Mascot Public School

Annual School Report

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Our school at a glance

Students Our school is very proud of its students and their achievements in 2013. Our school exists proudly for its community and celebrates its diversity. We aim to develop the academic, social, physical and cultural potential of each child. Our school enrolment was 401 students, including 40 students in our Pre-school.

. Matt Thistlethwait’s Visit

Staff Quality teaching and learning programs in literacy and numeracy are the core business of the school and the foundation of what we do. At Mascot Public School, these programs are led by an experienced and dedicated team of teachers and support staff. Without their dedication and commitment, the excellence of curricula and extra-curricular activities would not be possible. At MPS, staff embeds quality pedagogy through their teaching practices. All teaching staff meet the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.

Significant programs and initiatives National Partnership funding contributed to this culture and provided additional opportunities to develop and implement student centred educational programs and practices.

Annual Speech Day

Student achievement in 2012

Messages

Principal’s message In support of our School Plan, throughout 2013 we focused heavily on improving student learning outcomes using a whole school approach to professional learning, with an emphasis on quality teaching. This established a supportive authentic school culture that reflected high expectations for all stakeholders and promoted positive relationships amongst our diverse community. This has resulted in students, teachers and parents valuing and engaging in an inclusive approach to learning.

Whole School Assembly

I would like to thank the staff and the parent community for their support to make 2013 an outstanding year. I have valued the continued partnership with the parents of the school and thank the executive of the Parents and Citizens Association and the parent representatives on our School Council for their valuable feedback and participation in the future directions for our school. As I have said numerous times, the Mascot Community is very unique, thank you parents for the many hours you spent organising, participating in and supporting fundraising events. 2013 has been a year of change with the retirement of our principal Ms Annette McKeown but we continue to strengthen our commitment to our motto ‘STRIVE TO ACHIEVE’.

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Teachers have shown a commitment to improving their skills in delivery of high quality teaching in the classroom and in extra curricula areas. Highlights of this year have included:

• Increased participation of parents in school activities and events, especially school assemblies and celebrations of student success. Strengthened partnership with parents and appreciation of parents’ support of our school through the after school P&C BBQ’s.

• Our school band has had great success.

• Better communication with our community through our webpage, which is updated every week.

• School pride has been improved and is evidenced by the nearly 100% wearing of full school uniform.

• The continuing focus on Mathletics across all grades to improve mathematics across the school.

• Continued sponsorship from our Mascot business community - Mr. Espresso, Fitness First, Bogata Coffee, Bunnings, Goodyear, South Sydney Graphic Arts Club and from our local mayor and Botany Council.

• Our dance and choir group performed at the Bondi Showcase at Souths Juniors and at the Mascot fire station centenary.

• We continued to honour our ANZACs by participation in local and school ANZAC Day marches and in our Remembrance Day assembly.

• We had a very colourful book parade.

• Our outstanding CAPA programs in the

school such as our choir, recorder group – who performed at the Festival of Instrumental Music at the Opera House and drama group and the school music program- Jelly Beans.

• A focus on cyber safety for our senior

students and their parents to highlight the need to use the internet wisely and safely; supported by the YLO Mascot police.

• We continue to be a school with outstanding success in many sporting endeavors including swimming, athletics, cross country and in team events locally and at a state level, becoming champions in Rugby 7s and girls rugby league.

Rabbitohs vs Tigers Girls Half Time Performance • We thank the P&C for running Mother’s

Day and Father’s Day stalls

• We recognised the traditional owners of the land our school is built on with NAIDOC Week celebrations. We participated in Aboriginal public speaking events at Parliament House and the Djamu art program at the NSW art gallery.

• We continued our involvement with the India Calling project.

• We participated in the Carbon Kids Energy Savers; The Premier’s sporting challenge and The Premier’s reading challenge.

• We keenly debated in the local schools competition and participated in public speaking competitions and did well in a state spelling bee.

• We participated in the SPARK reading and

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mentoring program.

• We gardened, harvested and cooked delicious healthy meals. Thanks to Sandy Templeton Martin for her support and hard work.

• Implementation and training for staff in the

rollout of the national curriculum.

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. Tina DeAngeli – Acting Principal

P & C and/or School Council message Two thousand and thirteen was a very busy year for MPS and its P and C. It was my privilege to lead the P and C along with its executive and dedicated membership in a year of transition. Ms McKeown retired from the teaching profession and Ms DeAngeli lead us as Acting Principal for a substantial period of the year. Mrs Empacher was appointed as our new principal with a commencement date of Term One, 2014.

The P and C participated in many school community events, such as the the local Anzac celebration in our community and at school. We celebrated diversity in culture through the Harmony Day events. We anchored our Mother's Day and Father's Day stalls, with gifts and prizes and participated in the Book Parade and Easter Hat Parade celebration with a BBQ. We gave support to families in need and worked even closer with the teaching profession at our school and its leadership for the benefit of our children.

Easter Hat Parade

Ms DeAngeli brought the P and C and local industry together through their independent funding of the school's additional but new mural, which celebrates our community in and about the school environment. The capital works program continued throughout the year and our school is refreshed and a pleasant learning environment.

Of course our overarching priority in the welfare of our student population was a constant theme of attendance throughout the year, many excelling in academic achievement, sport, art and general good citizenship as they did throughout the year, and consistent without our school motto, "Strive to Achieve".

Stan Kondilios P & C President.

Student representative’s message

2013 was an exceptional year for both of us as we had the privilege of being nominated school captains for Mascot Public School. The role allowed us to meet new people in our community, run assemblies, ANZAC day programs and assisting with various programs in the school. Supporting the Kinder Flying Start program was a highlight as we enjoyed meeting the children who will be coming to the school in 2014. It felt amazing to put on the captain badge every morning, we felt proud of this achievement. The SRC met regularly throughout the year and addressed issues raised by students. We surveyed our classes and asked what they were happy with and what they would like to change around the school. The results showed clearly that students overwhelmingly appreciated and enjoyed our playground and the sports that we have on offer. Students like the class assembly award; this was awarded to the best-behaved class at the 3-6 assembly and K-2 assembly. The SRC

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documented their discussions in a class book and disseminated informations with their class. They supported charities such as Stewart House, Children’s cancer research, Jeans for Genes Day, Bandage Bear and an orphanage in Mozambique that one of our families supports. Part of our role was also helping organise some fun activities such as Harmony Day, Easter Hat parade, numerous mufti days and of course our famous cake days. We know when we look back on our time at Mascot Public School it will be as a positive experience. The teachers are supportive and always encouraged us to do well. The students at Mascot keep the motto ‘Strive to Achieve’ and that is also evident in our school song.

Patrick Rabbitt and Yeliz Yuksel School Captains 2013

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

Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

K 91.7 92.8 91.7 92.0 92.9

1 92.9 92.2 94.3 91.9 93.6

2 93.1 94.1 94.3 96.4 95.1

3 94.2 91.9 92.9 94.5 94.1

4 92.1 95.9 92.9 92.1 95.6

5 93.8 93.8 96.1 92.2 93.4 6 93.1 93.5 93.5 95.1 96.0

Total 92.9 93.4 93.7 93.6 94.3

Student attendance profile Management of non-attendance There are clear links between student attendance and achievement. Parents are required to explain the absences of their children from school promptly. If an explanation has not been received parents are contacted to request this information. Unexplained absences will be marked on the electronic school roll, as well as continuing lateness to school. Ongoing concerns are monitored by the Learning Support Team and referred, where necessary, to the Home School Liaison Officer.

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

Staff establishment

Position Number

Principal 1

Deputy Principal(s) 0

Assistant Principal(s) 4

Head Teachers 0

Classroom Teachers 16

Teacher of Emotional Disabilities 0

Teacher of Mild Intellectual Disabilities 0

Teacher of Reading Recovery .5

Support Teacher Learning Assistance 1.2

Teacher Librarian 1

Teacher of ESL 1.6

Counsellor .4

School Administrative & Support Staff 7.4

Total 33.1

In 2013 we had 1 indigenous staff member.

Staff retention Staff numbers and personnel are stable

Staff Changes As you know schools are fluid places as students come and go unfortunately so do staff. Our school community was sad of the retirement of our principal Ms McKeown at the end of term 2. At the end if term 3 our long standing ESL teacher Mr Robert Sommerville retired. His sporting expertise has also been appreciated by the school community both as a coach and a facilitator of

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school sport. Another wonderful teacher has decided to explore other parts of Australia (besides Mascot) and that is Mr Nathan Buller. Nathan has only been at our school for a short time but through his supportive and positive manner he has become part of Mascot.

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

Qualifications % of staff

Degree or Diploma 100%

Postgraduate 45%

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 30/11/2013

Income $

Balance brought forward 183911.84 Global funds 275316.03 Tied funds 118001.59 School & community sources 205788.16 Interest 8722.00 Trust receipts 763651.08 Canteen 763651.08

Total income 1555391.30

Expenditure

Teaching & learning Key learning areas 49507.63 Excursions 26783.74 Extracurricular dissections 106549.33

Library 9376.29 Training & development 0.00 Tied funds 97274.36 Casual relief teachers 71661.79 Administration & office 78736.65 School-operated canteen 0.00 Utilities 23162.25 Maintenance 35070.02 Trust accounts 104760.38 Capital programs 38322.44

Total expenditure 641204.88

Balance carried forward 914186.42

A full copy of the school’s 2012 financial statement is tabled at the annual general meetings of the School Council and/or the parent

body. Further details concerning the statement can be obtained by contacting the school.

School performance 2013

Achievements

Arts

Mural

We were fortunate to receive a generous grant from The Sydney Airport Corporation to design a mural that encompasses the Mascot area and its community. The mural was planned by our artist in residence Margaret Lopez and supported by our casual art teacher Amanda Santopietro. Students from primary grades gave ideas both in written form and in pencil drawings as to what they wanted to be depicted on the mural. The mural is a fabulous addition to our school building and our whole school community was engaged throughout the process of putting it together. Students from year 6 also participated in the painting of the mural. We also need to thank our wonderful P&C for their donation to the mural. As you can see from the photos our mural is complete and being viewed and enjoyed by all members of the school community. We had an official opening ceremony on Thursday 5 September 2013, where we officially thanked our artists Margaret Lopez, Amanda Santopietro and the students who helped work on the mural. We also thanked The Sydney Airport Corporation and our P&C. The mural stands as an exceptional addition to the school environment.

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School concert After the initial school concert in 2012 the positive and enthusiastic response from our community was to do this annually. So in term 3 teachers were asked to focus on a concert item that can showcase their students’ talents and areas of study. Performances included showcasing the creative arts programs that students were involved in throughout the year such as dance, drama, music, singing, band and recorder. The concert proved a huge success yet again for the school and now has become an annual event. Band and Choir 2013 saw the continued growth and success of our band and choir programs. Participation rates have continued to rise within our bands and choirs and particularly for boys in the Junior Choir group. In 2013 the students were given opportunities to perform at school functions and concerts, band competitions and regional music events.

Big Band Bash Congratulations to our wonderful Mascot Band who went along to the annual Big Band Bash at Daceyville Public School, on Thursday 5 September 2013. Their performance and behaviour on the day was exemplary and a credit to our school, they also looked amazing in their band shirts. Thank you to Ms Mahalia McGahey and Ms Cleo Zouroudis for their ongoing support with the band. Drama performance Congratulations to our wonderful drama group who performed on Wednesday 11 September 2013 at the school. The title of the performance was ‘Captain Colour and the White Meanies’. The students, along with Mr Nathan Buller, worked on this dramatic performance all term. They have been working on play building and interpreting text for specific purposes. I along with all the

teachers and parents had a fantastic afternoon of theatre. Sport Mascot Public School has had a very successful year in various sporting events in 2013. Competing in the South Sydney PSSA competitions at Moore Park we were premiers in senior and junior softball, junior oz tag, senior and junior cricket, junior soccer and both division 1 and 2 senior and junior netball. This is an impressive achievement. This year we competed in the three district carnivals with Mascot being the champion school in athletics and runner up in cross country. We had a large representation in the South Sydney teams competing at regional level. With Deacon Mautauma , Ali Kumburlu , Niketa Cruse and the senior relay teams looking good against strong opposition at the athletics carnival and Zeke Zambrano, Niketa Cruse, Adam Yuksel, Jacob Tautaiolefua and Khan Yuksel finishing strongly at the cross country carnival. Congratulations to the 9 students who represented Mascot PS at all three zone carnivals this year displaying their versatility and commitment. Congratulations also to Jacob Tautaiolefua and Eze Salakas who were selected in the regional rugby league team and Niketa Cruse who represented Sydney East at the state athletics carnival. Other notable results in 2013 were winning the Southern and Eastern Rugby Union knockout in the seniors and making the state finals for the third time since it began in 2011. We were runners up in the Coastal Cup in oztag and won the Bob McCarthy Cup in girls rugby league. To top off a great year, the junior boys were close runners up in rugby league and rugby union, losing in the final seconds but exhibiting outstanding sportsmanship.

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At school we enjoyed the Tri Skills gymnastics program, Joey League, ten pin bowling, softball, netball, oztag and Backyard League. We continued with fundamental movement skills, the Premier’s Sporting Challenge and Crunch and Sip. In the Premier’s Sporting Challenge we earned a gold certificate with most classes achieving this level and two classes making diamond.

Once again the year 2 to 4 students had the opportunity to participate in the learn to swim and lifesaving program which are both very important and highly successful as can be seen by the number of children able to swim 50 metres or more by year 5.

In our house competition, Cook won the cross country carnival, Cook the athletics carnival and Flinders the swimming carnival. So Cook is the 2013 champion house.

We would like to thank teachers and coaches who gave up their time to train students, the parents and friends who came to support us and our sport captains and vice captains for their efforts in organising their teams for the three carnivals.

Spelling Bee On Wednesday 18 September 2013, 4 students represented the school in the regional annual Spelling Bee competition held at Athelstane Public School. Congratulations Nafee Haque, Jessica Budak, Samir Uddin and Memeht Saracoglu.

Technology Once again Mascot Public School saw significant advances being made in technology in 2013. Interactive whiteboards are now available in all classrooms, including the preschool, and their use is being supported by teacher professional learning and sharing sessions. Teaching programs are developed to ensure technology is integrated in innovative ways maximising quality teaching and learning opportunities for all students. Students continued to use the ‘Mathletics’ online mathematics program to practise and reinforce concepts taught in class as well as for extension activities. In addition, the video conferencing (VC) units in the school continued to be used for teacher professional learning and student teaching and learning activities. In term 4 2013 we had wireless installed in the upstairs primary block the library. We purchased a small set of iPads to evaluate their effective implementation and integration into supporting student learning. The school had funds generously donated by the Graphic Arts Club which was used to purchase these iPads. With the addition of wireless in the Library we have been able to let all students access these iPads and to also use this technology with Lenovo Thinkpads. Teachers continue ongoing professional learning on interactive whiteboards and digital technology to help them to access all technology available in the school to assist in the education of our 21st Century Learners.

Preschool Mascot Preschool experienced great change in 2013. Working in partnership with our community we have written a Preschool Philosophy. All relevant documentation required under the National Regulations which

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is in line with the NQF (National Quality Framework) and the implementation of EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework) is displayed in the foyer of our Preschool. Our Preschool teachers and SLSOs (School Learning and Support officers) have successfully created a learning environment following the EYLF which centres on a child’s own interests. Within some time in 2014 our Preschool will be assessed through an accreditation process. To prepare for this our staff has been working on a QIP (Quality Improvement Plan) which highlights our strengths and targets areas for improvement. In 2013 Ms Sharon Rosen (supervisor of the preschool) and Ms Tina DeAngeli (relieving Principal) visited preschools in South West Sydney who had already been accredited to gain insight into the process. In 2014, Mascot Preschool will come on line with DEC procedures and run a 3 day 2 day fortnight program, thus enabling all community members to access preschool for their children. The Preschool staff continues to run through daily reflections where new goals are set to enable targets to be met.

Preschool Sports Day

Academic In the National Assessment Program, the results across the Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 literacy and numeracy assessments are reported on a scale from Band 1 to Band 10. The achievement scale represents increasing levels of skills and understandings demonstrated in these assessments. Yr 3: from Band 1 (lowest) to Band 6 (highest for Year 3) Yr 5: from Band 3 (lowest) to Band 8 (highest

for Year 5) NAPLAN results This year’s NAPLAN results were once again very pleasing for our school community. The year 5 students scored well above the state average growth in grammar and punctuation. Year 3 girls tested above the state average in the area of spelling. Parents have received the student’s reports and are welcome to discuss any aspect of their child’s report with either the principal or their class teacher. With the focus this semester being on comprehension in literacy we are assured to see these improvements continue across all aspects of English

Reading – NAPLAN Year 3

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Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 3

Reading – NAPLAN Year 5

Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 5

Progress in reading

Progress in numeracy

The My School website provides detailed information and data for national literacy and numeracy testing (NAPLAN). Click on the link http://www.myschool.edu.au and enter the school name in the Find a school and select GO.

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Significant programs and initiatives Aboriginal education In 2013 our school had … Aboriginal students. We are fortunate to have the assistance, experience and knowledge of Mr. Bruce Shillingsworth, an Aboriginal man from Brewarrina. 100% of Aboriginal students K-6 have Personalised Learning Plans developed to meet their individual needs. 80% of these were developed with the full support and consultation of the students and their families. Personalised Learning Plans for each student were developed, focusing on the child’s needs. Students were also given opportunities to participate in programs outside school, such as Yarn-Up, a public speaking program for Stage 3 students, and the Djamu Art Project with the Art Gallery of NSW. As a whole school, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land – Bidjigal people, and incorporate knowledge and understandings of the Aboriginal people in class programs. Norta Norta funding and National Partnership supported Year 4 and 6 Aboriginal students 2013 who scored in Bands 1 and 2 (Year 3 2012) and Bands 3 and 4 (Year 5 2012) of the NAPLAN assessment. Staff worked on Aboriginal perspectives on our Staff Development Day to better prepare to teach all students. Each class in K-6 studied an Aboriginal identity or story.

Kindergarten Excursion to Manly

Deadly Kids Award Ms Tina DeAngeli was fortunate to be invited to the annual Deadly Kids Doing Well Awards on Friday 6 September 2013. This annual event recognises the achievements of indigenous

students in our schools. It was inspiring to see the amazing abilities and talents of our indigenous students. The school was especially proud of Niketa Cruse (Year 6 2013) who was an award recipient. Multicultural education

2013 Harmony Day

In our multi-cultural school, we celebrate all important festivals through programs that develop in all students the knowledge, attitudes and skills required for a culturally diverse society. Our Harmony Day celebrations brought our multi- cultural community together. Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program focuses on addressing the learning needs of all ESL students through small group work, team teaching and withdrawal. Our New Arrivals program caters for students with limited or no English. Students attend intensive English sessions with a specialist ESL daily. India Calling Our partnership with the India Calling project continued in 2013 with the students in year 3 engaging with their peers from the partnership schools. Significant events included participation at Martin Place for the Diwali festival. The students performed in costume, sang the Australian National Anthem, The Indian National

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Anthem, and “Diwali Song” and danced “the Twist” & “Jai Ho”. We also took a select group of students to Parliament House to showcase the program and welcome the Indian Prime minister to Sydney.

National partnership programs To support our focus to improve student learning outcomes through a whole school approach, with an emphasis on quality teaching we employed a National Partnerships mentor to develop teacher quality, through strategic planning and implementation of school based professional learning in literacy comprehension. A professional learning model was adopted by all staff, which allowed consultation, goal setting, demonstration, practice, team teaching and reflection. This led to: • Releasing staff to engage in Teacher

Professional Learning. • Staff demonstrating the ability to access

SMART and Best Start Data and resources to inform and support teaching and learning in comprehension utilising the ‘super six strategies’.

• Increased teacher capacity to use DEC Syllabus and support documents to consistently plan and program literacy sessions.

We also employed our substantive Assistant Principal - National Partnership Programs to train staff and review and support, with the mentor. This led to upskilling of staff throughout semester 2 and also led to the review of future directions. After evaluation and consultation, it was deemed necessary to continue the focus and to extend to more staff and thus supporting more students whilst keeping our base. Furthermore, National Partnership Funds contributed to the purchase of material

resources to support teachers’ comprehension of the effectiveness of the ‘super six strategies’ in literacy. It also extended our partnerships with local schools as we formed collaborative communities of schools with Matraville PS, Lewisham PS and Maroubra Bay PS.

Public Speaking Mascot Public School provided opportunities for students to represent the school locally and at district level. Students’ oracy skills were developed and improved through competing against neighbouring schools. The success of this initiative contributed to the growth of students in talking and listening and positively impacted on their individual wellbeing. Quality programs to assist and promote students in public speaking are in place throughout K-6. Students are explicitly taught the essential skills that are required for public speaking. Reflective feedback to students is valued to further enhance their skills. Various opportunities for growth are supported through programs in K-6 such as structured weekly topics across grades, class presentations, The Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition and Sydney East Public Speaking Competition. Apart from learning how to prepare and present a speech, students in primary grades were also introduced to impromptu speeches. This encouraged the students to demonstrate their skills and understandings with little preparation time. Debating As an extension from the public speaking programs in our school, selected Stage 3 students participated in the Sydney Region Primary Schools Debating Competition. In 2013, our school was represented by two teams who demonstrated their skills of persuasion and disagreement. We were very proud of their efforts. Restorative Practices which promote resiliency At Mascot Public School we, endeavour to promote the philosophy and language of the Restorative Practices. The restorative approach focuses on the harm that has been done and the obligation this brings on the part of those responsible to ‘right the wrong’ as much as possible. It’s an approach that seeks to develop in the wrongdoer an understanding of the breadth and depth of the harm their behaviour has

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caused to others so that they can best try to make amends to those most affected. In this way, it’s an educative approach. It also ensures that those who have been most affected by the wrongdoing have the opportunity to be involved in working out what has to happen in order to move forward.

Restorative Practices (RP) is a way of viewing relationship-building and behaviour management in schools that works to strengthen community among students and between students, teachers and parents, through educative processes. In the RP philosophy, conflict or wrongdoing is seen as causing harm to people and relationships, and there is an obligation first to repair this harm in order for the people involved to move forward. It is a way of educating students towards self-regulated right behaviour that is respectful of all concerned. In particular, it puts the onus back on the wrongdoer to be truly accountable for their behaviour and to repair any harm caused to others.

SPARK Spark is designed to address literacy challenges faced by students in primary school. Whilst the focus of the program is on reading and comprehension, there is a critical element of socialisation whereby reading mentors act as positive role models to students. Spark offers opportunities to school students who would benefit from one-to-one attention in the school environment. Employees from Minter Ellison (a leading law firm) are our continuing partners in this program. Reading mentors spend 45 minutes with targeted students from Year 1 on Friday mornings for ten weeks. Reading mentors listen to students read, assist them in their reading development and comprehension. This program provides an extended opportunity for students in Years 1 to develop their reading skills. The program launch was on Friday 23 August 2013.

Student Teachers This year at Mascot we have been fortunate to host student teachers from several universities including overseas trained teachers who must complete a short practicum to enable them to teach in Australia. The standard of our student teachers has been very high and we have seen them return to our school as casual teachers when they have completed their degree or masters. In 2014, we have employed 3 casual teachers from 2012 on a year’s block and I filling in for 2 terms. We hope to continue our successful partnership with these universities next year.

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Progress on 2013 targets

School priority 1- Literacy

2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include: • Improve reading outcomes for students K-6,

with a 20% increase in Years 3 and Year 5 students at or above national minimum standards.

• A 10% reduction in the number of students in the bottom two bands in NAPLAN reading for Year 3 and Year 5.

• Average progress in reading between Year 3 and 5 to increase by 15 points.

Our achievements include: • 85.4% growth in reading for year 5 students • 100% of Year 5 students achieving the

national minimum standards in reading. • Year 5 (Girls-25 students) have improved by

15 scale scores from the 2012 data in the test aspect of Grammar and Punctuation.

• Year 5 (Boys-19 students) are 38 scale scores above the state average growth in the test aspect of Grammar and Punctuation.

• Year 3 (Girls-25 students) are 9 scale scores above the state average in the test aspect of Spelling.

School priority 2 – Mathematics 2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include: • Improve numeracy outcomes for students in

K-6 with 100% of students in Year 3 and 98% of students in Year 5 achieving at or above the minimum standard.

• A 10% decrease in the number of students in bands 1 and 2 in Year 3 from 20% to 10%

• Year 5 a decrease from 23% to 13% Our achievements include:

• In Year 3, only 4.6% achieved results in the

bottom 2 bands compared with 18.9% in 2011 and compared with the state average in 2012 of 14.6%.

• In Year 5, 15.2% achieved results in the bottom 2 bands compared with 23.2% in 2011 and compared with the state average in 2012 of 19.6%.

Parent, student, and teacher satisfaction In 2013 the school sought the opinions of teachers about the school. Leadership and Management Due to significant change in leadership and accountability for National Partnership program all staff were surveyed during semester 2 of 2013. Utilising the elements of the Australian Professional Standard for teachers to determine how the impact of professional practices have had on the staff. The Standard sets out what teachers are expected to know, understand and do to achieve excellence in their work. Findings and conclusions: Staff reported from their evaluations and collegial discussions that: • Mixed ability pairs work as they work from

each other • Teachers need to be more explicit – use

scaffolding • Reviewing lessons – constantly going back • Transition from teacher centred to student

centred • Value of collaboration and reflection • More assessment strategies • Explicit teaching – practical • Team teaching approach • High expectations and student centred

achievement • Have a deep knowledge and understanding of

the dimensions and elements of the NSW Quality Teaching Framework

• Feeling confident and consistently using the literacy continuum English Syllabus

• Have a raised awareness of the Australian Professional Standards

• Use of professional learning plans and goals is very beneficial

• Partnerships with local schools promote shared learning, collaboration and collegiality

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Parent and Student Satisfaction In 2013 the school sought the opinions of parents and students about the school. Some of the highlights are outlined below: Parents reported from their evaluations and discussions that: • parents indicated the teachers are committed

to the students overall wellbeing • parents indicated some staff set high

standards and have expectations • parents indicated that teachers implement

effective learning programs in Literacy and Mathematics

• parents indicated that the school welcomes and values parental involvement and support

• parents indicated that the school offers a positive, safe, happy school learning environment where students from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued as individuals.

Students K-6 were asked to share their reasons as to why they like going to Mascot Public School. Common responses included: • We have caring teachers

• We get to use technology to help us with our

learning

• We feel safe at our school

• Teachers help us when we don't know how

to do something

• We like assembly awards

• We celebrate special days like Harmony Day,

ANZAC day and Easter Hat Parade

• We get to help each other in class

• We get to play sport

• We have a great playground

• We get to go on excursions and camps like Canberra, Bathurst, the Powerhouse museum and the zoo

Professional learning All staff actively participated in professional learning which reflected the school’s strategic directions. Courses were designed to improve teacher quality and improve learning outcomes. Each member of staff participated in over 50 hours of professional learning in school time and in their own time.

During 2013, all teaching staff engaged in a range of professional learning activities during Staff Development Days, Co-operative Planning Days and targeted professional learning opportunities. A National Partnership mentor and substantive Assistant Principal were employed to support the literacy comprehension initiative, effective classroom practice, programming and assessment. The professional learning included: • All staff being led in the unpacking of the

English K-6 syllabus and support documents. • All staff evaluating current English resulting in

the development of a whole school approach to explicitly and systematically implementing a daily English session.

• All staff cooperatively evaluated, developed and refined assessment tasks to determine student achievement levels. This drove explicit and systematic teaching and learning programs.

• All staff observed demonstration of best practice, which was followed by team teaching and shared reflection opportunities for professional dialogue.

• Focus on comprehension stage 2 and 3 through the utilisation of the Reading Matters initiative which is based on reciprocal teaching. This is a student guided learning experience resulting in a deeper understanding of text. This initiative supported literacy learning K-6 in alignment with the NSW English syllabus K-6 and the NSW Quality Teaching Framework.

• Utilised regional and internal specialist staff to model and support effective Early Intervention programs K-2, with a strong emphasis on talking and listening and phonemic awareness.

• Collaborating with local schools to form partnerships.

• Our Kindergarten teachers worked with Scott McCardell facilitator of L3 ‘Language, Learning and Literacy’ which is a research-based, Kindergarten classroom intervention, targeting text reading and writing.

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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. 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. The schools plan is at the end of the three year cycle. The school’s strategic directions for 2012 - 2014 are in the areas of:

• Literacy • Numeracy • Quality teaching • Engagement and attainment • Information and

communication technology • Sustainable environment • Aboriginal education

School priority 1 - Literacy Outcome for 2012–2014

By 2015 the schools achievements in NAPLAN in Years 3 and 5, will be equal to or higher than the Similar School Groups Average in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

2014 Targets to achieve this outcome include: • Students in years 3-6 reading a broader range

of texts • Teachers explicitly teaching an expanded

range of comprehension strategies to promote deep understanding of texts

• 100% of students reaching state average in NAPLAN in reading and comprehension

• All staff programming and teaching comprehension utilising the ‘super six strategies’

• In year 3 20% increase in band 6 45% increase band 5

• In year 5 15% increase in band 6 25% increase in band 7 10% increase in band 8

Strategies to achieve these targets include:

• Explicit teaching of comprehension incorporating visual literacy

• Explicit teaching of locating and interpreting information when comprehending a variety of text types

• Class teachers implement ‘Super Six’ comprehension strategies

• Develop staff confidence in using all aspects of the Literacy Continuum – comprehension as a guide for teachers and suggested activities

• Professional development activities which focus on reading comprehension and visual literacy

• Enhance consistent explicit teaching of vocabulary and writing to improve reading and spelling

• Continue guided reading in classrooms • Use of SMART data to support teaching

programs • Continued implementation of data gathering

to promote professional pedagogy in analysing assessment processes

• Teachers consistently aligning assessment tasks and programs with the K-6 NSW English Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum.

School priority 2- Numeracy

Outcome for 2012–2014

By 2015 the schools achievements in NAPLAN in Years 3 and 5, will be equal to or higher than the Similar School Groups Average in all areas of Mathematics.

2014 Targets to achieve this outcome include:

• Improve numeracy outcomes for students in K-6 evidenced by 100% of students in Years 3 and 5 achieving at or above minimum standards.

• In Years 3 and 5 there are 0% of students in the bottom band

• In Year 3 and 5 that there is an increase of 20% of students in the top 2 bands

• Increased levels of numeracy achievement for every student.

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Strategies to achieve these targets include: • Quality teaching of the Go Maths Program • Upskill teachers in teaching Data and

Measurement • Explicit teaching of Multiplication Tables

appropriate for each Grade level. • Team teaching through Quality teaching

partnerships. • Teachers consistently aligning assessment

tasks and programs with the K-6 NSW Mathematics Syllabus and the introduction of the new K-6 NSW Mathematics Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum.

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.

Tina De Angeli Acting Principal Sharon Rosen Assistant Principal Cleo Zouroudis Assistant Principal Brad McGuinness R/ Assistant Principal Stan Kondilios P&C President Ruth White SAO

School contact information Mascot Public School 207 King Street Mascot NSW 2020 Phone: 96674301 Fax: 96674905 Email: mascot-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

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

School Code: 2499 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

Year 6 students reflecting at Australia’s War Memorial