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Mirriwinni State School

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Queensland State School Reporting

Inspiring minds. Creating opportunities. Shaping Queensland’s future. Every student succeeding. State Schools Strategy 2016-2020

Department of Education and Training

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Contact Information

Postal address: PO Box 12 Mirriwinni 4871

Phone: (07) 4067 7333

Fax: (07) 4067 6269

Email: principal@miriwinnss.eq.edu.au

Webpages: Additional reporting information pertaining to Queensland state schools is located on the My School website and the Queensland Government data website.

Contact Person: Janet Lane – Acting Principal

http://www.myschool.edu.au/http://www.myschool.edu.au/http://data.qld.gov.au/

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School Overview

Mirriwinni State School has an enthusiastic and dedicated staff combined with a community of parents and children who value learning. Our vision is 'to provide high quality education that makes a positive difference to the lives of our students for now and in the future'. Our school motto, success follows effort is integrated across all key learning areas. Mirriwinni State School strives to create and culture a learning and social environment that provides success for all students; through the purposeful use of student data to monitor and inform teaching and learning cycles. Alignment of basic values and beliefs such as having high expectations, trying our very best, and treating people with care and respect, ensures our school continues to be a positive and safe place to be.

We believe that 21st century learners need to be well prepared and equipped with the skills to transition into secondary schooling and beyond. They need to be able to solve problems, think creatively and critically, make decisions, analyse and evaluate information and plan for their future. Mirriwinni State School supports students in developing these skills across all learning areas.

We operate within the framework of Education Queensland's Key Learning Areas, with a strong emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy. We continue to commence each day with our 15-minute SPEED Program (Smart Physical Exercise Every Day).

Principal’s Foreword

Introduction

This report highlights the school priorities, strategies and advancement toward the identified 2016 school priorities. This report provides information on

School profile

Curriculum initiatives

Extra-Curricular offerings

School priorities for 2017

Staffing

School Progress towards its goals in 2016

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PRIORTIES AND STRATEGIES FOR 2016 PROGRESS MADE

SUCCESSFUL LEARNERS

PRIORITY 1: Using data to inform teaching EMBEDDED / ONGOING

Purposeful collection and application of data has resulted in enhanced teacher capability in supporting individual student and group learning needs. Monthly data review meetings are conducted to identify students at academic risk and monitor progress of intervention. Each teaching staff member has a data collection tool to collect and collate whole class weekly and diagnostic assessment data.

PRIORITY 2 : Improve spelling across whole school Partially embedded / ONGOING

All teaching staff have been provided with a spelling resource book. Students are exposed to weekly spelling lists during class vocabulary and phonics activities and consolidated through homework tasks. Teacher professional development with respect to How to teach spelling is ongoing.

LOCAL DECISION MAKING

PRIORITY 4 : Community involvement COMPLETED

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In 2016 Mirriwinni State School hosted a highly successful school centenary celebration. All staff and students were involved in the organisation and preparation of this event. The centenary celebrations were well received and attended by members of the Mirriwinni school and local and neighbouring communities. Feedback from community was very positive.

SCHOOL PERFORMANCE

PRIORITY 4 : Effective staff communication ONGOING

Staff are informed and kept current of school improvement priorities through staff meetings

Future Outlook

Throughout 2017, Mirriwinni State School will continue in its pursuit of all students succeeding through:

Continuation of development of teacher data literacy through date review cycles;

Continuing to build teacher capacity to improve teaching and learning through professional collaboration and learning communities. Our 2017 Professional Learning Agenda includes the teaching and unpacking of the curriculum requirements for English, math, reading, writing and grammar.

Focus on building students’ knowledge and application of digital technologies through weekly ICT programs;

Development of a Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) program.

Continue to use I4S funding to implement intervention programs across the school;

Effective staff communication and community consultation;

Professional development program for teachers, staff and parent body.

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Our School at a Glance

School Profile

Coeducational or single sex: Coeducational

Independent Public School: No

Year levels offered in 2016: Prep Year - Year 6

Student enrolments for this school:

Total Girls Boys Indigenous

Enrolment Continuity

(Feb – Nov)

2014 66 27 39 8 96%

2015* 57 26 31 11 87%

2016 58 27 31 11 92%

Student counts are based on the Census (August) enrolment collection.

*From 2015, data for all state high schools include Year 7 students. Prior to 2015, only state high schools offering Year 7 had these students included in their counts.

In 2016, there were no students enrolled in a pre-Prep** program.

** pre-Prep is a kindergarten program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, living across 35 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, in the year before school (http://deta.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood/families/pre-prep-indigenous.html).

Characteristics of the Student Body

Overview

The students at Mirriwinni State School benefit from a supportive, secure and small school environment. Our school functions under multi-age principles which facilitate individualised learning needs and achievements. Our student body consists of year levels from prep through to year 6. In 2016, Mirriwinni State School had an indigenous population of 8%. There are slightly more girls than boys. The school has a fairly stable population with some transience during the cane season. The student population has a diversity of learning needs. Students come from a predominantly rural area with many families involved in local agriculture such as sugar cane, bananas, paw paws. Some parents, however, also travel to Cairns or Innisfail daily for work. Average Class Sizes The following table shows the average class size information for each phase of schooling.

AVERAGE CLASS SIZES

Phase 2014 2015* 2016

Prep – Year 3 23 17 20

Year 4 – Year 7 23 23 25

Year 8 – Year 10

Year 11 – Year 12

*From 2015, data for all state high schools include Year 7 students. Prior to 2015, only state high schools offering Year 7 had these students included in their counts.

http://deta.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood/families/pre-prep-indigenous.html

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Curriculum Delivery

Our Approach to Curriculum Delivery

Mirriwinni State School delivers the Australian Curriculum utilising C2C resources as needed. The general capabilities of the Australian Curriculum (literacy, numeracy, ICT capability, creative and critical thinking, personal and social capability, ethical and intercultural understanding) are integrated across the key learning areas and in social and personal contexts. Our curriculum is delivered through multi-age classes, where students are encouraged and supported to access the level of the Australian Curriculum to which they are capable. For math and reading, students are grouped by ability, so that support can be targeted and specific to the students’ individual needs. Our curriculum maintains a strong focus on reading, literacy and numeracy to provide quality foundations for all. Our whole school curriculum plan is focused on developing the needs of the whole child.

Co-curricular Activities

Sporting Schools funding – swimming, basketball

Reader’s Cup Challenge

National Literacy & Numeracy Week activities

Dance Fever

Under 8s Day

University of NSW ICAS competitions

P&C working bees

Instrumental Music

District Sport

Cluster Gala Sports Days - Futsal

Brainiacs Challenge

Student Leadership GRIP conference

Parent Information Evening

Babinda Harvest Festival

Open Day for all local Childcare Centres and Day-care groups

Student Leader Induction ceremony with local MP

School disco

Excursion to Herberton Historical village How Information and Communication Technologies are used to Assist Learning

Students use a balance of technology and explicit teaching to research, record, investigate and demonstrate knowledge. Students use a mix of inquiry based research, web based sites and multi-media applications to enhance their learning opportunities. We aim to challenge every member of our school community to integrate ICTs in ways that enhance teaching and learning as an integral part of our curriculum delivery. All classrooms are equipped with a teacher computer and data projectors to enhance curriculum delivery.

Social Climate

Overview

Mirriwinni State School has a positive tone generated by a committed and dedicated staff and low staff turnover. One of the unique qualities of our small school is the caring, sharing attitude that students, staff and parents have towards each other. We foster a closely knit community within a safe, tolerant and disciplined learning environment.

Parent, Student and Staff Satisfaction Parent opinion survey

Performance measure

Percentage of parents/caregivers who agree# that: 2014 2015 2016

their child is getting a good education at school (S2016)

100% 100% 100%

this is a good school (S2035) 100% 100% 100%

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Performance measure

Percentage of parents/caregivers who agree# that: 2014 2015 2016

their child likes being at this school* (S2001) 100% 100% 100%

their child feels safe at this school* (S2002) 100% 100% 100%

their child's learning needs are being met at this school* (S2003)

100% 100% 100%

their child is making good progress at this school* (S2004)

100% 100% 100%

teachers at this school expect their child to do his or her best* (S2005)

100% 100% 100%

teachers at this school provide their child with useful feedback about his or her school work* (S2006)

100% 100% 100%

teachers at this school motivate their child to learn* (S2007)

100% 100% 100%

teachers at this school treat students fairly* (S2008) 100% 100% 100%

they can talk to their child's teachers about their concerns* (S2009)

100% 100% 100%

this school works with them to support their child's learning* (S2010)

100% 100% 100%

this school takes parents' opinions seriously* (S2011) 100% 100% 92%

student behaviour is well managed at this school* (S2012)

100% 100% 100%

this school looks for ways to improve* (S2013) 100% 100% 100%

this school is well maintained* (S2014) 100% 100% 92%

Student opinion survey

Performance measure

Percentage of students who agree# that: 2014 2015 2016

they are getting a good education at school (S2048) 96% 96% 100%

they like being at their school* (S2036) 100% 100% 100%

they feel safe at their school* (S2037) 100% 100% 100%

their teachers motivate them to learn* (S2038) 100% 100% 100%

their teachers expect them to do their best* (S2039) 100% 100% 100%

their teachers provide them with useful feedback about their school work* (S2040)

96% 100% 100%

teachers treat students fairly at their school* (S2041) 100% 100% 100%

they can talk to their teachers about their concerns* (S2042)

96% 100% 100%

their school takes students' opinions seriously* (S2043)

96% 100% 100%

student behaviour is well managed at their school* (S2044)

100% 100% 100%

their school looks for ways to improve* (S2045) 100% 100% 100%

their school is well maintained* (S2046) 100% 100% 100%

their school gives them opportunities to do interesting things* (S2047)

100% 100% 100%

Staff opinion survey

Performance measure

Percentage of school staff who agree# that: 2014 2015 2016

they enjoy working at their school (S2069) 100% 100% 100%

they feel that their school is a safe place in which to work (S2070)

100% 100% 100%

they receive useful feedback about their work at their school (S2071)

100% 89% 100%

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Performance measure

Percentage of school staff who agree# that: 2014 2015 2016

they feel confident embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across the learning areas (S2114)

100% 100% 100%

students are encouraged to do their best at their school (S2072)

100% 100% 100%

students are treated fairly at their school (S2073) 100% 100% 100%

student behaviour is well managed at their school (S2074)

100% 100% 100%

staff are well supported at their school (S2075) 100% 100% 100%

their school takes staff opinions seriously (S2076) 100% 100% 100%

their school looks for ways to improve (S2077) 100% 100% 100%

their school is well maintained (S2078) 100% 100% 100%

their school gives them opportunities to do interesting things (S2079)

100% 100% 88%

* Nationally agreed student and parent/caregiver items # ‘Agree’ represents the percentage of respondents who Somewhat Agree, Agree or Strongly Agree with the statement. DW = Data withheld to ensure confidentiality.

Parent and community engagement

At Mirriwinni State School we believe that parents are our partners in education, and that their involvement is pivotal to student success both socially, emotionally and academically. Parents are invited and encouraged to participate in many school activities, both curriculum related and extra-curricular. Parents are kept informed of all activities via a weekly newsletter and other correspondence. Many parents interact with us on a daily basis and this helps to contribute to the general wellbeing, tone and inclusivity of all students. P&C meetings are well attended.

Respectful relationships programs

The school has developed and implemented a program or programs that focus on appropriate, respectful and healthy relationships. The program is founded on the premise that successful contributors to society are resilient, persistent, organized and get along well with others.

School Disciplinary Absences The following table shows the count of incidents for students recommended for each type of school disciplinary absence reported at the school.

SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY ABSENCES

Type 2014* 2015** 2016

Short Suspensions – 1 to 5 days 0 0 0

Long Suspensions – 6 to 20 days 0 0 0

Exclusions 0 0 0

Cancellations of Enrolment 0 0 0

* Caution should be used when comparing post 2013 SDA data as amendments to EGPA disciplinary provisions and changes in methodology

created time series breaks in 2014 and 2015.

**From 2015, Exclusion represents principal decisions to exclude rather than recommendations for exclusion. From 2015 where a principal decided not to exclude, a small number of recommendations for exclusions have been counted as a long suspension. Exclusions, Cancellations and Long & Charge Suspensions may be upheld or set aside through an appeals process.

Environmental Footprint

Reducing the school’s environmental footprint

Mirriwinni State School has continued with efforts to reduce our environmental impact. We have found that small, but consistent steps lead to major reductions in energy costs. However, the greatest impact is that which makes our students ‘think’ about sustainability and how they can be involved on a daily basis.

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ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT INDICATORS

Years Electricity

kWh Water

kL

2013-2014 26,103 0

2014-2015 31,332 307

2015-2016 32,425 319

The consumption data is compiled from sources including ERM, Ergon reports and utilities data entered into OneSchool by each school. The data provides an indication of the consumption trend in each of the utility categories which impact on the school’s environmental footprint.

School Funding

School income broken down by funding source School income, reported by financial year accounting cycle using standardized national methodologies and broken down by funding source is available via the My School website at http://www.myschool.edu.au/.

To access our income details, click on the My School link above. You will then be taken to the My School website with the following ‘Find a school’ text box.

Where it states ‘School name’, type in the name of the school you wish to view, select the school from the drop-down list and select . Read and follow the instructions on the next screen; you will be asked to confirm that you are not a robot then by clicking continue, you acknowledge that you have read, accepted and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy before being given access to the school’s profile webpage.

School financial information is available by selecting ‘School finances’ in the menu box in the top left corner of the school’s profile webpage. If you are unable to access the internet, please contact the school for a paper copy of income by funding source.

Our Staff Profile

Workforce Composition

Staff composition, including Indigenous staff

2016 WORKFORCE COMPOSITION

Description Teaching Staff Non-Teaching Staff Indigenous Staff

Headcounts 3 6 0

Full-time Equivalents 3 4 0

http://www.myschool.edu.au/

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Qualification of all teachers

TEACHER* QUALIFICATIONS

Highest level of qualification Number of classroom teachers and school leaders at the

school

Doctorate

Masters

Graduate Diploma etc.** 2

Bachelor degree 1

Diploma

Certificate

*Teaching staff includes School Leaders **Graduate Diploma etc. includes Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree, and Graduate Certificate.

Professional Development Expenditure On and Teacher Participation in Professional Development

The total funds expended on teacher professional development in 2016 were $3100.00

The major professional development initiatives are as follows:

First Aid

Libcode

Digital Technology

Spelling

The proportion of the teaching staff involved in professional development activities during 2016 was 100%.

Staff Attendance and Retention Staff attendance

AVERAGE STAFF ATTENDANCE (%)

Description 2014 2015 2016

Staff attendance for permanent and temporary staff and school leaders. 95% 94% 98%

Proportion of Staff Retained from the Previous School Year From the end of the previous school year, 100% of staff was retained by the school for the entire 2016.

Performance of Our Students

Key Student Outcomes

Student Attendance

Student attendance

The table below shows the attendance information for all students at this school:

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STUDENT ATTENDANCE 2016

Description 2014 2015 2016

The overall attendance rate* for the students at this school (shown as a percentage). 94% 94% 94%

The attendance rate for Indigenous students at this school (shown as a percentage). 90% 88% 91%

*The student attendance rate is generated by dividing the total of full-days and part-days that students attended, and comparing this to the total of all possible days for students to attend, expressed as a percentage.

The overall student attendance rate in 2016 for all Queensland Primary schools was 93%.

AVERAGE STUDENT ATTENDANCE RATE* (%) FOR EACH YEAR LEVEL

Year Level

Prep Year

1 Year

2 Year

3 Year

4 Year

5 Year

6 Year

7 Year

8 Year

9 Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

2014 91% 93% 94% 94% 92% 96% 97% 96%

2015 96% 93% 92% 90% 94% 94% 94%

2016 88% 95% 95% 94% 94% 95% 95%

*Attendance rates effectively count attendance for every student for every day of attendance in Semester 1. The student attendance rate is generated by dividing the total of full-days and part-days that students attended, and comparing this to the total of all possible days for students to attend, expressed as a percentage.

DW = Data withheld to ensure confidentiality.

Student Attendance Distribution The proportions of students by attendance range:

Description of how non-attendance is managed by the school Non-attendance is managed in state schools in line with the DET procedures, Managing Student Absences and Enforcing Enrolment and Attendance at State Schools and Roll Marking in State Schools, which outline processes for managing and recording student attendance and absenteeism.

Class Rolls are marked twice daily – 9:30 am for late arrivals and 2:30pm for early departures. Absences are recorded on One School and followed up with parents by phone or note if there are concerns. The weekly newsletter provides details of the term / semester attendance rates. At the end of each term, 100% attendees are awarded with a certificate.

NAPLAN

Our reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy results for the Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are available via the My School website at http://www.myschool.edu.au/.

To access our NAPLAN results, click on the My School link above. You will then be taken to the My School website with the

following ‘Find a school’ text box.

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10

11

6

10

26

31

33

57

50

55

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2016

2015

2014

Proportion of Students

Attendance Rate: 0% to

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Where it states ‘School name’, type in the name of the school you wish to view, select the school from the drop-down list and select . Read and follow the instructions on the next screen; you will be asked to confirm that you are not a robot then by clicking continue, you acknowledge that you have read, accepted and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy before being given access to the school’s profile webpage.

School NAPLAN information is available by selecting ‘NAPLAN’ in the menu box in the top left corner of the school’s profile webpage. If you are unable to access the internet, please contact the school for a paper copy of our school’s NAPLAN results.