pdf 1928 KB - Martin`s Gully Public School

2012
2494
Martin’s Gully Public
School
Annual School Report
Our school at a glance
The end of 2012 also marked the retirement of
classroom teacher Mr Barry Driscoll after 34
years of rewarding service to public education.
Students
There were 163 students enrolled at Martin’s
Gully Public School in 2012. Students were
enrolled in classes from Kindergarten to Year 6.
This year has proven to be another productive
year where students have achieved at the highest
levels in music, drama, sporting and academic
events.
Orchestra tuition and an Extension Mathematics
class continued in 2012 with teachers from
Armidale High School, providing additional
opportunities for our students.
The school was once again supported by our
highly effective administrative staff, including a
fulltime School Administrative Manager, parttime School Administrative Officer, two Student
Support Learning Officers, Cleaner and General
Assistant.
Martin’s Gully Public School enjoys a reputation
as a high achieving school with an inclusive and
varied curriculum, with a strong emphasis on
student welfare and success in all areas of the
curriculum. Our students are complimented on
their excellent conduct and presentation outside
the school. The school provides a safe and happy
learning environment, which reflects and
responds to community expectations.
Significant programs and initiatives
Staff
In 2012 students and staff at Martin’s Gully PS
engaged in a number of significant programs and
initiatives. These included:
In 2012 Martin’s Gully Public School had a
teaching staff of ten, with school administration
and support staff of six. The Learning Support
allocation increased in 2012 to 0.5, with the
appointment of Mr Ian MacGregor (a shared
position with Armidale City PS), and fortnightly
visits from Student Welfare Teacher Mrs Lynn
McLenahan.








One of our two Assistant Principals, Mr Russell
Beard, was on leave for the full year, and a
classroom teacher Mrs Margaret Heath for Terms
One and Two, resulting in temporary teachers Mr
Dan Williams and Mrs Jennie Waters employed
on Year 6 and Year 3 for those periods of time.
The teacher librarian/RFF teacher Mrs Mary
Potter, commenced a year’s leave in Term 3 and
was replaced by casual teacher Mr Tim Glanville.
Our Principal Mr Ian Reeves was seconded to a
Regional position commencing in Term 4. The
Assistant Principal Miss Meredith Brooks relieved
as Principal, with temporary teacher Mrs Jennine
Wilson placed on the Year 4 class.









1
State Finals of the Premier’s Spelling Bee
Performances at the Creative Arts Festival
Impact Leadership Conference
Accelerated Literacy
Extension Mathematics Class
Orchestra tuition
“You Can Do It” program
Kindergarten Orientation and Year 6
Transition programs
Grandparents’ day
Reading Recovery
E-Gats Program
Martin’s Gully Dance Crew
Coffs Harbour Excursion
Inter-School Debating
Inter-School Chess Competition
Armidale Community of Schools Band and
Choir
“100 Nights of Reading” Program
expertise, experience and enthusiasm to the role,
and we extend to him a warm welcome from the
school community.
Student achievement in 2012
Martin’s Gully hosted the Regional Final of the
Premier’s Spelling Bee in June 2012, with
students from our school, Rove Leske (Year 4)
and Ben Ridges (Year 5), winning the Junior and
Senior sections respectively. Both boys went on
to compete at the State Final in Sydney in
November, representing our school proudly and
well.
Martin’s Gully Public School was one of the
fifteen schools in the region chosen to take part
in the trial of the Empowering Local Schools (ELS)
program commencing in 2012. The school
received a single grant of funds, and executive
and administrative staff participated in training
and development for the changes associated with
this program, particularly with budgeting and
finance. The ELS program promises to be an
exciting and challenging time ahead for our
school.
A number of our students in Years 5 and 6 were
selected to participate in the E-Gats program,
designed to extend students who present as
gifted and/or talented.
Martin’s Gully PS has once again completed a
highly rewarding and successful year, with two
students competing in the State Final of the
Premier’s Spelling Bee, a number of students
representing the New England Region or North
West at State level PSSA sporting events, and
stellar performances by Year One and the Gully
Dance Crew at the Creative Arts Festival in
Armidale.
Our students again enjoyed many successes at
the Armidale Eisteddfod with excellent results at
both individual and school level. The school
encourages and supports students to excel in
music by allowing private music lessons at school
during afternoon sessions. We also provide a
strong emphasis on the performing arts with
whole school Junior and Senior Choirs, and a
dance group.
Our NAPLAN results were again excellent, with
achievement at or above state levels in both
Literacy and Numeracy. Our classrooms are
equipped with state of the art technology and
excellent resources. The teachers have continued
to engage in high quality professional
development to deliver innovative programs to
ensure students are engaged in stimulating and
meaningful learning experiences.
Messages
Principal’s message
Martin’s Gully Public School has once again
enjoyed a highly successful year and it is with
great pleasure that I present the 2012 Annual
School Report.
Despite the changes that have taken place during
the year, with three permanent members of staff
on extended leave and the secondment of our
Principal, the school has continued to operate
successfully and smoothly, thanks to the
dedicated and committed staff and the highly
supportive school community. I would like to
thank the teachers, administrative staff, parents
and students for the support and assistance so
readily and generously given. Such actions reflect
the high regard held by the community for this
I have relieved in the role of Principal since the
beginning of Term 4 following the secondment of
Mr Ian Reeves to the position of Regional LMBR
Coordinator. As this secondment is likely to
extend for almost two years, an Expression of
Interest procedure took place, resulting in the
appointment of Mr Bradley Hunt to the position
of Relieving Principal commencing at the
beginning of the 2013 school year. Mr Hunt,
Principal of Kelly’s Plains PS, brings a wealth of
2
school, and the strong family focus it promotes
and enjoys.
fundraising activities to help, and a massive thank
to Amanda Riggall, Megan Wooster, Julie Burton,
and Karrina Williamson our wonderful position
holders who have worked all year to help make
our committee so successful. An extra thank you
to Karrina, who worked so hard as our treasurer.
We have now operating software to Quickbooks
and have our own P & C laptop.
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.
Meredith Brooks (Relieving Principal)
I would also like to thank Ian Reeves and
Meredith Brooks for their help and support over
the past year. It has been greatly appreciated. I
would also like to officially welcome Brad Hunt in
his position of Principal.
Congratulations to those who are newly elected
to executive positions in the P&C for 2013.
Christine Cherry (P&C President)
Student representative’s message
2012 has been a very busy and exciting year for
students at Martin’s Gully! As a school, we have
achieved so many accomplishments – in sports,
academic areas and creative activities.
P & C and/or School Council message
2012 was once again a very successful year for
the P & C. We donated almost $8000 to the
School which was used by the School to purchase
a new ride on mower, books for the library,
various bus trips, and the 100 nights of reading
reward vouchers, amongst other things.
In Sports, we have participated in lots of different
sporting pursuits, both individual and team
sports. Our Teams have represented Martin’s
Gully at many different Gala Days, as well as PSSA
Soccer, Netball and Touch Footy. Individually, we
have had lots of students go to PSSA Athletics,
Swimming, Cross Country, Gymnastics, Hockey,
Soccer and Netball. We also have had several
students make it through to North-West and
even State representation.
We held many fundraisers, some successful – the
Rugby Carnival, Jeogla, and Canteen days. Some
were not so successful – the Rodeo, and the Book
Fair (this was due to purchasing the book
vouchers for the 100 nights of reading). The
Canteen days were really successful and are
probably the easiest way to fundraise too.
Academically, in Mathematics a group of students
in Years 5 & 6 participated in an Enrichment and
extension class with Mr Fell (from Armidale High
School) each week. In Science, the Year 6
students attended the Science and Engineering
Challenge during Term 1, and the Year 5 students
went to Science in the Bush during Term 3. In
English, Martin’s Gully entered a team in the
Premier’s Debating Challenge; and we had 2
students represent the school and region at State
The Uniform Pool was once again very profitable
to the P & C. I would like to take this opportunity
to thank Rhonda Di Luzio for many years of
fantastic work in the Uniform Pool. Thank you to
Tanya Craigie for volunteering to take Rhonda’s
place as Uniform Pool Co-Coordinator.
I would like to take this opportunity to give a
massive thank you to the P & C Committee
members who turn up at meetings and at various
3
level for the Premier’s Spelling Bee. Five students
in Years 5 & 6 were also chosen to be included in
the E-GATS gifted and talented program this year.
Enrolments
200
150
Students
Creatively, Martin’s Gully was well-represented at
the Armidale Eisteddfod – in infants and primary
Choir, Dance, and many individual items. Our
singers also performed at New England Signs,
then again at Arts in Concert along with our
dancers. A group of students also sang as part of
the ACOS Choir. All students were involved in our
annual School Concert, which showcased some
terrific acting, musical and dance talents!
100
50
0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
Male
Female
Student attendance profile
Attendance rates at Martin’s Gully Public School
continue to be outstanding. Illness throughout
the winter months affects attendance rates.
As an SRC, we have also raised several hundred
dollars for various charities and orgnaisations,
including Tour De Rocks, Shave for A cure and
Jeans for Genes. Our discos and fundraising days
were lots of fun, with all money raised going
towards the selected charities and projects for
the school. The SRC also participated in several
Landcare projects this year – revegetating parts
of Martin’s Gully creek lands (below the
saleyards), and attending the Frog Dreaming
excursion at Kentucky.
Year
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
2008
93.9
2009
93.5
94.2
93.7
94.8
95.1
94.6
94.4
94.3
2010
93.6
94.4
96.1
95.4
94.0
96.2
95.3
95.0
2011
95.6
95.0
96.2
95.1
96.1
95.5
96.5
95.7
2012
95.3
95.5
95.7
95.6
95.5
95.6
93.0
95.1
By: 2012 Student Representative Council
Management of non-attendance
School context
Parents are diligent with regard to school
attendance and they are quick to inform the
school when students have been absent. This
information is in the form of written note, email
or phone call.
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
In 2012 there were 163 students enrolled across
seven classes (Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2, Year
3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6).
In 2012 there were no students from Non English
Speaking Backgrounds and 0.006% who identified
as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
4
Staff information
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all staff must be consistent with
privacy and personal information policies.
Staff establishment
Position
Principal
Assistant Principal(s)
Classroom Teachers
Teacher of Reading Recovery
Support Teacher Learning Assistance
Teacher Librarian
Counsellor
School Administrative & Support Staff
Total
Number
1
2
7
0.2
0.5
0.8
Financial summary
1.6
13.1
This summary covers funds for operating costs
and does not involve expenditure areas such as
permanent salaries, building and major
maintenance.
The National Education Agreement requires
schools to report on Indigenous composition of
their workforce.
Date of financial summary
Income
Balance brought forward
Global funds
Tied funds
School & community sources
Interest
Trust receipts
Canteen
Total income
Expenditure
Teaching & learning
Staff retention
In 2012 one of the Assistant Principals, Mr Russell
Beard, proceeded on leave and was replaced by
Mr Daniel Williams as Year Six teacher. Mrs
Jennie Waters was employed for Terms 1 and 2
on Year Three until Mrs Margaret Heath’s return
from leave. At the beginning of Term 4, Principal
Mr Ian Reeves was seconded to the position of
Regional LMBR Coordinator, and Assistant
Principal Miss Meredith Brooks relieved as
Principal.
Mrs Mary Potter, Teacher
Librarian/RFF, commenced twelve months leave
from Term 3. All other staff were retained in
2012.
Key learning areas
Excursions
Extracurricular dissections
Library
Training & development
Tied funds
Casual relief teachers
Administration & office
School-operated canteen
Utilities
Maintenance
Trust accounts
Capital programs
Total expenditure
Balance carried forward
Teacher qualifications
All teaching staff meet the professional
requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
Qualifications
Degree or Diploma
Postgraduate
% of staff
90%
10%
5
30/11/2012
$
31,497.39
117,374.68
127,313.52
30,096.59
3,284.91
2,395.40
0.00
311,962.49
9,460.80
24,786.00
7,112.16
2,197.68
2,090.40
67,192.87
26,475.34
23,060.18
0.00
29,337.13
3,933.58
1,599.55
12,785.75
210,031.44
101,931.05

During the year, Martin’s Gully Public School was
one of the fifteen schools in the region chosen to
take part in the Empowering Local Schools (ELS)
initiative. A tied grant of $45,674.00 was
provided as part of the trial process.

A voluntary annual contribution of $50 per
student or $90 per family is paid to the school’s P
& C.
A variety of Drama, Dance and Music
items, with performances from every
student in every class, as well as the
choirs, dance group, orchestra, recorder
group, string quartet, and guitar group
All staff supported this evening concert
by assisting with direction, make-up,
costumes, programming, or ticket sales
A full copy of the school’s 2012 financial
statement is tabled at the annual general
meetings of the School Council and/or the parent
body. Further details concerning the statement
can be obtained by contacting the school.
School Performance 2012
Achievements
Arts
Martin’s Gully students have opportunities to
pursue their interests, talents and abilities in
various Creative Arts activities. These include
lessons, displays and performances at individual,
group, class and school level. All students are
encouraged to further their cultural experiences,
including:
Armidale Eisteddfod Performances, where
outstanding results were achieved, with high
praise from adjudicators and audiences
 All students sang in either the K-2 or Year
3-6 choir
 Recorder Group
 String Quartet
 Orchestra
Arts in Concert, where all groups performed to
high acclaim
 Year One
 The Gully Dance Crew
 Recorder Group
 String Quartet
 30 students sang as part of the Combined
Primary Schools Choir
Other Events
 Teachers were involved in professional
learning workshops run by NECOM and
MusicaViva
 All students attended a concert and
learning
workshop
presented
by
MusicaViva
 30 students sang in the Combined
Primary Schools Choir at a Principals’
Conference
 Class visual arts, drama, dance and music
displays at weekly assemblies
 Students with individual talents were
showcased at assemblies
Visual Arts
 Many entries in the University of New
England School Acquisitive Art Prize
(UNESAP) in which one student was
highly commended and his work
displayed at NERAM
 Each class displayed works at Arts in
Concert
 Weekly display of artworks at assembly
Scheduled Rehearsals
 The orchestra rehearsed weekly,
conducted by an Armidale High School
music teacher
New England Sings: a NECOM initiative
 22 students sang in the Primary Choir
 2 students played in the brass band
Annual School Concert
6


continuing on to North West representation.
Ebony Thomas also made it through to the State
Athletics Carnival, where she placed 4th in the
13yr girls 100m sprint final.
The Gully Dance Crew, comprising
interested students from Years 3-6, met
weekly under the direction of a
classroom teacher
Creative Arts activities were embedded
into the timetable, as well as teachers
and students involved in rehearsals and
practices before school and during lunch
times
In Swimming, we had a strong team compete at
PSSA, with 6 students achieving North West
representation and Ebony Thomas and Hallam
Ingram making it to State level.
Mrs Robyn Slocombe
Creative Arts Coordinator
Similarly in Cross Country, 5 students progressed
through the PSSA course on to North West level,
and Brooke Burton and Jackson Pearson made it
through to the State races.
Martin’s Gully also achieved high results in many
other sporting pursuits throughout the region,
including various Horse Sports, Northern
Tablelands
Orienteering,
Hannah
Shield
swimming carnival and Chess competitions.
Mr Dan Williams
Sports Coordinator
Sport
Martin’s Gully students have had another highly
successful year in sport, with representation at
PSSA, North-West and State level in 2012.
Our students took opportunities in several PSSA
and North West team sports this year, including
Soccer, Touch Football, Hockey, Netball and
Gymnastics. Several of our students achieved
State representation in team sports, including
Jack Campbell and Geddes Raymer for Soccer,
and Ebony Thomas for Netball.
Martin’s Gully was also well-represented through
school-based teams in a variety of local
competitions, including Netball, Touch Football,
Rugby Union and Twilight Soccer.
In Athletics, we had a team of almost 40 students
qualify for PSSA Athletics, with 13 of these
7
Premier’s Spelling Bee
In 2012 Martin’s Gully PS was again involved in
the Premier’s Spelling Bee, and the importance of
spelling promoted across the school.
The New England Regional Spelling Bee Final was
held at Martin’s Gully in September, and the
school hosted 60 students in Junior and Senior
Divisions. Two of our students won their division,
with Rove Leske (Year 4) successful in the Junior
Final, and Ben Ridges (Year 5) in the Senior
Division. Both students travelled to Sydney for
the State Final on 7 November, and performed
admirably in this challenging competition.
Significant programs and initiatives
Aboriginal education
Aspects of the Aboriginal Education Policy
continued to be implemented throughout the
year, with Aboriginal perspectives in all Key
Learning Areas, particularly in Creative Arts,
English and HSIE. To celebrate NAIDOC Week all
classes attended workshop sessions and activities
at the Aboriginal Keeping Place in Armidale,
combined with a visit to the New England
Regional Art Museum. Visiting performances by
dance and drama groups again had an emphasis
on Aboriginal content.
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.
Multicultural education
The achievement scale represents increasing
levels of skills and understandings demonstrated
in these assessments.
Martin’s Gully Public School recognises its
responsibility to promote tolerance, the
appreciation of difference, and the sharing of
cultural values in order to prepare students for a
multicultural Australia. In 2012 classes from Year
3 to Year 6 (although primarily Year 4) took part
in fortnightly video-conferences with a Year 5/6
class at Jukseong School in South Korea. The
focus was on sharing cultural identity, language,
customs and traditions. Students increased their
knowledge of not only their own culture and the
rich diversity of Australian society, but learnt
much about the language, customs and traditions
of South Korea. Year 4 student exchanged letters
and gifts, and a visit by a group of Korean
students to Armidale in early 2013 will include a
short time at Martin’s Gully PS.
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)
Yr 7: from Band 4 (lowest) to Band 9 (highest for
Year 7)
Yr 9: from Band 5 (lowest) to Band 10 (highest for
Year 9)
The My School website provides detailed
information and data for national literacy and
numeracy testing (NAPLAN).
Click on the link http://www.myschool.edu.au and
enter the school name in the Find a school and
select GO.
8
for both Year 3 and Year 5 Literacy, with a
particular focus on Reading.
Other programs
Respect and responsibility
2012 Targets to achieve this outcome included:
In 2012 a reward system based on the five “You
Can Do It” keys (Organisation, Getting Along,
Persistence, Resilience and Confidence) was
implemented, with students gaining certificates
for each key by demonstrating the appropriate
characteristics.
Staff
model
respectful
interactions, high but realistic expectations, and
the core values in education.
 An increase in the proportion of students at
the state proficiency standard for reading in
Year 3 from 50% (2011) to 65% in 2012
 An increase in the proportion of students at
the state proficiency standard for reading in
Year 5 from 57% (2011) to 65% in 2012
 An increase in the average growth of students
in reading from 69.4 points (2011) to 79.4
points in 2012
Martin’s Gully Public School operates a number
of programs designed to build and maintain a
culture of respect and responsibility, including:
Strategies to achieve these targets included:


an active Student Representative Council
participation by students in community
activities including ANZAC Day, the Armidale
Autumn Festival and Clean Up Australia Day
 leadership of weekly school assemblies,
athletics and swimming carnivals
 mentoring and care of younger students
through the Kindergarten “buddy” system
E-GATs program
 Consolidation of literacy initiatives introduced
in 2011
 The embedding of the Quality Teaching
Framework in teaching programs and
assessment tasks
 Use of Best Start data and the use of the
Literacy Continuum across all classes K to 6 to
plan, assess and program effectively for
literacy.
Target 2
Outcome for 2012 – 2014
Students from Years 5 and 6 participated in the EGATs program in 2012. This was developed to
provide enrichment for Gifted and/or talented
students, and involved a two-day camp with a
mentor and a range of rich learning
opportunities. Students then
worked online
using digital technologies such as wikis, podcasts,
blogs and the creation of avatars to enhance their
communication skills and schoolwork. Students
were extended in the areas of English,
Mathematics, HSIE and Science and Technology.
SMART data will demonstrate increased numbers
of students above minimum achievement levels
and increasing numbers of students above
proficiency bands for both Year 3 and Year 5
Numeracy.
2012 Targets to achieve this outcome included:
 An increase in the proportion of students at
the state proficiency standard in Year 3
Numeracy from 40% (2011) to 45% in 2012
 An increase in the proportion of students at
the state proficiency standard in Year 5
Numeracy from 30% (2011) to 40% in 2012
 An increase in the average growth of students
in Numeracy from 83.9 points (2011) to 93.9
points in 2012

Strategies to achieve these targets included:
Progress on 2012 targets
Target 1
Outcome for 2012 – 2014
SMART data will demonstrate increased numbers
of students above minimum achievement levels
and increasing numbers in the proficiency bands

9
Identification of strengths and weaknesses
through whole school analysis of NAPLAN
results using SMART data




Overall the “You Can Do It” program has had a
positive result in the school, and continuation of
the program and ensuring it is embedded in the
school culture, should ensure its continued
success. The reward system used in 2011 and
2012 needs to be reviewed as it is too extrinsic in
nature and does not promote intrinsic motivation
to improve one’s social skills. Resilience was
identified as needing further development.
Development
of
a
whole
school
Mathematics Scope and Sequence
Implementation
of
a
dedicated
uninterrupted numeracy session across K to
6
Use of Best Start data and the use of the
Numeracy Continuum across all classes K to
6 to plan, assess and program effectively for
numeracy
Analysis of the K – 6 Mathematics Syllabus
and Modules to more effectively link
classroom textbook use
Future directions
A strong emphasis on using the language of “You
Can Do It” in classroom and playground
interactions is required. In addition the school
newsletter should contain a regular section on
the “You Can Do It” program and the ways
parents can assist their children develop the five
Keys, particularly Resilience, and thereby
supporting the school’s endeavours to implement
what can be a highly effective program. The
current Merit Certificate system, usually related
to classroom achievement, can also be effectively
used to promote and recognise the appropriate
“You Can Do It “ skills demonstrated by students,
embedding the five Keys as part of the overall
school culture.
Evaluation of Targets
In 2012, the school achieved these targets
through implementing all strategies and
professionally updating staff skills.
School evaluation
NSW public schools conduct evaluation to
support the effective implementation of the
school plan. In 2012 the school carried out an
evaluation of the implementation of the “You Can
Do It” Program.
Background
“You Can Do It” was introduced at Martin’s Gully
PS in 2011. Two teachers spent time visiting other
Armidale schools where the program had been
implemented seeking ideas on the best way to
ensure the program was effective. In 2011 the
Relieving Principal attended a four day training
session in Sydney, and subsequently a parent
evening was conducted to involve the whole
school community in the implementation of the
program. Large signs of the five “You Can Do It”
keys were erected adjacent to the morning
assembly area in 2012, and all classrooms also
display the keys. A Scope and Sequence of
lessons K to 6 was developed and weekly lessons
programmed. In addition, a reward system was
established whereby certificates were awarded at
assembly for “Key” behaviours demonstrated by
students and recorded in individual booklets.
Parent, student, and teacher
satisfaction
In 2012 the school sought the opinions of
parents, students and teachers about the school.
This year the use of focus groups of parents and
students was used, as well as seeking the
opinions of the whole staff.
The parent and student groups all reported they
were generally well satisfied with the school,
citing the experienced, caring and approachable
staff as having a positive effect on the education
and wellbeing of students at Martin’s Gully PS.
The smaller size of the school was seen as an
asset to learning and to the friendly, family
nature of the school. The fact that all staff knew
all students, and the students all knew each other
Findings and conclusions
10
was also identified as a positive factor. Students
identified that they were proud of their school
and their learning achievements.
School planning 2012—2014
The school planning policy provides direction for
the preparation and implementation of school
plans including the identification of priority areas,
intended outcomes and targets that are
consistent with the NSW State Plan and the
Department’s planning documents.
Most parents in the focus group expressed
concern about the changes in leadership that
have taken place over the last few years. They
believed that the number of times a relieving
Principal position occurred at the school was not
only disruptive but also not conducive to the
school moving forward effectively, particularly as
the tenure of the relieving positions was usually
uncertain.
School priority 1
Outcome for 2012–2014
To train all staff in the Australian Curriculum
(English) and begin implementing this new
syllabus before the end of Term 3.
The teaching and administrative staff also
reported a high level of satisfaction with the
school, although the frequent change in
leadership was again identified as presenting
some challenges. The staff reported that despite
this, they felt their efforts and achievements
were recognised and valued.
2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include:

Extensive professional learning for all staff
Strategies to achieve these targets include:
Professional learning
Our school continued using the Best Start
Program for all students in Kindergarten.
Teachers were trained in administering the
program and using information to guide teaching
and learning programs.
Staff continued to be trained in the use of
technology in 2012. The regular use of video
conferencing facilities for the Korean School
exchange required staff to be fully trained and
familiar with this equipment.

Utilise an extra staff development day in term
2 to join with colleagues in Armidale for
thorough and in-depth training of new
requirements from consultants from the
Board of Studies.

Teaching and learning programs to be readjusted and designed to meet the needs of
the new curriculum.

A new English scope and sequence will need
to be developed.
School priority 2
Outcome for 2012–2014
Improved NAPLAN results in Writing for both
Year 3 and Year 5 students.
Literacy and numeracy professional learning was
also accessed, particularly for NAPLAN analysis.
2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include:

Our commitment to the “You Can Do It” program
provided opportunities for staff to be trained
implementing this successfully.
All students will achieve at state level.
Strategies to achieve these targets include:
As our school employed a new Learning
Assistance, Support Teacher (LAST), professional
learning funds were also provided for training
and development to support new programs and
individual learning plans.
11

Explicit and systematic teaching of text types.

Appropriate
grammar,
punctuation,
language, structure, audience and purpose
are the main focus areas for teaching and
learning programs.

During 2013, align writing requirements with
the new Australian Curriculum with
professional learning opportunities.
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.
Meredith Brooks – Principal (Relieving)
Robyn Slocombe – Assistant Principal (Relieving)
Dan Williams – Classroom Teacher
Christine Cherry – P&C President
School contact information
Martin’s Gully Public School
Bona Vista Road
ARMIDALE NSW 2350
Ph: 6772 3314
Fax: 6771 2257
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.martinsgul-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
School Code: 2494
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
12