This, our seventh annual School Report since reporting became a requirement of schools, demonstrates the excellence of a school in which highly-developed professional leadership is practised effectively at all levels.

2007 was another successful year for our school. Our students continued to excel in most areas, as W.A. Literacy and Numeracy Assessments (WALNA) show.  This was the seventh (and final) year W.A. students were tested in Years 3, 5 and 7 WALNA tests and it's pleasing to confirm that the large majority of MRPS students are well above the benchmarks in Reading, Writing, Mathematics and Spelling.   Graphs on successive pages show our progress during recent years. This year, we’ll participate in the National Assessment Program, in mid-May 2008.

MRPS STAFF

Qualifications

All teaching staff meet the professional requirements to teach in Western Australian schools and are registered with the Western Australian College of teaching.

In addition to three administrators, our school has eight Level Three teachers and sixteen teachers with Senior Teacher Level Two status.  Many more are currently engaged in higher studies, some to attain either Level Three or Level Two qualifications.  Teachers are mainly very experienced, very capable professionals with a long-term commitment to the school.

Staff Retention

Retention of staff from 2006 to 2007 was 84%.  Teachers assigned end-dated positions by the Department of Education and Training necessitated two changes. Two teachers were given a year’s leave.  One part-time teacher moved to northern WA, resigning her temporary, end-dated position.  We gained a new Deputy Principal in 2007.

Staff Attendance

Teaching staff missed less than one percent of school days through illness, short leave and workers’ compensation in 2007.   School support staff missed 6.7% of school days through illness, short leave and workers’ compensation . The graph illustrates staff absences during a two-year period:

Professional Development

In our school, PD mainly occurred after-hours, but we assign all teachers two days’ teacher relief and support staff two days’ relief (or pro-rata).  Staff are also allocated $120.00 (or pro-rata) to assist with PD fees and charges.

This supplements much higher professional development costs, generally included in personal taxation claims. In 2007, PD expenditure was $17,689.00, including relief costs.  Average expenditure per teacher in 2007 was $473.00.   While no PD travel costs were  budgeted or met by the school during the year (staff claiming travel as personal income tax claims) payment for travel will be a budget requirement in 2008.

During  2007, the following Professional Development occurred:

In 2008 we’ll focus on First Steps Mathematics (Measurement); First Steps Speaking and Listening (Early Intervention K – 2); Science Teaching and Learning (All year levels); Cooperative Reading (Years 4 & 5); Emotional Intelligence strategies (Child Protection, WISE Research and Brain Ambulance).  We’ll continue to develop student skills in Writing Conventions, including Spelling.

STUDENT PERFORMANCE

West Australian Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (WALNA) performance indicates that all year levels tested performed highly in three areas tested: Mathematics, Reading and Writing. Analysis demonstrates that we not only surpassed the state and district results in all measures, but that we also outscored our band (like schools) in ten of twelve measures; and tied in an eleventh.

It’s worth examining school performance in each of the three areas assessed against state averages, to get a clearer picture of performance in each subject.

The Numeracy graph indicates that the school exceeds state averages, but highlights our Year Five students’ strength in this area.  Relative to state averages all groups did well.

In Reading, all three year levels performed at better than state level, with Year Threes and Fives achieving particularly well.  Studying the graph, it’s apparent that the Year Seven test may have been at a much higher level of expectation.

Our Writing results highlight expected high performance in Years Three, Five and Seven, with Year Three results well above the state average. This was a particularly academically strong group of Year Threes, whose 2007 results are higher than the previous (2006) cohort.

Data from our 2006 UNSW Writing results indicated a need to upskill boys in writing conventions and our efforts in this regard appear to have paid dividends.

While benchmarks are a very basic way of measuring progress, the W.A. Government Student Achievement Targets, or WAGSATs, are a much better indicator of student performance.  Our 2007 results indicated that we excelled in ten of twelve measures, with results higher than state, band (like schools) and district, with most room for improvement in Year 7 Writing in 2008.  In an eleventh measure, we outscored the state and district, equalling the band schools.

Our performance academically, as measured by WALNA, improved in seven of nine areas, between 2006 and 2007.  We should remember that these are entirely different students than those measured in 2006.   The concept of ‘value adding’ is therefore quite mythical and misleading. Transience of children from state-to-state, district-to-district and school-to-school also renders this measure of student performance unreliable and invalid.

Last year we concluded our seventeen-year participation in UNSW Competitions, rebadged in recent years as International Competitions and Assessments (ICAS).  With approximately 30% of MRPS students entering ICAS competitions, we consider participation too low, both for accurate triangulation with other data sources; and useful application to school planning.   In 2008 the school will replace UNSW Competitions with MSE and Easymark assessments, with Years 3 - 7 assessed.  Certificates we’ve designed will be presented in four categories. We may award medals to top students in each year /  subject. Results will provide additional data for PEAC selection criteria.

In 2007 we continued implementation of MSE testing, in Science (Year 3 & 7) and SOSE (Year 3 & 7), providing yet another tool for analysis of student performance.  We conducted EasyMark assessments in Year 2, in Reading and Spelling. We again accessed the WALNA Data Club, to gain a more detailed perspective of our performance.  Both initiatives should assist in continuing to improve student outcomes in 2008.

The school continues to be the only ‘GERRIC Centre’ in the south-west of the state, providing test facilities to all state and private primary school students in the Naturaleeuwin Cluster. GERRIC results provide yet another criterion for Gifted & Talented program access.

Health & Wellbeing

Extensive evaluation of 554 children in PP – Year 7, by W.I.S.E Research during 2007, found that:

·        “The children of Margaret River Primary school report excellent levels of mental health and wellbeing when compared with other equivalent Australian children.”

·        “Margaret River Primary students were observed as having excellent levels of positive social behaviour…”

·        Year One, Three and Six children’s levels of prosocial behaviour are considered to be exceptionally high…”

OUR MISSION

The Department of Education promotes four principles for its schools: Learning, Excellence, Equity and Care.  These are the foundations on which we build a strong school ethos: 

"Our purpose is to create a positive learning environment in which children are given the opportunity, assistance and support to achieve their potential intellectually, personally and socially, through encouragement of effort, improvement and excellence." 

As parents do, we really want it all, for our students!

Do our programs and budgets reflect this desire? 

Parent Satisfaction

Parent Satisfaction surveys* conducted during 2006 report ‘strong’ support ( 3.0 – 3.3 / 4.0) for the school, in five of seven Key Outcomes: Learning Experiences, School Leadership, School Staff, Financial & Physical Resources and Community Partnerships.  In two outcomes, Improving Student Performance and Safe, Caring Inclusive Environment, strong support was indicated in seven of ten descriptors, with just a ‘Satisfactory’ rating for:

·        Information related to individual student performance:             2.9 / 4.0

·        Development of student leadership:                                                  2.9 / 4.0

·        Curriculum Framework values underpin all school activities:  2.9 / 4.0

Introduction of the new SIS Student Reporting system in 2007 may result in higher parent satisfaction with ‘Information related to individual student performance’ particularly as teacher comments are far more comprehensive in this new report form.  Statistically improved student performance, particularly in Years 3 and 5, may also enhance our ratings.  Student leadership opportunities have been increased in every classroom, during 2007, so this may also raise scores. As the Curriculum Framework informs all we do, it is interesting to note a ‘Satisfactory’ rating for this descriptor.  We’ll examine this area in 2008.

* Our next Key Outcomes Parent Satisfaction Survey is planned for mid-2009.

School Programs

Our Inquiry Learning programs continue to excite students, staff and visiting schools.  Our aim, to encourage independent, self-evaluating students who set high goals for themselves, is steadily being achieved. During 2007, we continued to refine our Fusion Planners which support Inquiry Learning, to align more closely with the new Outcome Learning Descriptors in DET's Outcomes and Standards Framework. Schools from four adjacent districts have sent hundreds of teachers to observe for themselves our IL programs in operation. The practicums we provide have been conducted without financial cost to 41 schools. 

 Through our Emotional Intelligence program, we're also working to create resilient young people, with healthy attitudes, the skill to make good choices and the ability to meet and overcome adversity.  The school is a leader in this state in attracting resources, training staff, providing outstanding service and support for students and their families… and has provided counselling expertise to two other nearby schools, without cost. W.I.S.E. Research undertaken during 2007, indicates that these support programs enjoy a very high level of success.

Funded primarily through corporate and family sponsorship, this award-winning program includes a highly successful counselling service, Bravehearts WA. Mrs Lise Nikulinsky and Vicci Brennan, both trained psychologists/counsellors, work one-to-one with students requiring confidential support and, recognising the value of this service, we're committed to maintaining it at MRPS. Tax-deductible donations are welcome.  Please enquire at the school's front office. 

Our Gifted and Talented (G & T) programs operate after-hours, meeting the needs of gifted and talented students in six of the eight learning areas. In 2007 we conducted ten after-hours projects of 6 – 8 weeks duration.  In 2008 we expect to offer as many as sixteen, if district financial assistance is forthcoming.

School Operations

Eight learning areas derive funds from school families’ Voluntary Contributions, formerly termed School Fees.    Direct expenditure on these eight areas over the last five years has decreased.

Since 2003 we have integrated our budgets.  Integrated learning expenditures are linked directly back to the eight Learning Areas, complying fully with audit requirements. (See Budget Appendix.)

Parent help to resource budgets across the eight Learning Areas is essential, through early payment of the $45.00 per child Voluntary School Contribution.  Last year, 80% of parents paid this voluntary contribution, a 2% improvement on the previous year (2006: 78%), but still a little disappointing when you consider that we're asking for just $1.12 per week, to support learning. 

Even fewer families paid our voluntary P & C levy of $20.00. We trust that more families will support us in 2008, by paying both these voluntary contributions. Our hard-working P & C Association does an outstanding job in raising funds for our students, but we need your help to improve children's education.  When you support this school you can see the results, not just in the kids' happy smiles, but in measurable, sustained improvement. 

Enrolment Trends and Attendance 

During the past decade, our total enrolment has hovered between  580 - 699.  The half-cohort effect, resulting from changes in enrolment birth dates, means reduced numbers between 2000 – 2009, as a much smaller group of students (now Year Sixes) moves through the school.

Despite this, the school is growing steadily in size.  As anticipated, enrolment rose last year to 612. It’s expected we’ll maintain this figure in 2008, increasing steadily throughout the year, as more rental accommodation becomes available.  Graduation of the half-cohort (Year Sixes in 2008) at the end of 2009, will mean an immediate 7% increase in enrolment in 2010, necessitating more temporary classrooms.   We have eight at present.

An ambitious Attendance Target we set for 2007 (98%) wasn't attained. We actually achieved 93.9%, half a percent lower than in 2006 (94.4%). This seems a little disappointing, until compared with the state figure of 93.1%. Tracking of individual students during 2007 indicates that just three students affected our figures dramatically. 

We know that more than ten school days missed results in loss of learning, so improved attendance means better educational performance.  Our thanks to parents for helping us improve attendance and consequently, children's learning.   We’ve maintained a target of 98% attendance for 2008, as all  three students have left our school… .

Student Behaviour has been well monitored.  Boys remain more likely to offend and intervention programs such as Boys in Education and Rock and Water continue to operate in our school. Continuation of effective strategies to eliminate bullying will be maintained in 2008.  Our MBiS Policy, reviewed during 2007, will continue to focus on positives.

Our Virtues Program continues to realise long-term positive effects, particularly as younger children, with longer exposure, move up through our school.  It was exciting to note that our ex-students, now at MRSHS, have outscored 140 other high schools in their knowledge and understanding of desirable values.  W.I.S.E Research during 2007, supports our view that the Virtues Program, in combination with our Emotional Intelligence strategies, is effective in reinforcing positive social outcomes at MRPS.

Groups Who Help Us

Two school community organisations assist our school. These are our Parents and Citizens' Association (P & C) and our School Community Council (SCC). We're grateful to parents whose active membership of these groups assists school improvement. 

P & C Association: This has been another great year, in every sense. Our P & C committed funds to various educational projects this year. Among priorities achieved were Library Books; Class Excursion, UNSW Competition and GoTCHA subsidies; support for Bravehearts and the Emotional Intelligence Program; assistance with the purchase of four more inverter-style reverse-cycle air conditioners; replacement of a transportable classroom carpet, and provision of twenty new computers.  The Association also assisted with provision of awards at the school’s annual Presentation Day. Thanks to ongoing P & C support, we remain one of the best-equipped primary schools in our district. 

Priorities not achieved, for which we have funds put aside, include creation of landscaped shade gardens in our bitumen quadrangle; and enclosure of our Under Cover Area.  A new project for 2008 will be the proposed Kitchen Garden.

Our School Canteen continues to provide excellent food and service.   Thank you, ladies and volunteers! Due to wage increases and payment of LSL entitlements to two canteen workers, this was the first year since 1995 that operating costs have not allowed payment of profits to the P&C.

School Council: Our School Community Council implemented several major decisions last year, approving the 2007 School Development Plan and School Budgets; setting voluntary School Contributions and Charges for 2008; and examining and reviewing School Review Visit reports.  Thank you Gail, Bruce, Susie, Glenda, Cathy and Lesley for your service to the school community. 

Local Sponsors 

Sponsorship contributions are made directly to the school, to the P & C Association and to Bravehearts, WA., with whom the school enjoys a remarkable affiliation. We're fortunate to have maintained a high level of support from local and national businesses, families, and service organisations, whose annual, monthly, or weekly sponsorship enriches our resources and programs.  Last year, the school, our P & C and Bravehearts received donations and sponsorship of over $130,000.00.   Many thanks to our very generous 2007 sponsors:

Amanda Fay Productions     Isaacs Ridge Chalets      Sea Gardens Cafe    ANZ Bank, Margaret River   Jah Roc Galleries    Spaghetti Bowl Restaurant     Apex, Margaret River     Karen Luciano               Station Rd Greengrocer     AMR Shire    Leeuwin Estate Winery    Stocker Preston Realty Beachlife       Lester Property Group        Symbiotech Websites   Beats ‘r’ Burning                                  M. R. Agricultural Society           The Filth     Bravehearts WA                 M. R. Fire & Rescue                       The Melting Pot       Cape Signs         Madfish Winery       Urban Bean        Chem Mart                       Margaret River Print           Vasse Felix Wines   Chooks Fresh ‘n’ Tasty    Margaret River Holidays          W. A. Country Builders     Coles Margaret River     mysouthwest.com         Watershed Winery            Cool Energy         Nido      West Coast Eagles Cowaramup Lions      Palandri Winery                              West Country Office  IGA, M. River        Perth Pyrotechnics      Westnet   MR Free Range Eggs RebeccaCool        WillespieWinery GlowProductions           Retravision            Xanadu Winery             Gull Service Station      Rotary Margaret River     Youth Express    Hoozya Daddy                                       St. John’s Ambulance MR             Yahava Coffee