2012 Annual School Report - Gordon West Public School

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CONTENTS PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE Reflecting on the Principal’s Annual Report comments I have penned over the past 23 years, a number of Gordon West strengths became apparent. Our school is an exciting, dynamic centre of learning, with hardworking, cohesive, dedicated teachers, great students and a wonderfully supportive community. In 2012 Gordon West has continued to maintain these fine traditions with students being provided an extensive range of opportunities in cultural, sporting and academic domains. Gordon West parents generously support a range of extra curricula activities ensuring our students are not only exposed to best practice pedagogy but also receive a comprehensive and varied educational experience. Community assistance encompasses additional specialist dance, physical education, tennis, learning support and technology teachers. Our extensive Band program employs 2 band directors and 7 tutors. A variety of school excursions and visiting school performances selected by teachers to complement the teaching of the 6 Key Learning Areas are also funded by the Gordon West parent body. commitment to the school and its values. The recent annual Year 12 Reunion, where the majority of Gordon West students returned to the school to celebrate the last day of the HSC, is indicative of the close association and commitment Gordon West students have to their school, now and in the future. Currently we find ourselves in a period of educational change. We look forward to the challenges that the future may bring and remain confident of our ability to embrace new directions, ensuring that Gordon West remains a centre of learning excellence with a definite purpose and direction. Congratulations to the staff, students and school community on its achievements in 2012. Jim Huckerby B.A. Principal With the introduction of the NAPLAN testing program in 2009 there was concern that we would not be able to perform at the highest levels of academic expectations and still offer this large number of extra curricula activities. Our NAPLAN results have consistently shown that a balance can be achieved between academic successes and providing a variety of opportunities which meet the diverse needs and interests of students. In fact in 2011 Gordon West was ranked as one of the top comprehensive schools in the state for NAPLAN. . Although noted for its academic, cultural and sporting success, the primary aim of Gordon West is to develop a well rounded student who is a respectful member of society with a genuine 2
P&C MESSAGE Gordon West P&C has had another successful year. From a financial standpoint we raised more than enough funds to meet our budgetary commitments to the school. We contributed $30,000 to the schools Learning Support program. We also funded the installation of air conditioning in the Library and Special Programs Room and the 3 classrooms above the Library. We’ve also fulfilled our non financial commitments to the parent community in a number of different ways. Fund Raising and Social Committee The FRASC committee raised over $42,000 through a number of successful fund raising initiatives. The team has also organised a number of social events which contribute valuable funds, but also help to maintain the social fabric of our school community. OOHSC The P&C continued to manage the delivery of Outside Of School Hours Care, in collaboration with the school. A survey was conducted during the year which revealed that overall; parents were satisfied with the centre. Some issues were raised and will continue to be monitored. The centre’s contract is up for renewal next year. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE'S MESSAGE This year 2012, has been a wonderful year for the student representative council (SRC). It was an amazing honour to be selected as the school captains this year. We will never forget the great things we have been involved in and achieved as student representatives. We have learnt many things that we can apply to our life in high school next year. One of the best highlights this year was venturing out to Milson Island for our annual camp, with the rest of Stage 3. Some of the activities we participated in were the challenge ropes, archery, fencing, bushwalks to the “haunted” nurse’s quarters, boomerang throwing and even a cook off! It will be disappointing to leave such a great school after 7 years of being together as one big, happy family, but we will always have our friends and memories which we will treasure forever. We would like to wish Jessica Wicks and Jake Pospech and all the prefects good luck for 2013. We hope they do a good job. Hamish White & Rachel Down School Captains 2012 Canteen Our canteen has been operated this year by a new Canteen Manager. Mrs Finnegan has introduced some new menu choices and has also introduced an online payment and ordering system. This system ensures that correct food quantities are prepared thereby cutting back on waste whilst saving Mrs Finnegan and her team of volunteers a lot of time counting orders and coins. We encourage all families to sign up and order online. Uniform Shop During the year we decided to change the name from clothing pool to uniform shop. Mrs McPartlin continues to innovate and bring new ideas. Although the P&C has resolved to setup a new uniform committee to consider some uniform changes, this has not commenced at the time of writing. The uniform shop has also introduced new technology and will continue to do so in the coming year. N.B. Our canteen and uniform shop are operated on a not-forprofit basis. The P&C operates these functions on behalf of the parent body so we aim to cover our costs with a small margin. Staff Presentations We continued our quarterly series of staff presentations, with very information sessions on subjects including: • Maths; • Science & Technology and • an overview of the school’s NAPLAN results. Once again a huge number of Gordon West parents have volunteered their time and effort. On behalf of all parents I thank those of you who have contributed your time to the school. Tom Lineen P&C President STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL 2012 The 2012 SRC enjoyed the year in their leadership roles. As part of their role they ran the first assembly of the year, looked after lost property and carried out weekly energy audits on each classroom. The SRC’s annual fundraising supported the charities of “The Deafness Foundation” which raises public awareness and funds to support the deaf and hearing impaired community. Each morning over 6 weeks, SRC members sold butterfly badges to raise money for this charity. Our second fundraising event was “Red Kite Day” which supports families who have been affected by cancer. Everyone had lots of fun dressing up in red for the day. This was followed by “Genes for Jeans Day”. In total the SRC raised $1669. The SRC also organised the collection of second hand books from K-6 students which were sent to Rotary. Rotary generously forwarded them on to needy children in other parts of Australia. 3
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Page 5 and 6: STAFF INFORMATION It is a requireme
Page 7 and 8: year with the emphasis being placed
Page 9 and 10: Year 3 NAPLAN - Spelling School SSG
Page 11 and 12: Year 5 NAPLAN - Reading School SSG
Page 13 and 14: Year 5 NAPLAN - Writing School SSG
Page 15 and 16: National Benchmarks The Commonwealt
Page 17 and 18: PROGRESS ON 2012 TARGETS Target 1 N
Page 19 and 20: Finding and Conclusions Parents The
Page 21 and 22: School Life Student Survey My teach
Page 23 and 24: SCHOOL SATISFACTION SURVEY My child
Page 25 and 26: This communication forum is invalua
Page 27 and 28: School Priority 3 - Quality Teachin

2012 Annual School Report - Gordon West Public School

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