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2005 ANNUAL REPORT
Our Vision: (What are we striving for? We are we heading?)
To enrich students in a learning environment of Excellence, Faith and Community.
Our Mission: (What we are doing now?)
With Chris as our centre we provide a balanced, child-centred education which develops the whole person within a safe, happy and respectful Catholic environment.
2005 was once again a challenging one for the school, particularly with the increasing roll and a number of teachers taking maternity leave. Despite these challenges, the school has continued to perform very well in delivering the high standard of education expected by the school community, Catholic Diocese, and the Ministry of Education.
It is very satisfying to be part of a team of people who are committed to providing the very best in education in an environment that reflects the Catholic character of the school. Special recognition and thanks must be given to the teachers and support staff who are so dedicated to the task of educating the students and helping them to reach their potential, which will have a huge impact on the future prospects of each student.
The Board of Trustees (the Board) management reporting and review systems have shown that the school has constantly delivered the requirements of the National Education Guidelines which consist of:
- The National Education Goals
- The National Curriculum Statements
- The National Administration Guidelines
Roll Growth
Perhaps the most significant issue facing the school at the time of writing this report is the number of students enrolling at the school. The school has a maximum roll entitlement of 400. This is set by the Ministry of Education and the Catholic Diocese. The school gets operational funding up to this maximum roll from the Ministry of Education to pay for the operational costs of running the school. Teachers’ salaries are paid separately by the Ministry of Education. The land and buildings required to accommodate the school up to 400 students are provided by the Catholic Diocese.
The school began 2005 with a roll of 340, and this grew steadily through the year, ending with a roll of 425. This increase was higher than normal, which we thought would slow in 2006.
This slowing in roll growth has not eventuated, and with the school starting with a roll of 385 in 2006, at the time of writing this report we are already at our maximum roll. The Board has been in the process of discussing the options with both the Ministry and the Catholic Education Office, and it is likely that an enrolment scheme will be implemented shortly. This will be designed to manage the roll growth down to below 400 over time.
It is interesting to note that only two years ago the Board was concerned that the roll appeared to be dropping from previous years, and set about to investigate what was causing this, and implemented measures to improve on the delivery of the communities’ expectations.
Strategic Objectives
As part of our planning process the school sets annual targets which are in accordance with the school strategic objectives. In 2005 these targets were monitored very well by the management team, and progress reported at Board meetings. The Strategic Objectives are:
- To improve student achievement in literacy, especially in oral language in the target groups.
- To actively encourage open communication between staff, parents/guardians, and students
- To improve effective teaching and learning in science in the entire school
- To improve effective teaching and learning of ESOL and Cooperative Learning.
- To review BOT governance manual and policies, and monitor performance.
Target group who are struggling or starting at a low level were identified and different initiatives have been implemented throughout the year to improve their abilities.
The attached report sets out details of the specific targets set, and the results achieved. These results are very pleasing.
Board Membership
The Board consist of 11 members plus a board secretary; 5 elected representatives, 4 Proprietor’s representatives, the Principal, and a staff elected representative.
Early in 2005 Bruce Holt resigned as the staff representative. Bruce had served the school in this position for a number of years, and we thank him for his contribution. Leanne Brickland was elected to replace Bruce, and we thank Leanne for her contribution during the later part of 2005.
Neil Bird, an elected parent representative tendered his resignation at the end of 2005, and we also thank Neil for his input into the running of the school. Mark Keaney has been appointed to replace Neil. Thank you Mark for agreeing to undertake this role, and we look forward to working with Mark in the coming year.
Curriculum
The major focus throughout 2005 was Oral Language with Science as a minor. An advisor from Waikato University worked with the staff as well as observing in the classroom to ascertain the needs of St Mary's in the area of oral language. Staff had professional development throughout the year, in co-operative learning. Children were encouraged to develop these skills of oral communication.
An advisor of Science shared her expertise with the staff, enthusing them to experiment with Science Activity days.
Achievements
Children buddied with others, peer mediators set up, to help develop better communication among the children. Hands on Science Activity days and the Science Fair proved to be most beneficial with everyone participating.
Cultural
We continued to welcome children from many different cultures, throughout the year. All children and many parents participated in the Maori Cultural week of activities held at the school. Seveal of our cultural groups sang and danced at the Masses for the Catholic Principals and Directors of Religious Education and the Board of Trustees conferences.
Education outside the classroom
The annual year 5 and 6 educational camps, continues to be a highlight for these children. The local Museum as well as other places of learning in our area, was well utilized, to support studies in the classroom.
Sport
Once again St Mary’s had a large percentage of children involved in team sport, with fantastic parent support both in coaching and through encouragement. Many of the teams enjoyed a very successful year, with all learning skills to help improve their game.
Parent Involvement
Opportunities for parents to observe, have input, and hear how and what children learn in Mathematics, Religious Education was provided. Interviews with parents, child and teacher proved to be helpful and gave parents and insight of teacher’s expectations in particular curriculum areas.
The generosity of parent help in numerous areas is a special feature of St Mary’s and one the staff always appreciative.
Special Character
Catholic Education, Schools Day, was a combined celebration with John Paul College and St Michaels at the Sportsdrome. Our Pacific Island and Indian children lead us in prayerful reflective dance during the Mass. Following the Mass, the celebration continued with all of our cultural groups sharing their gifts with us.
2005 was the Silver Jubilee of the Hamilton Diocese. To celebrate our year 5& 6 children joined with representatives from all the Catholic Schools in the Diocese, at Mystery Creek. This was a coming together to joyously celebrate in song, prayer and dance, our Faith and Unity as Catholic Schools.
In summary, 2005 has been a very successful year for St Mary’s Catholic School, and we look forward to an exciting future together.
Mark Lovegrove Sister Julian Langton
Chairperson, Board of Trustees Principal
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