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Mullaway Primary School Annual School Report

2011

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Mullaway Primary School is committed to ensuring our students are equipped to become successful, life-long learners. Our coastal school is small enough to provide individual attention yet large enough to facilitate a range of learning opportunities.

Our school is differentiated through:

• Quality literacy and numeracy programs,

• Interactive whiteboards in all classrooms,

• A balance of male and female teachers,

• Good discipline, positive peer-support and anti-bullying initiatives,

• Excellent music and creative art opportunities,

• Successful sport, fitness and sensory learning programs,

• Modern facilities in a beautiful bush environment, and;

• Safe, friendly and successful learning in a small caring setting.

Mullaway Primary School is a member of the Northern Beaches Community of Schools which provides oceans of opportunity for students from, Mullaway, Corindi, Woolgoolga and Sandy Beach public schools and Woolgoolga High School.

Messages

Principal’s message

There were a number of highlights throughout 2011 but my three personal favourites were; Australiana; The Musical, our Fathers’ Day Breakfast and the Twilight Market. All three demonstrated the fabulous community spirit that we have at Mullaway Primary School.

I would like to acknowledge our wonderful teachers for the commitment that they provide towards our students’ learning, well-being and development. Behind our great teaching team is an equally committed administrative team including; our office staff, teacher aides, community volunteers, general assistant and cleaner. Without their support our school could not function effectively.

I appreciate the support we have received from our parents in 2011. Our P&C committee has been fabulous to work with and I thank all parents who have supported our fundraising initiatives. Thank you also to our parents who have assisted in the classroom, the canteen, with school initiatives, excursions or just as an audience member. Your support adds to enrichment of your child’s education.

Finally, thank you to our fabulous students. Our school leaders have performed their duties extremely well throughout the year and I wish them well as they enter a new phase of their education in 2012. I congratulate all of our students for their individual achievements. Whether it has been State representation or advancement in your Reading level, it is your achievement and you should be proud of it.

I certify that the information in this report is the result of a rigorous school self-evaluation process and is a balanced and genuine account of the school’s achievements and areas for development.

Mr. James Deagan

Principal

School Context

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Student Leaders’ message

Being the 2011 Captains we had many responsibilities; some big, some small but all equally important. Some of the everyday activities included changing the school notice board, leading school assemblies with our Vice-Captains; Lachlan Collins and Isabelle Hill, as well as being positive role models around the school.

Our school had many changes for the better in 2011. Some of these were; a large COLA which was christened ‘The Big Shed”, a new safety fence, two small COLAs between Kindy and Stage 1 and Stage 2 and The Music room and Interactive White Boards in every classroom .

Monthly, we had to attend SRC meetings to discuss what we need around the school and other school matters. Two representatives from Year 2 and up would attend these meetings providing ideas from their class on what they think should be done around the school. One of the biggest things the SRC achieved this year was a school Magazine called “The Wave”, in which SRC representatives were assigned a section to write.

In late Term 3 our school produced a wonderful musical called “Australiana” written by our very own Mrs. Debbie Gentle. All the students in the school played a part in the musical and each session sold out quickly. The bigger parts such as Tom, Reggie, Nellie and Evelina had to be auditioned. The Musical was a major part of the year which taught us about drama, confidence and working together.

We all had a great time this year and hope that future Year 6 classes can have an experience like we have had. We wish all our Year 6 peers a happy and successful start to High School in 2012.

Isaac Noakes and Shania Paynter

2011 School Captains

P&C President’s message Thank you to all parents, staff and community members for another successful year of fundraising!

Our continued support has led to Interactive White Boards in all classrooms, along with contributions to the school and funding for

students representing the school at State level for sport or music.

We held two major fundraisers this year, our annual ‘Wheels-a-thon’ which was popular amongst the students and also a great fundraising activity. We also, for the first time, held a ‘Bunnings BBQ’, which proved to be a very profitable day. Throughout the year we continued to hold our disco and movie nights.

This year we thought we would try something new and a bit different so we held our first Fathers’ Day Breakfast under the new ‘Big Shed’. This turned out to be an outstanding morning with the biggest show of fathers the school has ever seen!

The canteen is going along strongly thanks to the committed group of volunteers.

On behalf of the P&C I would like to thank the teachers and support staff for their constant support and dedication to students and families of Mullaway primary.

Davina Wallace

P&C President

Student information

It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all students must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies.

Student enrolment profile

Gender 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Male 91 87 85 79 80

Female 87 83 84 83 84

0

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100

150

200

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Stud

ents

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Student attendance profile

Scho

ol

Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 K 94.0 92.8 93.0

1 93.1 94.1 92.4 2 91.7 92.5 92.5 3 91.4 92.2 92.5 4 91.5 92.5 91.7 5 92.7 91.9 93.9 6 93.7 92.8 94.2

Total 93.4 92.6 92.6 93.0

Regi

on

K 92.5 93.4 93.3 1 92.3 93.2 92.9 2 92.4 93.3 93.0 3 92.6 93.2 93.1 4 92.6 93.3 93.0 5 92.4 93.2 92.9

6 92.2 92.9 92.6

Total 92.8 90.1 93.2 93.0

Stat

e D

EC

K 94.3 94.7 94.7 1 93.7 94.2 94.2 2 94.0 94.4 94.2

3 94.1 94.5 94.4

4 94.0 94.5 94.3

5 94.0 94.4 94.2 6 93.6 94.0 93.8

Total 94.1 92.1 94.4 94.3

Management of non-attendance

After three consecutive unexplained absences, the principal contacts the parents.

Students who have more than 20 day’s absence by the end of Semester 1 are identified as of concern and a letter is sent to the parents. These students are also raised with the Home School Liaison Officer.

Class sizes

Primary class sizes are included in the annual school report in order to provide parents with as much local information as possible. The following table shows our class sizes as reported at the 2011 Class Size Audit conducted on Monday 21 March 2011.

Class Sizes

Roll class Year Total per year Total In class

1 GREVILLEA K 16 16

2 GLOSSY 1 25 25

3 CASUARINA 2 17 17

4 KITES 3 27 27

5 PANDANUS 4 20 20

6 BLUEGUM 5 28 28

7 KOOKABURRA 6 25 25

Structure of classes

In 2011 there were seven classes, each representing a Year cohort. There were no composite classes.

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25

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75

100

2008 2009 2010 2011

Att

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Student attendance rates

School Region State DEC

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Staff information

It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all staff must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies.

Staff establishment

Position Number Principal 1

Assistant Principals 2 Classroom Teachers 5 Teacher of Reading Recovery 0.3

Support Teacher Learning Assistance 0.6 Teacher Librarian 0.4 Counsellor 0.1

School Administrative & Support Staff 1.9 Total 11.3

The National Education Agreement requires schools to report on Indigenous composition of their workforce.

There are no Indigenous staff members at Mullaway Primary School.

Staff retention

Mrs. Joy Richardson officially retired at the end of 2011 school year after 35 years of service in NSW Public Schools. Mrs. Richardson was at Mullaway since 1994 and her previous schools included Woolgoolga Public School, Lane Cove West Public School and Middle Harbour Public School

Teacher qualifications

All teaching staff meet the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.

Qualifications % of staff Degree or Diploma 100%

Postgraduate 60%

Financial summary

This summary covers funds for operating costs and does not involve expenditure areas such as permanent salaries, building and major maintenance.

Date of financial summary: 30/11/2011Income $230,968.05

Balance brought forward 88881.04Global funds 92751.33Tied funds 65385.90School & community sources 62780.65Interest 5570.92Trust receipts 4479.25Canteen 0.00Total income 319849.09

ExpenditureTeaching & learning Key learning areas 24760.81 Excurs ions 21470.64 Extracurricular dissections 15884.67Library 1331.81Professional learning 2054.45Tied funds 60466.44Casual relief teachers 23659.34Administration & office 19233.89School-operated canteen 0.00Util ities 24345.37Maintenance 7343.43Trust accounts 6115.77Capital programs 13621.96Total expenditure 220288.58Balance carried forward 99560.51

A full copy of the school’s 2011 financial statement is tabled at the annual general meeting of the parent body. Further details concerning the statement can be obtained by contacting the school.

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School performance 2011

Achievements

Arts

Please refer to our Key Evaluation - Curriculum

Sport

The sport year began at Mullaway Primary School with our school swimming carnival in February. Two excellent school initiatives; Life Saving and Swim to Get Fit enable us to build confidence in the children in the pool which ensures we have great participation at our carnival.

Nian House was the winning team at this event. Delilah Thorncraft, Sam Burke, Andrew Collins, Jelena Layton- Sailor and Harry King all went on to represent at Regional level.

Mullaway Primary School was the Handicapped Champion School with Sam Burke being the 11 Years Boy Champion at District level. Sam continued with his swimming through to State level in Butterfly and Backstroke.

Our Cross Country was another popular event with all children K-6 taking part. The children and parents enjoy the fact that the course allows us to see and cheer for the runners for a large portion of the run. The winning House was Bindarri. Sam and Luke Burke made it through to Regional level with Sam again making it to State where he came a respectable 38th.

Alinta was the winning House at our Athletics Carnival. We were lucky with the weather and many family members attended to watch the children compete.

Sam Burke, Kain Wilson, and Kai Choice made it through to Regional for running events.

The children of Mullaway Primary School have again performed at a very high standard for a small school in all of the three major carnivals.

The last Friday of Term 3 saw the highly popular Mullaball Cup. All children K-6 participate in House teams for; over and under ball, captain ball and tunnel ball.

The winning House was Alinta.

Participation in team events has also been high with school teams representing in Rugby League, Soccer, Touch Football, Netball and Cricket. Although we were not strong in any of these events this year, the participating children were enthusiastic and displayed good sportsmanship, of which, we are very proud,

Mrs. Suellen Ratcliffe

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Academic

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.

Yr 3: from Band 1 (lowest) to Band 6 (highest for Year 3)

Yr 5: from Band 3 (lowest) to Band 8 (highest for Year 5)

Literacy – NAPLAN Year 3

The school average score for Year 3 Reading was 370.8. The State DEC average score was 415.6.

The school average score for Year 3 Writing was 399.5 The State DEC average score was 422.4.

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Bands

Percentage in bands: Year 3 Reading

Percentage in Band School Average 2008-2011 SSG % in Band 2011 State DEC % in Band 2011

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Percentage in bands: Year 3 Writing

Percentage in Band SSG % in Band 2011 State DEC % in Band 2011

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The school average score for Year 3 Spelling was 349.5. The State DEC average score was 415.5.

The school average score for Year 3 Grammar and Punctuation was 374.2. The State DEC average score was 422.9.

Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 3

The school average score for Year 3 Numeracy was 372.2. The State DEC average score was 400.9.

Literacy – NAPLAN Year 5

The school average score for Year 5 Reading was 519.7. The State DEC average score was 489.0

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Percentage in bands: Year 3 Spelling


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Percentage in bands: Year 3 Grammar & Punctuation


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Percentage in bands: Year 3 Numeracy


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3 4 5 6 7 8

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Percentage in bands:Year 5 Reading

Percentage in BandSchool Average 2008-2011SSG % in Band 2011State DEC % in Band 2011

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The school average score for Year 5 Writing was 487.1. The State DEC average score was 486.6

The school average score for Year 5 Spelling was 482.7. The State DEC average score was 493.7.

The school average score for Year 5 Grammar and Punctuation was 492.8. The State DEC average score was 500.7.

Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 5

The school average score for Year 5 Numeracy was 497.6. The State DEC average score was 495.9.

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Percentage in bands:Year 5 Writing

Percentage in BandSSG % in Band 2011State DEC % in Band 2011

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3 4 5 6 7 8

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Percentage in bands:Year 5 Spelling


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3 4 5 6 7 8

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Percentage in bands:Year 5 Grammar & Punctuation


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Percentage in bands:Year 5 Numeracy


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Progress in literacy

Progress in Reading was higher for the 2009-2011 cohort (93.9) than the 2008-2012 cohort (81.2). The State DEC average was 74.

Progress in Spelling was higher for the 2009-2011 cohort (69.0) than the 2008-2012 cohort (68.7). The State DEC average was 75.4.

Progress in Grammar and Punctuation was lower for the 2009-2011 cohort (60.4) than the 2008-2012 cohort (80.5). The State DEC average was 82.7.

Progress in numeracy

Progress in Numeracy was lower for the 2009-2011 cohort (68.6) than the 2008-2012 cohort (85.6). The State DEC average was 95.8.

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60

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2008-2010 2009-2011

Prog

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Average progress in Reading between Year 3 and 5

School SSG State DEC

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2008-2010 2009-2011

Prog

ress

Average progress in Spelling between Year 3 and 5


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100

150

2008-2010 2009-2011

Prog

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Average progress in Grammar & Punctuation between Year 3 and 5


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100

150

2008-2010 2009-2011

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Average progress in Numeracy between Year 3 and 5


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Minimum standards

The Commonwealth Government sets minimum standards for reading, writing, grammar and punctuation, spelling and numeracy for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

The performance of the students in our school in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy is compared to these minimum standards. The percentages of our students achieving at or above these standards are reported below.

Significant programs and initiatives

Aboriginal education

Funds from our Northern Beaches Community of Schools Aboriginal Languages grant were used to employ an Aboriginal tutor and local Gumbaynggirr Elder; Aunty Ange Brown, to deliver the Gumbaynggirr language curriculum developed by Muurrbay and associated resources.

At Mullaway Primary School the tutor delivered the program to Year 2 and all Indigenous students (K-6) on a fortnightly basis.

Mullaway Primary School also hosted the local Coffs Harbour AECG meeting in May.

The Indigenous student enrolment at Mullaway in 2011 was 28. Due to our relatively high Indigenous population, it was decided to induct an Indigenous student into the SRC committee. The student was selected amongst the Year 6 Indigenous students and was elected by all Aboriginal students Year 2 to Year 6. The successful candidate was Brooke Anthony. Later in the year, Brooke moved away from Mullaway and Rhett Clark-Johnson replaced her in the position.

Each term the Indigenous School Education Group were well attended and were consulted on all Indigenous issues including the appropriateness of the Aboriginal content in the whole school musical; Australiana.

Multicultural education

Students at Mullaway Primary School experienced a range of multicultural initiatives including:

• Students Years 3-6 participating in the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking competition,

• A Stage 3 visit to the local Indian temple in Woolgoolga to experience Sikh food and culture

• Two Belgian students enrolled at our school as part of a temporary student visit.

92.3100.084.692.3

100.0

ReadingWritingSpellingGrammar & PunctuationNumeracy

Percentage of Year 3 students achieving at or above minimum standard (exempt students

included)

92.0100.088.0

92.0

92.3

Percentage of Year 5 students achieving at or above minimum standard (exempt students

included)

SpellingWritingReading

Grammar & Punctuation

Numeracy

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Science and Technology

During National Science Week the students participated in some experiments;

• Early Stage 1 explored how water and oil do not mix,

• Stage 1 observed what happens when the surface area changes when washing detergent is added to milk, ,

• Stage 2 made their own volcano explosions using water, oil and asprin tablets, and;

• Stage 3 experimented with rockets made from vinegar and bicarbonate soda to see how the reaction changes when the mix is altered.

As a part of the Coffs Harbour City Council’s Sustainable Living Festival, Stage 2 children participated in the Design and Make Your Own Scarecrow Competition. The children decided to be a little bit more creative with their scarecrows and made: a Mummy, a Smurf, a Ninja, a Bunny Rabbit, a Clown and a Surfing Frog. They had to be self supporting and made from recyclable materials. They are now in our school grounds and are helping to keep the animals away from our vegetable gardens.

Mrs. Kathy Gray

Library and ICT

The library and the computer room are side by side and always in constant use at Mullaway School. Even though all classrooms have interactive whiteboards and computers, classes come to the computer room for learning and recreational activities. Our computer room has 18 desktop PCs and the library has a mixture of Apple laptops and desktops. All children have access to the internet and emails and love the challenge of Web based activities like Reading Eggs and Study Ladder.

Our Library has lots of fun activities at Afternoon Break time coordinated by the Year 6 Library Monitors.

We held a successful Book Fair which allowed us to purchase many new books for the library.

Once again The Premier’s Reading Challenge was very successful with 61 children from Year 2 to Year 6 completing the challenge. A special morning tea was held in the Library to celebrate this wonderful achievement and Mr. Deagan presented the certificates. Congratulations to the many children from Year 5 and Year 6 who received gold certificates for completing the challenge for over four consecutive years

Mrs. Nerida King

Occupational Health & Safety

The main highlights of the year were the development, documentation and implementation of the Mullaway Primary School Emergency Management Plan and the First Aid Plan, effective 2011.

Alan Hayward, as Chairperson, attended a four day combined Workcover and TAFE course titled OH & S Consultation.

This was followed up by a visit from the OH & S North Coast Region Health and Safety Advisor to review risk management procedures. We were successful in this.

Committee meetings have seen ongoing issues raised and dealt with, including the Building Education Revolution tradesmen’s safe work practices, signage for the Emergency Meeting Point, Rural Fire Service hazard check, appropriate student vehicle pickup points, Emergency Evacuation and Lockdown drills completed and evaluated.

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The annual Resuscitation training was completed in July and Anaphylaxis training in December.

A checklist has been established to record annual updates of Staff, Casual Teachers’ and Visitors’ Induction Folders; Anaphylaxis, Diabetes, Asthma Student Registers; Student Emergency Contact Details, Student Medication Lists, Student Behaviour Risk Managements and Class Roll Medical and Behavioural File Inserts; Sports Equipment Safety Check, Chemical Register, Work Place Safety Inspection; Emergency Care , Resuscitation, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Training; School First Aid and Asthma Kit check; and Student Asthma and Epi pens expiry date check.

Mr. Alan Hayward

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Progress on 2011 targets

The progress of our four targets can be seen in the analysis below.

Target 1

Increased percentage of students in the NAPLAN proficient bands for numeracy

<10% of students in Bands 1 and 2 and >40% of students in Bands 5 and 6 for numeracy in Year 3

<15% of students in Bands 3 and 4 and >25% of students in Bands 7 and 8 for numeracy in Year 5

This target was achieved in two of the four areas.

Our results include:

• In Year 3, 23.1% of students were in Bands 1 and 2,

• In Year 3, 19.2% of students were in Bands 5 and 6.



• 100% of Year 3 students achieving at or above the minimum standard, and;

• 92.3% of Year 5 students achieving at or above the minimum standard.

Target 2

Increased percentage of students in the NAPLAN proficient bands for writing

<10% of students in Bands 1 and 2 and >30% of students in Bands 5 and 6 for writing in Year 3

<25% of students in Bands 3 and 4 and >15% of students in Bands 7 and 8 for writing in Year 5

This target was achieved in three of the four areas.

Our achievements include:





• 100% of Year 3 students achieving at or above the minimum standard, and;

• 100% of Year 5 students achieving at or above the minimum standard.

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Target 3

Increased percentage of students in the NAPLAN proficient bands for spelling

<10% of students in Bands 1 and 2 and >30% of students in Bands 5 and 6 for spelling in Year 3

<25% of students in Bands 3 and 4 and >15% of students in Bands 7 and 8 for spelling in Year 5

This target was achieved in three of the four areas.






• 84.6% of Year 3 students achieving at or above the minimum standard, and;


Target 4

Improved student reading benchmark levels

Average Kinder PM reading benchmark level > 6

Average Year 1 PM reading benchmark level >18




• In Kindergarten, the average PM reading Benchmark level was 5.3 and 61% of students were at or above Level 6,

• In Year 1, the average PM reading Benchmark level was 17.1 and 50% of students were at or above Level 18,



• 92.3% of Year 3 students achieving at or above the minimum standard, and;


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Key evaluations

It is a requirement for all NSW public schools to conduct at least two annual evaluations – one related to educational and management practice and the other related to curriculum. In 2011 our school carried out evaluations of Bullying and Creative Arts.

Educational and management practice

Bullying

Background

In 2011, Mullaway Primary School implemented an Anti-Bullying Plan in accordance with the Department of Education and Communities’ Preventing and Responding to Student Bullying in Schools Policy (2011).

To establish a benchmark of the level of bullying and racism occurring within the school, students had the opportunity to participate in an online student survey. In total 87 students participated in the online survey.

Findings and conclusions

Students were asked to respond to their experiences with four types of bullying; physical, verbal, indirect and cyber.

Of those students who had experienced some form of bullying, they were asked to identify where the bullying occurs.

Physical Bullying None or Rarely 77%

Occasionally 13%

Frequently 10%

Verbal Bullying None or Rarely 60%

Occasionally 26%

Frequently 14%

Indirect Bullying None or Rarely 78%

Occasionally 15%

Frequently 7%

Cyber Bullying None or Rarely 98%

Occasionally 2%

Frequently 0%

Where Bullying Occurs

Classroom 17%

Playground 56%

Bus 19%

Walking to/from School 8%

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Of the students who had experienced some form of bullying, we surveyed their responses. The five most common responses are outlined in the graph below.

Of all the students surveyed, we surveyed their reaction to witnessing a bullying incident. The five most common responses are outlined in the graph below.

Students were asked to respond to four statements about bullying at Mullaway Primary School. The following graphs outline the percentage of positive and negative responses.

0 20 40

I told the bully to stop I told the teacher I told my parents

I told a friend I ignored the bully

Victims' Reaction to Bullying

0 20 40 60

I try to stop the bullying

I tell the teacher

I don't know how to help

I watch

I do nothing

Witnesses' Reaction to Bullying

92%

8% 0%

50%

100%

Positive Negative

I feel safe at Mullaway School

Positive

Negative

88%

12%

0%

50%

100%

Positive Negative

People are friendly to me

Positive

Negative

89%

11%

0%

50%

100%

Positive Negative

I can get help from teachers

Positive

Negative

67%

33%

0%

50%

100%

Positive Negative

There is very little bullying or racism

Positive

Negative

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The data indicates that the vast majority of students at Mullaway feel safe and do not experience bullying. Of those students who do experience bullying, many of them have developed resilience or positive support strategies

There is a small number of students who are currently experiencing bullying and have not yet developed resilience or positive support strategies.

Future directions

To address the issue in which a small number of students who are currently experiencing bullying and have not yet developed resilience or positive support strategies, our school will be implementing the following in 2012:

• Our current peer support initiative will be reviewed and will include a focus on resilience,

• A new whole-school electronic data and recording system (Sentral) will be implemented to track the frequency and types of reported bullying behaviours, and;

• The online student bullying and racism survey will be conducted annually to assess and monitor bullying and racism at Mullaway Primary School.

Curriculum

Creative Arts

Background

The teaching of Creative Arts has always involved a rotation between its four elements: art, drama, music and dance, with the highest need at the time, being placed first, in terms of providing resources and demonstrating talents. In addition, the school alternates each year between a whole school performance and Theatrical Minds.

The goal of having more students enjoy and demonstrate their singing ability was something that the Staff saw as a high need. So this year’s emphasis became singing with the addition of Drama. Mrs. Gentle had written Australiana the Musical and this was adopted as our method of demonstration.

Findings and conclusions

A K-6 whole school performance required that all students in the school were given an opportunity to demonstrate their talents in performance and this occurred.

This involved Staff making a commitment to provide the opportunity, but also to help manage the logistics of cross Stage movement and the time and resource elements.

Staff talents in the area of music and drama were also utilized in order to create the best outcomes for student performances.

A high emphasis was placed on the quality of what was being delivered. Community members were consulted and their expertise helped to ensure that the music was suitable for the students’ vocal range. Songs were also selected to ensure a continuum of historical facts, but with a high level of light hearted fun which would engage the interest of students and motivate their sustained involvement.

Musical expertise was involved with the use of our school music teacher Nicola Fraser and talented parents who provided the band

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expertise. Of special mention are Karl Johnson, Jason Thorncraft and Vicki Schmidt, with their hundreds of hours of dedication to the project. Community expertise was also involved with the hiring of a sound and lighting technician.

Parent and Community involvement in the preparations was at a high level due to Mrs. Gentle’s ongoing communication skills. Interest in the project from parents, had developed as a result of the development of students enthusiasm to participate.

Student engagement in the Musical was fostered by Deb Gentle and Joy Richardson through an entertaining script and a high level of opportunities for parts. Students were given ongoing positive feedback in order to develop their musical talents.

A percentage of students, teachers and the parent community evaluated the show and deemed Australiana; The Musical, an outstanding success.

Firstly the success of the project was measured by student involvement and enthusiasm. All 160 students had parts; some had up to 4 different roles. Stage 3 students took on the major roles, with a least 47 students auditioning and seeking major parts. Students with lead roles met five times per week in their own breaks, in order to develop an understanding of the script. Once the three-week deadline was reached, this increased rapidly.

The confidence to sing spread out from the older students. It was wonderful to see Stage 3 boys, in particular, confidently singing around the piano!

All classes utilised the Smartboard to help students learn the songs. In addition, up to twenty Stage 3 students utilised performance technology, such as microphones.

Students in all classes were prepared to put in a number of weekly practices, to learn the stage techniques for success and to enthusiastically seek out costumes for parts.

Quotes from students:

• I learned a lot about Australian history and I had fun acting in front of an audience (Dinty),

• It was hard to make the really quick costume changes, but it was special for me getting used to the crowds (Luke), and;

• When I first got on stage I was scared, but at the end I loved it! (Ella).

All Staff completed evaluations and rated the musical as very successful. The positives greatly outweighed any negatives.

Quotes from teachers:

• Great songs and the energy came from them,

• Students walked around the playground singing,

• Clever compilation of storyline and songs,

• Students enjoyed performing and they gained a sense of achievement as a result,

• The musical concept touched the hearts of the students and the audience, and;

• Staff showed great teamwork and patience.

One negative which came through, related to the overcrowding of parts within the performance and the planning and logistical management required organising it.

The Parent Community was heavily involved in preparations. All parents helped provide their child’s costume, but at least three in each class took on whole school support roles, which were invaluable. Parents were offered an opportunity to evaluate the performance in the Newsletter and some replied.

Quotes from parents and the community:

• The obvious and developed talents of all students created something very special,

• I absolutely loved it. It was moving and joyous and brought Australia’s early history to life for the children, and;

• We were impressed that all students K-6 knew the difficult songs!

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Future directions

This is the third whole school performance that has been done at Mullaway and each one has been different. Each large performance has been evaluated by students, teachers and the parent community. Although this performance has been rated overall as the most successful to date, one issue remains to be solved.

How do we cater for the increasing number of people requiring tickets for performances? Pressure on students, teachers and the size of the hall itself, make this a difficult problem to solve, but it needs to be reviewed before 2013!

Mrs. Joy Richardson

Parent, student, and teacher satisfaction

In 2011 the school sought the opinions of parents, students and teachers about the school.

Their responses are presented below.

Unfortunately, the online survey only received four responses invalidating the data collected.

Professional learning

It was anticipated that the two priority areas for professional learning in 2011 was to be ICT and Quality Teaching.

Unfortunately, neither of the anticipated delivery models for professional learning in ICT and Quality Teaching eventuated.

The financial dissection of the TPL funds for 2011 was as follows:

Beginning Teachers $0.00

ICT $785.00

Quality Teaching $147.00

Welfare and Equity $3.00

Leadership $1460.00

Syllabus Implementation $534.00

Literacy/Numeracy $876.00

Total $3805.00

The school planning policy provides direction for the preparation and implementation of school plans including the identification of priority areas, intended outcomes and targets that are

consistent with the NSW State Plan and the Department’s planning documents.

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School planning 2012—2014

School priority 1

Outcome for 2012–2014

Increase the number of students in the NAPLAN bands in Years 3, 5 and 7.

2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include:

• >32% of Year 3 students in Bands 5 and 6 for Reading



• >26% of Year 3 students in Bands 5 and 6 for Spelling



• >30% of Year 3 students in Bands 5 and 6 for Grammar and Punctuation



• >30% of Year 3 students in Bands 5 and 6 for Numeracy



Strategies to achieve these targets include:

Literacy

• Implement weekly TPL focusing on explicit teaching strategies in spelling,

• PM Reading Benchmarking of all students (K-3), and;

• Provide professional learning support for Stage 1/ Early Stage 1 teachers in Best Start and Spelling.

Numeracy

• Stage based, weekly, hands on numeracy groups, and;

• Engage Kim Attenborough (Woolgoolga PS HAT) to provide professional learning for hands on numeracy teaching strategies.

School priority 2


Build the capacity of teachers to lead change and support quality teaching practices.


• 100% of teachers participate in professional learning.


• Participate (four teachers per year) in the annual Quality Teaching conference,

• Utilise North Coast support to deliver ICT and IWB professional learning to all staff,

• Participate in Northern Beaches Community of Schools Self Nominated Project (SNP) – Quality Teaching on the Northern Beaches, and;

• Participate in Northern Beaches Community of Schools Self Nominated Project (SNP) – Digital Personalised Professional Learning for the Northern Beaches Community of School 2012.

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School priority 3


Promote exemplar practices in preventing bullying and racism.


• >1% reduction in students experiencing bullying or racism.


• Review Peer Support Program,

• Implement Sentral software to improve recording and reporting of minor bullying and /or racist incidents, and;

• Continue with annual online student survey on bullying and racism.

School priority 4


Promote excellence and participation in creative arts and sport.


• 90% of students K-6 participate in Footsteps Dance initiative,

• 10% of students engaged in instrumental learning, and;

• 50% of Stage 2 and 3 students participating in choir.


• Initiate dance focus through engagement of ‘Footsteps Dance Company’, and;

• Promote music through engagement of music teacher to teach music, choir and instrumental.

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About this report In preparing this report, the self-evaluation committee has gathered information from evaluations conducted during the year and analysed other information about the school's practices and student learning outcomes. The self-evaluation committee and school planning committee have determined targets for the school's future development.

Mr. James Deagan - Principal

Mrs. Suellen Ratcliffe - Teacher

Mrs. Leanne Bartlett - School Admin Manager

Mrs. Davina Wallace - P&C President

School contact information

Mullaway Primary School

15 Whitton Place

MULLAWAY 2456

Ph: 6654 0377

Fax: 6654 2751

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.mullaway-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

School Code: 4606

Parents can find out more information about Annual School Reports, how to interpret information in the reports and have the opportunity to provide feedback about these reports at:

http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/asr

http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/asr�

4606 - mullaway-p.schools.nsw.gov.au · 4606 . 1 mullaway primary school is committed to ensuring...

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