EDGEWORTH St Benedict's Primary School (2012) - Catholic ...

2012 Annual School Report
St Benedict’s Primary School, Edgeworth
839 Main Rood
EDGEWORTH NSW 2285
www.edgeworth.catholic.edu.au

Messages from Key School Bodies
Principal
It is with great pleasure that I present to you the 2012 Annual Report for St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School Edgeworth. The
purpose of the report is to notify parents and other readers of the nature of the school and its role within the Diocesan System of
Schools.
St Benedict’s is a Catholic Co-educational, Kindergarten – Year 6 Systemic School in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Our
Catholic identity impacts upon the total curriculum and extra-curricular life of the school. It furthermore embraces the contribution
that the Sisters of St Joseph made to the spiritual life of the school and the aboriginal people as the traditional owners of the land
on which the school is built. As a Catholic school community we actively aim to express Christian values throughout the curriculum
and the general life of the school. We are particularly proud of the support we give to the less fortunate and our Mini Vinnies
Conference is a group of which we are extremely proud.
Whilst we have had individual and team successes in sporting, cultural and academic endeavours and general success as a school
community over the year, by far our greatest achievement is in our students themselves. We at St Benedict’s take great pride in the
quality of our students and in the high standing they have in the local community.
The overall extent of the school’s success will be more evident throughout this report. I commend the St Benedict’s Annual Report
to you, a copy of which will be distributed to all members of the school community and available from St Benedict’s to any other
interested parties. Please join with me in celebrating our achievements in 2012.
Mark Hornby-Howell
Principal
P & F
At St Benedict’s we are very proud of an active Parents and Friends Association. Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each
month in the school library starting at 7pm and everyone is welcome. Our school Principal attends meetings where possible to
represent the teachers and the school community.
The P&F meetings provide an open forum for all parents and members of the local community to air and discuss their concerns
and to make suggestions for the continued development of the school and its facilities.
Fundraising to provide resources for the benefit of the students is central to the purpose of the P&F with the first meeting of each
year dedicated to planning the fundraising activities for the year ahead.
Close collaboration between the P&F committee and the school executive team ensures that a healthy partnership exists that
provides valuable and beneficial support to the children and staff. It is a working partnership and a relationship of which we are
proud of.
Student Leaders/SRC
School leaders at St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School Edgeworth are elected each year by their peers.
The school captains and vice-captains head the student school leadership team and carry out various civic responsibilities such as
conducting assemblies, attending official functions and welcoming visitors.
The captains and vice-captains are supported by the sport captains who assist the school’s sport coordinator and monitor the use
of sport equipment while the Mini Vinnies executive play an important role in organising events to help those less fortunate.
The school leaders at St Benedict’s support the Principal and teachers providing a link between the staff and students and setting a
good example.
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Religious Dimension and Culture of School Life
Catholic Identity
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land, the Awabakal people, on which the school now stands. St Benedict’s opened in
1962 and was staffed by Sister Cabrini and Sister Anne Mary of the Sisters of St Joseph, Lochinvar. Over sixty children were
housed in four wooden buildings transported to the present Edgeworth site from the Greta Migrant Camp; a fifth hut arrived and
was opened as the convent in April, 1963. As the area developed, the school population increased and it became necessary to
expand. One of those huts still remains today and is linked to our past as it is used for a prayer room, parish meeting place and
counselling centre.
St Benedict’s provides K-6 schooling based on Christian principles to give an understanding of and a commitment to the Catholic
faith and its traditions. Being a faith-based school, the opportunity to celebrate liturgies and Mass together, and to experience
prayer in a variety of ways and settings are important aspects of school life at St Benedict’s. Our Catholic faith makes us different
from other schools and with this we are challenged to reflect gospel values, especially truth, justice, acceptance and forgiveness.
The Religious Education of our children and the creation of a Catholic atmosphere is our first priority. We characterise our Catholic
identity with symbols around the school. Examples include a large metal cross, paintings, pictures, prayer spaces and prayer room.
Our Religion lessons and liturgies reflect our identity and membership of the Parish of Sugarloaf.
Our Catholic identity, however, is more than symbols and practices. We strive to walk with Jesus Christ in our everyday
relationships with one another and as part of a global community. We aim at living the Kingdom of God in our actions and our
involvement in social justice issues. We strive at being aware of our place in God’s Kingdom by making this awareness alive and
tangible.
The School as part of Parish and Diocesan Life
The St Benedict’s school community actively participates in the life of Sugarloaf Parish. Regular meetings are held between the
school’s Religious Education Coordinator and the Parish Priest and Parish Sacramental Team Leader. The Principal is welcome to
attend Parish Pastoral Team meetings.
The dot points below list some of the ways St. Benedict’s school is an active part of Parish and Diocesan Life.
Grade Parish Masses are held throughout the year.
The school bulletin, which includes parish news, is left at both Holy Cross Church and West Wallsend Church so that the
Parish community knows when and what the school is celebrating in regards to feast days and other events.
Often liturgical celebrations take place in the school hall. Members of the Parish are always welcome at celebrations including
the Beginning/End of the Year School Masses, Ash Wednesday, Holy and Catholic Schools Week Celebrations, Feast Day
Celebrations and other events such as Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day.
The school’s Religious Education Coordinator is a member of the Sacramental Team. Students from Year 2 prepare in the
Parish Reconciliation Program. Students in Year 3 prepare for Confirmation while Year 4 prepare for the Eucharist. The Mini
Vinnies, coordinated by the school’s Pastoral Care Worker, meets weekly and holds activities for St Vincent De Paul each
term.
The school is involved in Parish/Regional/ Diocesan Assemblies.
The Parish Priest and School Chaplain regularly meet with teachers and visit classes each
The Legion of Mary uses the school’s Chapel every Tuesday morning for a prayer group. This meeting is facilitated by the
Parish Pastoral Associate.
Teaching of Religion
The aim of teaching Religion is to encourage and assist children in their growth to Christian maturity. At St Benedict’s, the Religion
Program is designed so that in each class there is an emphasis suitable to the children’s developmental stage of learning. The
program is taught using the Diocesan K-12 Religion Syllabus which is based on the previously approved Diocesan “Step Out In
Faith” (K-6) and “In The Light of the Gospel” (7-12). Each staff member has a copy of the Primary Religious Education Resource
Units specific to their class to assist implementation of the syllabus. The school’s Religious Education Coordinator ensures that an
effective and comprehensive classroom Religious Education Program is taught by supervision of teaching programs, classroom
visits and meetings with teachers.
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As previously mentioned, the parish priest and school chaplain have regular class visits to instruct children on a topic suggested by
teachers, usually from the unit that is current or about a special need that arises.
Particular themes such as Holy Week celebrations are talked about and dramatized by a nominated class. Monday prayer
assembly mornings are another way St Benedict’s celebrate and pray together for a particular theme, eg Fathers’ and Mothers’
Day, Pentecost, and Anzac Day. Every class from Kinder to Year 6 class has a Monday Morning Prayer Assembly each semester.
Retreats and Faith Development Programs
Education program provides for a K-6 approach to faith development.
In 2012 at St Benedict’s there was a focus of regular prayer being incorporated into the daily life of the school.
The teachers of Year 2, 3 and 4 teach their RE units and they coincide with the Parish Sacramental Program.
Parish Priest, Fr Peter Rees shared with his Parish schools, Holy Cross and St Benedict’s, the Social Justice Projects in the
Sugarloaf Parish. He discussed the parish sponsoring of Vietnamese students to receive a better education. Consequently, a
social Justice Policy was developed.
Sister Lucie worked alongside classroom teachers from Years 2, 3, and 4 helping the children prepare for their respective
sacrament. The school held a Red Day to raise money for Vietnamese students.
A combined Year 5 Leadership Day was held with Holy Cross Glendale. Leaders from St Paul’s High School Booragul were also
involved.
Values (including Social Justice Initiatives)
The importance of respect and responsibility are two characteristics that everyone; staff, students and parents are constantly
reminded of, as they are integral to the school’s philosophy and purpose. They are both important aspects of the school’s manners
sheet and statement of agreed practices. Respect and responsibility are fostered by emphasis given to respectful and responsible
behaviour and by designating certain classes with the role of gardeners, “buddies” and rubbish monitoring and recycling.
Social Justice is a core value at St. Benedict’s. The importance of Social Justice is reflected in the school’s vision statement, which
states “….the school community is committed to living our faith and respecting our world and the rights, needs and feeling of
others.”
St Benedict’s is a very generous school community where students, parents and staff are keenly aware of the needs of others. As
such the school has a very active Mini Vinnies Conference that organised various fundraising activities in support of the work of the
senior conference and parish initiatives in both the local parish and overseas communities. The school continues to develop close
links with schools in Vietnam that are supported by the Sugarloaf Parish. Throughout the year students and staff also raised money
for other priorities including; Catholic Mission, Caritas and assisting school families with clothes and financial support.
Policies
Enrolment Policy
St Benedict’s adheres to the guidelines provided by the Catholic Schools Office Policy Enrolment (Amended 2008). The Policy has
been devised to accommodate, as far as is possible, the needs of families seeking a Catholic education. In situations where
enrolments have to be restricted because of limitations on capacity, preference may need to be given to children of Catholic
families, as defined in the Policy. Implementation of the Policy is via our local school Enrolment Committee which has discretionary
authority in keeping with Diocesan guidelines. Copies of the Policy are available from the school, or from the Catholic Schools
Office website (cf end of Report). Parents concerned about school fees should ensure they make contact with the school. Diocesan
provisions (including standard discounts for those with a Health Card) exist to help in this area, and the Principal can also exercise
discretion where genuine need exists.
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Student Welfare
A section of the Student Welfare Policy incorporates Pastoral care and focuses upon affirmation and celebration. Strategies like the
Merit Award System and mentions in the school bulletin provide an opportunity for all members of the community to be
acknowledged positively for both academic and extra-curricular achievements.
Class teachers are the key people in the care and support of students. They work with the Pastoral Care Worker, CSO Student
Support Unit and the school’s Teaching and Learning Support Teacher. Essential to student welfare within our community are both
the support of the school executive and the weekly staff meeting where key issues associated with individual students are
addressed. Each class teacher keeps running records of matters that relate to Student Welfare.
The school has a comprehensive peer support program and Kindergarten orientation procedures. The “buddy system” is an
integral part of the assimilation of new students to the school. In addition mentoring, Seasons and self-esteem programs are run in
classrooms. The “Rock and Water” program is run for the senior students.
During the year staff had CPR Qualifications updated.
St Benedict’s is a Kids Matter school and has begun implementing social and emotional lessons into the curriculum.
Some minor changes have been made to existing policies and all policies can be accessed by contacting the school office.
Discipline
St. Benedict’s Student Welfare Care incorporates discipline and encourages self-discipline through example of staff, good
communication, consistency of approach and positive reinforcement that includes weekly awards. This policy is re-evaluated on a
yearly basis by the staff. A Community Service Folder is used to document any incidents of behaviour on the playground. Time in
the Reflection Room results from serious offences and from frequent inclusion in the Community Service Folder. Parents are
notified if their child attends the Reflection Room.
To represent the school as an individual or a member of a team is seen as a reward for good behaviour. Children who cannot act in
a responsible manner at school are not chosen to represent the school.
A Manners Sheet is displayed in every classroom. The manners listed on the sheet act as concrete ways the children can show
respect for themselves and each other.
Teachers keep running records of discipline matters relating to their class, including support being given to children on a behaviour
management program. Occasionally at staff meetings children “at risk” who may need some additional attention and assistance on
the playground are discussed. The Principal works closely with the Learning support Teacher and CSO Student Support Unit in the
area of discipline.
The “1-2-3 Magic” programme is used as part of behaviour modification in the classroom setting.
No changes have been made to existing policies and full text copies of policies can be accessed by contacting the school office.
Relevant information relating to procedural fairness can be clarified by contacting the Principal. The school adheres to the Catholic
Schools Office Pastoral Care Policy as revised in 2002 for direction in matters relating to procedural fairness and a statement is
found in the school’s Student Welfare Policy.
Complaints and Grievances
St Benedict’s has an open and transparent approach to complaints and grievances. The school has both a policy and a parent
brochure in regards to Complaints and grievances. Many of the concerns of parents are dealt with at the class teacher level. More
serious concerns are dealt with by the Assistant Principal or Principal. The Principal in conjunction with the Child Protection Unit at
the Catholic Schools Office deals with those issues that come under the jurisdiction of the Child Protection Legislation.
No changes have been made to existing policies and full text copies of policies can be accessed by contacting the school.
Relevant information relating to complaints, grievances and procedural fairness can be clarified by contacting the Principal. The
school adheres to the Catholic Schools Office Complaints Management Policy as revised in 2006 for direction in matters relating to
procedural fairness which is the foundation of the schools approach to complaints and grievances.
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Student Achievements
Academic Achievements
St Benedict’s values and encourages the academic achievements of its students and rewards success, effort and improvement at
both class and school level. The school’s Learning Support Teacher and Learning Support Team, support the staff to assist all
students reach their academic potential. As indicated below such endeavours have been rewarded with pleasing NAPLAN results
in 2012. The school also actively encourages student participation in Educational Competitions, including University of NSW ICAS
papers, the Newcastle Permanent Mathematics Competition and the West Wallsend High School Science Challenge. Many
students were awarded certificates in recognition of their achievements.
Performance in National Testing
Band 6 and
Above
Band 5
Band 4
Band 3
Band 2
Band 1
NAPLAN Program 2012 - Year 3
Percentage in Skill Band
Reading Spelling
Grammar &
Punctuation Writing Numeracy
St Benedicts Primary School Edgeworth 27.3% 26.1% 17.4% 4.3% 4.5%
National Performance 25.5% 21.5% 27.5% 14.7% 12.4%
St Benedicts Primary School Edgeworth 22.7% 13.0% 39.1% 39.1% 22.7%
National Performance 21.5% 22.3% 22.2% 31.9% 21.0%
St Benedicts Primary School Edgeworth 18.2% 34.8% 8.7% 39.1% 31.8%
National Performance 21.5% 23.9% 21.1% 30.1% 27.5%
St Benedicts Primary School Edgeworth 22.7% 13.0% 26.1% 17.4% 36.4%
National Performance 15.7% 17.4% 14.1% 13.5% 21.7%
St Benedicts Primary School Edgeworth 9.1% 8.7% 4.3% 0.0% 4.5%
National Performance 9.4% 8.9% 8.0% 5.0% 11.3%
St Benedicts Primary School Edgeworth 0.0% 4.3% 4.3% 0.0% 0.0%
National Performance 4.4% 4.0% 5.1% 2.7% 4.2%
Band 8 and
Above
Band 7
Band 6
Band 5
Band 4
Band 3
NAPLAN Program 2012 - Year 5
Percentage in Skill Band
Reading Spelling
Grammar &
Punctuation Writing Numeracy
St Benedicts Primary School Edgeworth 18.5% 21.4% 10.7% 0.0% 0.0%
National Performance 12.0% 11.5% 12.8% 5.3% 9.5%
St Benedicts Primary School Edgeworth 33.3% 14.3% 10.7% 10.7% 25.0%
National Performance 19.3% 19.9% 17.8% 14.0% 17.2%
St Benedicts Primary School Edgeworth 25.9% 39.3% 39.3% 25.0% 28.6%
National Performance 26.7% 27.2% 25.3% 30.2% 27.5%
St Benedicts Primary School Edgeworth 14.8% 14.3% 17.9% 53.6% 25.0%
National Performance 22.3% 22.5% 22.2% 30.0% 25.6%
St Benedicts Primary School Edgeworth 3.7% 7.1% 10.7% 3.6% 14.3%
National Performance 11.4% 11.7% 12.4% 12.6% 13.4%
St Benedicts Primary School Edgeworth 3.7% 3.6% 10.7% 7.1% 7.1%
National Performance 6.4% 5.2% 7.4% 5.9% 4.8%
Cultural Achievements
St Benedict’s places emphasis on the cultural development of its students. The school choir performs at school and parish
functions, liturgies, concerts and assemblies. Guitar lessons are offered to the children, Japanese and Aboriginal Studies were
taught throughout the school in 2012. Senior children were selected to experience extension work as part of a triangular school
Gifted and Talented program at the local Catholic High School.
During the year t he scho ol was als o involved in a n intensive d ance p rogra m run by Australian Dan ce.
Sporting Achievements
St Benedict’s is very proud of the high participation in sport and the many sporting achievements gained by individual students and
school teams in 2012.
Sporting opportunities were quite extensive throughout the year. St. Benedict’s actively participates in school; Regional and
Diocesan cross country, swimming and athletics carnivals. School carnivals are organised to allow for participation by all pupils,
infants and primary. The school also encourages the children to participate in Summer and Winter Sport Selection Trials (including
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soccer, netball, rugby league, hockey, netball, cricket, basketball, rugby union, AFL, touch football softball, and tennis) These trials
act as pathways to State Representation.
School sport is held each Friday and the emphasis is on skill development, fun and participation. In 2012 an opportunity for
children in Year 2 to participate in Intensive Swimming Programs was provided. Students in years 3-6 participated in the AFL Paul
Kelly Cup while teams represented the school in the Knights Rugby League Knockout, The Independent Rugby League Schools
Challenge and The Maitland/Newcastle Diocesan Netball Gala Day. The primary students were also involved in a 9 week intensive
gymnastics program run by YMCA. The school also participated in a weekly Macquarie Cup Soccer and Netball Competition held
during terms 2 and 3. The infants section of the school completed a 9 week dance program run by Australian Dance.
Visits by netball, AFL, cricket and soccer associations are all important components of the school’s comprehensive programme.
St Benedict’s also competed in the Hunter Valley Primary School Chess Competition.
Other Highlights for 2012
The celebration of the school’s Golden Jubilee was a significant event in 2012. Attended by Sr Cabrini, an original staff member
in 1962 and now a tireless worker for the Sugarloaf Parish, and past Principal’s, students and parents it was a day of shared
memories.
Staff
Staff Qualifications
Qualifications and Experience
Number of Staff
I. Teachers with teaching qualifications from a higher education institution within Australia or as
recognised by National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR). 19
II. Teachers with qualifications from a higher education institution within Australia or as recognised by
NOOSR but lacking formal teaching qualifications 0
III. (a) Teachers not having qualifications as described in I or II above but having relevant successful
teaching experience or appropriate knowledge relevant to the teaching context
III. (b) Of these which are New Scheme Teachers.
(a)
0
(b)
0
Professional Learning Undertaken
At the end of each school year, a professional development plan is written which identifies the focus and aims of professional
development of the staff for the following year. The professional development plan forms a continuum, which builds steadily on the
previous year. The plan is formulated on the professional development needs of staff, (which are identified in a survey) the needs
of the school environment and the current educational climate.
The focus of Professional Development at a school level for 2012 was once again Information Technology. Smartboards, laptops
and classroom PC’s continued to be purchased and /or updated. Teachers continued to support the Smartboard User Group
Meetings.
The school executive attended professional development days pertaining to their roles of Principal, Assistant Principal and
Religious Education Coordinator.
Teacher Attendance
The average teacher attendance rate for this school is 96%.
Teacher Retention
The teacher retention rate from 2011 to 2012 was 100%
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Enrolments
Actual Enrolments 201 2
Scholastic Year Number of Students Attendance Rate %
Kindergarten 26 92.80
Year 1 51 94.98
Year 2 27 93.16
Year 3 25 93.85
Year 4 51 93.34
Year 5 37 92.35
Year 6 38 93.86
TOTAL 255 93%
Student Attendance
The average student attendance rate for students at this school during 2012 was 93%.
School Priorities
Achievement of School Priorities
Behaviour management, programming and assessment and reporting procedures continued to be refined and the work of the
school executive in giving direction and support is acknowledged.
Information Technology was a focus for both professional development and purchase of new equipment.
Facilities
The school has twelve (12) classrooms. A double-demountable is used as a multi-purpose space, and houses a School Counsellor
/ Pastoral Care Worker’s office, a chapel and the Aboriginal Education Teacher’s workroom. There is a library and computer lab.
The school provides off-street parking for staff and print and non-print resources are in adequate supply for both staff and student
use. Fire extinguishers are installed throughout the school and are maintained in accordance to regulations.
Community Satisfaction
Anecdotal feedback, level of community involvement in school activities, retention of student enrolments, attendance at school
functions, resolution of issues would suggest that the majority of parents, staff and students rate their level of satisfaction as high.
Parents continue to highlight a feeling of welcome, an atmosphere of care, the school’s clear Catholic identity and the fact that they
were encouraged to be actively involved in the life of the school as strengths. The staff feel that the school’s strengths were the
relationships between the teachers and students and among each other, the feeling of being valued and the atmosphere of care as
a feature of school life at St Benedict’s. Students highlight respecting others and their property is seen as important, the fact that
they understood why there were rules and out of bounds areas and that the school playground has someone there to go to for
assistance.
Financial Information
The following graphs represent the income and expenditure for St Benedict’s Primary School, Edgeworth for the school year
ending 31 January 2013 as aggregated from the annual returns to the Australian Government’s Department of Education, Science
and Training.
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Concluding Statement
Thank you to our Parish Priest for supporting the school pastorally, financially and spiritually.
Thank you also to the parish pastoral associate and the school’s pastoral worker for their work especially in Sacramental
Preparation of the children, student welfare and counselling.
The staff of St Benedict’s needs to be recognised for their tireless efforts to establish maintains and improve standards in all areas
of the education process. The school is grateful to the Parents and Friends Association, a wonderful supporter, and to the families,
especially the children, who make St Benedict’s such a special community.
Finally, the Catholic Schools Office – Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is acknowledged for the contribution made to the publication
of this report.
It is with confidence that we close 2012 as being a successful year and look forward to an even more rewarding year in 2013.
Report Access and Publication
This report is available to members of the school and wider communities. Copies will be supplied to the Catholic Schools Office,
The Board of Studies, The Parents and Friends Association, the Parish Priest and to all parents.
Copies of this school’s Annual School Report are available to the general public. Persons wishing to access a copy of the report
should contact:
Mr Mark Hornby-Howell
Principal
St Benedict’s Primary School
Main Road
EDGEWORTH NSW 2285
(02)4958-1858
For further information relating to the Diocesan Policy please refer to: http://mn.catholic.edu.au
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