Brocklesby Public School

Annual School Report

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Messages

Principal’s message

Brocklesby Public School is a dynamic small rural school ideally situated in the village of Brocklesby. The school is committed to providing all students with a well-balanced, caring and positive learning environment.

Literacy and numeracy remained Brocklesby Public School’s core teaching and learning focus with an emphasis on the implementation of Accelerated Literacy strategies to improve reading comprehension in Years 3-6, while also implementing Best Start teaching and learning best practice for literacy in the Early Years.

The teaching of values continued this year, however it was delivered by the school leaders as they followed and lead Peer Support activities with all students K-6.

The use of new technologies which included ipads, itouch’s and other etools further develop the students’ knowledge and skills in utilizing technology to enhance their learning.

The school introduced the Active After School Program which is run for an hour, 7 weeks a term. The program provided funding for sports equipment, coaching and a healthy afternoon snack for the students.

Staff and students continued to participate in the Walbundrie Network of School activities which provided opportunities to be involved in Creative Catchment Kids environmental projects, additional staged learning days for PDHPE at Walla Walla Public School and Super 8s cricket at Rand Public School.

I again would like to express my appreciation to the Parents and Citizens Association and Staff for their continued support throughout the year.

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.

Julie Hamilton

P & C

Brocklesby Public School has had another great year with Ms. Hamilton as Principal and we welcomed Mrs. Schell. I would like to thank them and all staff for the work and effort they have given the school this year.

The P&C was again very active throughout 2011. The major fundraiser was the wood tender which raised $1100. Thank you to those parents who helped cut the wood and organise the tenders.

We held two working bees, one to clean up the

front garden and the other extensively upgraded

the student’s vegetable garden. I would like to

thank those who planned and organised this

project.

With the funds raised the P&C were able to

subsidise the Yr. 5/6 excursion to Howman’s Gap

by $360 and $600 pool entry costs for all students

to attend the intensive swimming program.

I would like to thank the executive and all the

members of the P&C who again worked tirelessly

to make my job a lot easier.

After 13 years of having children attend

Brocklesby Public School, this is my final year and

my last report as P&C president. I would like to

strongly encourage you all to be involved in the

P&C and its activities as it is rewarding and the

achievements are self-satisfying. Looking around

the school you can see things like the shade sail

and outdoor seating, the idea behind the map of

Australia native garden and to know that the

children have been able to be involved in

excursions and swimming lessons. These are all

possible because you and your fellow P&C

members divide the efforts, as the old saying

goes many hands make light work.

I would like to leave this message with you, the

more you put into the P&C the more you, and

more importantly your children will be rewarded.

Thank you to those of you who have been

alongside me for the past 13yrs. You have helped

to shape the unique Brocklesby Public School.

Ron Koschitzke

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Student representative’s message

Our School Representative Council enjoyed holding fun days like our PJ and movie day and casual clothes days this year for gold coin donations.

Throughout the year the SRC have been raising money to buy some resources for the students. The decision of what to buy will be put to the student body next year. And we continued to donate to causes that are relevant and meaningful to us like supporting the Cancer Foundation and Leukemia research.

This year it was very exciting and fun to hold a mini fete on the last day of school. Although we were all tired from Presentation Night it was great. We haven’t had a fete for a long time. So many people came along and there were so many fun things to do. We thank Ms. Hamilton, Mrs. Schell and everyone else who helped us organize the day. We raised $300!

Thank you for giving us all such an educational and enjoyable year.

Brittni Williams

Timothy Koschitzke

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School context

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 11 9 12 13 12

Female 9 12 13 12 14

Student attendance profile

Management of non-attendance

Due to Brocklesby Public School having an attendance comparable to the state and regional levels student non-attendance is not required to be managed in a formal manner. The school maintains open and close contact with parents

that foster positive communications and working relationships if an attendance issue arose.

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.

Roll class Year Total per year Total In class

K-1-2 K 4 14

K-1-2 1 5 14

K-1-2 2 5 14

3-4-5-6 3 3 12

3-4-5-6 4 3 12

3-4-5-6 5 4 12

3-4-5-6 6 2 12

Structure of classes

During 2011 Brocklesby Public School class structure included two full time classes; K-2 with 14 students and Yr. 3-6 with 12 students.

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

Teaching Principal 1

Classroom Teachers 1

Teacher Librarian 0.084

Teacher RFF 0.084

Teacher part time 0.168

School Administrative & Support Staff 0.876

Total 3.212

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

Brocklesby Public School does not employ any indigenous employees.

0

25

50

75

100

2008 2009 2010 2011

Att

en

dan

ce r

ate

Year

Student attendance rates

School Region State DEC

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Stu

den

ts

Year

Enrolments

Male Female

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Staff retention

Due to an increase in student enrolments in 2011 the staffing allocation was also increased to two full time teachers. Ms. Hamilton remained as the Teaching Principal, Mrs. Schell replaced Miss Vanzella after Miss Vanzella was successful in merit selection and gaining a permanent teaching position with a local school. Mrs. Turlich replaced Mrs. Packer as the Principal’s Release teacher for the year.

Teacher qualifications

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

Qualifications % of staff

Degree or Diploma 100%

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 $

Balance brought forward 51976.07Global funds 52060.72Tied funds 17974.51School & community sources 5273.88Interest 2589.80Trust receipts 1312.15Canteen 0.00Total income 131187.13

ExpenditureTeaching & learning Key learning areas 18556.05 Excurs ions 3083.03 Extracurricular dissections 2736.83Library 275.01Training & development 4430.14Tied funds 18867.92Casual relief teachers 1296.88Administration & office 21415.73School-operated canteen 0.00Utilities 6569.75Maintenance 7901.67Trust accounts 953.95Capital programs 0.00Total expenditure 86086.96Balance carried forward 45100.17

A full copy of the school’s 2011 financial statement is tabled at the annual general meetings of the School P&C. Further details concerning the statement can be obtained by contacting the school.

School performance 2011

Achievements

Arts

Creative and Performing Arts is enjoyed by all students in our school. This year a school initiative was to employ Mrs. Wendy Wiltshire, a specialist art teacher once a week.

Highlights for the year included:

All students were involved in weekly art lessons

All students performed a self-choreographed dance for the Riverina Region Education Director, Mr. Colin Parker

Students strongly supporting the Walbundrie Show with many students winning prizes.

Student performances at the end of year school concert which included prop making, acting, script writing and Chinese and Bollywood dancing.

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Sport

Brocklesby Public School students competed well in school house competitions and against the Walbundrie Network of Small School throughout 2011. The students participated in school and interschool swimming, cross country and athletics carnivals.

Brittni Williams and Lachlan Boyd represented the school at PSSA level for swimming and Joshua Koschitzke, Timothy Koschitzke and Brittni Williams for athletics.

Josh Koschitzke and Brittni Williams also represented the Albury District at the Riverina cross country carnival in Narrandera. Huge congratulations for their efforts and achievements this year.

Brocklesby parents once again supported an intensive 10 day swimming program that was attended by all students at the Jindera Pool.

This year the Active After School Sports Program was implemented and all students were involved in the highly successful program which ran 1 hour 7 Fridays per term.

School Leadership

In conjunction with the Walbundrie Network of Small Schools’ we introduced the Peer Support program to provide strong leadership skills for senior students and to establish and maintain a positive school culture in each individual school.

Senior students across the network engaged in the two day Peer Support Leadership Training program at Wirraminna EEC. Students were then involved in leading peer group lessons during term 3 to develop and enhance “taking opportunities – resilience”.

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.

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

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

Literacy – NAPLAN Year 3

3 students sat Year 3 Literacy-NAPLAN in 2011. Parents were notified of the results. Brocklesby Public School has too small a cohort to report on results.

Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 3

3 students sat Year 3 Numeracy-NAPLAN in 2011. Parents were notified of the results. Brocklesby Public School has too small a cohort to report on results.

Literacy – NAPLAN Year 5

Five students sat Year 5 Literacy-NAPLAN in 2011. Parents were notified of the results. Brocklesby Public School has too small a cohort to report on results.

Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 5

Five students sat Year 5 Numeracy-NAPLAN in 2011. Parents were notified of the results. Brocklesby Public School has too small a cohort to report on results.

Progress in literacy

Year 5 students have made above average progress in all aspects of literacy except for spelling compared to State DEC results.

Progress in numeracy

Year 5 students have made above average progress in numeracy compared to State DEC results.

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.

All students in Year 3 are achieving at or above National Minimum Standards in all aspects of literacy. All students in Year 5 are achieving at or above National Minimum Standards in all aspects of literacy except for spelling. The school will use results to identify areas of strength and need, to inform future teaching and learning focus and directions.

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All students in Year 3 are achieving at or above National Minimum Standards in numeracy. However, there are opportunities for students in Year 5 to make further progress in numeracy. The school will use results to identify areas of strength and need, to inform future teaching and learning focus and directions.

Significant programs and initiatives

Brocklesby Public School undertook a variety of programs to support student learning during 2011. As a member of the Walbundrie Network of Schools of schools our students benefited from the following combined school initiatives:

Year 5/6 excursion to Howman’s Gap

PDHPE day at Walla Walla Public School

The Year 5 and 6 students participated in the Creative Catchment Kids Program and developed a worm farm for the school food scraps

The development of the school vegetable garden enabled students to plant and harvest from raised garden beds.

Aboriginal education

School programs supporting Aboriginal Education and aspects of Aboriginal perspectives, culture and history are taught in the school.

Aboriginal Education is integrated across all Key Learning Areas with particular emphasis across the Connected Outcomes Groups units of teaching and learning.

Multicultural education

Whilst there are no students from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB) enrolled at Brocklesby Public School, the cultural diversity of our nation continues to be recognised and celebrated in the school across various Key Learning Areas.

Connected Outcomes Groups units provide a vehicle to study other cultures and encourage attitudes of tolerance and respect for those from different cultures. Students across all stages of learning engaged in broadening their knowledge of Australia’s neighboring cultures, learnt and performed Chinese and Bollywood dances.

Respect and responsibility

During 2011 students at Brocklesby Public school continued to engage in the Six Kinds of Values Education Program. It frames and supports the DET core values in a way that students, teachers and parents can remember and apply in everyday situations.

Connected learning

The connected classroom suite was installed into the new library building early this year, however was not in working order until towards the end of 2011.

Progress on 2011 targets

Target 1

Improve the Literacy skills of all students, with an emphasis on reading comprehension.

Our achievements include:

student writing and assessments showed evidence of improved grammar and text structure

improved student performance in reading comprehension in Early Stage one and Stage One

at the time of writing this report, Accelerated Literacy professional Learning was not undertaken by the Stage Two/3 teacher

evidence of Best Start strategies and Personal Learning Plans in the Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 daily balanced literacy session

implementation of balanced literacy sessions that reflect the concepts of the Best Start program.

Target 2

To improve working mathematically skills with an emphasis on space and number.

Our achievements include:

Principals from the Walbundrie Network of Schools evaluated and revised the current mathematics scope and continuum and teaching programs

the inclusion of department of education resources and personnel and NAPLAN teaching and learning strategies into teaching programs

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improved student results across Space and Numeracy in school based assessment tasks.

Target 3

Use of interactive technology to enhance teaching and learning across all Key Learning Areas

Our achievements include:

Everyday use of Interactive Whiteboard technology by staff and students in all Key Learning Areas

Implementation of the use of ipads and itouch technology to enhance literacy and numeracy learning

video conferencing technologies were still unavailable for the majority of the year

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 technology and leadership.

Educational and management practice

Staff and parents were surveyed about school leadership in 2011. 100% of staff and students and 33% of parents returned the school designed survey.

Findings and conclusions

100 % of returned parent surveys strongly agree or agree that the Principal and teachers understood the school, helped the students achieve their best and valued the contribution of individuals and groups.

100 % of returned parent surveys strongly agree or agree that the Principal and teachers make changes that are positive for all students

100 % of returned parent surveys strongly agree or agree that the Principal, teachers and parents are always looking for ways to improve what the school does

99% of students agree that teachers are open to new ideas and are always looking for ways to improve what the school does and that are good for all students

100% of students agree that they are encouraged to take on leadership roles.

100% of students agree that teachers help student to do their best and talk to them about their work and find ways to help them improve more.

100% of staff strongly agree the Principal improves the school’s operation through understanding the school’s strengths and weaknesses

100% of staff strongly agree the Principal effectively implements changes that are good for student learning

Future directions

The school will continue to provide leadership opportunities for students and seek new avenues for leadership in the future

The school will continue to consult and involve parents and students when making improvements to best help students improve what they do at school

The Principal will continue to develop strong relationships with the school community to best meet the needs of the students.

Curriculum

Staff and parents were surveyed about the use of technology in 2011. 100% of staff and students and 33% of parents returned the school designed survey.

Findings and conclusions

100 % of returned parent surveys strongly agree or agree that their children enjoy using technology for learning and pleasure and that it is important to their learning

100 % of returned parent surveys strongly agree or agree that teachers make technology relevant and interesting for the students and that it is a tool used in all Key Learning Areas

There were varying responses to the questions regarding student access to technology and regular reliable internet service from home

There was an interest in taking part in workshops to assist parents to develop technology skills

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92% of students agree they enjoy using technology for learning and enjoyment and 8% were unsure

92% of students agree the teachers make using technology relevant and interesting and 8% were unsure

There was a mixed response to the question relating to needing help to learn about technology. Some suggested more help with using ipads, iPods and smartboard.

100% of staff agree financial planning and resource allocation for technology is done well

100% of staff agree students are using eLearning technology as tools in the classroom each day for a variety of Key Learning Areas

100% of staff are confident to use and implement the changing technologies available for teaching and learning.

Future directions

Survey parents to investigate which type of technology workshops they would like to attend

Continue to use eLearning tools across all Key Learning Areas.

Parent, student, and teacher satisfaction

In 2011 the school sought the opinions of parents, students and teachers about the school. 100% of student and staff surveys and 33% of parent surveys responses were returned.

Their responses are presented below.

100 % of returned parent surveys strongly agree or agree that the school maintains a focus on Literacy and Numeracy along with providing a wide range of extracurricular programs

100% of returned parent surveys strongly agree or agree that the school is connected to its community and welcomes parental involvement

100% of returned parent surveys strongly agree or agree that the school is attractive and well resourced

100% of students strongly agree or agree that Brocklesby Public School is a good school with teachers who provide effective extra support to students who need it

91% of all students strongly agree or agree that Brocklesby Public School is a friendly school with a fair discipline and reward system with students who are well behaved and respectful

100% of teachers strongly agree they incorporate quality teaching strategies into their classroom practices

Professional learning

Staff at Brocklesby Public School participated in a range of high quality professional learning activities in 2011. They include:

Leadership

Literacy

Best Start Assessment

Technology

OH&S

CPR

Emergency Care

Training took place inside and out of school hours.

The average expenditure on professional learning for each teacher was: $1000.00.

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School planning 2012—2014

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.

School priority 1

Outcome for 2012–2014

To improve student achievement in reading

comprehension in all KLAs.

2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include:

80% of Year. 3 and 5 students reaching proficiency in reading comprehension skills.

Strategies to achieve these targets include:

Assessment of comprehension skills:

Utilising Best Start assessment tools

Utilising the Literacy Continuum comprehension cluster markers

Utilising Year. 3 & 5 NAPLAN data

Administering the Torch test in Stage Two and Three

School priority 2

Outcome for 2012–2014

To improve student knowledge, understanding and application of basic number facts.

2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include:

80% of Year 3 and Five students reaching proficiency in the knowledge and understanding of basic number facts.

Strategies to achieve these targets include:

Assessment of basic number facts using

Stage 1,2,3 Diagnostic Maths Tool

Year 3 and 5 NAPLAN data

Maths Plus Assessment tasks

Weekly assessments

Use the syllabus and key ideas to maintain accurate student records of student achievement.

School priority 3

Outcome for 2012–2014

Development appropriate processes for full implementation of National Curriculum.

2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include:

Targets to achieve this outcome include:

Development of National Curriculum Implementation plan

Strategies to achieve these targets include:

Use survey data to evaluate the National Curriculum implementation needs of the Walbundrie Network of Schools.

Through professional learning activities provided by DEC staff develop a deep knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum

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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.

Julie Hamilton Principal

Coralie Schell Classroom Teacher

School contact information

Brocklesby Public School

65 Main Street, Brocklesby, NSW 2642

Ph: 0260292472

Fax: 0260294239

Email: Brocklesby-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Web: www.brocklesby-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

School Code: 1363

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