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2008 Annual School Report Pomona Public School · 2008 Annual School Report Pomona Public School...
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NSW Department of Education & Training 2893 2008 Annual School Report Pomona Public School NSW Public Schools – Leading the way
Transcript of 2008 Annual School Report Pomona Public School · 2008 Annual School Report Pomona Public School...
NSW Department of Education & Training
2893
2008 Annual School Report Pomona Public School
NSW Public Schools – Leading the way
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Messages
Principal's message
It is with pleasure that I take the opportunity to congratulate the students, staff, parents and community members of Pomona Public School on their magnificent achievements throughout 2008.
As represented by our school emblem, “Seize the Day” the school community works together to provide a dynamic and innovative learning environment for all students.
Our children belong to a wonderful school which has a friendly and caring environment. Everyone who visits our school is impressed by the outstanding behaviour and work ethic of our students.
Our dedicated staff work together to deliver quality teaching and learning programs to improve student learning outcomes for all.
We are very fortunate to be working with parents who are committed to providing support to the school and encouragement to their children.
We also have the energy of our P&C Association, who coordinate fundraising activities to raise extra funds, so that additional resources can be purchased for the school.
This year has been an outstanding year in so many ways for Pomona Public School, much of which is reflected in the pages to come.
Once again, I would like to thank all members of our school community for their support of our school. “We may be small but we’ve got it all!”
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.
Mary Hunt – Principal
P&C message
The P&C has enjoyed another engaging and involved year.
Through the Federal Government’s “Investing in Our Schools Program” the P&C continues to support the school by purchasing and installing quality noticeboards and blinds and storage cupboards for the senior classroom. A veranda at the back of the building was also funded.
Other items funded by the P&C included: sporting equipment for the children, calculators for the Year 6 students who move onto High School and the P&C book awards for Presentation Night.
We continue to offer to the children hot lunches once a week in terms two and three, book club and uniforms. During the year, the P&C has organised a successful chocolate drive, Christmas raffle and catered at various functions to raise money for our school.
Other items to which the P&C have committed funds include: the purchasing of a new reliable technology server and fans for the senior room.
We have a great working relationship with all the staff at Pomona and enjoy doing things for our terrific little school.
The P&C looks forward to the opportunity in 2009 to continue its work of helping to benefit all the students who attend Pomona Public School.
Keren Ablett - P&C President
Student representative's message
As a student body we have organised a variety of student led projects for the school and broader community. These included: • Organising the following fundraising activities
to raise money for the Year 6 farewell - the selling of icy poles in Terms one and four, a Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day raffle and a baby photo competition.
• Organising special days such as: Footy Fever Day, Easter Fun Day and Outback Day.
• Participation and representation in community organised events such as: the Annual Wentworth Show, the Anzac Day town service and the Bendigo Community Bank Colouring Competition.
• Supporting various local and global charities – Jump Rope for Heart, Can Teen- National Bandanna Day, Gospel for Asia
• Year 6 student leaders - hosting and conducting whole school assemblies.
• Year 5 students attending a Leadership Day.
We believe that Pomona Public School is a great place for learning. Thank you, to everyone!
Ebony Carter, Shenay Ruhs, Simon Hilliard, John Nicholls and Caitlin Elstone.
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Enrolments
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Year
Stu
den
ts
Male Female
Student attendance rates
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
2005 2006 2007 2008
Year
Att
en
dan
ce r
ate
School Region State
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 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Male 24 28 35 24 23
Female 10 10 14 14 16
Student attendance profile 2005 2006 2007 2008
School 95.7 95.3 96.0 95.1
Region 92.2 92.0 92.0 92.2
State 93.8 94.0 94.0 94.1
Average daily attendance for 2008 continues to be above state and region level. The student attendance rate at Pomona Public School is 95.1%.
The school enjoys a nil suspension rate.
Class sizes
In March 2003 the Government announced its commitment to publish primary class sizes in annual school reports in order to provide parents with as much local information as possible.
The following table shows our class sizes as reported at the 2008 class size audit conducted on Tuesday 25 March 2008. Roll Class
Year Total per Year
Total in Class
3 4 5 6 6 5 21
3 4 5 6 5 8 21
3 4 5 6 4 5 21
K 1 2 K 3 18
K 1 2 2 11 18
K 1 2 1 5 18
K 1 2 3 2 18
Structure of classes
Pomona Public School consists of two multi-stage classes.
At the time of audit, the junior class had eighteen students and the senior class had twenty-one students.
Staff information
It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all staff must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies.
Staff establishment
Pomona Public School is staffed by an experienced, dedicated group of professional teachers who deliver quality student-centred educational programs.
Position Number
Principal 1 Classroom Teachers 1 Primary Part-Time Teacher 0.168 Teacher Librarian 0.084 Teacher Relief from Face to Face 0.084 Total 2.336
A part-time administrative manager and a general assistant support our school.
Staff retention
The school enjoys a high retention of staff who have been at Pomona Public School for several years.
Staff attendance
The staff attendance figure is not reported as the school size (PP5) is smaller than the threshold requirement.
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Teacher qualifications
All teaching staff meet the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
Qualifications % of staff Degree or Diploma 100%
Financial summary
This summary covers funds for operating costs and does not involve expenditure areas such as permanent salaries, building and major maintenance.
Date of financial summary: 30/11/2008
Income $
Balance brought forward 43 886.59
Global funds 43 476.23
Tied funds 34 151.32
School & community sources 21 592.91
Interest 3 534.16
Trust receipts 4 029.25
Canteen 0.00
Total income 150 670.46
Expenditure
Teaching & learning
Key learning areas 8 556.42
Excursions 3 274.60
Extracurricular dissections 5 075.68
Library 4 299.01
Training & development 3 411.40
Tied funds 38 496.60
Casual relief teachers 2 071.56
Administration & office 14 267.44
School-operated canteen 0.00
Utilities 6 506.36
Maintenance 16 619.70
Trust accounts 4 029.25
Capital programs 0.00
Total expenditure 106 608.02
Balance carried forward 44 062.44
A full copy of the school's 2008 financial statement is tabled at the annual general meetings of the P&C. Further details concerning the statement can be obtained by contacting the school.
School performance 2008
Achievements
Arts
The Creative Arts at Pomona Public School have enjoyed yet another successful year. A wide range of opportunities was provided to engage, challenge and showcase the talents of our students. These included:
• Students displayed drawings, craft and
artworks at the annual Wentworth Show. A number of students received recognition for their efforts by being awarded certificates and prizes.
• Students performed songs, poems and verse speaking at whole school assemblies.
• Students in Years 2-6 visited the Adelaide Art Museum, as a part of their art appreciation studies.
• Students in the K-2 class attended two stage productions “Possum Magic” and “Emily Loves to Bounce” at the Mildura Arts Centre.
• Children’s author, Paul Stafford visited the school to work with our students on writing narrative texts and plays.
• As a part of our studies about China, students enjoyed learning about Chinese artworks and making Chinese art and craft items.
• Students in the senior classroom participated in the NSW Department of Primary Industries 2008 Fishing Diary cover design competition. Simon Hilliard won the competition for the best design.
• Throughout the year, the children participated in a range of music and dance activities. This year, the children studied the following dance styles: traditional bush dancing and modern dance.
• All students performed in our annual Presentation Night Concert with skill, professionalism and enjoyment. This year’s concert was “Star Struck”. A musical play which highlighted music from the popular band “The Beatles.”
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Sport
Our school, once again, continued its fine tradition of sporting excellence.
The following achievements were significant:
Swimming
At the Small Schools Swimming Carnival, Amy Rix won the Junior Girls Champion and Caitlin Elstone whom the Senior Girls Championship.
Individual placegetters for the PSSA Murray-Darling Swimming Carnival were: • 2
nd place - Snr girls Backstroke - Caitlin
Elstone • 3
rd place - 8yrs girls Freestyle - Annabelle Rix
• 3rd
place - 10yrs girls Freestyle - Amy Rix • 3
rd place - 12yrs girls Freestyle - Caitlin
Elstone • 3
rd place - Jnr girls Backstroke - Amy Rix
• 3rd
place - Open girls Medley - Caitlin Elstone • 3
rd place - Age Champion Junior Girls - Amy
Rix
Cross Country
The Murray/Darling Cross Country was held at Euston. With great pride the Small Schools team won the handicap trophy on overall points.
Individual placegetters for the Murray-Darling sections were: • 1
st place - 10yrs girls - Amy Rix
• 1st place - 12/13 girls - Caitlin Elstone
• 3rd
place - 10yrs girls - Victoria Wright • 3
rd place - 12/13 girls - Ebony Carter
• 4th place - 8/9 boys - Jarrod Brander
Amy Rix and Caitlin Elstone won the overall Age Champions in their age division.
Individual placegetters for the Barrier Cross Country were: • 1
st place - 10yrs girls - Amy Rix
• 1st place -12/13 girls - Caitlin Elstone
• 3rd
place - 8/9 boys - Jarrod Brander
Congratulations, to Amy Rix and Caitlin Elstone who won Age Champion in their age divisions.
Amy Rix, Caitlin Elstone and Jarrod Brander whom qualified to compete at the NSW PSSA Cross Country State competition held at Eastern Creek, Sydney.
Athletics
This year the Small Schools Athletics Carnival was hosted by Palinyewah Public School. All students performed very well and Pomona Public School was awarded the overall trophy on points.
Individual Age Champions were: • Amy Rix – Junior Girl Age Champion • Jarrod Brander - Junior Boy Age Champion • Jasmine Page - 11 Years Girl Age Champion • Caitlin Elstone - Senior Girl Age Champion
The Murray-Darling Athletics Carnival was held at Gol Gol. Congratulations, to Amy Rix who won Junior Girls Age Champion on overall points. Caitlin Elstone won the Senior Girls Age Champion.
Individual placegetters for the Murray-Darling Athletics Carnival were: • 1
st place - Jnr girls (800m) - Amy Rix
• 1st place - Jnr girls (200m) - Amy Rix
• 1st
place - Jnr girls Long Jump - Amy Rix • 1
st place - Snr girls (800m)- Caitlin Elstone
• 1st place - Snr girls (200m) -Caitlin Elstone
• 1st place - Snr girls Long Jump -Caitlin Elstone
• 2nd
place -10yrs girls (100m) - Amy Rix • 2
nd place - Snr girls (200m) - Ebony Carter
• 2nd
place - 8yrs boys (100m) - Samuel Carter • 2
nd place - 9yrs boys (100m) - Jarrod Brander
• 2nd
place - Jnr boys Discus - Jarrod Brander • 2
nd place - 11yrs boys(800m)- Callum Mackie
• 2nd
place -12yrs boys (100m) - Simon Hilliard • 3
rd place - 12yrs girls (100m) - Caitlin Elstone
• 3rd
place - Snr girls (800m) - Ebony Carter • 3
rd place - Snr girls Shot Put - Caitlin Elstone
• 3rd
place - Snr girls Long Jump - Ebony Carter
Individual placegetters for the Barrier Athletics Carnival were: • 1
st place - 9yrs boys (100m) - Jarrod Brander
• 1st place - 10yrs girls (100m) - Amy Rix
• 1st
place - Snr girls (200m) - Caitlin Elstone • 1
st place - Snr girls Long Jump -Caitlin Elstone
• 2nd
place - Jnr girls (800m) - Amy Rix • 2
nd place - Jnr girls (100m) - Amy Rix
• 2nd
place - Jnr boys Discus - Jarrod Brander • 2
nd place - 11yrs boys High Jump - Callum
Mackie • 2
nd place - Snr girls Long Jump-Caitlin Elstone
• 3rd
place - Jnr girls Long Jump - Amy Rix • 3
rd place - 11yrs boys (800m) - Callum Mackie
• 3rd
place - Snr girls (200m) - Ebony Carter • 3
rd place - Snr girls Long Jump - Ebony Carter
• 3rd
place - Snr girls High Jump - Ebony Carter
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Other Sport
Students at Pomona Public School are encouraged to be active participants in a variety of sport and fitness activities. We are committed to developing a high standard of sporting and physical well being in our students.
• Quality Sports Clinics were conducted at the school with students participating in Tai Chi, AFL football and Kanga Cricket workshops.
• An Intensive Swimming program was conducted in term four to promote water safety awareness and develop or refine stroke techniques.
• Fitness activities are conducted daily to ensure participation, sportsmanship, skill development and fitness.
The school also recognises and appreciates the support of parents for transportation, assistance at events and the encouragement of students in their sporting endeavours.
National and State Competitions
Pomona Public School students participated enthusiastically and successfully in the 2008 International Academic Competitions conducted by Educational Assessments Australia at the University of New South Wales.
The school received the following awards:
• Mathematics Competition: Distinction - Jarrod Brander, Zachary Hornby and Hamish Ablett, Credit – Charlotte McLean, Amy Rix, Anthony Whitehair, Cameron Brander and Simon Hilliard.
• English Competition: Distinction - Jarrod
Brander, Credit - Hamish Ablett, Simon Hilliard and Charlotte McLean.
• Writing Competition: Distinction - Simon Hilliard, Credit - Hamish Ablett and Jarrod Brander.
• Computer Skills: Distinction - Hamish Ablett, Credit - Charlotte McLean and Anthony Whitehair.
• Science Competition: Distinction - Hamish
Ablett
Students in the senior class entered the Australian Primary Schools Mathematical Olympiad. Simon Hilliard’s achievement was outstanding.
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 the 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)
The 'Percentage in Band' and 'School Average' columns are not shown if results are available for less than 10 students.
State average band distributions do not include students who were exempted from the tests.
Literacy – NAPLAN Year 3
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 3 writing
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5 6
Band
Perc
en
tag
e o
f stu
den
ts
Percentage in band
School average 2005 - 2007
LSG average 2008
State average 2008
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Percentage of students in bands:
Year 3 reading
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
1 2 3 4 5 6
Band
Perc
en
tag
e o
f stu
den
ts
Percentage in band
School average 2005 - 2007
LSG average 2008
State average 2008
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 3 grammar and punctuation
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5 6
Band
Perc
en
tag
e o
f stu
den
ts
Percentage in band
LSG average 2008
State average 2008
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 3 spelling
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1 2 3 4 5 6
Band
Perc
en
tag
e o
f stu
den
ts
Percentage in band
LSG average 2008
State average 2008
Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 3
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 3 numeracy
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
1 2 3 4 5 6
Band
Perc
en
tag
e o
f stu
den
ts
Percentage in band
School average 2005 - 2007
LSG average 2008
State average 2008
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Literacy – NAPLAN Year 5
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 5 reading
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
3 4 5 6 7 8
Band
Perc
en
tag
e o
f stu
den
ts
Percentage in band
School average 2005 - 2007
LSG average 2008
State average 2008
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 5 writing
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
3 4 5 6 7 8
Band
Perc
en
tag
e o
f stu
den
ts
Percentage in band
School average 2005 - 2007
LSG average 2008
State average 2008
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 5 spelling
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
3 4 5 6 7 8
Band
Perc
en
tag
e o
f stu
den
tsPercentage in band
LSG average 2008
State average 2008
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 5 grammar and punctuation
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
3 4 5 6 7 8
Band
Perc
en
tag
e o
f stu
den
ts
Percentage in band
LSG average 2008
State average 2008
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Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 5
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 5 numeracy
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
3 4 5 6 7 8
Band
Perc
en
tag
e o
f stu
den
ts
Percentage in band
School average 2005 - 2007
LSG average 2008
State average 2008
Progress in literacy
Average progress in reading
between Year 3 and Year 5
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
2004 - 2006 2005 - 2007 2006 - 2008
Pro
gre
ss
School LSG State
Progress in numeracy
Average progress in numeracy
between Year 3 and Year 5
-40
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
2004 - 2006 2005 - 2007 2006 - 2008
Pro
gre
ss
School LSG State
Note: State growth scores are for students in DET schools only.
Minimum standards
The Commonwealth Government sets minimum standards for reading, writing, grammar and punctuation, spelling and numeracy for years 3, 5, 7 and 9.
The performance of the students in our school in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy is compared to these minimum standards. The percentages of our students achieving at or above these standards are reported below.
Percentage of Year 3 students in our school achieving at or above the minimum standard in 2008
Percentage of Year 3 students achieving at and above minimum standard
Reading 100
Writing 100
Spelling 100
Punctuation and grammar 100
Numeracy 100
Percentage of Year 5 students in our school achieving at or above the minimum standard in 2008
Percentage of Year 5 students achieving at and above minimum standard
Reading 100
Writing 100
Spelling 100
Punctuation and grammar 100
Numeracy 100
Average progress in writing
between Year 3 and Year 5
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
2004 - 2006 2005 - 2007 2006 - 2008
Pro
gre
ss
School LSG State
10
Significant programs and initiatives
Country Areas Program
The Country Areas Program (CAP) is committed to three pathways; quality teaching and learning, technology and embedding quality improvement processes. CAP funding assists Pomona Public School to run effective, innovative and dynamic programs for our students.
The Country Areas Program supported our school and district in 2008 by:
• Motivating and enhancing student writing by giving students the opportunity to work with a published children’s author, Paul Stafford. The senior class worked with Paul Stafford via video conferencing lessons and participation in an author’s workshop.
• Providing students with the opportunity to participate in a field excursion (Adelaide) to consolidate learning in Human Society and its Environment studies.
• The employment of a community tutor to work with small groups and the junior class to improve literacy outcomes.
• Engaging students in a variety of maths enrichment tasks to strengthen problem-solving skills. Resources and teacher time was provided to support a Maths Enrichment Program in the senior room.
• Providing professional learning opportunities for staff to attend the “Thinking and Learning Conference – Teachers Make the Difference” which featured quality educational experts who presented lectures and workshops.
• Enabling staff to participate in a workshop with an international educational expert Kay Burke focusing on “Authentic Quality Assessment”.
• Strengthening the collegiality between the small schools network by enabling staff to meet regularly for planning and development sessions.
• Providing professional learning opportunities for staff to work with an educational expert, Dr David Rose to implement the “Reading to Learn” program to improve literacy outcomes for all.
• Strengthening the links between primary and high school and improving student transition by providing staff with the opportunity to work together with educational consultants “Quality Learning Australia”.
Aboriginal education
An Aboriginal perspective is included in teaching and learning programs to ensure all students have knowledge and understandings of Aboriginal culture, history and contemporary Aboriginal Australia.
Major school events include a “Welcome to Country” to honour the traditional owners of the land. Pomona Public School is a member of the Dare to Lead Coalition.
Multicultural education
Tolerance and cultural diversity are promoted through the acknowledgment of special events and celebrations which are reflected in units of work studied by our students.
The children enjoyed learning about the country of China and its culture as a part of their studies in Human Society and Its Environment.
We encourage our students to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to be part of a multicultural society.
Respect and responsibility
Pomona Public School promotes and expects high standards of personal behaviour: encompassing courtesy, kindness and respect for people, the environment and the rights of others.
Students are taught respect and responsibility through specific programs, such as our student welfare and leadership programs and through the modelling of values by staff.
• All Year 5 students attended a Sunraysia Young Leaders Day at Buronga which featured prominent local role models.
• Students raised funds for charities throughout the year: Jump Rope for Heart, CanTeen -Bandanna Day.
• Throughout the year, the senior students organised various student-led projects.
• All Year 6 students become school leaders and led many events such as whole school assemblies, special assemblies and ceremonies.
• Throughout the year, Pomona students celebrated days of cultural and historical significance such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
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Other programs
Camps and excursions
During 2008, all children had the opportunity to be involved in a variety of local excursions and an overnight camp.
The junior class travelled to the Mildura Arts Centre to watch two stage show presentations “Emily loves to bounce and “Possum Magic” as a part of their literacy studies.
Students in Years 2 to 6 travelled to Adelaide to complement their learning in Human Society and its Environment. On the excursion, our students visited the following places: the Adelaide Zoo, the Adelaide Art Gallery, Victor Harbour and Granite Island, the Maritime Museum and other venues.
This excursion was heavily funded through a variety of sources such as: Special Drought Relief Funding, the Country Areas Program and the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Year 6 students travelled to Canberra on a combined excursion with Wentworth, Dareton, Buronga, Gol Gol, Palinyewah and Pooncarie. This excursion supports work on democracy and government.
Investing in Our Schools Programme
In 2006, the Pomona Public School P&C Association was successful in gaining funding of $150000.00 (GST inclusive) through the Investing in Our Schools Programme.
On Thursday, 25th September the Pomona Public
School community celebrated the official opening of “The Senior Classroom Extension”. This was a very special day in the history of the Pomona Public School.
The Senior Classroom is a modern classroom equipped with the following technology facilities: an interactive whiteboard, a video conferencing unit and good access to computers.
Reading to Learn
Pomona Public School has taken part in “Reading to Learn” which is a literacy based program supported by Western Region.
Staff participated in eight days training working with an educational expert, Dr David Rose, as well as in-class support and video conferencing workshops with the literacy consultant.
The Adelaide Excursion……
Opening of the senior classroom extension
Chinese Cultural Day
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Progress on 2008 targets
Our school has a Management Plan which helps us work out ahead of time how to do our best for every child.
Each year we agree on some improvement targets of the plan which we work together to achieve.
This section of the report describes the progress made towards achieving the improvement targets set for 2008.
Target 1:
To develop at least one authentic assessment rich task per term in literacy and numeracy.
Our achievements included: • Staff participating in quality Professional
Learning workshops on authentic assessment practices in the classroom.
• Staff implemented a variety of assessment tasks in literacy and numeracy activities.
• The school has reviewed its assessment policy and practices. The school will need to monitor, review and make changes to its assessment policy and practices, as required.
Target 2:
To continue to improve student literacy outcomes, through a strong focus on writing, language and reading skills. To have all students in the top three bands in the NAPLAN (National Assessment Program –Literacy)
Our achievements included: • Staff attended professional learning
workshops- “Reading to Learn” and implemented strategies into classroom practice.
• Students participated in writing workshops via video conferencing and an author’s visit with published children’s author – Paul Stafford.
• One student received a distinction and three students received credit awards in the University of NSW International and Assessment English competition.
• One student received a distinction and two students received credit awards in the University of NSW International and Assessment Writing competition.
• 100% of students in both Years 3 and 5 achieved above the national minimum standard in literacy.
Spelling and writing skills will be a continued focus in the literacy program.
Target 3
To achieve a 5% increase in the number of questions correctly answered in Number, Space and Measurement problem-solving tasks.
Our achievements included: • Three students received distinction and five
students received credit awards in the University of NSW International and Assessment Mathematics Competition;
• additional teacher time and resources were purchased to support student learning in problem solving tasks and;
• 100% of students in both Years 3 and 5 achieved above the national minimum standard in numeracy.
Having fun at school…….
Paul Stafford visits Pomona PS
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Key evaluations
It is a requirement for all NSW public schools to conduct at least two annual evaluations – one related to educational and management practice and the other related to curriculum.
In 2008 our school carried out evaluations of School Planning and in curriculum: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education.
Educational and management practice
Background – School Planning
To assess the effectiveness of our school’s planning processes and guide future direction; parents, staff and students in the senior room were given the opportunity to respond to a SchoolMap: planning survey
Findings and conclusions
Analysis of the results showed that the majority of respondents were very supportive of the planning processes at Pomona Public School. Aspects which elicited the most positive responses included:
• An overwhelming majority of respondents agreed that the school’s newsletter provides the school community with useful information.
• The majority of parents agreed that the school’s planning processes are responsive to the needs of students.
• 100% of parents, students and teachers agreed that they are given sufficient notice of coming events.
• All staff members agreed that they are involved in the development of school plans and programs and that the school continually makes changes to improve what it does.
• 100% of students agreed that the school plans a variety of special activities throughout the year.
• The majority of students agreed that they are encouraged to contribute to school planning.
• 100% of parents agreed that the school functions effectively because it plans programs carefully.
• The majority of parents agreed that the school keeps them informed of Departmental requirements.
Future directions
An overwhelming majority of the Pomona Public School Community agreed that planning processes at the school are effective.
The school will continue to monitor, review and make changes to its planning procedures to ensure that it provides the best learning environment for all members of the school community.
The school will continue to provide further opportunities for its students to contribute to whole school planning activities, offer their opinions and participate in decision making processes.
In 2009, the school will continue its focus on developing and building student leadership skills.
Curriculum
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Background
PD/H/PE is an important area in effective schools. The staff, parents and students were surveyed on key elements of the teaching of PD/H/PE and the results were collated.
The staff, parents and students were asked what has been working well and what needs to be further developed to improve the teaching of PD/H/PE at our school.
Findings and conclusions
An analysis of teacher, student and parent surveys revealed the following findings in relation to PD/H/PE:
• Teachers have a sound knowledge of syllabus content and are meeting the needs of individual children.
• The staff are conscious of the need to maintain a strong PD/H/PE program within the school community.
• Sports clinics (Kanga Cricket, AFL football) provide students with an opportunity to experience sports they may not otherwise experience.
• Staff would like to participate in PD/H/PE professional learning activities when the opportunity arises.
• 100% of students agreed that it is important to be active and play sport.
• The majority of parents agreed that their child had developed new skills in games and sports during the year.
• Most students agreed that healthy eating is important.
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Future directions
Analysis of the information collected indicated that there were a number of areas for development including:
• Develop assessment tasks to track students learning and development in all aspects of PD/H/PE.
• Continue to promote healthy eating habits and active living.
• Conduct an audit and purchase sporting resources to support the school’s PE and Sports program.
Footy Fever Day
“Star Struck”
Parent, student, and teacher satisfaction
In 2008 the school sought the opinions of parents, students and teachers about the school.
Both formal and informal data was collected through parent/teacher interviews, staff meetings, P&C meetings, newsletters, teacher assessment, review meetings and surveys.
Their responses are presented below.
Members of the school community strongly agreed on the following: • The school maintains a strong focus on
literacy and numeracy. • The school is connected to its community and
welcomes parental involvement. • Student achievements are recognised at
assemblies, in the newsletter and with merit awards.
• Pomona PS has competent teachers who set high standards of achievements.
Professional learning
Teacher professional learning is vital to ensure that teachers are kept up to date with current pedagogy and curriculum content. A variety of professional development activities were undertaken by all staff (including support staff) throughout 2008.
All staff attended professional learning workshops and school development days in terms 1, 2 and 3. Training included: Child Protection, First Aid and CPR, Anaphylaxis Training, School Leadership, School Administration and Finances, Quality Teaching and Learning workshops.
Professional learning funds were targeted to meet the priorities as outlined in the school’s management plan and Western Region’s plan. The school supplements professional learning activities with funds from the Country Areas Program and the school’s global budget.
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School development 2009 – 2011
Pomona Public School’s Plan for 2009-2011 has been developed in collaboration with students, staff and the community. It includes identified needs and directions and aligns with areas from the BHSEG Plan and the Department of Education and Training Office of School’s Plan 2009-2011. Focus areas include: literacy and numeracy, Student engagement and retention, Aboriginal education and training, teacher quality and connected learning. The plan is available to parents from the office
Targets for 2009
Target 1
To have 85% of Year 3 and 5 students achieving at or above the minimum standards in NAPLAN literacy and numeracy.
Strategies to achieve this target include:
Quality teaching and learning in the classroom
Examine current resources with a view to upgrading to ensure relevance and variety
Quality teacher professional learning in the areas of literacy and numeracy
Our success will be measured by:
Review of NAPLAN assessment testing
Students’ written work demonstrates an improvement in spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Students’ numeracy work demonstrates an improvement in the number of questions answered correctly in problem solving tasks.
Target 2
To have Stage 1-3 students completing 10% of their set work utilising Information Communication Technologies (ICT)
Strategies to achieve this target include:
Improve quality teaching utilising smart board technology
Students using technology as part of everyday lessons
Improve knowledge and understanding of the technologies through professional development and sharing (teachers leading teachers).
Successfully install and implement the connected classroom
Updating the school sever and purchasing of computer peripherals
Our success will be measured by:
Enhanced use of ICT resources in student work presentations
ICT reflected in classroom programming
Footy Fever Day
Remembrance Day Service
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About this report
In preparing this report, the self-evaluation committee has gathered information from evaluations conducted during the year and analysed other information about the school's practices and student learning outcomes. The self-evaluation committee and school planning committee have determined targets for the school's future development.
Mary Hunt - Principal
Leonie Mc Kinnon - Classroom Teacher
Marie Patullo - School Administration Manager
Keren Ablett – P&C President
Simon Hilliard – Student Representative
Ebony Carter – Student Representative
John Nicholls – Student Representative
Caitlin Elstone – Student Representative
Shenay Ruhs – Student Representative
School contact information
Pomona Public School
West Bank Darling River Rd, Pomona NSW 2648
Ph: (03) 50 273 486
Fax: (03) 50 273 659
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.pomona-p.school.nsw.edu.au
School Code: 2893
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
Jump Rope for Heart
Outback Australia Day
