southern cross baptist church christian...
TRANSCRIPT
1
Southern Cross Baptist Church
Christian School
Annual Report on the Educational and
Financial Practices
For the School Year 2012
Prepared for submission to the NSW Board of Studies
SOUTHERN CROSS BAPTIST SCHOOL
104 Anzac Ave
Engadine NSW 2233
Ph. (02) 9520 3911
Fx. (02) 9548 5279
www.scbc.org.au
2
An Introduction and Overview of Our School
Southern Cross Baptist Church Christian School has completed its twenty-fifth year of
operation. As a ministry of Southern Cross Baptist Church, it serves the needs of those
within the church community. The school is based on a Biblical philosophy of
education with the curriculum predominately sourced from the individualised and
mastery-based program, Accelerated Christian Education (A.C.E.). There is also
additional curriculum for local application and face-to-face/group work classes. This
unique educational opportunity is provided through very adequate facilities and
staffing levels.
The individualized learning and the self-pacing style of the program enables the
opportunity for all levels of students to succeed and to reach their full God-given
potential which brings with it a sense of well-being and achievement. Students who
have above average ability are able to accelerate through their studies and therefore
complete a far more elaborate educational program while others who are not as
academically capable are still given the opportunity to reach their full God-given
potential.
Our graduates enjoy a high standing in the community and the majority have sought
further education after their school years. All of our graduates have either pursued full
time study at University or TAFE or have entered the workforce. Our graduate of 2012
is studying engineering.
The K-senior school continuum allows students to mix with a wide range of ages of
students which aids in their socialization skills. The older students carry out an
important mentoring role in the lives of the younger students. The change from
primary to high school is smooth, stress-free and enables students to adjust to
adolescence and its demands within the same context as the formative years but with
the added responsibility of high school.
Many of our older students are active in church ministries having been encouraged
through high school to be investing in other people’s lives. They understand that they
have been given a unique opportunity in the quality of their education and are willing
to reinvest in others in return.
The school population has evolved into a much more diverse makeup of nationality
over the years. This has been welcomed and has brought a greater depth of
understanding to the student population of the differences in cultures and our equal
standing as people whom God has created.
Every year both the primary and high school perform a major drama production. The
preparation of these becomes a part of the curriculum for the 2nd
semester of each year.
Due to our small numbers all of the students are able to have a role in the
performances every year. Students who show promising ability in the area of drama
are encouraged to take on more major roles and even assist in the directing of the
3
productions. The major high school production for 2012 was a film production “ The
primary class performed a scene from the epic, “Pilgrim’s Progress”, written by John
Bunyan in the seventeenth century.
The school also takes part in the annual NSW ACE Student Convention – a regional
week of competition between the ACE schools and home-schoolers of NSW. There
are over 100 different events open to the students in the categories of academics, art,
craft, athletics, platform and music (instrumental & vocal). This enables the students to
work on the events during the year that they enjoy with a focus of competing at the
end of the year. It also allows the staff to incorporate the preparation of some events
such as poetry, essay writing, music etc. into the curriculum for the year. Our students
have traditionally performed very well at these conventions. In 2012, our school won a
significant number of the awards on offer.
Our school once again hosted the annual Sydney Christian Schools Swimming
Carnival in 2012 held across the road from the school at Engadine Leisure Centre. We
also took part in the annual Christian Schools Sports Carnival held at the Crest at
Georges Hall.
Every second Friday, the high school has the opportunity to attend Thomas Holt
Nursing Home at Jannali. The students prepare two musical items to present during
their one hour visit there. They are encouraged to build relationships with residents
showing them the love of Christ in a practical way. It has also allowed some valuable
teaching on the topic of death as many of the students have experienced the loss of
somebody to whom they had grown close. The whole school presented a Christmas
concert for the residents at the end of the year.
Each year the students attend a separate primary and high school camp. The high
school camp for 2012 was to Canberra. The students enjoyed a number of activities
including visits to Parliament House, Questacon, the Australian Mint, War Memorial,
Old Parliament House, the National Library and the snowfields. The camp was aimed
at educational activities, building friendships and developing a closer relationship with
God. The primary camp was held at our school and included a number of day trip
activities.
The school possesses a high student/staff ratio that enables each student the
opportunity for any necessary assistance. There is a high level of commitment from the
families of the school. A number of the parents give of their time to assist as teacher’s
aides in the school on a voluntary basis. This high level of family commitment is also
indicated by our high ‘both parent’ attendance at our parent/staff meetings.
The school’s applied science facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, workshop and
science lab. The library contains some 3000 volumes and our local library is walking
distance from the school. There is a rugby league field, two soccer fields, a basketball
stadium and an olympic swimming facility across the road from the school premises to
which the school has ready use. Supervised, filtered student internet access is available
4
on all computer terminals and wireless hardware. There is an overall computer to
student ratio of 1 : 1 in the high school. The technology available in the school
includes 2 interactive whiteboards, 15 laptop computers, 17 desk top computers,
CD/DVD copier/printer, digital still camera, digital video camera, TV/video, DVD
player, scanner, laser printers, colour copier, overhead projector, data projector and PA
equipment. Two buses (12 seater + 23 seater) are constantly available for school use
for transport to school outings. Topical posters are displayed on a rotation basis in
classrooms.
The school is unique in its educational philosophy and mode of instruction and is
producing graduates who have self-discipline and a high sense of morality, having
been exposed to and taught a value system based on Christian principles. We continue
to exercise our freedom to operate on a Christian basis with sound educational
methodology supporting parental responsibility for choice of education for their
children in moral areas and worldview philosophy such as Creationism.
MESSAGES FROM KEY PERSONNEL
Principal - Mr. Nathan Searle
I find much comfort in that which Paul found comfort some 2000 years ago when our
Lord assured him , “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in
weakness.” Once Paul understood the glorious truth of this assurance he responded
with, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of
Christ may rest upon me.” We have certainly been further reminded this year of our
frailty and weakness, but wonderfully undergirded and strengthened as we have
realised the all-sufficient grace of our loving and merciful God.
It has been a delight to observe the display and growth of spiritual fruit in a number of
the students’ lives this year. “There is no greater joy than to know that my children
walk with in truth” was the Apostle John’s testimony and that is certainly my great joy
as I observe the walk of many of the children to whom we are seeking to minister.
It has been a blessing to have had the Reeves join our school this year albeit in a part
time arrangement. We have looked forward to their time here with us each week, and
are glad of their willingness to travel all the way from Lane Cove to come to our
school. Katie Reeve and Ralph Camilet both gave clear testimony at their graduation
ceremony of the goodness of the Lord in their lives and the desire that they now have
to serve Him according to His perfect plan for them.
Our school concert is always a highlight of the year as we seek to honour the Lord in
both the message of the music and words that are sung. We are seeing a wholesale
departure in this generation from separated, holy living. It is therefore very
encouraging to be able to lead young people in musical choices that are distinctly
different to that of the world as we seek to worship the Lord in Spirit and truth, in
5
righteousness, in the beauty of holiness, acceptably, with reverence and godly fear as
the Lord has intructed us in His Word.
We continue to benefit from and enjoy many of the abundant blessings that the Lord
has showered upon us in the ministry here. Every day that I come to serve here, I am
reminded as I drive up the driveway of the Lord’s gracious provision in entrusting to
us such a beautiful property. As the students begin their work in the morning, it is a
wonderful assurance to know that the content of their studies is Biblically-based and
academically rigorous as the Lord has preserved such a wonderful curriculum that
ACE is only seeking to constantly improve. The blessing of the introduction of the
International Certificate of Christian Education (ICCE) which is based on the ACE
curriculum was quite unexpected in our understanding of the humanistic educational
landscape of our country. The potential blessing as it is rolled out is quite significant.
We are also blessed with many staff who have sweetly surrendered their time to the
eternal investment of training the next generation for Christ. Each of them bring their
God-given talents and seek to use them to edify the children to whom we minister.
The battle for Christian education continues to rage as the enemy rightly understands
what is at stake as we seek to train up young soldiers for the Lord Jesus Christ here in
this ministry. I was challenged afresh as I read the article Education Wars: The Battle
for Our Children http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2012/09/04/education-wars-the-
battle-for-our-children/. I have included a sampling of quotes that the author uses.
“There is perhaps no greater battleground than that of the education arena. He
who can educate (or indoctrinate) our children will win not only our children
but the future.
Abraham Lincoln once put it this way: “The philosophy of the school room in
one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.” Vladimir
Lenin boasted, “Give me four years to teach the children and the seed I have
sown will never be uprooted.” And again, “Give us the child for eight years and
it will be a Bolshevik forever.” Charles Spurgeon offered this caution: “To
leave our youthful population in the hands of secular teachers, will be to sell
them to the Ishmaelites.” Thomas Huxley’s grandson, Julian Huxley (1887 –
1975), sought to “develop a scientific religion” which he called “evolutionary
humanism”. As he wrote in 1959, “It is essential for evolution to become the
central core of any educational system, because it is evolution, in the broad
sense, that links inorganic nature with life, and the stars with the earth, and
matter with mind, and animals with man. Human history is a continuation of
biological evolution in a different form.”
Is it any wonder that we have had such a battle in preserving our freedom to teach the
truth of God’s Word in regards to the origin of the universe? As Huxley has indicated,
evolution is the core of the humanist’s religion being taught in our public schools just
as creation is the core of Christianity being taught in our school.
6
Charles Francis Potter, a signatory to Humanist Manifesto stated, “Education is
thus a most powerful ally of Humanism, and every American public school is a
school of humanism. What can the theistic Sunday-schools, meeting for an hour
once a week, and teaching only a fraction of the children, do to stem the tide of
a five-day program of humanistic teaching?”
Mark Steyn wrote: “For four decades America watched as politically correct
fatuities swallowed the entire educational system, while conservatives deluded
themselves that it was just a phase, something kids had to put up with as the
price for getting a better job a couple years down the road. The idea that two
generations could be soaked in this corrosive bilge and it would have no
broader impact, that it could be contained within the precincts of academe, was
always foolish.”
We praise God for our haven here and for the Lord’s miraculous hand of preservation
over its many years of ministry of discipling the next generation for Christ. May we
continue by the grace of God to ‘stay the course’.
Head of Primary - Mrs. Denise Cronin
It seems hard to believe that it is time to write another end of year report. It doesn’t
seem that long ago that I wrote the last one. I have just read it through and was once
again reminded of the goodness of God towards this precious ministry.
2012 has been jam packed with blessings and challenges that God has and is using to
mold and make his servants more into the image of His Son, the LORD Jesus. I am so
grateful for the wonderful curriculum that teaches the truths of God’s Word every day,
for the faithful volunteers that lovingly disciple the children, the high schoolers who
gave of their valuable work time, the faithful, tireless work of Mr and Mrs Nathan
Searle, the godly input, support and behind the scenes work of Mr Les Searle and for
the parents who have given us the privilege of teaching their children.
We began in Term 1 with 19 students in primary. Leah Bryan, Nichols de Witte and
Jonathan Hill started their Kindergarten studies and have been a welcome addition to
our school. They have shown themselves to be keen learners who are active
participants in school life.
During term 1, we learned about the circus as a part of our afternoon lessons. The
children enjoyed learning about the amazing animals that God created that can do such
clever tricks. We had a circus day at school where the students dressed up as circus
characters or animals. They enjoyed making and eating circus food, playing games and
playing on a jumping castle.
On February 29th
we were fascinated to learn about the reasons we have a leap year
and just for fun we made some origami frogs that we could make leap!
7
At the end of Term 1, we were very sad to say good bye to Faith and Joy Johnson who
left our school to attend a public school closer to home. They are still missed by us all.
Term 2 was an interesting adventure as we learned about Australian Aborigines – their
history, their way of life and their lives today. We enjoyed making Aboriginal crafts
and hearing about their “Dreamtime” stories and compared them to the account of
Creation found in the book of Genesis. During the term we made gifts for the children
to give their Mums for Mother’s Day and we learned about the history of Mother’s
Day. Then in Term 4 we made gifts for the Dads and learned the importance of being
grateful for the fathers God has given us.
The year continued to race by and before we knew it half of the year had passed and
Term 3 was upon us. Sadly, we were to lose two more of our precious class members,
Peter and Rachel, when the Donaldson family relocated to Tamworth. Mrs Donaldson
is home schooling Peter and Rachel. It is always a joy when we get to catch up with
them.
Being a leap year also meant that the Olympics were being held and this year as the
venue was in London we also discovered some information about The British Isles.
We had lots of fun participating in our own “Mini Olympics” and Award Ceremony.
Since Term 3 is our most popular month for colds and flu we embarked upon a
“Sneeze Safe” programme sponsored by Kleenex. The children enjoyed the interactive
activities on the white board and made good use of their free packets of tissues.
On June 6th
the southern hemisphere observed The Transit of Venus. At school we
watched a NASA film of the event and re-enacted the event in the playground using a
model solar system.
Also in June was the celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee. The children were very
keen to participate in the activities in class and produced some very impressive
crowns.
We now come to our last term of 2012. This is always a fun term as we tackle our
preparation for the presentation of the end of year play. Our play this year comprises
of five smaller plays each focusing on a different hymn writer. I have been blessed in
learning more about these faithful men and women who took God at His Word and
found Him faithful as He promised. The children have been excited about trying on
their costumes and practicing their play lines.
There are a few things left in the term that will be fun and challenging. The school
concert will be this Thursday and the primary students will be presenting two items.
Next week we will have our school photos, a wonderful opportunity to record history.
Then as a first we will be commencing a two week block of swimming lessons.
Swimming is a great and necessary skill for all Australians. School camp had to be
postponed until the second last week of term so we are yet to experience that
adventure but we are all looking forward to it.
8
Looking back on our very full year we give our wonderful LORD the glory for all that
has been accomplished. These verses in Lamentations describe very well the goodness
of our God towards us.
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
Lamentations 3:21-25
Mrs Denise Cronin
Head of English – Mrs Judith Searle
What a blessing it is to reflect back over a year spent in the ministry of discipling
young people! Indeed, in spite of the heartaches and trials, hard work and
temperamental teenagers, there is nothing I would rather have done during this past
year. In fact, this is my 12th year of part time teaching in a Christian school. I can
testify that each moment spent in the service of Christ brings me greater joy and
fulfilment.
This year I have continued to teach the subject Written and Oral Expression to the
High School students. The Senior class studied the topics of debating and essay
writing. Both proved a profitable challenge to the students and stretched their writing
and public speaking abilities. I’m sure they found it daunting to debate the topic:
“There are greater benefits of living in the city than in the country” against the
students of Condell Park Christian School. Although our students debated with passion
and persuasiveness the benefits of city living, we had to concede defeat to the country-
lovers. The Junior class considered the topic of “Allegory” with a major focus on the
book The Little Pilgrim’s Progress. They enthusiastically participated in a “mock
public rally” and almost convinced the Primary students that their “No More Math
Class” slogan would literally mean that Mathematics would be scraped from the
curriculum. Poor Mrs Cronin was left to explain that this was “all pretend” to her
disappointed class (with a few relieved Math lovers). A major task undertaken by the
class was scripting the Primary play The Pilgrim’s Progress for performance at the
Drama & Awards Night.
Bible Telling class continued to be my favourite class to teach as I am blessed by the
study of God’s Word involved in preparing this class and then sharing what I learn
9
with the students. A particular highlight this year was the study of the book of Ruth. I
certainly gained a deeper understanding of the book and God’s providential hand in
the life of Ruth. The students bought the account to life by scripting and acting out
scenes from the story.
For a change, this year I taught an Ancient History class studying Ancient Greece. It
was exciting to see how Ancient Greek civilization fits into a Biblical timeline after
the dispersion at the Tower of Babel. The Greek way of life and beliefs were learnt by
the students through creative and inquiry based tasks. They even had the chance to be
the teachers for a few lessons! We ended with a consideration of how the gospel came
to Greece (specifically through the Apostle Paul) and how the Greeks would have
reacted to the Truth in contrast to their belief in many gods.
During a Tuesday morning I continued to teach a mathematics practical class to
enhance the material studied in the mathematics PACEs. We studied problem solving
for the first semester and used various methods to solve mathematical and logical
thinking problems. The second semester was spent studying geometric shapes. The
students had fun creating tessellations and kaleidoscopes on the computer. Moreover,
they enjoyed “being in primary again” as they used play dough, straws, geoboards,
rubber bands and other materials to learn about three dimensional shapes.
Fourth term always seems “crazy” with convention, concerts and play rehearsals and
this year has been no exception. However, it is a privilege to be involved in so many
God-glorifying and eternally-profitable activities. Furthermore, considering the life of
John Bunyan in the play My Prison, A Palace, makes me realize that our trials and
struggles are insignificant when compared to what he went through. He could testify
that it was only when his faith was tested that he truly came to know his God. How
wonderful it is that in the Christian life even trials can be counted as blessings! It is
exciting to perform a play containing such profound truth and Spiritual
encouragement.
In all, I thank the Lord for His gracious work in my life and for counting me worthy to
be a part of His ministry here at Southern Cross.
SCHOOL PERFORMANCE IN STATEWIDE TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS
Lanna Scores Years 3, 5 & 7
In 2012, all of Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students participated in the Literacy and Numeracy
National Assessment (LANNA) test developed by ACER except for one who has a
professionally diagnosed learning difficulty.
2012 results:
All of our students achieved results within or above the “range of achievement for
middle 60%” for every assessment except for one student who functions on an
10
individualised program below his year level having recently enrolled in our school.
Besides this student, 88% of the results were above the national average.
In 2011, 100% of Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students participated in the Literacy and
Numeracy National Assessment (LANNA) test developed by ACER.
2011 results:
All of our students achieved results within or above the “range of achievement for
middle 60%” for every assessment except for one student who functions on an
individualised program below his year level. 65% of the results were above the
national average.
In 2010, all of Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students participated in the Literacy and Numeracy
National Assessment (LANNA) test developed by ACER except for one who has a
professionally diagnosed learning difficulty.
2010 results:
All of our students except for one were above the national minimum standard. All
results except for two were in the top 3 bands in each year.
In 2009, 100% of Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students participated in the Literacy and
Numeracy National Assessment (LANNA) test developed by ACER.
2009 results:
All of our students were above the national minimum standard. All results were in the
top 3 bands in each year.
In 2008, 100% of Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students participated in the Literacy and
Numeracy National Assessment (LANNA) test developed by ACER.
2008 results:
All of our students were above the national minimum standard. All results were in the
top 3 bands in each year.
Competitions: The school takes part in the Australasian School Competitions in the following
subjects areas:
Mathematics
Science
Writing
Spelling
Computing
English
Financial Literacy
11
Many of the performances have been above the average with students attaining 8
credits and two distinctions.
Senior students in our school sit for the International SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
rather than the Higher School Certificate. These results along with their school-based
certificates form the basis of their university applications.
TEACHING STANDARDS, QUALIFICATIONS, ATTENDANCE AND
RETENTION
All staff at Southern Cross Baptist School fulfil a ministry on behalf of Southern Cross
Baptist Church to train children according to the principles set forth in the Word of
God. Each one is a committed Christian who subscribes to the church’s Statement of
Faith.
Three staff members have teacher qualifications from a higher education institution
within Australia.
One staff member has bachelor qualifications from a higher education institution
within Australia and has significant teaching experience prior to October, 2004.
There have been no staff changes this year. A small amount of sick leave was used by
staff throughout the year. Other than school conference attendances and other
professional development there were no other days of staff absence.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Our staff have undertaken the following training throughout the year:
South Pacific Educators’ Conference (Brisbane), Southern Cross Educational
Enterprises, (3 day) – Principal
School Staff Challenge, Southern Cross Baptist School (1 evening) – all staff
School Staff Mentoring, Southern Cross Baptist School (1 evening) – all staff
School staff meeting every morning – all staff
Work Health and Safety Act 2012 Seminar, AIS NSW (1 day) – Principal
Leading Curriculum Change, AITSL (1/2 day) – Principal
UTS Careers Advisers Day, UTS Future Student Unit (1 day) - Principal
State Christian Educators’ Conference, Southern Cross Educational Enterprises,
12
(2 day) – all staff
First Aid Training, Training Aid Australia (1 day) – 4 staff members
Assessment & Reporting, Mathletics (1/2 day) – Primary Head
Live Life Well @ School, Health NSW (2 days) – 2 staff
Intensive staff training in philosophy, procedures and curriculum (5 day) – new staff
(volunteer teacher aides)
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
No staff members are currently required to undertake professional learning according
to the Institute of Teachers.
The professional learning for staff is included in the above section.
STUDENT POPULATION OF THE SCHOOL
In 2012 there were 24 students enrolled across Kindergarten to Year 12 with 16 in
primary and 8 in high school. These students are drawn from a large radius across the
Sydney metropolitan area and represent a diverse mix of cultural backgrounds.
Southern Cross Baptist School values the diversity of the cultural backgrounds of the
students. This has brought a rich appreciation of the value that God places upon every
human being.
Retention Rates: Numbers are too small to calculate meaningful retention rates.
However, very few students do not proceed through to the completion of year 12. The
families who have left our school since last year have done so reluctantly as they have
all had to move out of the area for various reasons.
Attendance: Student attendance was 95.2% in 2012 for the four week reporting period
in May. It is the school’s policy that student absences must be reported to staff by
11:00am otherwise parents are contacted to determine the student’s whereabouts.
Post-school Destinations: Our graduate from last year has enrolled in the engineering
course at Insight.
POLICIES
ENROLMENT POLICY
Southern Cross Baptist School was commenced with the original intention of primarily
serving the families within the church community. However, enrolment is also open to
13
all families who attend churches of like faith who would be able to embrace the ethos
and statement of faith of the school. Students also need to agree to work to the best of
their ability, obey the rules and support the ethos of the school, participate in all facets
of the school program and respect all the staff and students of the school. A code of
conduct must be signed by all students upon enrolment.
Both student and parent commitment must be retained to allow continuing enrolment.
This commitment is demonstrated through full cooperation with the school program
and timely payment of tuition fees.
An offer of placement is made once the parent has submitted the application form,
attended an interview with the principal and administrator and consequently been
approved for acceptance into the school.
STUDENT WELFARE POLICIES
A copy of all student welfare policies may be obtained from the principal upon
request.
Child Protection Southern Cross Baptist School acknowledges the tremendous importance of providing
a safe and secure environment for students both in and out of the classroom. The
policy seeks to reduce the risk of child abuse by putting into place guidelines that
protect the children and ensure their feeling of security. It also ensures a caring and
appropriate response to all student welfare issues.
Security
The aim of the school is to provide an ever increasing safe and supportive work
environment which minimizes risks and harm. This policy contains guidelines for
evacuation in case of an emergency. It also dictates procedures to be followed during
any school related activity which is off campus. Procedures for the use of buildings
and emergency procedures are also documented.
Discipline
The school seeks to maintain a very high standard of discipline. Parents have entrusted
the school with their children that they might receive the best level of education
possible. We understand that consistent loving discipline is an important factor in
achieving this end. The school has a positive emphasis in its discipline approach in
seeking to promote what is right while balancing the emphasis by confronting and
dealing graciously but firmly with that which is wrong. The students are respected as
individuals who have been created in the image of God and are loved by Him. The
approach of the discipline is therefore in keeping with the concept of what can we do
for the students rather than what we do to the students. Our desire is to help them
better discern and choose between what is right and what is wrong.
14
In accordance with the Education Reform Amendment Act (1995), the school prohibits
any staff from administering corporal punishment in any form. The principal ensures
that this policy is adhered to.
A copy of the student discipline policy may be obtained from the principal upon
request.
Pastoral Care
The school acknowledges that concerns and grievances will arise from students,
parents and staff. These are addressed using Biblical principles of conflict resolution.
Matters of a minor nature are to be dealt with between the individuals concerned. For
matters of a more serious nature or matters that are not able to be resolved at the first
level, the principal is to be informed.
As parents are seen to be an important part of the education process, homework is seen
to be a positive part of the curriculum. Parents are encouraged to become as involved
as is possible in this part of their children’s work. Because of the small nature of the
school, homework is very easily managed. Homework is assigned with a balanced
view of the need for family time, recreation and homework.
Reporting Complaints and Resolving Grievances
Southern Cross Baptist School acknowledges that Biblical pathways must always exist
for students, parents and staff to honestly and sincerely express matters of concern.
The aim of the Grievance Management Policy is to provide fair and equitable
processes so that all concerns will be considered and resolved in a spirit of love and
care for each person.
A copy of the complaints and grievance policy may be obtained from the principal
upon request. No changes were made to these policies this year.
SCHOOL DETERMINED IMPROVEMENT TARGETS
Achievements for 2012
School Christmas concert in local nursing home
Kids holiday Bible club run with high school helpers
The development of our student orchestra
Ministry trip to Papua New Guinea
Our school won a significant number of trophies in relation to our
representation at NSW Student Convention
School concert recording production
Hosting NSW Educators’ Conference
Major video production “Only One Choice”
Major radio production “Not Without Honour”
15
Interaction with country students and homeschoolers/outreach program
A successful senior school work experience program
Mathletics challenge
A week long educational High School camp to Canberra
Launch of the use of Schoology website for students and parents
Introduction of an individualised language program for Spanish
Increase practical math activities
Majority of students accessed Shire Council swimming lessons
Incorporation of sporting clinics
Installation of staff coffee machine
Accessories added to outdoor play equipment
Math interactive manipulatives purchased for primary and high school math
practical
Greater primary student input into the school concert and consequent recording
Addition of storeroom to primary to provide more learning space in classroom
More musical instruments purchased
Library function increased in primary classroom
Priority Areas for Improvement for 2013
Further development of the use of Schoology for students and parents
Incorporation of sporting clinics
Recording and production of character trait singing CD
Access sports clinics
Access council swimming lessons and swimming award programs
Development of BLESS (international program to assist similar schools)
Purchase of further musical instruments to foster the development of musical
skills and practice
Purchase of larger and more powerful school bus that would be more suitable
for mission trips
Purchase of a grand piano for use in school assemblies, music classes and
concerts
Subscribe to an updated individualised IT tutorial program
PROMOMOTION OF RESPECT AND RESPONSIPBILITY
The ethos of the school has a very heavy emphasis on developing respect and
responsibility. It is taught and promoted very thoroughly through every KLA and is
also encouraged pastorally in one-on-one interaction as well as in chapel and
assemblies. We are very thankful for the lovely spirit of care and concern that exists
amongst the student body.
16
PARENT, STUDENT AND TEACHER SATISFACTION
The verbal and written feedback that comes from parents consistently expresses
appreciation and commendation for the direction and values to which the school
adheres. Much of the student population frequently express to staff how thankful they
are for their school and the staff that minister to them. This was clearly demonstrated
in the graduation speech of our year 12 graduate of 2012. It is also indicated by the
large distances (up to an hour’s drive each way) that some families drive each day to
bring their children to our school. Our staff demonstrate tremendous dedication to
what we all view as a privileged ministry.
EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE
Our school has a reporting policy in place that stipulates that the school will provide
an annual report by 30th
June each year according to the Registered and Accredited
Individual Non-government Schools (NSW) Manual and will publicly disclose the
report on the school’s website.
17
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION – 2012
Recurrent Income
Recurrent
Expenditure