Remembrance Day Service at McCabe Park, The Victor Chang Awards and the Wollongong City Council Community Strategic Planning School event. During 2016, the SRC hosted a variety of fundraising activities and contributed financially to a number of community organisations and events including White Ribbon Day, Christian Childrens Fund, the Waterlogic Program, Muscular Dystrophy Foundation and the Wollongong Homeless Hubs. Page 3 of 27 Figtree High School 8449 (2016) Printed on: 5 May, 2017 School background School vision statement Figtree High School, is a comprehensive school where staff, students and parents aim to work together to prepare all students to become confident, mature, knowledgeable and adaptive adults in a changing world. Statement of purpose We are committed to: • enabling each student to achieve their academic potential • providing quality learning programs which encourage excellence, self discipline, individual development and independence • providing a comprehensive curriculum which caters to students’ needs • providing a supportive, positive, fair and safe learning environment School context Figtree High School is a large comprehensive school known for academic and sporting excellence. This includes an on–site physical disabilities class, autism class and an off–site behaviour unit, Flametree. The student population reflects a culturally diverse school community, including 26% non–English speaking backgrounds and 5% Aboriginal student enrolments. Figtree High School is an active member of the Figtree Community of Schools, the Curriculum Networks Illawarra