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OUR LADY OF GRACE ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT 2019 This report is a requirement of the Commonwealth Government as outlined in the Schools Assistance Act 2008.

INTRODUCTION

Located within the Glenelg Parish, Our Lady of Grace School is a Catholic Co-educational Reception – Year 6 School educating students in a lifelong pursuit of excellence and building a community of faith through the Dominican tradition. Established in 1953, the school opened its doors at the start of the school year in February 1954. Originally, it served the local community as both a church and a school, being converted from one to the other each weekend for Sunday Mass, with three classrooms housed within the church walls.

At Our Lady of Grace School, we build learners who work together in Christ-Like ways. Our purpose is to Ignite the whole person, Wonder what’s possible, Grow and make a difference. Learners are encouraged to reflect on a growth mindset by following our Big 5 Learner Values: be Christ-like, be respectful, be supportive, be safe, be brave. Our school is a vibrant inclusive Catholic community fostering faith and learning as to nurture optimistic compassionate people of the world. Our Lady of Grace embraces a contemporary approach to faith and learning, where innovation, Early Years learning, technology and our environment enable both students and staff to be at the forefront of education. Quality teaching and learning is central to our commitment to success for all and is core to our success as a learning community. As well as a strong academic focus, the school has a strong focus on wellbeing and supporting the needs of students and families within our community. Our active Parent and Friends group works to build community through social and fundraising functions and supports learning through positive teacher-parent partnerships. Our Lady of Grace School is a safe, supportive Catholic school where we work in partnership with one another to ensure the best outcomes for all. 2019 was a significant year for Our Lady of Grace. We commenced the school year with all staff attending the Live Learn Lead event at the Entertainment Centre. Together with nearly 5000 catholic staff, we witnessed our significant part that we are a part of in catholic Education. We also had the opportunity to deepen our capacity of Live, Learn Lead Framework… thriving learner’s capable leaders for the world God desires. 25 young learners started their learning journey in Reception and another 7 Reception who started mid-year. The first stage of our Master Plan was completed. Stage 1 project involved the redevelopment of the first floor to accommodate Years 4- 6 learners. Architects Phillips/Pilkington and builders Horizon Construction enabled our Stage 1 to achieve a successful redevelopment. The new and redeveloped Years 4-6 learning areas have also access to toilets and break out spaces. A Reception mid-year intake commenced Being a member of the South West Adelaide of Catholic Schools, children enrolled from Reception are guaranteed a Catholic R-12 pathway into Cabra Dominican College or Sacred Heart College for their Secondary schooling. It is important to note that parents are responsible for making an enrolment application to their preferred Secondary School. The African proverb ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ is apt for our school as every member of Our Lady of Grace leaders, teachers, community and administrative staff, families, children and young people – have a part to play in creating a Catholic community of welcome, Ignite, Wonder and Grow.

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STUDENT ENROLMENT NUMBERS

Year Level Male Female Total

Reception 14 23 37

Year 1 13 7 20

Year 2 13 18 31

Year 3 15 12 27

Year 4 20 14 34

Year 5 13 15 28

Year 6 14 17 31

Total 102 106 208

In 2019, the percentage of Indigenous enrolments was 0%. The percentage of students with disabilities was 24%.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

The total number of student enrolments in 2019 was 208. The average attendance rate for our students in 2019 was 94.33%.

Year Level Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4

Reception 96.51% 93.48% 93.14% 95.41%

Year 1 93.81% 89.06% 89.64% 93.65%

Year 2 95.56% 94.29% 94.64% 96.40%

Year 3 94.19% 93.56% 92.55% 95.09%

Year 4 94.17% 94.03% 93.86% 96.09%

Year 5 95.42% 94.25% 93.61% 96.14%

Year 6 94.76% 96.44% 94.91% 96.74%

Averages 94.92% 93.59% 93.19% 95.65%

MANAGEMENT OF STUDENT NON-ATTENDANCE

It is an expectation that parents inform the school when their child will be absent. This can be done in person, via phone, email, Skoolbag app or leaving a message on the answering machine. School attendance is monitored by classroom teachers, and absences are recorded daily on our student system CeSiS and SEQTA. In the event that a high level of unexplained absence is recorded, the Principal will work with the families to improve attendance and provide support if needed.

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HUMAN RESOURCES

In 2019, Our Lady of Grace School had a total of 17 teaching staff (made up of 16 females and 1 male teachers) and 14 non-teaching staff members. (11 females and 3 males). The Staff Retention rate from 2018 to 2019 was 83.87%. In 2019, no staff members identified as Indigenous. Out of Schools Hours Care is managed by Camp Australia. We also have 3 instrumental tutors working in our Instrumental Program each week.

STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate/Diploma Certificate 26%

Diploma of Education/Teaching 6%

Bachelor Degree 48%

Master Degree 6%

Other 13%

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

In 2019, Our Lady of Grace School spent a total of $21,151 on Professional Learning. All staff are supported in working towards their goals, including access to high quality professional learning. Our school staff participated in a number of professional learning opportunities, which occurred on Pupil Free Days and during Staff Meetings. These included:

National Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability/ Disability Standards

STEM

Visible Learning

Literacy, Synthetics Phonics, MaqLit, MiniLit

Position and Transferring/Epilepsy/Oral Feeding

Religious Education- Crossways

CCQ- Classroom Climate – Effective School Improvement (Curtin University)

A number of staff also accessed the following:

Teaching students with Dyslexia

Visible Learning, Learning Intentions, Feedback, Solo Taxonomy ( Corwin University)

Literacy- MiniLit

Digital Technologies

NAPLAN Coordinators Workshop

NAPLAN Data Analysis Tool Training

Using PAT for School Improvement

CESA Uni SA STEM Project

STEM Forum

Staff Formation/ Ecological Conversion network

Crossways in a Contemporary Classroom

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Making Nests

Professional Development for all staff for students with disabilities

Accelrus Training

Collaborative Teams

Restorative practices

Mindful Classrooms

PE Conference ACHPER

Way2Gi Bike Education

SCHOOL INCOME As a Catholic School, we rely on the prompt payment of school fees to assist with the operation of the school. The school receives its income from three main sources:

Government Funding (Commonwealth and State)

Tuition fees and charges

Private Income

The school attempts to minimise the level of fee increases, and school fees are set with due regard for the nature of the school community, appropriate resourcing and equity considerations and consistent with other recommendations as determined by Catholic Education South Australia. In 2019 school fees increased by 2% overall. Tuition fees and building levy did not increase however, the composite levy rose only slightly. The school’s total income for 2019 was $3,099,072, which represents a 16% increase on prior year and is broken down by the following funding sources displayed below. The increase is driven predominantly by increase in funding & school fee income due to 12% increase in student enrolments.

State Government Grants

17%

Commonwealth Government Grants

57%

Comonwealth Goverenment Grants

Other0%

School Fees (inclusive of levies)

23%

Other Income3%

SCHOOL INCOME 2019

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School Fees (inclusive of levies) $ 524,198

Commonwealth Government Grants $ 1748,444

Commonwealth Government Grants Other $ 10,450

State Government Grants $ 711,599

Other Income $ 104,390

TOTAL INCOME $ 3,099,072

MASTER PLAN – STAGE 1 AND 2 BUILDING PROJECT Our Lady of Grace School prides itself on offering a holistic, high quality educational learning for every

student. Each curriculum area is afforded appropriate attention within the timetable, ensuring access to a

differentiated for each student.

The Master Plan, completed late 2017 has been based on effective consultation with students, staff, parents

and School Board, together with the Parish Pastoral Council and develops the schools and community vision

to create a Reception to Year 6 Co Educational Catholic School.

The Master plan proposes a re configuration of existing spaces to improve learning environments. A staging

strategy was developed that prioritises the redevelopment of the first floor class spaces to effectively

accommodate Year 6 students. This stage was completed successfully during 2019 creating large purposeful

learning environments for years 4,5 & 6.

Stage 2 building and planning documentation occurred late in 2019. This stage will redevelop the ground

floor learning spaces for R/1, 2/3, Science, Technology, and OSHC. Stage 2 also proposes the relocation of

the Resource Centre creating a resource hub, including an outdoor learning space adjoining the new hub

and learning spaces. Building works, with Horizon Constructions, for Stage 2 is set to commence early 2020

for completion mid-year. The new learning spaces for all Years will provide flexibility, connectivity, Village

structures where teachers and students work in collaborative learning spaces.

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NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM LITERACY AND NUMERACY (NAPLAN) 2019

Year 3

Assessment Students Participating

2019

2018

% of students who achieved the National

Minimum Standard

2019

% of students who achieved the National

Minimum Standard

Mean Score 2018

Mean Score 2019

Reading 26 97% 100% 412.9 425.8

Writing 25 97% 100% 408.6 423.9

Spelling 26 97% 96% 398.3 403.4

Grammar and Punctuation

26 94% 100% 402.6 431.1

Numeracy 25 97% 100% 381.3 412.9

Year 5

Assessment Students Participating

2019

2018

% of students who achieved the National

Minimum Standard

2019

% of students who achieved the National

Minimum Standard

Mean Score 2018

Mean Score 2019

Reading 29 100% 100% 511.3 522.8

Writing 29 97% 100% 463.1 480.4

Spelling 29 100% 100% 499 504.9

Grammar and Punctuation

29 94% 100% 494.5 494.4

Numeracy 28 94% 100% 485 501.4

NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM LITERACY AND NUMERACY (NAPLAN) 2019 In 2019 students took NAPLAN in an online format in Term 2 (14 May-24 May). On the first day of testing, the students were assessed in Writing where the children were asked to write a persuasive text and Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation). On day two, students Reading skills were assessed and day three the Numeracy assessment was completed. Day four is set aside for children to catch up if they have been absent for any of the NAPLAN tests.

As a staff, we unpack the NAPLAN results in terms of analyzing student’s responses to different items. This

enables staff to determine strengths and challenges in the school’s Literacy and Numeracy programs and

what we need to focus on to continue to improve student’s levels in these areas. The information gained

from this analysis informs our professional learning focus into 2020.

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The following are key priorities:

Setting whole school Literacy and Numeracy strategies for change for 2019

Building and developing an environment that promotes learning and wellbeing

Setting high expectations for student achievement and growth

Effective staff collaboration

Data informed teaching and learning

Effective targeted teaching strategies

At Our Lady of Grace, we recognise that NAPLAN is only one form of Literacy and Numeracy assessment and

believe it is vital that we also consider each student is learning individually. We value the analyses of rich

classroom assessment data as collected and collated throughout the learning cycle and in doing so, we

ensure that we provide them with every opportunity to demonstrate understanding and knowledge in a

variety of ways. By analyzing and identifying strengths in both NAPLAN and classroom data in Literacy and

numeracy, we have formulated a clear strategic direction which we believe will improve outcomes for all

students in Literacy and Numeracy and in all learning areas.

ASSESSMENT INFORMING LEARNING PROGRAMS

Performance Indicators in Primary Schools (PIPS).

Early Years Assessment (EYA)- informs teachers about literacy development after five terms at

school.

Running Records- used to identify students for intervention programs such as Reading Dr.

Progress Achievement Tests (PAT) Mathematics and Reading- identifies children who need

enrichment in these areas, as well as those who need intervention. This data also measures

children’s growth and impact.

POST SCHOOL DESTINATIONS In 2019, Our Lady of Grace School became a Reception to Year 6 Co-Educational Catholic School. The inaugural Year 6 class retained the 31 students from Year 5, 2018. The 2019 Year 6 graduates post school destinations saw 29 students continue with the Catholic pathway for their secondary education.

Graduating Students Secondary Destination

5 Cabra Dominican College

24 Sacred Heart College

1 Immanuel College

1 Fulham North Primary School

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VALUE ADDED PROGRAMS

Our Lady of Grace School offers many educational experiences and celebrations throughout the year that

provide special opportunities for its students, staff and wider community.

Our Lady of Grace School offered the following programs for the benefit of the students in our care:

Inclusive Education program: Resourced support for students with identifiable learning disabilities

Buddy Program: Every Early Years student has an older buddy and each week a special activity is

done to build up friendships and skills

Small group learning support:

Learning Assistance Program(LAP): internationally accredited program using volunteer adults

working one on one with a student to develop academic, self-esteem, confidence and social skills

In School Psychology

Out of School Hours Care (OSHC): a nationally accredited service providing before and after school

care for approximately 50 students. Out of School Hours Care is operated by Camp Australia within

the school grounds.

Premiers Reading Challenge: 2019, 87% of students were involved in this program.

Be Active Challenge- 90% of students participated

Digital Technology- Green Screen, Microsoft Learning Program

Laptops ratio 1:1: Our Year 2,3,4 and 5 students have their own laptop provided by the school and

our Reception to Year 1 students have IPads and access to laptops

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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND WELLBEING SURVEY

At the end of Term 1, 2019, students from Years 4 to 6 participated in the SA Government Department for Education and Child Development’s ‘Wellbeing and Student Engagement Survey’. This survey enables us gain insights into the concerns and experiences of our young people and to assist us as a community to develop environments where our young people can flourish. The figures below show the some of the aggregate results from the survey. In summary, it is pleasing to see that our young people are generally happy, cope with sad events in their life, have excellent connections with adults at Our Lady of Grace, have trusted friends and experience low rates of bullying. Our students are resilient but always could use more support in this area. To assist students we provide teachers with professional learning offered by Mark Le Messurier, What’s the Buzz. Emotional Wellbeing High Wellbeing Medium Wellbeing Low Wellbeing

Happiness 64% 34% 2%

Optimism 60% 39% 1%

Satisfaction with life 42% 40% 2%

Sadness 58% 24% 3%

Worries 39% 33% 13%

Engagement with School Important adult at school 60% 23% 3%

Connectedness to school 62% 16% 5%

Emotional Engagement with teachers 69% 14%

School climate 41% 39% 5%

School belonging 56% 24% 3%

Peer belonging 59% 21% 4%

Friendship intimacy 69% 14% 1%

Physical bullying 52% 27% 6%

Verbal bullying 37% 44% 5%

Social bullying 45% 37% 3%

Cyberbullying 73% 10% 2%

Learning readiness Perseverance 35% 44% 6%

Cognitive engagement 48% 30% 6%

Academic self-concept 68% 10% 5%

Health and wellbeing out of school Overall health 32% 45% 5%

Nutrition breakfast 79% 2% 3%

Sleep 50% 17% 15%

Music and arts 48% 16% 20%

Sports 64% 15% 5%

Organised activities 76% 8%

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OUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY At the core of our work and reflected in our 2019 theme ‘Grow and Flourish in Christ Like Ways” was the opportunity for children, young people, families and staff across our community to be inspired by Jesus, St Dominic, the Dominican pillars and our patrons through prayer, liturgy, reflection and formation experiences. Some examples of this included: • Nurturing the faith and spiritual formation of staff, families, children/students and community members through: • Staff Reflection Day in September

Staff Commissioning Mass

Sacramental Preparation programs

Whole school Masses and liturgies

Whole school Prayer

Circe Time

Catholic Education Week

Staff and student retreats

Staff Prayer

Promoting use of Christian Meditation/mindfulness across the school encouraging children and

staff to be still and notice God’s presence in their lives.

Centring Prayer is used during Religious Education lessons. These are led by staff and students.

Increased promotion and participation in religious education formational opportunities has seen a

significant increase in staff receiving acknowledgment through the CPF3. This is a fund that

recognises staff who undertake formation in the Religious Domain through CESA.

Year 5 students participated in the Journey to Emmaus program. The Year 5’s participated in the Journey to

Emmaus Programme, which offers an opportunity over 3 days throughout the year to reflect on how they

can be the face of Jesus to others, and to also befriend students from 4 other Parish schools in our region

in readiness for Middle school.

All students participated during Catholic Education Week in an Andrew Chin concert and liturgy at Sacred

Heart College Senior School Campus. All Catholic Schools from the South West Adelaide came together to

celebrate Catholic Schools Week.

Fr Anthony Kain, Parish Priest Glenelg Parish worked with the Parish Sacramental Team to further develop

the program in service of families in the parish. 25 families from our school were involved in the Parish

Sacramental Program during 2019.

As a Catholic community, and inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, we are called to care for God’s creation. In 2019 we continued to live out this calling in a myriad of creative and innovative ways across the school. Some examples of this included: • A sustainability audit was carried out to identify good practice and priorities for ongoing work to decrease the use of plastic and improve recycling.

Green Team

• Our Lady of Grace Outreach: Soup making for Moore Street

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ARTS PROGRAM

Reception to Year 6 students participate in The Arts, particularly Dance and Drama. Throughout the year,

all students were involved in a wide range of Dance and Drama activities including singing, moving, listening,

reading and performances. The Year 4,5 and 6 students took part in a variety of Drama activities and

recorded their own performances.

Many students were also involved in Private instrumental lessons in piano and guitar. A number of piano students also sat and participated in piano exams. An Instrumental Concert was a significant success for students where parents and family had the opportunity to see their children’s progress and passion for music. Festival Choir: 10 students took part in the Festival Choir in 2019. They took part in a number of related excursions throughout the year including: Festival Choir Hub Assessment, Combined Rehearsal and Entertainment Centre Rehearsal. They had a great experience performing at the Festival Centre as part of the Catholic Schools Music Festival Choir with 800 students. They sang at several occasions throughout the year including assemblies and several masses.

AFTER SCHOOL SPORT

At Our Lady of Grace School, we offer a wide variety of After School Sports to suit varying skill and interest levels. Players rely on the generosity of our parents who become registered volunteers in order to coach these teams. Students in Year 2-6 have the opportunity to represent Our Lady of Grace School in the following sports at local Recreation Centres and Ovals.

Basketball

Netball

Football

Cricket

T-Ball

Aerobics

Students in Reception and Year 1 can also access an introduction to the following at specific centres locally:

Auskick MiloIn2Cricket Hoops

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JAPANESE PROGRAM

In 2019, Japanese language lessons consisted of one 50-minute lesson per week for each class.

Reception to Year 2: Students experienced the Japanese language and culture through games, songs, action, rhymes and role-play with the emphasis on oral language. There was a focus on the Japanese alphabet and the acquisition of basic words, greetings and phrases in Japanese through written and oral exercises.

Years 3 to 6: Various themes and cultural celebrations in Japan were studied by students. Our students used a variety of writing genres including procedure and report writing in Japanese. Students were encouraged to plan and present work through a variety of media and different styles of presentations. Emphasis was on grammatical structure, written and oral language. Some group work was also undertaken.

As part of an integrated approach, Drama, Music and Visual Arts were integrated in the Japanese language.

STRENGTHEN FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL

Families are at the heart of our faith and learning community and we honour the role of families and parents in providing a child’s first, ongoing and most significant experience of love, faith and learning. By strengthening family and community engagement in learning and the life of our community, we are nurturing a powerful partnership to support each child to realise his or her full potential. Some examples of this included:

Active Parents and Friends

Spring Fair

School Board Governance

Learning Conversations

STEM Night

Carols Evening

School Sports program

2019 SATISFACTION SURVEY

PARENT SATISFACTION In Term 4 of 2019, Our Lady of Grace School conducted our annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to check the community’s satisfaction across a range of areas including learning, teaching, management and overall performance.

The survey received 75 responses (60% of the community).

The school recorded good results in this survey particularly in the following aspects:

94% strongly value the quality and standard of student learning

91% strongly value student well being

90% strongly agree quality opportunities for students

We recognise the importance of partnerships between teachers, families and students to ensure families and their children feel supported and treated with integrity

Annual parent survey:

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OLOG is a place that caters for your child’s learning

Works in partnership with parents to ensure your child is thriving

A place that cares for your child’s well being, and is committed to supporting family wellbeing

STAFF SATISFACTION

Staff were invited to give feedback regarding their highlights and challenges through the annual survey.

Staff are positive about the difference Our Lady of Grace is making to the lives of children and families

OLOG is an inclusive school that supports all students with their learning and wellbeing.

Staff are positive that students are encouraged to be the best person they can be. Learner’s values support

every child.