Patrician Brothers' College Fairfield, Fairfield Annual School Report to the Community 2016
School Contact Details 268 The Horsley Drive, Fairfield 2165
[email protected] http://pbcfairfield.catholic.edu.au 9728 4488 9727 7651
Principal Mr Peter Wade
ABOUT THIS REPORT Patrician Brothers' College Fairfield is registered by the Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES), and managed by Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS), the ‘approved authority’ for the Registration System formed under Section 39 of the Education Act 1990 (NSW). The Annual School Report to the Community provides parents and the wider College community with fair, reliable and objective information about College performance measures and policies, as determined by the Minister for Education. The Report also outlines information about initiatives and developments of major interest and importance during the year and the achievements arising from the implementation of the College’s Annual Improvement Plan. The Report demonstrates accountability to regulatory bodies, the College community and Sydney Catholic Schools. This Report has been approved by Sydney Catholic Schools in consultation with the Regional Consultant who monitors that the College has appropriate processes in place to ensure compliance with all Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards requirements for Registration and Accreditation. This Report complements and is supplementary to College newsletters and other regular communications. Further information about the College may be obtained by contacting the College or by visiting the College’s website.
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 1
S ECTION O NE : M ESSAGE FROM K EY G ROUPS IN OUR COMMUNITY Principal's Message
Opened in 1953 Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield (PBCF) has continuously provided excellence in Catholic boys’ education within the Patrician charism. The provision of quality Catholic education has again been our priority. In 2016, the College theme ‘Do you best, trust in God to do the rest’, challenged students to ensure every opportunity they are given is utilised to its fullest, ensuring they maximise their God-given gifts and talents. Young men at PBCF are encouraged to ‘dare to do and dare to dream’, believing they can soar to great heights, spiritually, academically and socially. The close partnerships with parents and the wider community are the cornerstones of the excellence in education that is achieved. In recognising our outstanding achievements, as a community, we acknowledge the uniqueness in every student. The College is located on three hectares of land, the natural and built environments are fastidiously maintained as a responsibility of stewardship and pride in the environs. Classrooms and the Chapel were refurbished, and the new state of the art TAS building occupied and functional. Growth in students selecting TAS/VET subjects evident. Parish Priest's Message
Welcome and hospitality the pinnacle of the Patrician Charism, is alive and well at Patrician Brothers College Fairfield. As a new parish priest with a passion for inviting young people to embrace their faith, it has been a pleasure ministering to the College. The reverence the students display towards the various Eucharistic celebrations is a testimony to the work of the Patrician Brothers past and present and the connection to the Patrician Spirituality of seeing Christ in all things by the current staff. The Senior Retreat program is another highlight of the new evangelisation in action as students experience a strong connection to the sacrament of reconciliation and the healing of relationships. As staff Chaplain, I attended the Staff Spirituality overnight "heart" experience and could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit among them. New initiatives from Sydney Catholic Schools and Youth Ministry work through the Our Lady of the Rosary Parish will see several young adults join the evangelisation team at Patrician Brothers and we are all excited about the stronger connections between school and Parish that are currently being developed. Parent Body Message Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 2
Another great year is drawing to a close at this wonderful College. It is with great pride that I can say that my son attended this College followed with a bit of sadness, as this is his final year. During the year there were a number of usual highlights such as St Patricks Day, Mother's & Father's Day Masses, the Presentation Evenings and Leadership Day. Most memorable would have to be the Prefect Investiture and the Year 12 Farewell Mass. What spectacular events these both are, with a huge amount of time and effort put in by all the staff. The College has once again shown that the high expectations that it sets have been achieved again this year Academically, Physically and Morally. I can see these achievements continuing into the future with the dedication of the staff. Student Body Message
The Student Representative Council (SRC) remains an integral asset of communication between the entire student body and staff in regards to numerous aspects of college life. This year we continued focusing on increasing mental health awareness amongst the student body, as well a placing a focus on positive relationships between all staff and students. The SRC investigated the affordability of the canteen for all students with the implementation of specific meal deals which are continuing to be developed, as well as continuing House – based Charity Campaigns. The SRC also worked together for the highly successful operating of the annual College Leadership Day and we were privileged to host refugee advocate Deng Adut, journalist Dr Catherine Keenan, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Munjed Al-Muderis, politicians Guy Zangari and Chris Bowen and indigenous health carer Mrs Vicki Wade. The SRC contributed substantially towards the days success as well as to all events and everyday life for the entire college community throughout the year.
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 3
S ECTION TWO : S CHOOL F EATURES Patrician Brothers' College Fairfield is a Catholic systemic Boys College located in Fairfield. The College has a rich tradition in the charism of the Congregation of the Patrician Brothers. The College commenced in 1953 and achieves academic excellence in quality Catholic education for young men drawn largely from the parishes of Fairfield, Smithfield, Cabramatta, Villawood and Bossley Park. The College Community consisted of 1,143 students as at the August 2016 census. The high demand for enrolments and increasing retention rates in Years 11 and 12 have seen a steady upward trend. An enthusiastic, highly motivated, dedicated teaching staff is supported by an equally committed ancillary staff as well as four dedicated Parish Priests and their Assistants from our feeder parishes. PBCF produces confident young men with a positive attitude to their faith, peers, parents and staff via the delivery of a quality educational experience within the formal and extensive cocurricular program which includes Metropolitan Catholic Schools Sports Association (MCS), Catholic Schools Debating Association (CSDA) debating and public speaking, chess, ‘mock’ trials, adventure camps and religious retreats. The College also participates in the National Mathematics, Science and English competitions. Enrichment activities for Gifted and Talented (G&T) students include Tournament of the Minds, Sparkathon, The Write Stuff, Murder under the Microscope, STARS and Minds on Maths. The Higher School Certificate (HSC) results attained in recent years have displayed a significant upward trend. The College draws a high proportion of students from Fairfield City, which is possibly the most ethnically diverse community in Australia. Fairfield City has a high proportion of Catholics. The College strongly endorses a faith development program, which is developed through the context of the parish. The College does not describe itself so much as a community but more as a large family of faith, which is an active ministry of each parish. It is our belief that parents are the first and most important educators of their sons. Working in partnership with parents and encouraging them to share in the learning process and Pastoral Care programs that boys experience at PBCF, parental support for the College is both expected and essential. Voluntary help has always been provided in many areas of College life, including the Finance Committee, working bees, and as volunteer assistants in the College canteen. The College provides opportunities for parents to attend Information evenings, Parent Forums, Educational seminars and Parent/Teacher evenings. The College employs a Vietnamese Liaison Officer. Our parents are always welcome and encouraged to contact staff whenever there is a matter of concern. Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 4
S ECTION THREE : S TUDENT PROFILE Student Enrolment
The College caters for students in Year 7 to Year 12. Students attending this College come from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. The following information describes the student profile for 2016: Girls
Boys
LBOTE*
Total Students
0
1144
1071
1144
* Language Background Other than English Student Retention
Of the students who completed Year 10 in 2014, 89% completed Year 12 in 2016. Of the students who completed Year 10 in 2014, 89% completed Year 12 in 2016. The increase in school leaving age to 17 years has effectively meant that the vast majority of students will remain to complete the HSC, with some leaving after the conclusion of preliminary HSC to start apprenticeships. Enrolment Policy
The Archdiocese of Sydney has established an Enrolment Policy for Systemic Catholic Schools. Sydney Catholic Schools monitor the implementation of this policy. The policy has been developed in the context of government and system requirements. Children from families who are prepared to support the ethos and values of the Catholic Church may be considered eligible for enrolment. Total fees are made up of the Archdiocesan tuition fee, the parish school levy and local fees and charges. A pastoral approach is adopted for parents experiencing genuine difficulty with the payment of fees. Information about enrolling in a systemic school in the Archdiocese of Sydney may be accessed at the Sydney Catholic Schools website. Student Attendance Rates
The average student attendance rate for 2016 was 93.61%. Attendance rates disaggregated by Year group are shown in the following table.
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 5
Attendance rates by Year group Year 7
95.23%
Year 8
93.96%
Year 9
94.56%
Year 10
92.57%
Year 11
94.06%
Year 12
91.28%
Managing Student Non-attendance
Regular attendance at school is essential if students are to maximise their potential. The College, in partnership with parents, is responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students. While parents are legally responsible for the regular attendance of their children, College staff, as part of their duty of care, monitor part or whole day absences. College staff, under the Principal’s leadership, support the regular attendance of students by: providing a caring teaching and learning environment which fosters students’ sense of wellbeing and belonging to the College community maintaining accurate records of student attendance recognising and rewarding excellent and improved student attendance implementing programs and practices to address attendance issues when they arise. The Principal is responsible for supporting the regular attendance of students by ensuring that: parents and students are regularly informed of attendance requirements and the consequences of unsatisfactory attendance all cases of unsatisfactory attendance and part or full day absences from school are investigated promptly and that appropriate intervention strategies are implemented documented plans are developed to address the needs of students whose attendance is identified as being of concern the Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools or designated Sydney Catholic Schools officer is provided with regular information about students for whom chronic nonattendance is an issue and for whom College strategies have failed to restore regular attendance. Senior Secondary Outcomes
The table below sets out the percentages of students undertaking vocational training in their senior years as well as those attaining the award of Higher School Certificate (or equivalent vocational education and training qualifications). Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 6
Senior Secondary Outcomes. Year 12 2016 % of students undertaking vocational training or training in a trade during the senior years of schooling.
30%
% of students attaining the award of Higher School Certificate or equivalent vocational education and training qualification.
98%
Student Post School Destinations
Each year the College collects destination data relating to the Year 12 student cohort. The table below sets out the percentages of students for the various categories. Destination Data
University
TAFE / Other institutions
Workforce entry
Destination not reported
Year 12, 2016 Graduating Class
73%
14%
13%
0%
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 7
S ECTION F OUR : S TAFFING PROFILE The following information describes the staffing profile for 2016: Total Teaching Staff*
Total Non-Teaching Staff
Combined Total
88
28
116
* This number includes 77 full-time teachers and 11 part-time teachers. Percentage of staff who are Indigenous
1%
Professional Learning
The ongoing professional development of each staff member is highly valued. Professional learning can take many forms including whole school staff days, subject specific in services, meetings and conferences and a range of professional learning programs provided by Sydney Catholic Schools. The College takes responsibility for planning, implementing, evaluating and tracking of its staff professional learning and individual staff members take responsibility for their ongoing professional development. All teachers have been involved in professional learning opportunities during the year related to improving student outcomes. The College held the equivalent of five staff developments days this year with areas of focus as follows: Term 1
Teacher Orientation for 2016, Staff training in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Anaphalayxis.
Term 2
10th June 2016: Improving student outcomes in learning by examining what skills and dispositions make for an effective learner.
Term 3
4th November 2016: Staff Spirituality Day
Term 4
17th and 18th December 2016: HSC Analysis.
In addition to whole school Professional Development Days a, three hour learning symposium were conducted on the following days 10 June 2016 (12.30pm to 3.30pm) 5 September 2016 (3.30pm to 6.30pm) The courses were designed to build teacher capacity within the areas of student identification, Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 8
pedagogy and assessment. Whole school staff meetings held four times a term are not procedural and focus on professional development, such as Professional Learning Plans, pedagogy and engaging technology in the classroom. Teacher Standards
The following table sets out the number of teachers who fall into each of the two categories determined by the Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards:
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 9
Teacher Qualifications
Number of Teachers
1 Those having formal qualifications from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent.
88
2 Those having graduate qualifications but not a formal teaching qualification from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent.
0
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 10
S ECTION F IVE : CATHOLIC L IFE AND R ELIGIOUS EDUCATION Catholic Schools have a unique role in the evangelising and educating mission of the Church. The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools sets out the purpose and mission of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney. In responding to the Charter, the College engages in processes to reflect on and revitalise its mission and strengthen the religious life of members of the College community. The College follows the Archdiocesan Religious Education (RE) Curriculum and uses the student textbooks To Know, Worship and Love, as authorised by the Archbishop of Sydney. Catholic Schools have a unique role in the evangelising and educating mission of the Church. The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools sets out the purpose and mission of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney. In responding to the Charter, the College engages in processes to reflect on and revitalise its mission and strengthen the religious life of members of the College community. The College follows the Archdiocesan Religious Education Curriculum. At Patrician Brothers Fairfield we have implemented a topic specific Project Based Learning Pedagogy over the last two years. In 2017 Year 7 Religious Education will fully integrate PBL. Several alternative teaching strategies have been implemented in the Stage 6 Studies of Religion. Personal and communal spirituality is enhanced by the prayer life at the College. Prayer and Eucharistic celebration is a central focus of College life (such as, Monday lunch time prayer and Wednesday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament). College Reflection Days occur in each Year Group and Year 11 experience a three-day residential retreat. Mass is held every First Friday of the Month. Major liturgical celebrations are conducted on Ash Wednesday and Holy Thursday. Every lunchtime during Holy Week, students lead Stations of the Cross. Each Term Parish Priests conduct the Second Rite of Reconciliation. In May and October the Rosary is recited in the College Chapel. Staff and students receive daily devotional reflections from God Calling and Junior Catholic Studies classes attend the local Our Lady of the Rosary Parish 9.00am Mass at least once a term. Supported by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, fifteen senior students trained as student catechists. Ten students undertook Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Parent involvement is incorporated within the celebration of Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day Masses, Prefect Investiture and SRC Induction. The College’s Social Justice group (‘The Breastplates’) organises, with the support of the College Youth Minister, a number of outreach programmes. Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 11
Nine students and four staff attended World Youth Day 2016 in Poland. Father Robert Galea has been booked as a key evangelising activity for 2017 and will perform at the College on 16th June. The College is planning on sending all Year 9 Students to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Sydney. The College, in conjunction with Mary MacKillop Catholic College Wakeley, continues to conduct the ‘Hosanna’ programme on Passion Sunday at one of our supporting Parishes. A planning meeting is held at the start of each year with the Parish Priests and each Student Cohort has been allocated a Chaplain. Opportunities for class Masses and visitations are organised. Parish activities are published in the College newsletter.
Students in Years 6 and 8 in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney undertake the Archdiocesan Religious Education (RE) Test annually. The test consists of fifty multiple-choice questions. Results of the test are analysed by teachers and are used to inform teaching and learning in Religious Education. Our School's average result (as a mark out of 50) Year 8
28.90
Further information about the Archdiocesan Religious Education Curriculum and the RE Tests may be accessed at the Religious Education and Evangelisation site on the Sydney Catholic Schools website.
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 12
S ECTION S IX : CURRICULUM The College follows the Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards syllabus for each course offered as required for Registration and Accreditation under the Education Act 1990 (NSW) and implements the curriculum requirements of Sydney Catholic Schools. The teaching and learning processes are informed by the Statement on Authentic Learning in Sydney Archdiocesan Schools. Staff members are committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning in all facets of the school curriculum. The Stage 4 Curriculum follows closely that mandated by the Board of Studies. English, Mathematics, Science, History and Australian Geography are enhanced with the mandatory hours PDHPE, Technology Music and Visual Arts. The Board endorsed course of Religion is mandatory for all Stage 4 students. Italian is offered from Year 8. In Stage 5 the Curriculum, the College maintains Board of Studies hours for English, Science, Mathematics, History, Australian Geography and PDHPE. Additionally, students select two electives from: Industrial Technology Timber, Industrial Technology Metals, Industrial Technology Engineering, Graphics, Food Technology, Information and Software Technology, Visual Arts, Music, PASS, History, Commerce and Italian. The Board endorsed course of Religion is mandatory for all Stage 5 students. The College has a proud tradition of excellence in Mathematics. Students who demonstrate a talent for mathematics are provided with the opportunity to accelerate their studies in this subject by one year. Students may also accelerate by one year in Software Design and Development. A Stage 6 student’s pattern of study is derived from a comprehensive range of both Board Developed and Board Endorsed subjects. The compulsory requirements for English are met through English Advanced, English Standard or the Board Endorsed English Studies. Students can elect to study English Extension 1 and English Extension 2. With a strong tradition in Mathematics, the College offers Mathematics and General Mathematics 1 and 2. Students can elect to study Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2. The College also offers: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Senior Science, Modern, Ancient and Extension History, Business Studies, Economics, Legal Studies, Geography, PDHPE, Engineering Studies, Industrial Technology Timber and Multimedia, Italian Continuers and Beginners, Music, Drama, Visual Arts, Software Design and Development, Design and Technology, Studies of Religion 1 and 2. Students can elect the Board Endorsed course Catholic Studies as an alternative to Studies of Religion. The College also offers a number of Board Endorsed courses including; Digital Photography, Computing Applications and Sports Lifestyle and Recreation. Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 13
A strong Vocational Education Curriculum includes Construction, Metal and Engineering, Hospitality, Information and Digital Technology and the Board Endorsed Fitness course. The College develops, in close consultation with parents, Individual Education Plans and Life Skills programs to students with identified learning needs. Life Skills programs are tailored to the interests and identified educational requirements of the student.
Powered by Simbient © CEO Annual Report 2016 v.2.3
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 14
S ECTION S EVEN : S TUDENT PERFORMANCE IN N ATIONAL AND S TATE -W IDE TESTS The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. NAPLAN assessment results provide valuable information about student achievements in literacy and numeracy. An analysis of these results assists College planning and is used to support teaching and learning programs. The tables below show the percentages of students who achieved particular skill bands in numeracy and the aspects of literacy. The College results shown are compared to students nationally. Literacy is reported in four content strands (aspects): Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation. Numeracy is reported as a single content strand. % of students in the top 2 bands
% of students in the bottom 2 bands
School
Australia
School
Australia
Grammar & Punctuation
26.56%
27.60%
21.35%
19.60%
Reading
18.75%
26.30%
20.31%
17.10%
Year Writing 7 Spelling
13.02%
15.70%
27.60%
27.10%
33.33%
28.10%
12.50%
17.40%
39.27%
30.10%
8.38%
15.20%
NAPLAN RESULTS 2016
Numeracy
% of students in the top 2 bands
% of students in the bottom 2 bands
School
Australia
School
Australia
Grammar & Punctuation
21.93%
16.60%
30.48%
27.00%
Reading
17.65%
20.50%
23.53%
21.60%
Year Writing 9 Spelling
11.76%
12.40%
40.11%
38.00%
33.69%
21.70%
16.58%
22.70%
30.43%
22.50%
13.59%
17.60%
NAPLAN RESULTS 2016
Numeracy
Higher School Certificate
The results of the College’s Higher School Certificate (HSC) candidature are reported for particular subjects. The table provided shows the percentage of students who achieved in the top two bands and shows comparison with results from previous years.
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 15
Percentage of students in top 2 bands (Bands 5 and 6) Higher School Cer ficate
2014
2015
2016
School
State
School
State
School
State
Studies of Religion I
43%
49%
54%
51%
72%
49%
English (Standard)
12%
8%
0%
8%
6%
13%
English (Advanced)
79%
59%
45%
58%
41%
61%
Mathematics General 2 BDC
18%
25%
12%
26%
19%
25%
Mathematics
66%
54%
58%
52%
70%
52%
Ancient History
48%
33%
24%
33%
41%
30%
Construction Exam
60%
18%
21%
19%
38%
13%
Senior Science
55%
37%
41%
29%
39%
28%
Studies of Religion II
63%
44%
88%
40%
88%
47%
Mathematics again is significantly above state average with the number of students in top two bands the highest it has been for three years. Studies of Religion, in particular, Studies of Religion 2 continues to be an area in which the College has student success, reflecting a significant change in pedagogy. Senior Science has achieved above State average for bands 5 and 6 in every year it has been attempted in the College and continues to be a course in which Patrician Brothers' College graduates find success.
In 2016 the number of students issued with a RoSA 14
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 16
S ECTION EIGHT : PASTORAL CARE AND W ELLBEING Student Welfare Policy
The Student Welfare and Wellbeing Policy facilitates the care, welfare and safety of students and staff at the College. There is provision for specialist support for all students, especially students at risk, including attendance at regular pastoral lessons (internally and externally delivered) as well as access to the College Counsellor, and other outside support agencies as deemed necessary. Staff members use the restorative justice principles. An extensive student leadership program enables all students from Year 7 to 12 to have a voice in the future directions of the College through the Student Representative Council. No changes were made to this policy this year. The full text of the College's Pastoral Care Policy may be accessed on the College's website or at the administration office. Discipline Policy
Corporal punishment is expressly prohibited in this College. The College does not sanction administration of corporal punishment by College persons and non-College persons, including parents, to enforce discipline in the College. The Discipline Policy is embedded in the College Student Management Policy. The policy is based upon the principles of Restorative Justice. This model is a holistic school approach where every attempt is made to reintegrate students who display inappropriate behaviour. The College Discipline Policy includes a commitment to student management and with clear boundaries and consequences, coupled with a high degree of support. It develops self-discipline and resilience in students, and to promote their growth as human beings. It is consistent with the Gospel values of justice, love and service and challenges students to understand the consequences of their actions. Students’ rights, responsibilities and parental involvement are paramount in all matters of student management. Student behaviour management is based on procedural fairness and is carried out by the Pastoral and Curriculum teams of the College. The full text of the College's Student Discipline Policy may be accessed on the College's website or at the administration office. Anti-Bullying Policy
The Archdiocese of Sydney has established an Anti-Bullying Policy which is implemented by our school and all systemic schools in the Archdiocese. It provides a framework for school Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 17
communities to work together to prevent and address issues of student bullying, in order to build respectful relationships that respond effectively and sensitively to the needs of each person. Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) monitors the implementation of this policy. The policy was reviewed in August 2016 and no changes were made to the policy this year. The full text of the Anti-Bullying Policy may be accessed on the School’s website, the administration office or at the SCS website at this link. Complaints and Grievances Resolution Policy
The Archdiocese of Sydney has established a Resolution of Complaints Policy which is implemented by our school and all systemic schools in the Archdiocese. The rationale for the policy is that within the reality of the schooling experience, it is recognised that, from time to time, misunderstandings and differences of opinion will occur, and that these need to be resolved satisfactorily. Addressing such matters within a framework of dignity, respect and truth can provide powerful opportunities to model the love of Christ in the reality of our contemporary world. Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) monitors the implementation of this policy. The policy was reviewed in December 2015 and no changes were made to the policy this year. The full text of the Resolution of Complaints Policy may be accessed on the School’s website, the administration office or at the SCS website at this link. Initiatives Promoting Respect and Responsibility
The College theme for 2016 was ‘Do your best – Trust in God to do the rest’. Values such as compassion, acceptance, tolerance, integrity and unconditional love are the values that are integral to respect and responsibility, which lie at the heart of this College and are centred on the Gospel message of Jesus. The College Outreach Program, encouraged students to raise funds for various Catholic charities: Patrician Brothers’ Delany Foundation, Caritas, St Vincent de Paul, Youth Off the Streets, Mary MacKillop Foundation and Catholic Missions. Senior students are blood donors, Year 10 students visit residents of a local nursing home, senior students volunteer for the St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol Van. The College Award Scheme requires students to commit to the College and local communities, promoting academic performance, community and environmental service.
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 18
S ECTION N INE : S CHOOL R EVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT The College implements the Sydney Catholic Schools' School Review and Improvement (SRI) Framework which outlines the processes and benchmarks for creating the culture and practice of continuous improvement with students as the focus. Each year, the College develops an Annual Improvement Plan indicating the intended key improvements for student learning outcomes. The plan is drawn from the College’s Strategic Improvement Plan and informed by the document New Horizons: Inspiring Spirits and Minds. The College engages in an annual evidence-based evaluation of its effectiveness against these external standards in collaboration with the Regional Consultant. A copy of the Strategic Improvement Plan and the Annual Improvement Plan may be obtained from the school administrative office. Key Improvements Achieved in 2016 In 2016 the College has implemented the strategy under the theme ‘Trasna’. The ongoing implementation of the Australian Curriculum in 2015 has meant that our focus has been on innovation, creation and action. Our key improvement has been the continuing to encompass staff pedagogy, with an emphasis on coaching, mentoring, evaluation and reflection, utilising the Professional Learning Group Model (PLG). In the critical area of student assessment there has been a continued shift to authentic, formative assessment using the Understanding by Design framework. As a Catholic school, there has been the priorities of embedding the Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools and the continued enhancement of student and staff spirituality as an integral part of our core purpose. A staff spirituality framework has yet to be completed, but steps have been put into place to ensure this is a priority and achieved in the next 12 months. Priority Key Improvements for 2017 Our goals for improvement in 2017 include: Strengthen the understanding of and commitment to the role of the Catholic school within the Church community. Enhance and diversify the faith formation and religious leadership opportunities for staff. Nurture and deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Tradition. Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 19
Provide experiences of learning which engage, challenge, extend and empower students through alignment with the principles of Authentic Learning. Support and challenge teachers to improve their practice against professional standards to enhance student outcomes. Embark on developing all staff and students within the Education Framework. Up skill all staff to deliver effective lessons to mixed ability classrooms. Focus on Literacy and Numeracy with a particular emphasis on writing.
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 20
S ECTION TEN : PARENT , S TUDENT AND TEACHER S ATISFACTION The opinions and ideas of parents, students and teachers are valued and sought. Their suggestions are incorporated into planning for and achieving improved outcomes for students. This year, the College has used a variety of processes to gain information about the level of satisfaction with the College from parents, students and teachers. Parent Satisfaction
The College has focussed on keeping the lines of communication opened between parents, students and teachers of Patrician Brothers' College Fairfield. These have been achieved in a number of ways over this year with the College hosting a variety of information and parentteacher evenings. It is at these evenings that surveys are taken and opportunities for open forum discussion and questions. Surveys indicate confidence in the professionalism of the staff and quality of teaching at the College. Parents indicate that they are made welcome and can feel the charism of the Patrician Brothers' present in the College. Parents are invited to assemblies based on student performances, practical works and achievement. Parents, students and staff are encouraged to voice any opinions or concerns or general feedback with our 'open door' approach. This encourages enhanced collaboration amongst the three groups with the ambition to increase the success of students during their years at the college and into the future. Student Satisfaction
The Year 12 Leadership Team represent the student body and in consultation with the S.R.C. have expressed their satisfaction in the following ways: At Patrician Brothers' Fairfield College (PBCF) we are encouraged to explore our God given talents. The boys and staff at PBCF encourage us to achieve our personal best. Students expressed satisfaction that they are challenged and encouraged to achieve great things in academics, sports and cultural pursuits. PBCF encourages students to live their faith and students and families crave a spiritual direction. Teacher Satisfaction
A professional, positive ethos is crucial to the continual development and success of a college. PBCF is comprised of a group of highly committed, talented professional educators who work collaboratively to provide quality education. There has been a low incidence of teacher turnover at the College. Staff who have left the Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 21
College have sought career advancement in other schools by accepting promotion positions, moved into retirement or have left to raise their families. There has also been a distinct lack of industrial issues which is one indicator of the positive environment engendered at the college. Perhaps the greatest indicator of staff satisfaction can be seen in their willingness to work collaboratively, openness to continual improvement, and support for College initiatives. Their generosity with their time goes beyond expectations and requirements of their role and demonstrates their commitment to providing authentic Catholic education. The leadership provides frequent opportunities for staff to have a voice and offer feedback. These opportunities are offered in a range of avenues, and the response from staff would suggest that they believe that their opinions are valued.
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 22
S ECTION ELEVEN : F INANCIAL S TATEMENT This School Financial Information is based on the detailed information provided to the Commonwealth Government in the Commonwealth Financial Questionnaire. School Financial Information for the 2016 year is detailed below: RECURRENT and CAPITAL INCOME Commonwealth Recurrent Grants 1
$9,748,342
Fees and Private Income Other Capital Income 5 Total Income
$0 $2,998,891
3
4
Capital Expenditure 6
$1,419,916
Salaries and Related Expenses 7 $12,081,239
Government Capital Grants 2 State Recurrent Grants
RECURRENT and CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
Non-Salary Expenses 8 Total Expenditure
$3,374,434 $16,875,589
$4,014,101 $478,597 $17,239,931
For the 2016 year the Patrician Brothers' College Fairfield received $24,688 as Interest Subsidy. Our school community is appreciative of the support it received from the NSW State Government under the Interest Subsidy Scheme Notes 1. Commonwealth Recurrent Grants includes recurrent per capita grants and special purpose grants. 2. Government Capital Grants includes all capital grants received from the Commonwealth and State Governments. 3. State Recurrent Grants includes recurrent grants per capita, special purpose grants and interest subsidy grants. 4. Fees and Private Income include Archdiocesan and school based fees, excursions and other private income. 5. Other Capital Income includes building levy fees and capital donations used to fund Capital Expenditure. 6. Capital Expenditure includes expenditure on School Buildings, and Furniture and Equipment. 7. Salaries and Related Expenditure includes all salaries, allowances and related expenses such as superannuation and workers compensation insurance. 8. Non-Salary Expenses include all other Non-Salary Recurrent Expenditure covering resources, administration, operational expenses, utilities, repairs and maintenance.
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
Page 23
