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PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
2007 was a year of consolidation with the implementation of VELS and the new reporting format. It was also a year where we began preparing for External Review in 2008. We have achieved much in the 5 Spheres of Education. A School Self-Reflection Report has been prepared to analyze what has been achieved.
EDUCATION IN FAITH
The Religious Education Program, based on the To Know, Worship & Love Religious Education Texts, formed the basis of planning for units of work. as well the new Religious Education Exlemplar Units. These units incorporate "The Good Shepherd Experience" P-2 and the Inquiry approach 3-6.Teachers regularly meet to plan units of work around the church calendar and to plan for the preparation of the students for the Sacraments. The staff shows a strong commitment to the Catholic Vision of the school and this is significant in supporting the school to attain its goals in Education in Faith.
The Year 3 students celebrated the Sacrament of Penance and the Sacrament of Eucharist. Bishop Elliott was celebrant at the Confirmation ceremony for Year 6 students. Parent Education continued with sessions held for Sacramental preparation and for families with children Yr 3 and 6. Staff support all school Sacramental programs and special Masses and willingly attend Parish activities when asked. Participation in the Eucharist as a whole school occurs every fortnight with the class teachers and children participating in the liturgy.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
Literacy and Numeracy has remained a priority with Helena Graham[Literacy Co-Ordinator] Carmel Fisher[Reading Recovery] and Tania Whittaker[Maths Co-Ordinator] supporting teachers, providing professional development and conducting P- 6 Literacy and Maths meetings, releasing teachers, modeling teaching strategies in classrooms and working with students. All students from grades P - 6 participated in individual and group Literacy and Math testing during terms one and four. We remain committed to the Middle Years Literacy Program.
In 2008 we have a commitment to a new 5-6 Curriculum Literacies, which is an Australian Government Quality Teacher Program.
In Maths we have maintained a commitment to SINE Prep - 6.
Development of VELS continues. Each year more domains will be incorporated into the reports with Civics and Citizenship, Science and Information and Communication Technology being reported in 2007 year. In addition to the work done in literacy and numeracy, the school has focussed on developing purposeful integrated inquiry units. Excellent work has been completed in developing school units, which integrate the VELS. The Principles of Learning and Teaching (PoLT) have been introduced and the school is adapting the principles in the school's pedagogy.
Pupil Free Days covered the Review with an emphasis on data analysis and we also worked on curriculum development. Further staff PD has occurred in the use of My Classes and technology across the curriculum. The provision of 30 donated computers through Ranald Valentine[parent who works for Telstra] has enabled us to update outdated hardware.
Across the school students have taken part in outdoor education through camps, inter school sports, excursions, incursions, swimming and Physical Education activities.
Year 3 and 5 undertook the AIMS testing with English writing results in Yr 3, 6 months above the State average and 1 year above in reading. English results in Yr 5 were above the state average while Math results showed a downward trend against the State. Effective Maths intervention is an ongoing focus.Achievements of Literacy Benchmarks/Aims/ Sine is used as evidence for reporting and tracking annually to compare to previous results.
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
Capacity building and performance enhancement is an on-going focus in this Sphere.
There is evidence of effective collaboration with the Parish Priest, the Education Board, the Building Fund Committee and the P&F. We now have a strong Leadership team who meets regularly to define roles and responsibilities and curriculum foci for each Term. Teachers with a Position of Leadership [POL] constitute the Leadership team.
Information Nights set aside in 2008 gave greater clarity of intended outcomes for each Grade Level and the Leadership team communicates with whole staff regularly, which creates greater transparency. The Leadership Team and Staff support and facilitate current teaching and learning practices and promote teaching strategies to improve learning.
STUDENT WELL BEING
Our student Well Being Committee is headed by Sharon Hynes who has a Leadership Position for this role. The Well Being Committee meets regularly to define ways to prepare students for life. We endeavor to assist children to form valuable relationships and to not only be capable academically but also socially and emotionally. Programs run and supported by all staff include our social skills program "You Can Do It", "Thinking Out Loud" program Middle Years, Talking Tactics Drug Education Program and a new initiative in Term 3 2008 will be our inclusion in a CEOM Restorative Practices approach to discipline.
In 2007 new leadership positions were created for Year 6 students to be Student Well Being leaders. This initiative grew out of our further commitment to enhance the well being of all students.
A critical incident register is kept to monitor children at risk and we aim to assist children to draw on effective strategies to resolve conflict. A trial lunchtime program has begun to cater for students who are sometimes socially vulnerable.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Over the year many opportunities exist for parents to share in school life. This year we have offered a number of occasions where parents have been invited to attend functions at the school, ranging from social to educational. The parent Information Nights held this year are testament to the continued support and valued input of parents .The Parents and Friends Association has once again done a wonderful job in 2007 in promoting and developing the spirit of community.. They have facilitated many opportunities for families to come together in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Their assistance is greatly appreciated and I would like to thank them for their support. The Building Fund Committee headed by Ian Clarke made a wonderful contribution with the BIG BASH Fundraiser for our new Multi-Purpose Room These energetic and committed members of our school community make the spirit of Stella Maris unique. Maree Clark and Julie Tedde run the Uniform Shop and their assistance is invaluable. The effort asked of Education Board members is considerable and I thank Greg Diamond [Chairperson] David Birthisel [Secretary] and Fiona Walmsley and Edele Foley for their valued contribution. At Stella Maris we aim to create an atmosphere of" Belonging" whereby there is a connectedness with each child, their school, their parish and the wider community.
Margaret Cairns
Acting Principal 2008
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Stella Maris
113 Oak Street
Beaumaris, VIC
Phone:
03 9589 2641
Fax: 03 9589 1628
Email: info@stella.melb.catholic.edu.au
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