Port Macquarie High School Annual School Report

 8364 Port Macquarie High School Annual School Report
In NAPLAN results, the highlight in 2012 was the Year 7 Aboriginal students who were 39 scale scores above the state average growth in grammar and punctuation. Overall Year 7 students achieved results above the North Coast region in every aspect except spelling which was marginally below. Year 9 achieved results comparable or above the region except in grammar and punctuation. Our school at a glance Students Enrolments in 2012 numbered 792. Enrolments continue to fall as the high school age student population declines within our drawing area. Much of the family housing has been replaced by high rise retirement apartments, a trend which will continue in the foreseeable future. Student attendance rates stand at 89%. In ESSA the school results were significantly above the North Coast region in every aspect. Staff The school had 58 teaching positions allocated in 2012. This includes 9 members of the executive and 3 members of the senior executive. Other specialist personnel including a careers adviser, learning assistance teachers, two support teachers and school counsellors are also employed. A student welfare position was also created during the year under the School Chaplaincy program. One new appointment was made to the school and there were some retirements and career changes throughout the year. All teaching staff meet the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools. Messages Significant programs and initiatives The school’s tradition of looking beyond its confines to support others continued. Members of the school community took part in Relay for Life, Shave for a Cure, Crazy Day, 40 hour Famine, the Soup Kitchen Garden, World Environment Day, the Vampire Shield, the Premier’s Student Volunteering Award and a number of other fund‐ raising days. Principal’s message 2012 was the school’s 50th anniversary, the celebrations for which culminated in a big celebration over the weekend of April 13 – 15, 2012. An anniversary book was produced which outlined the history of the school over those years. The school further cemented its commitment to help others in 2012. The school formed a Relay for Life team and entered the Hastings event; World Environment Day was a great success; but it was Shave for a Cure that gained the most support from the student body. The Vampire Shield and our conservation volunteers are examples of the school community assisting others. The consolidation of the re‐
introduction of our house system was capably led by the SRC. There was a number of sporting, cultural and academic achievements throughout 2012. Our table tennis team came eighth in the state and Jordin Sheaves medalled at CHS Athletics Carnival. After many years of our HSC Music students being shortlisted for Encore and missing out, 2012 was the first year one of our HSC students was selected. Michael Hambly performed at the Opera House in this prestigious showcase of musical talent. Student achievement in 2012 The first year of the Record of School Achievement for Year 10 saw pleasing results. A total of 113 ‘A’s were awarded across a range of courses. In the HSC, 21 courses were above the state mean and 9 were below the state mean. There were 48 Band 6s (marks of 90‐100) with Katie Piper achieving Dux of the school. Four teachers left us in 2012, some of whom took leave to ease into retirement. Mr Mark O’Brien spent 2012 on exchange in Canada and the school was fortunate to host Mr Tom Adamson in Mr O’Brien’s place. The school welcomed former student Ms Deanna McIlveen to the Mathematics 1 for their work on this and they are great examples of the talented and motivated students we have at this school. faculty as well as Ms Karen Richards who was appointed permanently to the CAPA faculty. Mr Geoff Duck was seconded to District Office during Term 4 to work on the Social Media Generation Project. The P&C supported a major school and SRC fundraiser in 2012 in the Walk‐a‐thon. With beautiful weather and the opportunity to take in the gorgeous coastline we live on a wonderful day was had by all. Thank you to the parents who helped man the P&C BBQ. I thank all our teachers for the great work that they do and their contribution to educating our future generations. I certify that the information in this report is the result of a rigorous school self‐evaluation process and is a balanced and genuine account of the school’s achievements and areas for development. In some big news for our canteen volunteers, admirably overseen by Rose Bivona as canteen manager, the installation of a fully ducted air conditioner has made the canteen a much nicer place to work in. Mrs Jill Longhurst – Relieving Principal I look forward to being involved in the P&C in 2013 and would like to welcome all parents to come and join us. P & C message The prime purpose of the Port Macquarie High School P&C is to support parents and students in their journey through high school. This is done in the provision of resources for students in classroom learning, support for extra‐curricular activities, welfare support for inclusiveness, an onsite source of uniforms, and daily canteen service. Melinda Losh – P&C President Student representatives message 2012 was another highly successful year for the Student Representative Council. Our fundraising contributions have not only supported our school, but continue to service the wider community. All the support for managing the P&C services is provided by parents on a voluntary basis and thank you to those parents and citizens who through a difficult year have attended meetings and contributed in many different ways to keeping the P&C Association afloat. Thank you to outgoing committee members Kirsten Busby and Linda Day who have exited the association this year. Our first event of the year, in what has now become an annual event, was the Shave for a Cure. Students and staff took part in shaving and colouring their hair for the Leukaemia Foundation. Highlights included Morgan Wattus shaving his head to a standing ovation from the crowd, a number of students colouring and losing hair and music from students to accompany the lunch time activities. In a changing world the embrace of new ideas allows the growth of new ways of connecting. The Port High P&C Association has been involved in promoting and supporting a revamped website for Port Macquarie High School. This will allow for the rapid dissemination of school and P&C news, events and as it evolves an opportunity to be involved week to week in a child’s progress in their school work. We look forward to the launch of this in 2013. The P&C extends their thanks to Matt Alger and William Ho The 50th Anniversary celebration saw SRC students running guided tours of the school to ex‐staff and students and cooking BBQs for the hungry participants in the cricket game. Students gave up a weekend of their holidays to be present at the school celebrations. The SRC introduced a new community initiative and ran a Canned Food Drive, where each roll call competed to bring in the most amount of food to be donated to the Port Macquarie Soup Kitchen. 2 Over 100 kilos of food was collected and a very appreciative Soup Kitchen representative encouraged a yearly collection. Students decided this initiative will be continued in 2013. Enrolments
Students
1000
500
The reintroduction of sport house groups in 2011 was further reinforced with the introduction of the new merit scheme and the house point system based on our school values, further strengthening school and house spirit as displayed in greater participation in sporting carnivals. 0
2008
2012
Student attendance profile Our SRC motto continues to be “Help us help you” and our success in 2012 would have not been possible without the support and enthusiasm of all involved. We look forward to a busy 2013 working with a fantastic group of young leaders. Student attendance rates
Attendance rate
100
Katie Piper and William Ho School Captains 2012 75
50
25
0
School context 2008
Student information School
Student enrolment profile Region
Student enrolment figures continue to show a downward trend as per the demographic projections from 2006. The trend downwards will continue until at least 2014, especially with the maintenance of the present zoning arrangements that do not take into account movement in population within the district. 2011 408 413 2009
School
It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all students must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies. Gender 2008 2009 2010 471 468 443 Male Female 473 462 424 2009
2010
Year 2011
Male
Female
2012 394 398 State DEC
3 Year
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total
2008
89.3
88.0
89.9
2010
Year
2011
Region
2012
State DEC
2009
2010
2011
2012
90.8
91.3
92.9
89.9
86.1
87.2
88.9
87.0
87.3
87.0
87.9
85.8
86.0
85.7
85.7
82.6
87.2
87.7
85.3
85.6
86.6
87.6
85.9
84.4
87.4
87.6
87.7
86.0
90.1
87.4
86.1
86.4
87.2
87.6
87.4
92.3
90.0
88.8
88.7
89.4
89.4
89.7
90.7
88.4
86.7
85.8
86.4
88.0
87.6
92.6
90.5
89.1
88.3
89.1
89.8
89.9
90.4
87.4
85.7
83.4
84.4
86.4
86.3
92.5
90.1
88.8
87.1
87.6
89.2
89.2
90.0
87.1
85.4
83.1
84.0
86.3
85.9
92.4
90.1
88.7
87.0
87.6
89.3
89.1
TAFE delivered Stage 6 (TVET) courses included Automotive, Electrotechnology, Tourism and Events, Retail Operations, Community Services – Children’s Services, Animal Studies, Media – 2D Animation and Beauty Therapy. Management of non‐attendance During 2012 the school introduced electronic marking rolls. An improved process for the notification of suspected truants was introduced. Along with this, members of the executive continue to monitor late arrivals. There was a slight decrease in the number of school refusers. The Home School Liaison Officer has been supportive of the school’s desire to have all students attend our school. One hundred and thirty seven students participated in SVET programs with 36.81% of Preliminary students and 30.56% of HSC students enrolled in VET courses. Thirty four students participated in TVET courses – an 11.3% increase. The decline in students undertaking SVET courses since 2011 may be attributed to declining student numbers and decreased VET course options ie: no Construction or Sport Coaching classes for the Preliminary year and a delay in the construction of the Port Macquarie Hastings Trade Training Centre – all three sites. Business Services was studied via Distance Education. Post‐school destinations The School Career Program for 2012 focused on Year 9 to 12 delivery in conjunction with the School to Work program. Year 10 undertook timetabled Careers lessons and welcomed input from Charles Sturt University’s “Future Moves Program”. Seminars and presentations were targeted at other groups. An advisory service was open to all years, with concentration on Years 10 and 12. Work experience was available to Year 9 to 12 students with a special focus on Year 10. Additional TVET special programs included White Card, Senior First Aid and Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee Courses which were all very successful. Eight students were involved in school‐based traineeships – three Retail, one Hospitality, one Electrotechnology, one Disability Services, one Automotive – Car Detailing and one Business Services. Other career activities included guest presenters, participation in such events as the Mid‐north Coast Careers Market, Regional Universities Roadshow, Future Options Expo, University of Newcastle and New England campus visits, and University of Newcastle Health Careers Forum. VET highlights and achievements: Hayley Cook – Australian Vocational Student Prize 2011. (Awarded in 2012). Of the 98 strong Year 12 cohort completing their HSC in 2012, the UAC offered university places to 54 students (55%). The most popular universities chosen were the University of Newcastle and the University of NSW. The most selected disciplines of study were Sciences, Education, Business / Administration and Medical / Health Sciences. Many others from the group are pursuing further study and training at TAFE and other private colleges as well as apprenticeships and traineeships. North Coast Institute of TAFE TVET Awards: Allison Jennings – Excellence in Animal Studies and Kayla BIrrane – Achievement in Animal Studies. Year 12 students attaining HSC or equivalent vocational educational qualification Of the 98 students completing the HSC, all attained an HSC and 33 students (33%) gained vocational educational qualifications in one or more courses. Year 12 students undertaking vocational or trade training Staff information The school continued to offer a range of Vocational Education and Training Courses including Hospitality: Multi Skilling and Kitchen Operations 240 hour and 120 hour courses and specialization studies course in Kitchen Operations 120 hour, Construction, Metal and Engineering, and Retail Services. It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all staff must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies. 4 Staff establishment Position Principal Deputy Principal(s) Assistant Principal(s) Head Teachers Classroom Teachers Teacher of Emotional Disabilities Teacher of Mild Intellectual Disabilities Teacher of Reading Recovery
Support Teacher Learning Assistance Teacher Librarian Teacher of ESL Counsellor School Administrative & Support Staff Total Canteen
Total income
Expenditure Teaching & learning
Number
1
2
N/A
9
39
N/A
2
N/A
1.6
1
N/A
1
13
70.6
Key learning areas Excursions Extracurricular dissections Library
Training & development
Tied funds
Casual relief teachers
Administration & office
School‐operated canteen Utilities
Maintenance
Trust accounts
Capital programs
Total expenditure
Balance carried forward
The National Education Agreement requires schools to report on Indigenous composition of their workforce. School performance 2012 Staff retention Achievements 4 members of the teaching staff either retired or transferred. As student enrolment numbers continue to decline more teaching and non‐
teaching staff will be required to transfer. Drama Winds of change in Creative Arts has slowly begun with the anticipation of the new national curriculum being implanted 2014. Teacher qualifications The School 50th Anniversary celebrations was a great success and was fantastic to see many former Drama students, who have graced our stage. All teaching staff meet the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools. % of staff
100 20 The year gave rise to one of the most successful Year 12 Drama Classes for some time. Four and half years went into the guidance, mentoring and teaching of this class. Well done to Matt Baker, Ruby Benedict‐Geise, Josh Dwyer, Briana McDonald, Louise Nosworthy and Emily Rokobauer. From individual performance to video drama, the students excelled in all departments, at times struggling with the work load but in the end having the passion to succeed. This is the Port Macquarie High School way. Financial summary This summary covers funds for operating costs and does not involve expenditure areas such as permanent salaries, building and major maintenance. Date of financial summary Income Balance brought forward Global funds Tied funds School & community sources
Interest Trust receipts 121070.35
82791.77
52991.73
2422.59
4674.88
256902.27
201863.16
119871.55
0.00
110229.89
74179.94
56288.30
0.00
1083286.43
441876.45
A full copy of the school’s 2012 financial statement is tabled at the annual general meetings of the School Council and/or the parent body. Further details concerning the statement can be obtained by contacting the school. The school employs an indigenous tutor under the Norta Norta program as well as that person being employed as an SLSO. Qualifications Degree or Diploma Postgraduate 0.00
1525162.88
30/11/2012 $ 390914.24
508141.57
322545.51
210684.86
19875.24
73001.46
The local Players Theatre now has a One Act Play Festival bringing in theatre companies from as far as Norfolk Island, North Queensland and Victoria for which our school performed. Students in Year 5 9 and 10 did well getting an honourable mention. Well done to all! collect a medal in the springboard section at the diving pool. Well done. Music Cross country had some fine performers with Tim Delis, Nick Laverty, Shayden Schrader and Zoe Archer all getting to Eastern Creek for State Cross Country. 2012 saw amazing talent displayed throughout the year starting with the 50th Anniversary concert in April featuring past and present students and teachers performing on stage together. Audiences were delighted to hear Jason Noble, Jim Matsinos, Jamie Leigh Johnson and the father/son talent of Ben and Greg Goldsmith. In athletics we won some medals at state level. Jordin Sheaves was again outstanding taking silver in the 100 and 200m sprint events, while Brianna Abel collected a bronze in long jump. Other athletes who were good enough to compete at state were Ashleigh Cocking, Dale Thomas, Michael Snow, Eve Thomas, Tarnay Monck, Annabel Starr, Allana Butlin, Zoe Hayes, Nastassja Smith and Molly Beaver. Music 1 students were very strong throughout the year performing at a variety of concerts. Student Michael Hambly initiated the weekly, lunch time performances every Friday for students to showcase their talents. Michael also was nominated and accepted into ENCORE, the Board of Studies concert held at the Opera House for a selection of the top music students in NSW who achieved full marks in their elective pieces. Traditional sports we have excelled at continued last year. Excellent results were recorded in netball and basketball, while new sports like futsal and table tennis exceeded expectations. The table tennis team of Nathan Robinson, Aston Howard Chen, Tyler Layton and Jack Budgen were crowned regional champions and competed in Sydney in the finals series where they came eighth. Concert Band performed at Education Week and performed with the HVCS orchestra during this time. Selected Concert Band members also attended the Regional Music Camp with great accolades. Other sports we competed in were soccer, rugby league, union, touch, hockey, cricket, volleyball, beach volleyball, tennis and lawn bowls. Student Ambrose Kranitis was accepted into the junior state wind ensemble, rehearsing in Sydney and performing at the Opera House mid‐year. National Assessment Program Sport In the National Assessment Program, the results across the Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 literacy and numeracy assessments are reported on a scale from Band 1 to Band 10. Port Macquarie High had some fine moments on the Sporting field in 2012. We competed in a range of team sports, performed creditably at major carnivals and sent students to a variety of trails to gain selection in zone teams. The achievement scale represents increasing levels of skills and understandings demonstrated in these assessments. In swimming we had a small band of talented athletes who made it all the way to state level and they were Molly Beaver, Allana Butlin, Caitlin Dewbery, Ashlyn Dures, Sam Harris, Lachlan Hawkins, Jade Milroy, Bianca O’Malley, Dane Perry and Olivia King. At the swimming titles we had Eve Thomas Yr 7: from Band 4 (lowest) to Band 9 (highest for Year 7) Yr 9: from Band 5 (lowest) to Band 10 (highest for Year 9) and In the Higher School Certificate the performance of students is reported in performance bands 6 ranging from Performance Band 1 (lowest) to Performance Band 6 (highest). Percentage in bands:
Year 7 Spelling
100
Percentage of students
Reading – NAPLAN Year 7 Whilst the NAPLAN tests take place very early in the school year the results indicate the amount of progress that students made from the NAPLAN tests in Year 5 through until the end of Year 6. The 2012 results indicated that the school was above similar schools in reading, spelling and grammar and punctuation and only marginally behind in persuasive writing. The results also indicate that the school is performing in line with the state in most areas and that, whilst still below the state level, we have narrowed the gap in persuasive writing. 80
60
40
20
0
4
5
6
Bands
7
8
9
Percentage in Bands
School Average 2008‐2012
SSG % in Band 2012
State DEC % in Band 2012
Percentage in bands:
Year 7 Reading
Percentage in bands:
Year 7 Grammar & Punctuation
80
100
Percentage of students
Percentage of students
100
60
40
20
0
4
5
6
Bands
7
8
80
60
40
20
9
0
Percentage in Bands
School Average 2008‐2012
SSG % in Band 2012
State DEC % in Band 2012
4
5
6
Bands
7
8
9
Percentage in Bands
School Average 2008‐2012
SSG % in Band 2012
State DEC % in Band 2012
Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 7 The 2012 results were slightly above the mean for similar schools but below the mean of the state. There has been an improvement in our bottom two bands decreasing from 30% in 2011 to 25% this year and is now better than the state mean. 7 Percentage in bands:
Year 7 Numeracy
Percentage in bands:
Year 9 Spelling
100
80
Percentage of students
Percentage of students
100
60
40
20
0
80
60
40
20
0
4
5
6
Bands
7
8
9
5
Percentage in Bands
School Average 2008‐2012
SSG % in Band 2012
State DEC % in Band 2012
6
7
Bands
8
9
10
Percentage in Bands
School Average 2008‐2012
SSG % in Band 2012
State DEC % in Band 2012
Reading – NAPLAN Year 9 Percentage in bands:
Year 9 Grammar & Punctuation
In reading and spelling the school scored on par with state and similar schools’ means but scored below state means in grammar and punctuation and persuasive writing. The number of students in the lowest two bands in writing this year is down to 5% from 10% above the state figure. Percentage of students
100
Percentage in bands:
Year 9 Reading
80
60
40
20
Percentage of students
100
0
80
5
6
7
Bands
8
9
10
Percentage in Bands
School Average 2008‐2012
SSG % in Band 2012
State DEC % in Band 2012
60
40
20
Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 9 0
5
6
7
Bands
8
9
Percentage in Bands
School Average 2008‐2012
SSG % in Band 2012
State DEC % in Band 2012
Whilst the percentage of students scoring in the top two bands was higher than for similar schools, it was below the state mean. There was also a greater percentage of students in the bottom two bands compared to both the state and similar schools. 10
8 Katie Piper and 10 students achieved an ATAR above 90. Percentage in bands:
Year 9 Numeracy
Percentage of students
100
80
60
40
20
0
5
6
7
Bands
8
9
10
Percentage in Bands
School Average 2008‐2012
SSG % in Band 2012
State DEC % in Band 2012
RoSA With the discontinuation of the School Certificate, no external examinations were conducted. Student achievement was based on their performance in assessment tasks in each course. Courses in which the percentage of students gaining Grades A and B were above the state were Agriculture, Industrial Technology (Engineering and Timber), Information and Software Technology, Marine Studies, Child Studies, Photographic and Digital Media and Physical Activity and Sports Studies. A total of 113 Band A and 238 Band B results were achieved. The best performing student was Chantelle Cooper who gained Band A in all courses. Higher School Certificate The HSC results in 2012 very much reflected the cohort’s performance in 2010 when they undertook the School Certificate examinations. Students gained 48 Band 6 (90 – 100) and a 132 Band 5 (80 ‐ 89) results. 21 courses were above the state mean but 9 were below the state mean which is a significant improvement from 2011. The best performing courses were Metal and Engineering, Construction, Hospitality, Retail Services, Modern History, Drama and 2 Unit Mathematics. The best performing student was 9 Significant programs and initiatives Aboriginal education 2012 was a big year in Aboriginal Education at Port Macquarie High School with many exciting and valuable cultural experiences for our students. Under the leadership of Teri Boyle the Aboriginal Education Committee has sought to encourage more involvement from the local community in our school activities. Twenty‐five of our indigenous students along with Teri Boyle, Sue Carrington and Gary Littlefair attended the Message Sticks Film Festival at The Glasshouse in March. This was a confronting and thought‐provoking experience for all involved as it immersed us into the Aboriginal culture and intelligently presented information on the major issues of health, the land, law, language and culture clash. Our students were a credit to the school. In the same month we had an enjoyable Harmony Day with the theme being Close the Gap. Higher School Certificate relative performance comparison to School Certificate (value‐adding) Uncle Bill O’Brien and Uncle Tony Denison were special guest speakers. Uncle Bill did his wonderful Welcome to Country and Uncle Tony did a fun language and culture activity with the students. Each indigenous student brought a non‐
indigenous friend so they could have the experience. We concluded the day with a lovely feast. Relative performance
The performance of the low group of students improved in terms of comparisons to the school average over the period 2008‐12. The performance of the higher achieving students whilst below the state was above that of similar schools and above the school average. HSC: Relative performance from Year 10 (value‐added)
1
1
0
‐1
‐1
‐2
‐2
‐3
‐3
‐4
Low
Middle
High
NAIDOC Week was celebrated in style with our Aboriginal students sharing a soup and damper lunch, which they cooked, with Aboriginal elders, staff and community members. There were so many highlights to the day, but two that stood out were Stevie’s didg workshop and the performance of two students, Jamain Morris and Cody Temple, at the end of the training. Cody borrowed a school didg and has continued to practice. The other standout was Michael’s art workshop and the students painted School 2012
School Average 2008‐2012
SSG Average 2012
10 Aboriginal designs onto material and one of those hangs on the wall in B8. Student Support programs The school has a Learning Support team with Counsellors, Year Advisers, Deputy Principals, Head Teachers, Teachers and Learning Support Staff. Also this year we have had an official raising the flag ceremony with our brand new Aboriginal flag. At this ceremony our students spoke about the significance of the Tent Embassy. Three of our students won Vibe writing competitions for their age group and had their articles on various Aboriginal issues printed in Vibe magazine. They received kindles as prizes from the magazine. Deadly Days was again a fantastic success and our occasional indigenous barbeque lunches with members of the local indigenous community have been excellent for keeping students in touch with their culture. We strive to support each and every student with an additional need they might have. We work with student needs related to mental health, learning, welfare support and behaviour management. In 2012 all staff could access training in ‘Mental Health First Aid’. This is an innovative program that develops skills in how to help people until professional treatment is received. Topics included were depression, anxiety, panic attacks, psychosis, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and traumatic events. Students also had the opportunity to participate in Love Bites, a program that confronts abuse. In 2013 we are developing a student ‘Assignment Centre’ to aid students who have trouble starting these tasks. It will be staffed by our Learning and Support Teachers (LAST) and teacher aides. In Term 4 we started our training in the Write It Right Program which aims to improve the literacy of our Year 7 and 9 indigenous students. Our school is working in co‐operation with Westport High for the benefit of Aboriginal students in Birpai Country. Many thanks to all involved especially Teri Boyle and Sue Carrington. Academic 2012 was a good year for Public Speaking and Debating at Port Macquarie High School. Our Junior and Senior debating teams performed with distinction, reaching a number of finals. The same can be said for our public speakers. Kate Busby of Year 10 represented our school at Coffs Harbour in the regional finals of the SMH speaking competition. Rhys Boreham was the zone champion in the Lions Youth of the Year competition. Multicultural education In Harmony we Close the Gap. We incorporated Harmony Day and Close the Gap Day by inviting members of the Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council to our school for cultural activities involving all Aboriginal students and a non indigenous friend in Years 7 and 8. This event gave the non indigenous students the chance to learn about Aboriginal culture. Everyone then enjoyed a shared afternoon tea. The students yarned with Aboriginal elders regarding issues of concern and listened to stories. We continue to provide opportunities for students, family and community members to come together for BBQs and cultural activities throughout the school year. The entire school community shares in the NAIDOC week festivities. It was a good year for Science. Students from Years 8 to 11 attained outstanding results in the ICAS competition for 2012. Thirty three students participated in the RACI Chemistry competition with Kyle Gavrily attaining a High Distinction and Matthew Alger, Jack Goonan, Sally Hurkett and Rhys Boreham all attaining Distinctions. In May, thirty two students travelled to Kemspey to participate in the Annual Science and Engineering Challenge where one of our teams consisting of Michael Snow, Ryan Miroy, Adam Green, Dale Thomas and Caleb Losh finished first. 11 In Mathematics we once again competed in the Australian Mathematics Competition with the stand out performer being Tara Ferguson who attained a Distinction in the senior competition. Once again we sent two teams to the Armidale Mathematics Day. Our first team of Rhys Marquez, Stephanie Mackedie, Sahara Hargraves and Toni Hurkett finished fifth out of sixty teams. This is our best result in this competition for ten years. Our second team of Adam Bolte, Milly Shami, Liam Eastwell and Rachel Alger also did extremely well by finishing ninth. 
Detailed analysis of NAPLAN data by evaluation team to determine areas of most need for improvement. 
Incorporation of literacy and numeracy strategies in each KLA’s Stage 4 programs. 
Practice NAPLAN tests in terms 2 and 4 2012. 
Learning and support teachers are developing individualized programs for raising literacy and numeracy of some targeted students. Target 3 In HSIE we had a busy year for Business Studies. Mitchell Davis and Mark Han took out the inaugural Charles Sturt University Business Simulation Game competition, winning from over 560 students from 29 schools across the state. It showed their skill in problem solving, conflict management, prioritising and communication. There was also the UNSW Business Studies competition with Nicholas Hogan gaining a Distinction in Upper Level (Year 12) and Jodie Belsham gaining a credit. Mitchell Davis and Daniel Laverty achieved Distinctions in the Year 11 category. Increase the school’s student attendance rate by 2% in 2012 from the 2011 rate and increase the overall school enrolment by 20 students. Our achievements include: Progress on 2012 targets 
Increased recognition for high attending students. 
Introduction of systems for notification of students with poor attendance 
Continued interaction with the Home School Liaison Officer 
Increased engagement of students at risk through placements in the Tutorial centre, Links to Learning and TAFE courses. 
Introduction of Year 12 mentors focusing on study skills and effective use of study periods in the library and senior study. Target 1 Increase the students’ daily use of laptops from 56% in Year 9 and 27% in Year 10 to 60% in both years by the end of 2012. Our achievements include: 
School evaluation Combined data for both Year 9 and Year 10 students showed daily use as 56.3%. An additional 13.7% of the students surveyed indicated using their laptops on “most days of the week”. 
Additional resources available across a variety of subject areas on the school moodle. 
Increased professional learning on the use of laptops in the classroom. Social Media Generation Project During Terms 2, 3 and 4, a major project was undertaken by the members of the Hastings Valley Community of Schools of which this school is a member. The brief for the project was to examine current practices and systems in the light of the needs of 21st century learners and investigate ways to address their needs. Findings and conclusions After an extensive investigation and consultation process, 42 recommendations for Public education in our area were identified under the following headings. Target 2 Raise the mean of Year 7 (2011) to 9 (2013) NAPLAN results in each area by 5 scale scores compared to the mean score of similar school groups as per SMART data. 
Explicit teaching of expectations of student responses in the writing section. 12 
Offering a diverse curriculum 
Quality teaching and learning 
Choice 
Catering for all student learning needs 
Our public schools need to look inviting 
Keeping our students until Year 12 
Enhancing the communities perception of us including the introduction of the national curriculum planned for 2014/2015. 2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include: 
Future directions Implement State and Commonwealth programmes and policies as required. Strategies to achieve these targets include: The recommendations are the basis for our school priority 2 in 2013. 
Parent, student, and teacher satisfaction Professional learning opportunities supporting increased understanding of LSLD, RAM etc by key personnel. 
Regular staff access of department websites for information and news. 
Completion of Every Student Every School training Modules 1 and 2. 
Professional learning supporting staff awareness of AITSL documents across all faculty areas. (Utilising technology for delivery to maximize cost effectiveness). 
Implement National Curriculum following mandated time frame –Years 7/9 2014, Years 8/10 2015. 
Professional Learning opportunities for program writing / development. In 2012 the school sought the opinions of parents, students and teachers about the school in the 7 key areas identified in the Social Media Generation Project Professional learning While professional learning occurred in the areas of student welfare, quality teaching and career development, the focus for professional learning in 2012 was to support the Digital Education Revolution. Many teachers have chosen to complete self‐study modules produced by Intel in the areas of collaboration in the digital classroom, assessment in the 21st century classroom and project based approaches. School priority 2 All staff accessed professional learning in 2012. Increasingly staff are undertaking professional learning via the internet outside of teaching hours. Most professional learning was in the areas of student welfare and quality teaching. Through the DER funding, many staff were able to access courses to improve their integration of technologies in their lesson delivery. Outcome for 2012–2014 The Social Media Generation Project resulted in 42 recommendations many of which have a direct impact on the teaching and learning programs at this school. Implementation of these recommendations will be achieved. 2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include: 
School planning 2012—2014 The school planning policy provides direction for the preparation and implementation of school plans including the identification of priority areas, intended outcomes and targets that are consistent with the NSW State Plan and the Department’s planning documents. Review, plan and implement the Social Media Generation Project recommendations as applicable to our school. Strategies to achieve these targets include: School priority 1 Outcome for 2012–2014 All staff will have knowledge and understanding of the State and Commonwealth initiatives 13 
Staff consultation to prioritise for action the 42 recommendations from the SMG Project. 
School based committees developed to support and action the recommendations as per prioritisation. 
Ongoing communication structures developed and implemented to support the process of implementation. proactive review of the school’s management and operating systems. School priority 3 Outcome for 2012–2014 Strategies to achieve these targets include: Implementation of “Investing in Focus in Schools” Aboriginal project. 
Staff consultation to document / map all operating and management systems within the school. 
Review of procedures for the development of, reviewing of, storage of and staff access to these operating and management systems. 
Develop systems for all staff to electronically access operating and management system documents. 2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include: 
Plan and action the “Investing in Focus Schools” Aboriginal Project. Strategies to achieve these targets include: 
Implement the “Write It Right” program. 
Employ Aboriginal Tutors. 
Aboriginal SLSO employed through “Norta Norta” program. 
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Investigate the links between literacy and attendance and develop and action customized strategies. Map the required timeframe for the review of these documents and allocate areas of responsibility for this process. 
Develop procedures for the systematic review of these operating and management system. 
Investigate the feasibility of the establishment of a “Yarn Room” – using Aboriginal elders and community members to help with attendance. 
Establish reward structures supporting attendance, including fortnightly awarding of canteen vouchers etc. 
Utilisation of Vibe magazine attendance awards by submitting names of students with strong attendance patterns. 
Utilisation of Aboriginal Centre representatives at Newcastle, Charles Sturt and other universities to visit and inform students of programs to get them to university and to complete degrees. 
About this report In preparing this report, information has been gathered and analysed about the school's practices and student learning outcomes. The school planning committee have determined targets for the school's future development. Jill Longhurst ‐ Principal Kim Middleton – School Administrative Officer School contact information 2013 Targets to achieve this outcome include: Port Macquarie High School Owen Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Ph: 65 831844 Fax: 65 841632 Email: portmac‐h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Web: porthigh.com.au School Code: 8364 Parents can find out more information about Annual School Reports, how to interpret information in the reports and have the opportunity to provide feedback about these reports at: 
http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/asr Promote “Primary Teaching Program” opportunities with interested Year 10 and 11 indigenous students. School priority 4 Outcome for 2012–2014 Currently, there are a number of systems for managing curriculum, attendance, reporting and welfare information that do not interact with each other. The school will develop a consolidated model. By the end of 2013, establish and implement a system for the consolidation and ongoing 14