Ardross Primary School Board Report 2015

The last twelve months has seen continued success, improvement and change at Ardross Primary School, demonstrating the dedication of the school staff, management and community in upholding the school motto of motivate, educate and celebrate.

Following on from last year’s scheduled independent review by the Department of Education Services, the published report on the Department of Education website highlights nine areas of commendation from the strength in curriculum areas, development of culture and positive learning environment, to strong leadership and staff effort to name a few. The one area of improvement was to improve ways of measuring non-academic and aspirational targets. This is a glowing report by any measure and the Board commends the management and staff of Ardross Primary School on this report.

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (“NAPLAN”) results for 2015 demonstrated significant increases above like schools from year 3 to 5 and all year 5 results were above like schools, which is a key metric for Ardross Primary School. These successes can be celebrated and the Board acknowledged this formally to the staff during the year.

The beginning of the year saw significant change with the Principal, Andrew Holmes being seconded to Campbell Primary School for the first two terms, while a new Principal, Karen Duncan came into to fill the position in the interim. This sort of change can cause uncertainty and create upheaval. The strong team of teaching and administration staff were able to make the transition seamless for students and Karen was able to provide a new dimension to the school set-up. Karen’s efforts and interaction in the school and with the Board was greatly appreciated and new perspectives were welcomed. The third term saw the return of Andrew, with his professionalism and leadership greatly valued, heading into a busy period in terms of administration, Board and School activities.

The School community through the Parents and Citizen’s (“P&C”) association has been significant again this year contributing funds towards learning areas identified for improvement with the ongoing funding of reading eggs, mathletics and scitech as well as contributions for books and various grounds improvements to name a few. The dedication of the P&C members and their ability to raise funds from both grants and families goes a long way in the school.

This Annual Report is delivered in the context of the Ardross Primary School Board’s powers and duties as expressed in its Terms ofReference.

Under the convening Boards Constitution the School Board will comprise eleven (11) members of whom:

(a)six (6) are to be parents, one of whom must be appointed by the P&C if the P&C has taken up the option to nominate a member;

(b)five (5) are to be members of the teaching staff of the school, of whom one must be the principal for the time being of the school.

The Ardross Primary School Board consists of eleven (11) members, ten (10) of whom are elected as follows

  • 5 parent / Community Members–(Nathan Hickman, Patrick Soh, Tamara Vivian, Karen Wall and 1 vacancy)
  • 1 parent nominated by the P&C (Kim Fromant)
  • 4 Teachers (Denelle Ellery, Blythe Maley, Isabel Mangion-Campbell andKate Mathis)
  • and one Non-elected participantPrincipal – Andrew Holmes (Karen Duncan – interim)

It is very important to have an outside-in perspective on the world as it influences the School Community and to use this experience to develop a strong point of view of the future to guide and shape our strategy.

In this perspective the Board welcomed Nathan Hickman, Tamara Vivianand Karen Wallas Parent Members. Theircollective knowledge and capabilities have proved extremely valuable as the School confronts the many challenges ahead.

Kim Fromant joined the School Board as the P&C Representatives to the Board and this interaction with the P&C drives good communication and aligns goals.

In addition we welcomed back to the School Board all returning representatives from the School Faculty and new representatives Denelle Ellery and Blythe Maley.

Once again, the Board extends their sincere gratitude to Alison Stockman (School Registrar) who served the Board meetings as an ex- officio member.

At the first designated meeting of the Calendar Year a Board Chair is elected. For 2015 the Chair was PatrickSoh.

The Board is formed in accordance with section 125 of the School Education Act 1999 with the fundamental purpose of enabling parents and members of the community to engage in activities that are in the best interests of students and will enhance the education provided by the school.

In general, and whilst the Board continues to refine its Terms of Reference the role of the School Board is:

(a)to take part in –

  1. in establishing and reviewing from time to time the school's objectives, priorities and general policy directions;
  2. in the planning of financial arrangements necessary to fund those objectives, priorities and directions;
  3. in evaluating the school's performance in achieving them; and
  4. formulating codes of conduct for students at the school

(b)to promote the school in the Community;

(c)to take part in formulating codes of conduct for students at the school;

(d)to determine, in consultation with students, their parents and staff of the school, a dresscode for students when they are attending or representing the school.

(e)to approve :

  1. any charges or contributions
  2. the costs to be paid for participation in an extra cost optional component of the school’s educational programme.
  3. The items that are to be supplied to a student for the student’s personal use in the school’s educational programme
  4. Any agreement or arrangement for advertising or sponsorship entered into by the principal.

The establishment of a Board ensures that the school can have a formal structure which provides opportunities for parents, Staff and the Community to work together on:-

  • Clarifying important issues with staff that occur throughout the year
  • Formulating, with staff, broad policies for the smooth running of the school
  • Compiling and assessing the school’s planning and being involved with staff to decide on school priorities
  • Aspects relating to Finance, Sponsorship, and Grounds through sub committees

Activities and Achievements for 2015

The School Board adheres to a cycle by which the School’s policies, procedures and guidelines are reviewed and developed. The following policies and procedures have been reviewed / amended and ratified where required this year:

  • School Budget 2015
  • Annual Report 2014
  • Delivery Performance Agreement2015 - 2017
  • Business Plan 2016 -2018
  • Contributions and Charges for 2016
  • School Board Constitution – Procedures and Purpose
  • Facilities Hire Agreements Policy
  • Behaviour Management Policy
  • Bullying Policy
  • Students at Academic and Educational Risk/Independent Education Plan (“SAER/IEP”) Policy
  • Dress Code Policy
  • Communicating with the School Policy
  • Sponsorship and Promotion Policy
  • Review of Community Use of Facilities Agreements (Agreed to review at renewal)

Sub-Committees for 2015

There are three sub-committees of the School Board:

  1. Finance
  2. Sponsorship
  3. Grounds

The members of each sub-committee are:

  • Finance –Andrew Holmes (Karen Duncan),Isabel Mangion-Campbell and Patrick Soh with Catherine Bishop and Alison Stockman (School Registrar).
  • Sponsorship – Andrew Holmes (Karen Duncan), Tamara VivianandBlythe Maley
  • Grounds – Nathan Hickman with Catherine Bishop, Jason Felstead and Bruce Ivers.

Finance

Towards the end of every School Year the Finance Committee is asked to review and ratify the draft budget to allow for planning activities from Cost Centre Managers. Upon the start of the new School year the Annual Budget is tabled and Approved by the Finance Committee and then presented to the School Board for review and acceptance.

Finance Committee meetings are held twice every term where the comparative budget is reviewed, along with review and ratification of other “day to day” revenue and / or expense items.

As an Independent Public School, the Finance Committee was also presented with the School Flexible Salary Allocation One Line Budget indicating the surplus or anticipated deficit on a monthly basis.

Grounds

The Grounds Committee continue to identify and ensure that the appropriate focus is applied to the range of sustainability activities related to the nursery and habitat rehabilitation programs that are incorporated throughout the school’s curriculum.With the building works program at Applecross Senior High School continuing there has been impact to the surrounding environment. Once this program is completed, focus for the School Board will be to ensure traffic management is prioritised and reviewed.

Special mention to Cath Bishop, Bruce Ivers and the School River Rangers for their continued passion in caring for the environment.

Sponsorship

The Sponsorship Committee review and sustain the Business Partnership Programme along with the programme to sponsor the School newsletter.

During the course of the year the School Board reviewed the current Sponsorship Policy and Procedures for currency and alignment and had no requisite to alter the Policy.

The School has an extensive list of wonderful sponsors. Sponsorship and/or promotional arrangements with local businesses represent an opportunity to enhance the school environment and enrich and extend the educational experiences of students at Ardross Primary School. To this end we urge all Community members to support the School sponsors.

2016 Directions

  • Delivery and Performance Agreement
  • the School Budget 2016
  • the Annual Report 2015
  • Contributions and Charges 2017

2 Year Cycle

  • School Community Survey
  • Sun Protection Policy

3 Year Cycle

  • Homework Policy

In Closing

The School Board is here to represent the Parents, Teachers and Community views and to engage in activities that are in the best interests of students and will enhance the education provided by the school. The Board members are available to discuss any issues you may have and will be able to direct these for the most appropriate course of action.

Thank you to all members of the 2015 Ardross School Board for your involvement. You have generously given of yourselves to ensure that decisions directly affecting Ardross are made by representatives of this community, people who are close to Ardross and know our teachers, parents, and students. This year has been significant for change and the body of policies up for review, including the three year business plan. It has been a significant learning curve with the number of new Board members and changing roles. The Board has brought together a great range of experiences and opinions which has led to better discussion and decisions.

On behalf of the School Board, I would like to thankKaren Duncan and Andy Holmes. Theircommitment, professionalism and expertise ensures that all areas of the School are extremely well managed and organised, not only for the internal challenges, but also for life’s challenges beyond the School environment. Further thanks have to go to the staff of Ardross including Administration, Grounds and Teaching. Their dedication experience and teamwork are what have made this year a success.

I am proud of the contribution of the Ardross Primary School Boardthis year especially through a period of change and significant Policy review. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the School Board this year and I am excited aboutwhat next year holds.

Patrick Soh

Chair, School Board

4November 2015

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