NORTON SUMMIT

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Annual Report

2013

The school is situated on a hill with breath-taking views across the hills and valleys. Raised vegetable gardens, a chicken coop, butterfly garden, wetland and multi-level playgrounds are exciting parts of our school grounds. There is a large Hall/Gym for daily use and a separate Music room for music tuition. The school offers an environment in which the academic, social, creative and emotional needs of all students can be identified and catered for through its core values of Trust, Respect, Care and Excellence. The school is an accredited Global Peace School. We value student participation and have an active Student Representative Council. There is a focus on Numeracy, Literacy and Well-being along with Environmental Education and The Arts. Students can participate in Pedal Prix, Festival of Music, Wakakirri and regional sporting events. The school has won numerous environmental and sustainability awards, has been a grand finalist in Wakakirri and 2 classes became state winners in the, PMA Powerful Learners: Mathematics and Numeracy Challenge, in 2013. The school staff and Christian Pastoral Support Worker maintain close links with community groups and other agencies throughout the region, reflecting the school’s importance to the community. There is a high degree of parent participation in all school activities and there is an active and involved Governing Council. An Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) program operates after school each day.

Annual Report 2013

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Context

School Name : Norton Summit Primary School

School Number: 0316

Principal: Julie Mattiske Region: Adelaide Hills

We started the year off with an enrolment of 43 students and numbers increased to 54 students by the end of the year. Nine Reception students started throughout the year and 2 students enrolled in Year 1. The 3 classes included a Rec/Yr 1, 2/3/4 and 4/5/6. There were no Year 7 students. All teaching staff except the Principal and the Year 4/5/6 teacher worked part-time. The Principal worked in the R/1 class 2 days a week.

Cultural Studies was taught in lieu of a second language as the school could not secure a teacher of German for 2013. This allowed time for a community consultation process in order to determine the preferred second language of choice to be taught in 2014. The teacher of Cultural Studies will continue to teach Spanish in 2014 in partnership with the Open Access College.

Additional support for class dance instruction was supplied by a specialist dance teacher who worked with class teachers in choreography and performance skills for the R-7 Wakakirri dance competition and the school concert.

Science was taught by a specialist teacher who will be continuing in 2014.

Three students were identified as students with disabilities and received individualised support from an SSO under the supervision of the class teacher with one student receiving fortnightly additional support from a specialist teacher from the Cora Barclay Centre for the Hearing Impaired. Other students with recognized learning difficulties were supported in class by an SSO under the supervision of the class teacher. There are no Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students. One Year 5 girl left the school at the end of 2013 and enrolled in another DECD school in 2014 in order to complete Year 6 and 7 amongst a bigger cohort.

In 2014, three classes will include a Rec/1, 2/3/4 and 5/6/7.

2013 Highlights 2013 was a year of many highlights. The focus has been on whole school R-7 learning programs that have continued to create the spirit of community that is so treasured in this small school. We started with the whole school camp at Arbury Park and this led to a renewed focus on environmental education and in particular, nature play. We attended the camp with Basket Range Primary School and this was a good way to connect with another small school community in close proximity.

The Wakakirri Dance Competition provided opportunities for all year levels to be involved in a professional dance performance and team work was the “order of the day”. Many Buddy Group activities involved the older students mentoring the younger ones and our Christian Pastoral Support Worker, Lesley Vince engaged our senior students in leadership training which resulted in enjoyable, engaging and safe events.

Cultural Studies festivals, assembly performances, SRC led events, Science week and Family Science Night activities, Ten Pin Bowling, a picnic at Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens and a delightful end of year concert all contributed to our building a culture of community.

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For parents and the wider community we had some great events. Who could forget Hans entering the hall on the bonnet of a four wheel drive amidst smoke and the music from The Sound of Music at our Trivia Night? The Shindig once again provided a wonderful music and dance extravaganza that attracted people from far and wide. Cultural Studies was a new initiative this year and students loved investigating a mix of different cultures and celebrating in a variety of ways. Messy Science activities always engage students and the Family Science Night with our Scientist parents was another new initiative that was very successful and motivating. Activities in Science Week added to the focus on how Science can be fun. Our successes with the Marvellous Market and the Maths Shelters were celebrated with our students becoming state winners in the PMA Powerful Learners: Mathematics and Numeracy Challenge and our teacher, Tania Abela, winning an Educators’ Award. We were featured in two segments on the national television program, “Behind the News” with our involvement in the Great Koala Count and in preparing for bushfires. Further exposure in the media included our Marvellous Market initiative featured in the Advertiser. There are many more highlights and the list following is further evidence of a successful year. Our school magazine provides a photographic record of these and each family received a copy. Arts

• Wakakirri Dance Competition • Primary Music Festival • Talent Showcase • Music Concerts • Assembly performances • End Of Year Concert

Buildings and Grounds • Refurbished Art Room • Much loved slide on the slope

restored for student use • Sand pit rejuvenated • Storage shed erection started • Clean-up of south western slope

Cultural Studies • Vietnamese Tet Festival • French themed party • Building the Ethiopian Hut

English

• Book Week – Grandparents’ Day • Premiers Reading Challenge • Student presentations at

Assemblies • BTN Segment interviews

Environmental Education

• Arbury Park Camp R-7 • Cubby building as part of nature

play • Adelaide Hills Youth Forums

attendance

Fundraising Events • The Sound of Hans Trivia Night • Shindig • Marvellous Market • SRC special days

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• Ashton Book Club Health and Physical Education

• Sports Day • District Athletics day • Aquatics at Port Noarlunga • Swimming at Burnside Pool • Ten Pin Bowling at Cross Road

Bowls • Sports carnival at Uraidla • Zumba party • Jump Rope for Heart

OSHC

• Increased enrolments • Student Free Day activities and

excursions • Active After School Sessions

Science

• Behind the News (BTN) Great Koala Count segment

• Science week activities • Scientist in Schools – Peter Perry,

an expert in computer systems • Family Science Night with parent

scientists leading sessions

Society and Environment

• Living Safely with Pets session with Maeve (the dog)

• Behind the News (BTN) Bushfire segment

• Harmony Day celebrations • Stirling Christmas Pageant • Bushfire prevention demonstration

by CFS

SRC • Pet Day • Talent Showcase • Pyjama Day

Report from Governing Council

Let Us Shine

Governing Council End of Year Report 2013 2013 was another busy year for the School and Governing Council, with many highlights both in the educational and life experience school space that our children enjoy, as well as in the community space that we all are part of and where contributions made by parents and the extended community make such a difference. In the educational and life experience space, we saw our children on the big stage in Wakakirri. Through the dedication of all school staff to lead so many practices, and the collaboration of parents to prepare costumes, props and backdrops, the entire student population put on a stunning performance at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Another great highlight of the year was the all-of-school camp, at Arbury Park Outdoor School with another local school. Whole school camps are rare in children’s education; this valuable experience is possible for our children as a direct result of our small school status. The 2/3 class were part of a year-long educational program with Marvellous Market, which was wonderfully supported by so many of the school community The children were rewarded by spending some proceeds on games for the school, and by being state winners of the, Powerful Learners: Mathematics and Numeracy Challenge, class group category. We also

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celebrated the achievements of the 4/5/6 class with their class group state winner award as well. In addition to the 2 class achievements, teacher Tania Abela was justly rewarded for her innovative style, by winning the Mathematics and Numeracy Challenge, Educator Award – congratulations to all involved! The community space in 2013 was a busy one, with parents and others supporting the school through many events and activities. One way this is clearly demonstrated is by reviewing the Governing Council’s wish list, created at our second meeting of the year in March. This list consisted of:

• Renewing the sandpit • Fixing the lower playground slide • Fixing uneven pavers • Placing nesting boxes • Constructing a storage shed • Placing hessian/nets behind poles in Hall • Replacing the perspex noticeboard door (at oval entrance) • Developing local walks & trails with the Adelaide Hills Resource Centre • Refurbishing the Art/OSHC room • Replacing sections of the border fence

If we look at this list, you can see the results of GC in action. Of this list, major progress has been made – the sandpit and slide are done, the construction of the storage shed and improvements to border fencing are underway, and the Art/OSHC room has been refurbished. Thank you to Tom Playford for organising working bees for the grounds and a huge thank you to all parents and community that have assisted. GC is responsible for our OSHC service, and our huge thanks go to Director Cheryl Wouters and staff – Margie Halloran and Alyce Gibbs, for their care. Also, a big thank you to everyone for your support of the service with toy and food donations – it is an essential service for many, and every little bit helps. The Shindig was again a crucial fundraiser for the OSHC service – thank you to Katie and Dave Gleeson, and their support crews for wowing everyone yet again with a brilliant night's entertainment. The Parents and Friends committee began their year by supporting the Hans in the Hills quiz night – our Hall was a fabulous venue for 180 people on the night. Whenever support was needed: for Wakakirri, Book Week, Grandparents Day, the Election Day display and showbags - P & F were working behind the scenes and on the day/nights to make it all happen. We thank the GC Treasurer, Martin O-Connor, for presenting the school finances to us in a concise way that allowed well-informed decisions to be made. We also thank the Principal, Tanya and the teaching staff for their exceptional management of available funds. GC has also contributed to the school’s Environmental Management Plan and the educationally focussed Site Improvement Plan. In 2014, Spanish will be introduced to the school curriculum, following discussion and consultation with the school community. Many thanks go to GC members for their thorough research into language choices; this set the foundation for the wider consultation and voting process. Thank you too to all parents who gave their time and knowledge to Science Night, and other information activities for students throughout the year – your wide and varied talents are appreciated!

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GC invites any parent who would like to find out more of what goes into the running of the school, to come along to a GC meeting in 2014. We always welcome new members, ideas and input – it’s an opportunity to assist your child’s school in collaboration with their educators and really make a difference. See you in 2014! Heather Smith, on behalf of Governing Council 2013 Governing Council members Heather Smith Chairperson, OSHC sub-committee Martin O'Connor Treasurer, Finance sub-committee Charmaine Cowling Secretary, OSHC sub-committee

Karen McBain Parent Rep, Parents & Friends sub-committee Tom Playford Parent Rep, Grounds sub-committee Andrea Ceres Parent Rep, Culture group Emily Daw Parent Rep Byron Riessen Parent Rep, ICT Adele Greer Parent Rep Corey Bradshaw Parent Rep, Education sub-committee Julie Mattiske Principal Barry Costar Staff Rep

Site Improvement Planning Recommendations arising from the Site Validation in September 2012 identified 5 areas for focus in 2013. The table below explains the progress in 2013.

Recommendation Progress 2013 That the staff continues the work to develop deep contextual understanding and pedagogy in Mathematics as means to implementing a rigorous curriculum and improving learning outcomes for all students.

• Staff attendance at Professional Development sessions in Mathematics

• All teachers attended Mathematics moderation sessions held in 2 staff meeting times with cluster schools. They reported the gaining of deeper understanding of the achievement standards and proficiencies.

• Two out of our 3 classes became state winners in the Powerful Learners: Mathematics and Numeracy Challenge. One member of staff won an Educator’s award as part of that competition.

• Teacher analysis of PAT-M and NAPLAN results and discussion of such with students and parents provided greater insight into program planning for individual students.

• See Site Improvement Plan Priority 2 Progress Report below for evidence of significant progress.

That the school develops and implements a data map that will record and monitor student achievement for use in informing both school directions and teaching for groups and individuals.

• Standardised testing results entered in EDSAS database. This includes NAPLAN, Westwood Spelling, PAT-M, PAT–R, Running Records.

• A-E grades are entered at the end of Semesters 1 and 2.

• PAT-M and PAT-R online testing provides diagnostic reports for teachers.

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That the school develops individual learning plans using the regional “One Plan” model for identified students.

• All identified students have One Plans that are used in review meetings and kept in Student Learning Records.

That the school continues to work on developing a school culture that addresses the formation and maintenance of respectful and inclusive relationships. This should include strategies for further building restorative processes at school and increased resilience to deal with issues and differences.

• Yard Behaviour Audit results indicate that the majority of students expressed that they had great or OK days. Of the small number of students expressing that they had a poor or bad day, these were minor issues dealt with by the students.

• Restorative questions are used for behavioural incidents when identifying actions, effects, responsibilities and consequences with the result being the restoring of the relationships.

• See Site Improvement Plan Priority 1 Progress Report below for evidence of further outcomes.

• See Opinion Surveys for evidence of significant progress.

The active implementation of the recently developed Parent Code of Conduct.

• Parent code of Conduct displayed outside all classrooms and distributed to new parents in orientation sessions.

• No issues of parent complaints, aggression or dissatisfaction in 2013.

• See Opinion Surveys for evidence of progress. There were two priorities identified for our Site Improvement Plan and progress was reviewed with staff in August 2013 and with the Governing Council on 6th August 2013. Priority 1: Provide a safe, supportive, caring, coo perative school community through a quality learning environment. Targets were met:

• Yard Behaviour Audit results indicate that the majority of students expressed that they had great or OK days. Of the small number of students expressing that they had a poor or bad day, these were minor issues dealt with by the students.

• Decrease in the number and frequency of students being recorded on EDSAS for Time Out, Take Home, suspension and exclusion in 2013 as compared to 2012. No student was recorded for any of these in 2013.

• Circle Time used consistently in all classes for discussions about behavior and other issues.

• Restorative questions are used for behavioural incidents when identifying actions, effects, responsibilities and consequences with the result being the restoring of the relationships.

• Parent and Student Opinion Surveys indicated that students feel happy and safe at school and that they are supported by high quality teaching and learning

• Students feel supported by the Buddy Group system as identified in the Student Opinion Survey.

• Intercultural studies was introduced as a specialist subject.

Priority 2: All students show growth in Numeracy Ac hievement. Progress:

• Analysis of NAPLAN tests indicate that Year 3 students achieved in the medium to higher proficiency bands in Numeracy. Year 5 students achieved in the medium bands in Numeracy.

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• All Years 3 - 6 students completed the PAT-M tests and teachers have used these results to diagnose problem areas for individual students in order to inform future planning.

• Two of our 3 classes were state winners in the Powerful Learners: Numeracy and Mathematics Challenge

• All teachers have attended professional learning sessions on Mathematics and have shared information and resources at staff meetings, particularly in regard to problem solving in authentic contexts.

• Teachers attended 2 moderation sessions with teachers from neighbouring schools and reported greater understanding of Australian Curriculum achievement standards and proficiencies in the assessment of student work.

School Environment Management Plan A third priority arose out of our involvement in the Arbury Park Camp in Term 1 this year with renewed student interest in the rejuvenation of the wetlands and nature play. We became members of the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative, South Australia (AUSSI-SA), and developed a School Environment Management Plan which was a result of student, parent and staff consultation. We were supported in this by Jason Tyndall, Coordinator NRM Education, Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges Region. Actions:

• All classes conducted investigation into aspects of how and why water is important. • Wakakirri Dance competition entry had responsible water use as major theme • Whole school camp at Arbury Park Outdoor Camp • SRC problem solving around the issues of building cubbies in the school yard • Four students attended Youth Forums and informed the debate around cubbies and

nature play • Sandpit and slide were upgraded by parents so that students can use them safely • Jason Tyndall spoke about the importance of nature play at Governing Council.

Focus for 2014 As a result of staff and Governing Council brainstorming in Term 4, 2013, our focus will be on:

• Mathematics and Numeracy • Restorative Practices • Inquiry based learning using the Australian Curriculum, with an initial focus on

Geography • Learning Technologies and e-learning. • Further development and implementation of the data map of student achievement • Culture of community

Student Achievement

All Years 3-6 students completed the PAT-R (Reading Comprehension) and PAT-M (Mathematics) standardized tests as well as a standardized Spelling test. The results of these tests, along with teacher observations, class data, self and peer assessments and the NAPLAN tests are used to identify needs and to celebrate achievements.

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All test results are recorded on a school database so that progress of each child can be tracked and monitored. Semesters 1 and 2 Student Reports summarise individual achievements in all Learning Areas and A-E grades are recorded against the Australian Curriculum achievement standards and the South Australian Curriculum Standards and Accountability (SACSA) Framework. Running Records 2013 Year 1 All seven Year 1 students made expected progress in Reading. We have a higher percentage of students achieving at the higher levels than other Category 7 schools in the state and region. Because of our small cohort, we can identify the students in the lower levels and are providing intervention. Year 2

All six Year 2 students made expected growth in Reading. We have a higher percentage of students in the higher levels than other Category 7 schools in the state and region.

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Mathematics Challenge The Year 2/3 class became the Year 3 class state winners in the Powerful Learners: Numeracy and Mathematics Challenge competition with their investigations and achievements in running the Marvellous Market. The Year 4/5/6 class became the Year 6 class state winners in the same challenge with their investigations and constructions of the “Maths Shelters”. “Terrific Kids” Awards Twelve students were awarded Kiwanis “Terrific Kids” awards by their teachers for exemplary behavior and attitudes.

NAPLAN

Seven Year 3 students and five Year 5 students completed the NAPLAN tests in 2013. All those students achieved national minimum standards in Literacy and Numeracy.

Because of the small cohort, no growth data trends were generated from Years 3-5 and from Yrs 5-7. However the growth data for each student is provided in the Individual Student Reports.

Teachers have analysed results for each student and have discussed implications for teaching and learning programs with parents where necessary, and with students.

Student Proficiency Bands

Year 3 Proficiency Bands by Aspect

Year 3 students achieved in the medium to higher proficiency bands in all test aspects.

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Year 5 Proficiency Bands by Aspect

Year 5 students achieved in the medium to higher proficiency bands in Literacy and in the medium bands in Numeracy. Numeracy will continue to be a focus in 2014.

Student Mean Scores Year 3 Mean Scores

Mean Scores by Test Aspect

Year 3

2011 2012 2013

Numeracy 427.8 417.3 480.7

Reading 472.2 447.9 516.1

Writing 444.5 414.1 445.5

Spelling 426.4 388.3 449.8

Grammar 484.0 426.8 560.9

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Year 3 students achieved a higher mean score than the previous 2 years in all test aspects and a higher mean score than schools regionally and nationally.

Year 5 Mean Scores

Mean Scores by Test Aspect

Year 5

2011 2012 2013

Numeracy 482.7 479.8 468.1

Reading 523.7 497.6 520.9

Writing 530.8 459.2 544.7

Spelling 489.9 444.9 512.0

Grammar 511.0 480.4 543.7

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Year 5 students achieved higher mean scores than 2012 in all test aspects except Numeracy and higher mean scores than schools regionally and nationally in all test aspects except Numeracy. This indicates the need for continued focus on improving Numeracy achievement in 2014.

Student Data

Attendance Attendance by Year Level

Attendance rates in all year levels increased in 2013. Parent communication to the school in relation to pending lateness is excellent. This includes telephone, email and personal notifications.

Non-attendance is followed up by a telephone call from the school if no notification is received from the parent.

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Behaviour Management

The Yard Behaviour Audit results indicate that the majority of students expressed that they had great or OK days. Of the small number of students expressing that they had a poor or bad day, these were dealt with by the student. Incidents included bees in the yard, being tired, having a game interfered with and disagreements around rules in the game. There has been a decrease in the number and frequency of students being recorded on EDSAS for Time Out, Take Home, suspension and exclusion in 2013 as compared to 2012. No student was recorded for any of these in 2013. These results were reported to the Governing Council on 6th August, 2013.

Client Opinion Parent, student and staff Opinion Surveys were conducted in Term 4. Respondents were asked for levels of agreement to statements about:

1. Quality of Teaching and Learning 2. Support of Learning 3. Relationships and Communication 4. Leadership and Decision-making

Parent Opinion There were twenty three responses to the online Parent Opinion Survey. The majority of responses to statements in the 4 areas were generally in the Strongly Agree or Agree categories. Statements that had highest percentages of Strongly Agree included:

• Teachers are enthusiastic in their teaching • My child’s teachers make learning interesting and enjoyable • Teachers at this school really want to help my child learn • My child is happy at this school • Students know how they are expected to behave at school • Overall I am satisfied with the management of facilities • I feel welcome at this school • I am given opportunities to have a say in matters about this school • I am comfortable about approaching my child’s teacher to talk about his/her progress • I have confidence in how the school is managed • I believe there is effective educational leadership within the school • The school seeks parents’ opinions about educational programs

Many additional, positive comments reflected the high levels of satisfaction amongst parents and mentioned the engagement and happiness of students, extensive involvement of parents and community and the high quality of teaching and leadership. Suggestions for improvement included a greater focus on academic achievement particularly in Mathematics, clearer guidelines for additional support for students and grounds safety with reference to fencing.

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Student Opinion Students reported high levels of satisfaction in all 4 areas. Responses were mostly in the Strongly Agree or Agree categories with some in the Neutral category. Statements that had the highest percentages of Strongly Agree included:

• My teachers know what I can do and how to help me • I am learning a lot • I like the kinds of things I am learning • I feel safe at this school • My teachers expect me to do as well as I can • Staff would take care of me if I was hurt or sick • In our school we learn about different cultures • I am happy to be at this school • I like trying new things • I am involved in making decisions about my education

Additional positive comments reflected the high levels of satisfaction amongst students and mentioned the benefits of the Buddy Group system, having lots of friends and nice teachers who make learning fun.

Staff Opinion Staff members reported high levels of satisfaction in all 4 areas. All staff responses in the 4 areas were in the Strongly Agree and Agree categories. Positive comments referred to regular opportunities to discuss individual student learning with others, collegial support and problem solving, confident, communicative students, supportive parents and the enthusiastic culture of community.

Staff

Teacher Qualifications All teachers at this school are qualified and registered with the SA Teachers Registration Board.

Qualification Level Number of

Qualifications

Bachelor Degrees or Diplomas 8

Post Graduate Qualifications

Please note: Staff that have more than 1 qualification will be counted more than once in the above qualification table. Therefore the total number of staff by qualification type may be more than the total number of teaching staff.

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Workforce Composition including Indigenous staff

Workforce Composition Teaching Staff Non-Teaching Staff

Indigenous Non Indigenous Indigenous Non Indigenous

Full-time Equivalents 0.00 4.00 0.00 1.46

Persons 0 6 0 2

Financial Statement

Income by Funding Source

Funding Source Amount 1 Grants: State 629,798.58 2 Grants: Commonwealth 3 Parent Contributions 25,266.20 4 Other 28,399.87

My School website http://www.myschool.edu.au/