[school code]

Ramsgate Public School

Annual School Report 2014

3830

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School context statement Ramsgate Public School prides itself on being the centre of the community. Enrolment to the school is highly sought after due to the school’s outstanding reputation. The school’s policies and programs are supported by strong values which ensure the education of “the whole child”. At Ramsgate Public School we:

have an enthusiastic, dedicated staff committed to achieving strong academic growth in our children

showcase our students’ academic, performance, social, cultural and sporting achievements at every possible opportunity

ensure that all of our teaching and learning programs are underpinned by the NSW Quality Teaching Framework

recognise that parental expectations are high and striving for excellence forms part of our school ethos

offer extra curricula experiences beyond the classroom in a wide variety of activities are strongly supported by a hard working P&C

a wide range of resources to support all key learning areas including a state of the art library, interactive whiteboards in all classrooms, Ipad for learning and specific education areas.

encompass fair and consistent student welfare and discipline policies based on respect and tolerance Strongly promote health and physical activity as a vital component of a rounded education

support and promote the performing arts and participate in performances throughout the wider community

have spacious leafy playgrounds with creative outdoor equipment and air-conditioned classrooms

are supported by a community based before and after school care and vacation centre

Principal’s message

Ramsgate Public School continues to embrace out three “Rams Rules” of Safe, Respectful, and Active

Learning. 2014 has brought improvements in infrastructure to enhance student learning. Consultation

occurred with all stakeholders regarding 21st Century tools for learning. The installation of wifi throughout

the school will allow the proposed BYOD model to be successfully implemented. The kindergarten L3

program continued this year with 3 new teacher being trained in the program and this has seen the exiting

reading levels of the majority of our kindergarten students being significantly higher than expected

standard. Visual Arts and Mathematics were targeted for enrichment programs in which selected Stage 3

students participated.

The implementation of the NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum continued to be a focus. The English

syllabus has been employed and the Mathematics syllabus has been trialed in preparation for

implementation next year. Science was also a focus for 2014, with specialist EAL/D teachers supporting

language development linked with this learning area.

Extra curricula activities are important to the experience of educating the whole child at Ramsgate Public

School. Our dance group successfully participated in Wakakiri for the first time this year, as well as School

Spectacular and St George Performing Arts Festival.

One of the most critical factors of any successful school is the teachers. The team at Ramsgate cont inue to

work collaboratively together to best meet the needs of our students. I am grateful for the time and energy

they put into their positions. They give so much more than what is expected.

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.

Lorraine Simmiss-Taylor - Principal

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P&C President’s message Our P&C provides a forum in which parents can develop their partnership with the school and articulate

their aspirations for their children's education. Our P&C:

Promotes the interest of the school by bringing parents, citizens, students and teaching staff into close

co-operation

Assists in providing facilities and equipment for the school and promoting the recreation and welfare of

the students at the school

Encourages parent and community participation in curriculum and other educational issues in schools

Assists and co-operate with teaching staff at public functions associated with the school

Throughout the year the P&C was involved in numerous school activities including fundraising activities.

Second hand uniform shop

Parent Social Trivia night

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls

Easter celebrations

School Canteen profits support school initiatives. All funds raised go back into school initiatives

Welcome Family Disco Under the Stars and Christmas Under the Stars

Thank you and Welcome lunches and morning tea’s as well as kindergarten orientation

5 Cent Fridays and Walkathon

The focus project for funding this year is for the redevelopment of the K-2 playground. This is a two year

funding project. The P&C committee continued its 80% 20% policy, deciding that 20% of all funds raised

each term would go straight back into every day wishes of the teachers, this equated to $1000.00 per term.

These funds have provided a variety of items such as; classroom resources and the outdoor learning space.

Belinda Shepherd

Student representative’s message The years at Ramsgate Public School have gone so quickly. It seems like only a short time ago that I was at

orientation for Kindergarten. Apparently, back then I had too much energy to sit down for more than 5

seconds, which got me into trouble. But hopefully I have improved a little bit since then. One way Ramsgate

Public School has helped me to use up all that energy has been taking part in many fun sporting and social

activities such as band, PSSA, sporting carnivals and many more interesting events. This is thanks to all the

teachers for all their hard work. Our school follows the RAMS behaviour code- Safe, Respectful, Active

learning. My teacher Mr Fernandez follows RAMs so closely, that at the snow excursion he accidentally

rammed into my friend Owen on the ski slopes knocking him over. True story, but in all seriousness, the

snow excursion was so much fun and was a great experience for all of us, thanks of course to Mr Fernandez

and all the other teachers. Over the years at Ramsgate Public School I have made many friends, which has

been the highlight of my time here. The skills we have learnt here to make friends, to get on with others

and sort out problems will be valuable for us as year 6 all go through to high school next year.

Aidan

My journey at Ramsgate Public School has been an amazing experience from the minute I walked through

the gates. I instantly made my first friend Eleni, and we’re still very good friends to this day as I am with

many other fantastic students here at Ramsgate. I still remember my first day like it was yesterday.

Ramsgate has so many wonderful opportunities such as public speaking, dance, band and PSSA sport. I

encourage every student here to have a go and participate in as many activities as possible. I would like to

thank every single of you for making this year a great one and the teachers for supporting me for s o many

years. I’ll always cherish my years here at Ramsgate and the wonderful school community .

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This year we got the opportunity to go to Canberra where we got to ski and have a good time. We wouldn’t

of had this opportunity if it wasn’t for our year six teachers, Mr Andrews, Mrs Lincoln and Mr Fernandez. It

was funny watching everyone fall over but having fun at the same time. I’m sad to say goodbye but I’m

excited to move forward and see what the future holds for me in high school. This will be sadly one of the

last times I will stand in front of you all as school captain. It has been an honour to be your 2014 school

captain and I’m very proud to be standing up here today.

Alyssa

Student information

It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all students be consistent with privacy and personal information policies.

Student enrolment profile

Gender 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Male 245 235 243 244 234 262 292

Female 271 266 276 269 246 246 274

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Student attendance profile

Student attendance is monitored closely by the school executive in conjunction with the Home School Liaison Officer.

Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Sc

ho

ol

K 95.0 95.9 95.2 94.2 94.5 94.9

1 93.9 94.7 96.0 94.6 94.4 94.9

2 96.1 94.9 94.6 95.8 95.2 94.4

3 95.6 96.3 95.3 94.9 93.2 95.4

4 94.8 95.8 95.7 95.1 94.9 94.7

5 93.9 95.1 95.4 96.1 94.1 95.5

6 93.6 94.2 94.0 94.9 95.0 94.2

Total 94.7 95.2 95.1 95.0 94.5 94.9

Stat

e D

EC

K 94.3 94.7 94.7 94.3 95.0 95.2

1 93.7 94.2 94.2 93.9 94.5 94.7

2 94 94.4 94.2 94.2 94.7 94.9

3 94.1 94.5 94.4 94.4 94.8 95.0

4 94 94.5 94.3 94.3 94.7 94.9

5 94 94.4 94.2 94.2 94.5 94.8

6 93.6 94.0 93.8 93.8 94.1 94.2

Total 92.1 94.4 94.3 94.2 94.7 94.8

Workforce information

It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all staff must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies.

Workforce composition

Position Number

Principal 1

Assistant Principal(s) 4

Deputy Principal 1

Classroom Teacher(s) 19

Teacher of Reading Recovery 0.5

Teacher RFF 2

Learning and Support Teacher(s) 1.1

Teacher Librarian 1

Teacher of ESL 1.8

School Counsellor 0.4

School Administrative & Support Staff 4

Total 34.8

The Australian Education Regulation, 2014 requires schools to report on Aboriginal composition of their workforce. There was no Aboriginal staff employed during 2013.

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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%

Postgraduate 35%

Institute Accredited 25%

Beginning Teacher 10%

Professional learning and teacher accreditation

Professional learning is embraced openly at Ramsgate Public School. The culture within the school of long life learning is

Professional learning that occurred in 2014:

Code of Conduct

Anaphylaxis training and First aid

Child Protection update

L3

Leadership Development

School Planning

Mathematics

Science

Building Strong Communities

CMIT facilitator training

PBL

Beginning Teachers

Ramsgate Public School encourages the development of new teachers entering the profession. In 2014, the school permanently employed two beginning teachers. The school also employed a beginning teacher on a temporary contact for 12 months. Beginning teachers were supported in their development through the provision of extra time for programming, assessment and observation of experienced teachers.

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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 30/11/2014

Income $

Balance brought forward 179831 Global funds 317638 Tied funds 240425

School & community sources 278587 Interest 8043 Trust receipts 12692 Canteen 0.00

Total income 1037216.00

Expenditure

Teaching & learning Key learning areas 38789 Excurs ions 76606 Extracurricular dissections 125589

Library 3895 Training & development 3196 Tied funds 166528 Casual relief teachers 81888

Administration & office 106310 School-operated canteen 0.00 Util ities 55473

Maintenance 22719 Trust accounts 16049 Capital programs 41830

Total expenditure 738872.00

Balance carried forward 298344.00

Monies have been put aside to pay for playground upgrades to the K-2 areas.

A full copy of the school’s 2014 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.

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School performance 2014

Academic achievements

NAPLAN

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 these assessments.

Year 3: from Band 1 (lowest) to Band 6 (highest for Year 3)

Year 5: from Band 3 (lowest) to Band 8 (highest for Year 5)

Year 7: from Band 4 (lowest) to Band 9 (highest for Year 7)

Year 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 to access the school data.

Significant programs and initiatives – Policy and equity funding

Aboriginal education

Indigenous students are a priority at Ramsgate Public School. The school’s Aboriginal Education Committee focused on educational outcomes for Aboriginal students by providing support to teachers in designing and implementing personalised learning plans (PLPs) for our Aboriginal students.

To enhance student understanding of modern Aboriginal Culture, the school employed Jess Sinnott, an indigenous educator, to work with individual classes. Students experienced bush tucker and modern indigenous crafts as well as learning about traditional tools.

The Principal celebrated NAIDOC week by holding a “Principal’s Lunch” at which Aboriginal students attended with a friend of their choice.

Cooper Shepherd attended Yarn Up, a public speaking program which provides opportunities for Aboriginal

students in Years 5 and 6 to develop skills in impromptu speaking, public speaking, debating and positive

feedback in preparation for high school.

Personalised Learning Plans are written in negotiation with the parents for all students who identify as Aboriginal. If required, ATSI students are given priority to specialist teachers and support and when applicable, into enrichment programs.

Multicultural education and anti-racism

Ramsgate Public School meets the needs of students who require support in the acquisition of English as an additional language or dialect. The specialist teachers (EAL/D) collaboratively program with class teachers to ensure that students’ have access to all curriculum areas and develop language required to achieve success.

Continued incorporation of the cross curriculum priority of Asia and Australia’s engagement in Asia has develop an understanding of the many languages and diverse Asian cultures and how they have influenced Australian culture throughout all learning areas. Through their study, students develop an appreciation of the role Australia has played in Asia and the ongoing relationship Australia has developed with the countries that make up the Asian region.

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All student with English as an Additional Language or Dialect receive support to develop and enhance language skills. In 2014, specialist EALD teachers supported student learning through the development of language skills in writing linked the Science. Students eligible for the New Arrival Program were given priority. Progression of language skills were tracked in DEC systems.

Learning and support for students with additional educational needs

During 2014, the school reviewed current practices linked with Learning and Support. In collaboration with Every Student, Every School regional consultant, the school developed learning

plans for targeted students. Parent consultation was an integral part when developing student learning plans in conjunction with the class teacher who was assisted by specialist Learning and

Support Teachers. Whole staff professional learning was provided to further upskill teachers in their knowledge of adjusted learning plans.

Other significant initiatives

L3 Program

L3 Program continued to be implemented increasing levels of overall literacy achievements in Kindergarten. Training was provided for targeted staff (3 teachers for 2014) and funding was provided to release teachers to attend training. Observation of Kindergarten staff already trained helped to support training of staff. Support staff were used to supplement program facilitation. Resources were purchased to support L3 in the classroom. Within L3, the literacy continuum was utlilised and Cluster 4 identified as a benchmark (students exiting at L5-8 or beyond).

Positive Behaviour for Learning - PBL

It's hard to believe it has been over a year since the official launch of the PBL initiative. Teachers have continued to build a culture that facilitates a common vision and consis tent behavioural

expectations. This shared view has been widely communicated to all members of our school community and as such all stakeholders can identify what a safe, respectful, active learner looks

like. Students have responded positively to the weekly Ram award stamp and have appreciated and valued the feedback provided to them on a weekly basis by their teacher. The introduction of

the Ram Banner has proven to motivate students towards achieving their personal best and to date 2 students have reached this prestigious level. Teachers have collaboratively developed a

sequence of lesson plans that explicitly teach the expected behaviours to all of our students. This program will begin at the start of the 2015 school year. The successful implementation of PBL at

RPS has resulted in an increase in positive interactions between students, staff and the community.

Ipads for Learning

IPads have continued be used in classrooms to support the changing learning needs of 21st Century

learners. Kids these days are not content to sit and be talked to, they need to be involved with their

learning. Cooperation, problem solving, creative thinking are all skills that need to be taught and developed

in our young ones. The incorporation of technology into learning is essential. It is engaging for most kids

and allows for differentiation, ensuring that all students can work on individual and small group tasks whilst

being challenged at their own level. The focus has been on using the devices to create content.

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Visual Arts

A specialist art teacher was employed to ensure that all children were able to participate in visual arts

lessons on a weekly basis. Of course children like arts education. It is hands-on, has immediate and long-

term rewards, focuses on positive achievement, produces concrete products and fosters collaboration.

More importantly, Visual art provides opportunities for children to learn through practice and to

demonstrate their skills through authentic performance. They learn disciplined habits, behaviours and

attitudes essential for success in any field. It allows them to discover their own creativity and to observe,

interpret, see different perspectives, analyse and evaluate. Many pieces of our students artworks were also

entered in regional and community art competitions.

ASR- Performing Arts

Dance

2014 continued the expansion of performing arts at Ramsgate Public School with over 150 students

participating in a number of ensembles. For the first time Ramsgate Public School participated in Wakakirri

Australia’s largest performing arts event involving over 20, 000 students to present a themed dance to

theatrically tell a story through dance, and drama. Throughout the competition Ramsgate Public School was

awarded merits for dance production, choreography, overall costume design, best story re -tell as and best

school in public. Additionally the students performed in the St George Performing Arts Music Festival,

Sydney Region Dance Festival and Schools Spectacular in both the infant and primary categories. The

ensembles were featured in many other public displays throughout the year supporting the Rams gate

community at Grandparents Day, Education Week and Christmas under the stars.

Skipping

The Senior and Junior Skipping teams captivated audiences during their performances during Education

week as well as Christmas under the Stars. The girls and boys trained very hard twice a week and were

always working on new tricks to amaze and delight their audiences.

Choir

A Junior and Senior Choir performed at the St George Performing Arts Music Festival and a number of

events throughout the year including a visit to the Sans Souci Gardens nursing home.

The Glee Club continued to be a popular activity for many students and their talent was showcased at a

variety of events.

Band

The school band had a revamp. A teacher was deployed to the school to undertake the role of Band Coordinator. A Band committee was formed and a tutor/conductor was employed. The senior and junior bands performed at many events throughout the year.

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School planning and evaluation 2012—2014

School evaluation processes

NSW public schools conduct evaluations to support the effective implementation of the school plan. The processes used include:

Surveys

Student Data

Observations

School planning 2012-2014:

School priority 1

Outcomes from 2012–2014

Increased levels of overall literacy achievement for every student in line with state and regional targets.

Evidence of achievement of outcomes in 2014:

60% of year 5 students in top 3 bands in NAPLAN reading in line with state average

60% Year 3 students in top2 bands in NAPLAN reading in comparison to the state average of 49%

80% of students exiting kindergarten about expected reading levels

Strategies to achieve these outcomes in 2014

Training of all new Kindergarten staff in L3 program

Continued tracking of all students in Comprehension and Reading aspects of the literacy continuum.

Development of adjusted learning plans in corporation with class teacher, Learning and Support Teacher and parents, to target reading needs.

School priority 2

Outcomes from 2012–2014

Increased levels of overall Numeracy achievement for every student in line with state and regional targets.

Evidence of progress towards outcomes in 2014:

Average growth in NAPLAN numeracy from years 3-5 was in line with state average of 89 points

No students in year 3 performed in the lowest NAPLAN band

SENA results indicate proficiency for the majority of K-2 students in number

Strategies to achieve these outcomes in 2014:

Continued implementation of PLAN data to track individual students against the Numeracy Continuum.

Incorporation of Reciprocal Numeracy strategies within all strands of Mathematics.

Use of on-line mathematics programs such as Study Ladder and Manga High to support class based activities and homework options.

Count Me In Too facilitator training for targeted teachers

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Professional learning Teacher professional learning is paramount to ensuring the provision of quality educational programs by highly skilled teachers. All teachers participated in professional learning activities reflective of the professional learning component of the school plan including:

“NSW Syllabuses for the Australian Curriculum”

Beginning Teacher Programs that were targeted at the early career teachers CPR, child well-being and first aid training for all staff

Programming for Quality Teaching and Assessment

Teaching sport and specific skills using a game approach

Five days throughout the year are set aside for staff development days The average expenditure per teacher was $40

Parent/caregiver, student, and teacher satisfaction

In 2014, the school sought the opinions of parents, students and teachers about the school.

Regular P&C meetings were held throughout the year where parents were given the opportunity to express

their views and concerns. Parent / teacher interviews were conducted at the end of term 1. Information

was gathered by teachers at these meetings regarding how parents felt about their children’s schooling.

Most parents felt welcomed at the school and confident to speak to teachers and school leaders

Parents have responded positively to the schools efforts to improve communication by; regularly

updating the website, electronic notice board, email notification and a school App.

The large majority of students felt that they were safe, respectful, active learners within the school

Teachers felt positive about the school climate and felt valued by the majority of the school community

Parents felt proud of the school and commented positively on the many changes taken place

Family events organized by school staff such as Grandparents Day and the Father’s Day breakfast were

well supported and appreciated

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Future Directions 2015-2017 School Plan

NSW DEC is implementing a new school planning process for 2015-17. The new plan will be published on the school’s website from the beginning of Term 2 2015.

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.

Lorraine Simmiss-Taylor – Principal

Rebecca Ferguson – Assistant Principal

Pablo Fernandez – Assistant Principal

Jaqueline Grant – Class Teacher

Jodie Savellis – Assistant Principal

Marcia Van Dam – Assistant Principal (R)

School contact information

Ramsgate Public School

Chuter Ave, Ramsgate. 2217

Ph: 95297267

Fax: 95298116

Email: Ramsgate-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Web: www.ramsgate-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

School Code: 3830

Parents can find more information about Annual School Reports, how to interpret information in the report and have the opportunity to provide feedback about the report at:

http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/learning/emsad/asr/index.php