St Ambrose Catholic Primary School, Concord West Annual School Report to the Community 2016
School Contact Details Stuart Street, Concord West 2138
[email protected] http://stambconcord.catholic.edu.au 9743 5605 9743 6225
Principal Ms Linda McFadden
ABOUT THIS REPORT St Ambrose Catholic Primary School 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 School community with fair, reliable and objective information about School 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 School’s Annual Improvement Plan. The Report demonstrates accountability to regulatory bodies, the School community and Sydney Catholic Schools. This Report has been approved by Sydney Catholic Schools in consultation with the Regional Consultant who monitors that the School 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 School newsletters and other regular communications. Further information about the School may be obtained by contacting the School or by visiting the School’s website.
Annual School Report to the Community 2016
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S ECTION O NE : M ESSAGE FROM K EY G ROUPS IN OUR COMMUNITY Principal's Message
St Ambrose Catholic Primary School community is proud of the academic, sporting and creative achievements of 2016. We believe that by providing our students with varied opportunities throughout the year, that we have lived out our school's mission 'to challenge the mind and engage the heart'. This year we have taken forward key recommendations from our cyclic review in 2015 and continued our learning journey through the school's AIP. This report aims to capture and reflect upon some of the exciting initiatives undertaken in our school this year particularly in the areas of faith formation, data-informed practice, building teacher capacity and wellbeing. St Ambrose is a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant school community. We highly value the way in which our parents work in partnership with school staff. Our Super Sports Challenge held in early Term 4 was an example of this successful collaboration with significant funds being raised for the school. Another highlight which saw all members of the school community come together was the Stage 3 production of 'Aloha'. The performances were of a particularly high quality and demonstrate the great things we achieve working together. Parent Body Message
Parent satisfaction within the school is evidenced by the level of parent engagement in all facets of school life. For instance, a large number of parents regularly attend school assemblies, Masses, carnivals and other school functions. In addition, parents eagerly volunteer to assist with and participate in school run events and fundraisers. Parents are encouraged to work in partnership with the school and be actively involved in their child’s learning through opportunities to assist both in the classroom and otherwise. Providing classroom-based reading support, accompanying classes on excursions and acting as group leaders in sacramental programs is an example of this. Parents are given opportunities to be heard and are invited to provide feedback, whether it be by participating in surveys or by direct communication with their child’s teacher, the Principal or others in the leadership team. Parents articulate and demonstrate their level of satisfaction and appreciation of the school by the different lines of communication available to them but most importantly, by their visibility in and around the school. Student Body Message Annual School Report to the Community 2016
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The mission of our school 'In Faith and Love we Challenge the Mind and Engage the Heart' shapes everything we do in our school. Our school-wide pedagogy, that encourages us to Think big, Question Why and Act Justly means that we engage in a variety of real-world experiences that enable us to take an active role in our learning. We use Design Thinking as a tool for inquiry-based learning that helps us to think more deeply about the questions that matter to us. At St Ambrose, student leadership is fostered through programs such as Mini-Vinnies, our Buddy program and the School Representative Council. This year saw the introduction of Supporters Day an initiative implemented by some of our stage two students which we hope will be an annual outreach event. The School Representative Council have also led anti-bullying and environmental awareness projects and have reinforced with all students the values that underpin our student management plan. Finally, student retreats give us opportunities to travel to significant places and to reflect on our spirituality which is a valuable part of life and learning at St Ambrose.
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S ECTION TWO : S CHOOL F EATURES St Ambrose Catholic Primary School is a Catholic systemic Co-educational School located in Concord West. St Ambrose Catholic Primary School caters for students in Years K-6. Enrolments have increased dramatically in the past few years, with the school close to capacity. There is an increasing demand for enrolment from Catholic families living within the parish boundaries of Concord West, Liberty Grove, Wentworth Point and Rhodes. St Ambrose Catholic Primary School is a feeder school for three local Catholic girls' secondary schools of Bethlehem College Ashfield, Domremy College Five Dock and Marist Sisters' College at Woolwich. Our boys' secondary schools are of De La Salle College Ashfield, Marist College Eastwood and Holy Cross College Ryde. St Ambrose Catholic Primary school was established in 1924 by the Sisters of Charity. It is supported by the parish community of Concord West and a very active and involved parent community. St Ambrose Catholic Primary School enjoys a high level of parent involvement across all aspects of school life. Parents are very generous contributing their time, talent and commitment to an array of events, programs and activities throughout the year. The spirit of welcome and hospitality is strongly supported by the work of the Class Parent Representative network and the Parents and Friends' association. St Ambrose employs staff in a variety of capacities including teachers, learning support officers and office support staff. Staff give generously their time and expertise to ensure the best possible outcomes for the students in their care. The students attending our school come from a variety of backgrounds and staff work together 'to challenge the mind and engage the heart' and to encourage each student to be the best they can be.
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S ECTION THREE : S TUDENT PROFILE Student Enrolment
The School caters for students in Kindergarten to Year 6. Students attending this School come from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. The following information describes the student profile for 2016: Girls
Boys
LBOTE*
Total Students
233
255
313
488
* Language Background Other than English 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 95.53%. Attendance rates disaggregated by Year group are shown in the following table. Attendance rates by Year group Kindergarten
95.41%
Year 1
96.53%
Year 2
95.39%
Year 3
95.84%
Year 4
95.08%
Year 5
96.20%
Year 6
94.28%
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Managing Student Non-attendance
Regular attendance at school is essential if students are to maximise their potential. The School, 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, School staff, as part of their duty of care, monitor part or whole day absences. School 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 School 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 School strategies have failed to restore regular attendance.
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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
27
15
42
* This number includes 17 full-time teachers and 10 part-time teachers. Percentage of staff who are Indigenous
0%
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 School 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 School held the equivalent of five staff developments days this year with areas of focus as follows: Term 1
Administration, Professional Expectations, Data Collection, School Assessment & Reporting plan.
Term 2
History and Geography - Authentic Learning
Term 3
Spirituality Retreat - Engage the Heart
Term 4
Student Handover and Curriculum Planning 2017
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:
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Teacher Qualifications
Number of Teachers
1 Those having formal qualifications from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent.
27
2 Those having graduate qualifications but not a formal teaching qualification from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent.
0
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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 School engages in processes to reflect on and revitalise its mission and strengthen the religious life of members of the School community. The School follows the Archdiocesan Religious Education (RE) Curriculum and uses the student textbooks To Know, Worship and Love, as authorised by the Archbishop of Sydney. At St Ambrose Catholic Primary School we endeavour to incorporate contemporary pedagogy into the teaching of Religious Education. Teachers are provided with opportunities to deepen their personal understanding of Scripture, Doctrine and how to develop Religious Education programs that are relevant and meaningful to the student's experiences. We engage in daily opportunities for student-led prayer and staff also lead various types of prayer including Lectio Divina, the Examen and Christian meditation each term. School Masses and liturgies are always very well attended and many feast days are celebrated throughout the school year. St Ambrose Catholic Primary school enjoys great support from our Parish and Assistant Priests. Our faith formation plan for staff and students this year had an emphasis on 'engaging the heart' which picked up on the Jubilee Year of Mercy and the call of Pope Francis for us to be more compassionate large-hearted people. Our students in K-6 were again given the opportunity to attend student retreat days in a variety of different places. Additionally, approximately twenty parents were trained as facilitators this year and attended student retreat days in this capacity. Social outreach is another important aspect of life at St Ambrose Catholic Primary school. This year our students, parents and staff have been involved in many outreach programs including making packs for residents of 'Yaralla' cottages as well as making sandwiches and food donations for Night Patrol. Our students organise Colour House days throughout the year with proceeds going to several different Catholic charities. Our students in Years 2, 3 and 6 engaged in parish-based sacramental programs to prepare for and celebrate the sacraments of Penance, First Communion & Confirmation. The school supports the parish in these highly successful programs by assisting with resourcing, through prayer and teacher support. Annual School Report to the Community 2016
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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 6
36.56
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.
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S ECTION S IX : CURRICULUM The school provides an educational program based on, and taught in accordance with the Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards syllabuses for Primary Education. The Key Learning Areas (KLAs) are English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Human Society and its Environment, Creative Arts and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. In addition, the school 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. Our school-wide pedagogy of 'As we learn we think big, question why and act justly' continues to be the cornerstone of student learning across all Key Learning Areas. The focus for professional learning and curriculum planning this year has been on collecting and analysing student data to inform teaching and learning particularly in the areas of English & Mathematics. Staff K-6 have continued to work with NoTosh Ltd to implement Design Thinking in classrooms. Students generate solutions to real world problems with an emphasis on building empathy and creative thinking skills. Teachers have planned collaboratively and undertaken their own personal cycles of inquiry using Design Thinking. This year teachers were engaged in learning how to administer and analyse clinical interviews in Mathematics and this, along with professional learning around the K-10 Mathematics Syllabus, built teachers capacity to plan and implement quality practices in the Mathematics block. Teachers K-6 also worked with the Literacy Coach in the areas of Grammar and Sentence Structure to develop consistency in practice and shared understanding about the writing process. The school continues to collaborate with a specialist Science consultant to build teacher capacity in the delivery of hands-on and engaging science lessons. This successful collaboration is highly valued by students, staff and parents within the school. Our annual Newman Symposium was held in Term 4. Many of our gifted students who are part of the Newman Program were given the opportunity to showcase their areas of personal inquiry and present their findings to members of the wider community.
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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 School 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 School 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
67.21%
52.80%
1.64%
9.70%
Reading
57.38%
49.40%
6.56%
11.40%
Year Writing 3 Spelling
52.46%
48.60%
4.92%
6.20%
55.74%
46.50%
4.92%
12.30%
57.38%
35.70%
1.64%
13.40%
NAPLAN RESULTS 2016
Numeracy
% of students in the top 2 bands
% of students in the bottom 2 bands
School
Australia
School
Australia
Grammar & Punctuation
54.55%
36.30%
3.64%
14.70%
Reading
68.52%
35.20%
3.70%
15.50%
Year Writing 5 Spelling
45.45%
17.40%
3.64%
18.30%
52.73%
29.60%
5.45%
17.00%
60.00%
28.20%
0.00%
16.30%
NAPLAN RESULTS 2016
Numeracy
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S ECTION EIGHT : PASTORAL CARE AND W ELLBEING Student Welfare Policy
St Ambrose Catholic Primary School's Pastoral Care Policy is based on the principles of restorative justice and procedural fairness. The policy reflects the vision and mission of Sydney Catholic Schools and is characterised by safety, trust and mutual respect. Central to pastoral care at St Ambrose is the example of Jesus and the teaching of the Gospels. We aim to develop individuals who are responsible and resilient with personal growth and self-esteem a priority. Emphasis is placed on the development of the spiritual, academic, emotional and physical needs of each student. This year one of the key ways that the school has sought to implement this policy is through the establishment and work of the Kidsmatter Action Team. This team has surveyed staff, students and parents about issues related to wellbeing and have found that stakeholders are keen to address the areas of anxiety and social-emotional learning. The team ran several professional learning modules for staff to build their knowledge and capacity in this area and will continue this important work in 2017. The full text of the School's Pastoral Care Policy may be accessed on the School's website or at the administration office. Discipline Policy
Corporal punishment is expressly prohibited in this School. The School does not sanction administration of corporal punishment by School persons and non-School persons, including parents, to enforce discipline in the School. The school's Student Management Plan is based on procedural fairness and seeks to work with students in amending behaviour. The policy outlines rights and responsibilities of students and provides suggested consequences for poor behaviour choices. The school recognises that students need to have clear expectations and visible guidelines and therefore the Student Management Plan is regularly discussed with staff, students and parents. No changes were made to this policy in 2016. The full text of the School's Student Discipline Policy may be accessed on the School's website or at the administration office. Anti-Bullying Policy Annual School Report to the Community 2016
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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 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
During 2016 student leaders have led a variety of whole-school celebrations and initiatives. St Ambrose Catholic Primary school promotes the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. We promote respect and responsibility by encouraging our students to participate in and support a variety of outreach programs. Examples in 2016 include donating and preparing 'pamper packs' for the women residents of Yaralla refuge. Students also regularly made donations for Night Patrol. In response to the message of Pope Francis about showing compassion in the 'Year of Mercy' our Stage Three students organised treat bags to be distributed by St Vincent de Paul and which were decorated with personal messages by all student K-6. This year our families became part of a regular sandwich-making roster for Night Patrol as well as providing and packing donated goods for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Our student leaders coordinated four Colour House days throughout the school year which raised funds for Caritas, St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal, the Charitable Works fund and Catholic Mission. Some of our Stage Two students inaugurated 'Annual Supporters Day' where all students were invited to wear a team jersey and donate a gold coin to support a charity of local significance. Annual School Report to the Community 2016
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S ECTION N INE : S CHOOL R EVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT The School 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 School develops an Annual Improvement Plan indicating the intended key improvements for student learning outcomes. The plan is drawn from the School’s Strategic Improvement Plan and informed by the document New Horizons: Inspiring Spirits and Minds. The School 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 Key Improvements in our schools learning journey have included: faith formation opportunities for staff that have allowed them to deepen their understanding of mercy and to connect with the Sisters of Charity charism and our school vision to engage the heart the growth of the student retreat initiative to include trained parent facilitators strengthening of staff's collective capacity to use evidence to inform teaching & learning staff engagement in high yield strategies that enable us to better know our students such as collaborative planning, case management process & data walls to make student growth visible. the establishment of Kidsmatter Action Team and their work in identifying and planning areas of focus in student wellbeing Priority Key Improvements for 2017 Areas for Improvement in 2017 include: building teacher knowledge and understanding of social and emotional learning, so as to implement strategies that will promote resilience and optimism in students further professional learning in Mathematics that will allow teachers to make learning more visible and explicit for students. using practices such as peer observation, feedback and learning walks to increase teacher capacity to better meet the needs of their students continue to explore ways to align the work of the school and the parish in faith formation of the community Annual School Report to the Community 2016
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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 School has used a variety of processes to gain information about the level of satisfaction with the School from parents, students and teachers. Parent Satisfaction
Parent satisfaction within the school is evidenced by the degree of involvement of parents and their attendance at school functions. Feedback received informally through conversations between staff and parents, together with data received more formally through surveys indicates that parents are very appreciative of the care, encouragement and support they receive at St Ambrose. Parents have indicated that they value the quality learning programs designed by the staff to assist each student to achieve at their own level and to experience a level of choice in their learning through inquiry-based learning. Student Satisfaction
Students' morale is high at St Ambrose Catholic Primary School. There is a strong sense of school pride amongst the students and an extensive involvement in extra-curricular activities. Students have participated in school carnivals, gala days, charitable fundraisers, academic competitions, music and dance events as well as at our Parents and Friends and parish events. The School Representative Council is held in high regard in the school and through conversations with the leadership team give insightful feedback and have a positive influence on school life at St Ambrose. Students at St Ambrose Catholic Primary School show enthusiasm for their learning and express pride in their individual and collective achievements at school. Teacher Satisfaction
Teacher feedback is sought throughout the year in a variety of formal and informal ways at St Ambrose. Staff morale is high and is evidenced by high participation in extra-curricular and voluntary activities. Teachers very willingly involve themselves in special projects and engage themselves fully in professional development opportunities provided throughout the year. Various teachers presented their personal learning in response to professional development offered at Cluster level in the course of their work this year and did so professionally and enthusiastically. All staff participated in practitioner inquiry again this year and many articulated the benefits of this initiative. Staff value the level of support they receive from parents and the wider community.
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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
RECURRENT and CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
Commonwealth Recurrent Grants $2,901,169
Capital Expenditure 6
$175,411
1
Government Capital Grants State Recurrent Grants
Other Capital Income 5 Total Income
$875,204
3
Fees and Private Income
$0
2
4
Salaries and Related Expenses 7
$3,495,454
Non-Salary Expenses 8
$1,206,197
Total Expenditure
$4,877,062
$1,229,947 $112,704 $5,119,024
For the 2016 year the St Ambrose Catholic Primary School received $13,490 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.
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