Annual report 2014

Maitland ChrisĆ&#x;an School

Do all for God’s glory

Annual Report 2014 A ministry of Me ord Community Bap st Church

The Educa on Act requires each registered non-government school to prepare an Annual Report of a kind determined by the Minister on the school’s performance measures and policies as iden fied by the Minister.

Accordingly, the Minister has determined that the performance measures and policies that must be included in the Annual Report relate to:

• a message from key school bodies • contextual informa on about the school • student outcomes in standardised na onal literacy and numeracy tes ng • the gran ng of Records of School Achievement • results of the Higher School Cer ficate • professional learning and teacher standards • workforce composi on • senior secondary outcomes • student a endance and management of non-a endance • reten on of Year 10 to Year 12 (where relevant) • post-school des na ons • enrolment policies and characteris cs of the student body • school policies • school determined improvement targets • ini a ves promo ng respect and responsibility • parent, student and teacher sa sfac on • summary financial informa on.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introductory Reports Contextual Information About the School

2

Message From the Board Chairman

4

Maitland Christian School – Strategic Intentions 2015 – 2025

6

Message from School Principal

7

Message from Student Action Leadership Team (SALT)

11

Student Reports General characteristics of the student population

13

Student outcomes in standardised national literacy and numeracy testing

14

Results of the Higher School Certificate

15

Granting of the Record of School Achievement

16

Senior Secondary Outcomes

16

Staff Reports Workforce Composition

18

Teaching Standards

18

Professional learning

20

Policy Reports Enrolment policies

23

School policies

25

Discipline policies

26

Grievance resolution policies

27

General Reports School-determined improvement targets 2014 / 2015

28

Initiatives promoting respect and responsibility

30

Parent, teacher and student satisfaction

30

Financial Reports Attachments School’s Foundational Position

34

Mission & Vision Statements

36

Acknowledgements

Annual Report 2014

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INTRODUCTORY REPORTS Contextual Information About the School Maitland Chris an School’s mission is “to work in partnership with families and churches by offering a sound Christ-centred educa on which encourages the fullest possible development of the spiritual, academic, physical and social characteris cs of each child.” The school achieves its mission by offering a comprehensive academic program delivered in a climate of strong Chris an values supported by effec ve behaviour management and pastoral care programs. Extra-curricular programs in areas such as music, sport and mission-based ac vi es are also available.

The school was commenced in 1983 by Me ord Community Bap st Church as a K-6 school. Years 7-10 were added in the late 1990s and the first Year 11 class was formed in 2006. In 2013, there were two classes per grade from Kindergarten to Year 10 as well as moderate cohorts of Year 11 and 12 students.

The school con nues to be a ministry of the church but has expanded to include families from all Chris an denomina ons. The school is autonomously governed by a board of directors and is affiliated with Chris an Schools Australia.

The school has been located in the East Maitland suburb of Me ord since January 1991. The school’s facili es are of a high standard - all classrooms are air-condi oned, the school is well-appointed with computer technology and the school’s grounds are a rac vely presented. In addi on, the school has daily access to the adjacent council oval, as well as daily access to Me ord Community Bap st Church’s auditorium and indoor basketball hall.

This is the second annual report with the refreshed school logo and branding which has now been extensively rolled out across the school.

The school follows the NSW Board of Studies (BOS) syllabi from K-12 and only employs Chris an teachers who meet NSW Ins tute of Teachers standards. The school is due for registra on and accredita on in the 2014 school year. At the me of submi ng this report, the school had been recently advised that it has successfully completed this process and has been given maximum accredita on un l the end of the 2018 school year.

In the primary department there con nues to be a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Maitland Chris an School was included in the ‘Principals as Literacy Leaders’ (PALL) Na onal Partnership in 2012 and has since been involved in a combined State Government Literacy Numeracy Ac on Plan. This plan has resulted in targeted Literacy and Numeracy mes which allowed for ongoing differen ated and targeted instruc on of students. As well as undertaking Direct Instruc on programs, inves ga on of evidence-based approaches to explicit teaching was also explored on a Na onal and Interna onal level.

The secondary department has all the benefits of being small in size but maintains a wide diversity in its curriculum offerings. U lisa on of high quality metabling so ware has delivered excellent elec ve choices

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for students in a small school environment.

In Stage 5 of schooling, students are able to choose two elec ve subjects. Combining year 9 and 10 students for elec ve classes is a well embedded prac ce. This con nues to achieve a significantly improved subject choice for both year groups and also in 98% of students receiving the subjects they had chosen.

2014 saw a cohort of 21 students complete their HSC studies at Maitland Chris an School, a er a smaller cohort of 14 students in 2013. The top ATAR for the school was 99.75. For the 2014 Higher School Cer ficate, students were able to select subjects from a schedule of 19 two-unit subjects and 2 oneunit subjects, including our first Mathema cs Extension II student. In addi on, HSC students have the opportunity to undertake Distance Educa on courses or T-VET courses via local TAFE colleges. In many HSC cohorts to date, students have appeared in the Band 6 Dis nguished Achievers Lists with mul ple students appearing in most years. Band 6 (or equivalent) results were achieved in 5 subjects in 2014. A large year 11 cohort of 40 students is a record for the school.

The school has a strong learning support program featuring an inclusive approach to suppor ng students through targeted dieren ated learning programs and also within their mainstream classes. 2014 was the first year of involvement in the Na onally Consistent Collec on of Data (NCCD) which gives a greater number of students the recogni on of areas for which they require support.

The school plays an important role in the community by oering local families the opportunity for their children to receive a high quality academic educa on that is delivered within a framework of strong Chris an values and principles.

Annual Report 2014

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Message From the Board Chairman As the Board of Directors of Maitland Chris an School we are very conscious of living out our school mo o of “Do all for God’s Glory”. The Board has met regularly throughout the 2014 year and con nues to receive training and guidance from David Bartle of Resolve Consul ng - this is con nuing for the next 12 months.

The Board has several sub-commi ees that have specific areas of focus, these are: • School Promo ons Commi ee • Finance Budget Commi ee – oversight of the budget and finances of the school – currently the school has financial reserves and does not see any problem with paying bills as and when they fall due.

• Chris an Content Commi ee • Governance Policy Review Commi ee • Board Nomina ons Commi ee – focused on providing informa on and an outline of responsibili es of being part of the Board to prospec ve Board members – an informa on evening was held earlier in the year for prospec ve board members.

• Principal Evalua on Commi ee – comple on of the yearly appraisal of the Principal.

• Risk and Audit Commi ee – establishment and maintenance of a risk management framework for the school from a corporate perspec ve.

• Newly formed building sub-commi ee.

Senior Chaplain Role: • The role of Senior Chaplain has not been filled in a full- me capacity as yet.

• This role is aimed at providing specific pastoral support for all staff, providing families with pastoral support as the need arises, providing a strong link to the churches represented in the school andensuring the curriculum used in the school for all ages provides appropriate and comprehensive coverage of the Statement of Faith which presents a Biblical worldview.

• Andrew Sumpton is currently working in this role in a part- me capacity ll the end of the year.

• In 2015 we will be renewing our search for God’s person for the role and seek your prayer support for the right person as we re-adver se shortly.

Movements throughout the year: • Sue Wilson and Stephen McKinnon resigned from their posi ons on the Board • Graham Webb has stepped down from the role of Board Chairman • Graeme Moore is not con nuing on the Board at the end of his current term I would like to thank each of these people for their contribu on, assistance and support with the school. In par cular I would like to express my apprecia on to Sue, Stephen and Graeme for their involvement and input on the School Board and I also want to acknowledge the commitment and dedica on of Graham in his role as Chairman of the Board.

The 2014 year has also seen: • The annual Staff Dedica on service held in February providing opportunity for the church to con nue to pray for and support the school staff in their ministry at the school.

• The Board a end a mid-year retreat with the purpose of looking ahead and working out the vision for the school – the result is the Strategic Direc ons 2015-2025 document.

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• A review of the enrolment policy – working towards the school having a 75% majority of church a ending families.

• The purchase of two school buses with great signage promo ng the school.

• Con nued work on refining our “Board Governance Handbook”.

• The comple on of another school community survey, and • The appointment of a new Auditor – Kilpatrick Lake Mackenzie.

The year ahead will see the Board focusing on: Contribu ng to the Spiritual Climate Assessment • Par cipate in feeding back to the school community therecommenda ons from the school community survey • Working on Board relevant recommenda ons from the school community survey • Con nuing with the journey of doing all for God’s glory.

Please con nue to pray for the school and staff as well as the Board that we may con nue doing all for God’s glory.

Elizabeth Smith Board Chairman Maitland Chris an School

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Maitland Christian School – Strategic Intentions 2015 – 2025 Strategic Framework The strategic inten ons of the Board of Maitland Chris an School are guided and underpinned by: 1. Our Moral Owners (Me ord Community Bap st Church) whocon nue to seek to glorify God, love and serve the communitythrough the ministry of Maitland Chris an School; 2. Our Cons tu on, Statement of Faith and Core Purpose which are central to work in partnership with families and churches as we offer a sound Christ-centred educa on which encourages the fullest possible development of the spiritual, academic, physical and social characteris cs of each child; 3. Our Biblical values which are lived out, taught and promoted in our Chris an learning community;

Strategic Inten ons We pursue the following strategic inten ons towards our vision and mission so that: 1. Our graduates will grow in maturity; being encouraged to live God’s purposes for their lives, to respond to the gospel of Jesus and to have a Chris an perspec ve that equips them to meet the challenges of the world; 2. Our staff capacity will con nue to grow spiritually, professionally and rela onally which will enable them to add significant value to the poten al and learning experiences of the students; 3. Our resource sustainability will allow us to con nue to provide and maintain an outstanding and inspiring place of learning; 4. Our culture, which is Christ-centred, will strengthen us as a welcoming, accessible and outwardlooking Chris an educa onal community through significant partnerships with local, na onal and global communi es; 5. Our governance will ensure we provide effec ve strategic and opera onal leadership to achieve our core purpose and to glorify God;

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Message from School Principal 2014 saw Maitland Chris an School experience its 32nd year of opera on. The 2014 student popula on on Commonwealth Census day in August was 547 students (310 primary and 237 secondary) in 24 classes.

Below is an overview of some of the key developments and achievements over the past 12 months as an update and encouragement in the work that is happening here at the school.

Spiritual: • Governing Church - Maitland Chris an School con nues to be operated by its Company made up of members from the Me ord Community Bap st Church. The church con nues to pursue strong spiritual founda ons in the life of the school, and prayerfully supports the school as well. The ongoing availability of church facili es to the school is a real blessing, as is the prac cal service by so many of the church members.

• Chaplaincy – the appointment of Andrew Sumpton into the part- me role of Senior Chaplain has helped to address areas such as spiritual tone of the school, spiritual and pastoral support of staff and students, development of the HS TOPS program, connec ons with local ministers and anumber of other ini a ves. The school was proac ve in lobbying the government for ongoing support of the School Chaplaincy program a er the High Court decision impac ng the ability of the Commonwealth to run the program. Maitland Chris an School con nues to benefit from this program through the work of Jim Forbes.

• Mission – it was exci ng to be able to take our first group of highschool students to serve overseas in areas around Suva in Fiji last year. Students presented the gospel through music, drama, games, cra s and interac ons with children from poorer areas around the capital. Teams were also able to work with homeless communi es in Sydney, share the gospel via scripture in schools, serve our local neighbours, assist in chari es and community groups, raise funds for mission via a Wollongong to Sydney walk and also assist in a number of other contexts. Plans for 2015 will see many of these ini a ves occurring again, with a return to Fiji and also ministry amongst remote indigenous students in the Northern Territory occurring in the same year. It is exci ng to see the mission culture grow in high school and to see it expanding further into Primary School as well. This has included visits to the Greenhills Nursing Home by students from across the school and stronger integra on of some Primary units of work with specific Chris an missions.

• Chris an PD - Staff con nued to engage in Chris an PD with the midyear THACCCSA Conference an opportunity for learning and encouragement. 2015 will see this develop further staff commencing the year by a ending a day of input with other local Chris an Schools at Green Point Chris an College.

Dr Dan Egeler and Dr Richard Edlin challenged us on being dis nctly Chris an in our vision and opera ons, as well as in the curriculum we teach. This will be further supported by staff a endance at the Chris an Schools Australia NSW / ACT Conference in Newcastle in July and for some others at the Interna onal Transforming Educa on Conference in Melbourne at the same me. It has been a priority this year to increasingly see staff engage with quality professional development that is dis nctly Chris an in approach.

• Senior Chris an Studies – following feedback from students about TOPS and Chris an studies, planning was put in place for mul ple staff to sharing these courses to allow be er connec on with students, strengthening of units of work and input from a broader range of teachers.

• Associa on of Chris an Schools Interna onal (ACSI) - Maitland Chris an School is also linking with ACSI this year to undertake a Spiritual Climate and Engaged Schools Assessment. This will help us consider interna onal best prac ce in Chris an educa on as well as giving us an understanding of how we sit as a school in the area of crea ng and developing a spiritual climate, as well as how our students are si ng and growing in their walk with the Lord.

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• Chris an enrolments - The board have set a target for stronger Chris an enrolment numbers in the school by 2018. Over the past year the percentage of Chris an families has grown from 50% through to 58%. We would value your prayer that God sends an abundance of Chris an families to the Maitland area to strengthen both our churches and also our school.

• Local ministers - Engagement with ministers has improved under the leadership of our Senior Chaplain and Community Rela ons Officer. This has included a breakfast for Pastors and greater opportuni es for Pastors to share with staff and students via staff devo ons and TOPS. • Sad Losses – the past 12 months have seen our school community mourn the loss of several members. Ella Ligh oot (year 5) has a sudden brain bleed on the June long weekend and sadly passed away. This was a me of shock and significant grief for the school community. On September 1 we were also shocked when the Lord called home Col Holmes without warning. As well as being a parent in the school, Col was an ac ve member of Real Life Church and youth leader to a number of students at the school. Col’s funeral was a powerful tes mony to God’s goodness. In the la er half of the year we walked the hard journey of Phil Brewer’s lymphoma, which he sadly succumbed to a er several rounds of Chemotherapy. Phil walked this journey with complete confidence of his Saviour’s goodness and his funeral tes fied to this. These losses brought heaviness to the 2014 school year but also the comfort of God and his goodness in these mes.

Academic: • Registra on and Accredita on - 2014 was the year that our five-yearly accredita on was due for renewal. There is an added pressure as the school’s policies, curriculum and standards are reviewed.

Having been previously accredited the Chris an Schools Australia system; this was our first direct accredita on via the NSW Board of Studies. The school was found to be complying very well in all areas and was given the maximum accredita on through to the end of 2018. This is a tribute to the significant hard work that our team of staff are pu ng in and is a very pleasing result.

• Prep – 2014 saw the commencement of our Prep program, which is a pre-kindergarten Early Stage 1 class for four year old children. Star ng mid-year, the program quickly grew and is proving to be a very popular program, with plans for 2015 to operate on 3 days. Mrs Bek Tooler is delivering a high quality program here.

• HSC Results - At the other end of the school, we were delighted to see the results of the hard work our year 12 students undertook in their studies. Our top student received an ATAR of 99.75 which is an outstanding result. This year’s year 11 is our largest senior cohort with 40 students in the class and we an cipate good numbers for 2016 as well.

• HSC Marking – a number of teachers are engaging in HSC marking as part of their professional development. This is an excellent opportunity to understand the various standards required at HSC level.

• Literacy / Numeracy Ac on Plan (LNAP) – we con nue to be part of the State Government funded LNAP. This is suppor ng development of improved literacy and numeracy results for our primary students. Key elements under development at present include: Literacy / Numeracy Blocks as part of the Primary day Implemen ng direct / explicit instruc on for effec ve learning Developing learning warm-ups for Literacy and Numeracy Effec ve Tiered Learning Approaches (class, small group, one on one) Developing teacher use of student data to inform learning

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Providing coaching to teachers in effec ve pedagogy Increasing parent awareness of educa onal approaches • Learning Support – developing improved approaches to suppor ng students including: Refining Individual Program (IP) development Implemen ng the new Na onally Consistent Collec on of Data (NCCD) as part of the transi on to be er funding of students with disabili es.

Developing opportuni es for Gi ed and Talented students.

Australian Professional Teaching Standards – implementa on of the APTS as the founda on for pathways to personal professional development and appraisal.

Physical: • Risk Management – a key part of the Board’s role and obliga ons is to oversee the management and minimisa on of risk in the school. Work in this area has proved profitable and con nues to be developed in the best interest of the school community.

• School Sign - A new school sign on Chelmsford Drive presents a professional and up to date message to the school and broader community and is also able to support key church events as well.

• Foyer - Our school facili es con nue to be very well cared for by our commi ed and competent property team. The school foyer was expanded over the Christmas break to allow much greater space, which was a significant project to complete in a ght meframe. We are thankful for their commitment to bring this about and are now enjoying a larger foyer with space for wai ng as well.

• Buses - The school was able to purchase a 58 seat bus and a 30 seat bus to assist with transport needs. The smaller bus is equipped with a li and ability to care for passengers with limited mobility.

Branded in school colours, the buses present a striking image in the community and are an effec ve tool to have onsite. Longer term storage op ons will be developed for 2015.

• Auditors – the school’s audit process was undertaken for the last me by Mudford and Associates.

A tendering process has seen KLM Accountants appointed as the new auditors for the school . The targe ng of healthy budget parameters by the board also ensures the responsible management of our finances and resources, both now and into the future.

• Shade Sail – the school was able to successfully apply for a $25 000 grant for a shade sail as part of the Cancer Council / EFTPOS Shade for Schools Grants. A new architecturally designed shade sail is designed and will be in place over the amphitheatre outside the Music room early in 2015. We are thankful to the Lord for this provision.

Social: • MADD AS Night – The tradi onal school night celebra ng Music, Art and Drama was expanded in 2014 to include Primary students and also contribu ons from students with spor ng talent. With the performances held around a community BBQ, close to 1000 people visited the school on the evening to celebrate the talents God has blessed our students with in these areas.

• Student Leadership – Our leadership teams in both Primary and High School are growing in number and con nue to serve the school faithfully in a number of contexts (assemblies, fund raisers, community events) and to represent the school at external func ons as well.

• New Parents Course – we are welcoming all new families to the school via a compulsory new parent’s course. The program connects families to the school with a clearer understanding of our faith posi on

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and how that is developed in the day to day life of the school, as well as developing key links with board, church and execu ve.

• • Uniform Shop – the support of the church via the second hand clothing shop has been a blessing to the parents of the school community. Also funds raised, as well as suppor ng mission in the church, will be used to provide refrigerated bubblers and taps to provide students with cool water in the summer months.

• Gallipoli / ANZAC 2015 – prepara ons con nued for a teacher and student to be part of the 100th anniversary commemora on with students from Hunter Schools on ANZAC Day 2015.

• Informa on Technology - the roll out of 1 to 1 devices is complete in the high school. 2015 will see the u lizing of a grant from the Associa on of Independent Schools (AIS) to review our ICT strategies across the school. A further consultancy grant will allow more specific advice to strengthen our disaster recovery and pla orm stability, as well as implemen ng a secure and well-managed pla orm for the student devices.

• School Psychologist – the commencement of a school psychologist has allowed specialist support for students and families with more significant emo onal, behavioural or academic needs.

Yours in Christ,

Geoff Peet Principal

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Message from Student Action Leadership Team (SALT) In 2014, SALT (Student Ac on Leadership Team) con nued to work together to improve their school community. They undertook a variety of leadership and fundraising ac vi es as they endeavoured to do ‘All for God’s glory’. A small group of these students con nued to lead and mentor primary mini-SALT as they began their first full year of leading the primary school.

Some of the ac vi es undertaken by SALT included; 1. Crazy Hair Day to raise funds and awareness for PID, Primary immunodeficiency diseases. This was seen as an par cularly important issue as one of our primary students suffers from PID 2. In term 2 team members a end the ‘World Vision Global Leadership Conference’. They then took what they learned to run a 40 Hour Famine campaign to raise funds for the people of Rwanda on the 20th Anniversary of the Rwandan genocide.

3. Genes for Jeans day was another successful fundraising ac vity 4. Our School Captains a ended a special evening hosted by the East Maitland Rotary Club where they had an opportunity to share about their school at a community event.

5. Many team members represented their school with pride at the Maitland and East Maitland Dawn Services.

6. Other leadership opportuni es included; The Bible Society of NSW hosted a ‘Masterclass’ event where students had an opportunity to learn more about their skills and how to serve others in a Biblical manner.

7. Wrapping up a big year SALT coordinated the collec on of Christmas Hampers which were distributed by the local chapter of the Salva on Army.

2014 saw students con nue to develop their leadership skills, work coopera vely as a team and serve the student body and wider school community.

Tanya Nicholls On behalf of SALT

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Message from Mini-SALT (Student Ac on Leadership Team) 2014 saw the second year of Mini-SALT (Student Ac on Leadership Team) launch into full swing. The team consists of primary students from Years 3 to 6 who are selected to represent their student body. These students volunteer out of a strong desire to serve the school and to make changes for the improvement of others, whether in the school community or abroad.

Some of the events Mini-SALT organised in 2014 were: 1. Crazy Hair Day to raise funds for the Immune Deficiencies Founda on. Students were invited to come to school with “crazy” hair and to wear something blue, the Founda on’s colour. There were prizes given out for the craziest hairstyles and the money raised supported the Immune Deficiencies Founda on. This is an organisa on that cares for people affected by Primary Immune Deficiencies (PID), a deficiency that affects one of our students.

2. Pyjama Day was organised to help fight hunger in support of World Vision’s 40 Hour Famine. The students organised games to be played at lunch me for the variety of ages in primary.

3. Samaritan’s Purse Opera on Christmas Child shoebox collec on. Over one hundred shoeboxes were stocked with goodies ready to send to poor children in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. They headed off in style via helicopter and police car.

In 2014, Mini-SALT was led by students from the high school SALT team Scarle Budden, Brianna Peet, Lily Sanders and Brodie Smith. It is such an encouragement to see student leaders training student leaders!

The team was set challenges to make friends with students from other classes and year groups. They were trained in how to work well together with people from all different ages. They were involved in serving in school events such as the Remembrance Day service, Grandparent’s Day, Transi on Day and even organised and hosted an assembly.

It has been a privilege to serve alongside such an enthusias c team of students and observe as they grow and develop skills in being the “salt of the earth.” (Ma hew 5:13).

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STUDENT REPORTS General characteristics of the student population At the me of the 2014 federal census the school had 547 students in Years K-12. There were 310 primary students and 237 secondary students. There were 252 girls and 295 boys. In 2014 the school had 6 students enrolled who iden fied as indigenous students. In addi on to this we also had 18 students in our Prep class, which commenced in Term 2, 2014.

Student a endance and management of non-a endance 2014 student a endances at a grade level are as follows:

The average student a endance for 2014 across the whole school was 92.4%.

When students are absent parents are no fied via SMS on the day to confirm the absence. Parents are then required to supply a note explaining the absence to the relevant roll teacher. Where a parent doesn’t supply a note within seven days the roll teacher issues a reminder to the parents.

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Student outcomes in standardised national literacy and numeracy testing The informa on concerning student outcomes in standardized na onal literacy and numeracy tes ng can be found on-line at www.myschool.edu.au Highlights of the school’s NAPLAN performances include: • Year 3 students are 6 scale points or 2% above state average in Numeracy • Year 3 students are 5 scale points or 1% above state average in Data, Measurement, Space & Geometry • Year 3 students are 10 scale points or 3% above state average in Number, Pa erns & Algebra • Year 7 students are 2 scale points above state average in Spelling • Year 7 students are 3 scale points or 1% above state average in Grammar & Punctua on • Year 7 students are 2 scale points above state average in Number, Pa erns & Algebra • Year 9 students are 11 scale points or 2% above state average in Wri ng • Year 9 students are 2 scale points above state average in Data, Measurement, Space & Geometry

Above average growth was as follows: Year 3 2012 to year 5 2014 growth is 2 scale points or 2% above state average in Reading • Year 3 2012 to year 5 2014 growth is 1 scale points or 1% above state average in Spelling • Year 3 2012 to year 5 2014 growth is 5 scale points or 7% above state average in Grammar & Punctua on • Year 3 2012 to year 5 2014 growth is 18 scale points or 20% above state average in Numeracy

• Year 5 2012 to year 7 2014 growth is 10 scale points or 20% above state average in Reading • Year 5 2012 to year 7 2014 growth is 19 scale points or 43% above state average in Spelling • Year 5 2012 to year 7 2014 growth is 24 scale points or 52% above state average in Grammar & Punctua on • Year 5 2012 to year 7 2014 growth is 12 scale points or 22 % above state average in Numeracy

• Year 7 2012 to year 9 2014 growth is 12 scale points or 44% above state average in Wri ng

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Results of the Higher School Certificate Twenty-one candidates sat for the 2014 Higher School Cer ficate. A total of 24 courses were delivered at school: Ancient History, Biology, Chemistry, Community & Family Studies, English (Advanced), English (Standard), Engineering Studies, Food Technology, Industrial Technology, Legal Studies, Mathema cs, Mathema cs (General), Mathema cs Extension I, Mathema cs Extension II, Modern History, Music, PDHPE, Physics, So ware Design & Development and Visual Arts. Business Studies was studied via Distance Educa on and Animal Studies was studied via TAFE. Several students also studied the non-ATAR Sport, Lifestyle & Recrea on course.

A compara ve study of Higher School Cer ficate results over the past four cohorts reveals the following data:

Students sat for a total of 103 examina ons for 2-unit Board-Developed Courses and 3 examina ons for 1-unit Board-Developed Courses with the following band percentages: Band E4 (66%), Band E3/E4 (100%), Band 6 (3%), Bands 5/6 (24%), Bands 4/5/6 (66%) and Bands 3/4/5/6 (93%). No students received Band 1 results. The highest ATAR for the school was 99.75. Average marks of 80% or higher we achieved in Business Studies (85%), Visual Arts (81%), Food Technology (80%) and Engineering Studies (80%).

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Granting of the Record of School Achievement A total of two students from Maitland Chris an School chose to depart the educa on system at the end of 2014 and were eligible to receive their RoSA at that point in me. One student was from year 10 and one from year 11.

Senior Secondary Outcomes In 2014 5% (1 student) of Year 12 students were undertaking voca onal or trade training.

Reten on of Year 10 to Year 12 and Post-School Des na ons 2014 At the end of 2014 a total of 33 students le the school in Years 10, 11 and 12 for the following des na ons:

A end another school University TAFE/appren ceship Other post-school training Workforce Move interstate/overseas Total departures

Year 10 3 1 3 1 1 9

Year 11 1 2

Year 12 11 3 7

3

21 33

For 2013→2014 the reten on rate from Year 10 to Year 11 was 48%.

For 2013→2014 the reten on rate from Year 11 to Year 12 was 92%.

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Annual Report 2014

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STAFF REPORTS Workforce Composition In 2014 the school had a total of 67 staff with FTEs (full- me equivalents) as indicated: 7 P-12 teachers (6 full- me and 1 part- me)

6.8 FTE

18 primary teachers (14 full- me and 4 part- me)

15.4 FTE

20 secondary teachers (15 full- me and 5 part- me)

18.4 FTE

22 ancillary staff (10 full- me and 12 part- me)

17.1 FTE Total = 57.7 FTE

The school’s execu ve structure in 2014 was: P-12 execu ve posi ons:

P-6 execu ve posi ons: 7-12 execu ve posi ons:

Principal, Deputy Principal, Business Manager, Welfare Co-ordinator (boys), Welfare Co-ordinator (girls), Property Manager, Learning Support Co-ordinator, Professional Development Co-ordinator, Chris an Perspec ves Co-ordinator.

Administra on Co-ordinator, Curriculum Co-ordinator.

Curriculum Co-ordinator, Administra on Co-ordinator.

Several staff members have indicated that they have an Indigenous heritage.

Teaching Standards All teachers at Maitland Chris an School are commi ed Chris ans of evangelical protestant persuasion who subscribe to the school’s Statement of Faith (see a ached). They are commi ed to teaching from a Chris an worldview perspec ve.

All 45 teaching staff members have teaching qualifica ons from a higher educa on ins tu on within Australia or as recognised by the Na onal Office of Overseas Skills Recogni on (AEI-NOOSR) guidelines.

There are no teachers on staff who lack formal teacher qualifica ons.

A summary of teaching qualifica ons are listed below:

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Professional learning Maitland Chris an School is commi ed to providing Professional Development for all members of Staff in order to enhance their opportuni es for learning and/or train them in procedures, techniques and teaching prac ces which culminate in a be er learning environment for the students. The School is also registered as a Teacher Accredita on Authority (TAA) under the NSW Teachers Ins tute.

As part of the School’s commitment, it supported members of staff par cipa ng in a good number of Professional Development ac vi es during 2014. These included school based in-service courses as well as many external courses and conferences. Extra training and development for execu ve and teaching staff formed part of the School’s involvement in the Literacy / Numeracy Ac on Plan.

Overall, the staff of Maitland Chris an School a ended a wide range of courses during 2014, both accredited and non-accredited. The school conducted a number of Staff Development Days, both at the beginning of the school year and again midway through the year. The former included a series of schoolbased development days; the la er included a one day THACCCSA Conference at which Chris an Schools a ended from the Taree, Hunter and Central Coast regions.

Across the 2014 year 57 staff members took place in external professional development for a total of 1689 hours of external PD or an average of 29.63 hours per staff member. The average amount invested in external staff professional development was $502.00, which only includes actual course costs and does not consider travel, meals, accommoda on and costs to employ relief staff on these occasions.

This was complemented by in house professional development ac vi es, staff mee ng and professional partnerships as well. Professional development opportuni es were u lised to support and embed the 2014 strategic plan.

An overview of Professional Development courses a ended includes:

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POLICY REPORTS Enrolment policies The Maitland Chris an School is a major ministry of the Me ord Community Bap st Church and was established in 1983 to be a partnership between Chris an parents, school and church to educate the students with a Christ-focussed perspec ve and prepare them for being a part of the Australian community.

The school primarily enrols children from families who are regular a endees of protestant evangelical Chris an Churches and encourages all parents to be ac vely involved in the school community and in the educa on of their child/ren. The school will work towards building a culture where there is a 75% significant majority by 2018 of church a ending families in the school and may refuse enrolment of new families who don’t a end a Chris an church to maintain this objec ve. Siblings of children already enrolled will not be refused enrolment based on the majority of church a ending families being maintained.

In the event that classes are approaching capacity, children and grandchildren of members of the Me ord Community Bap st Church will have 1st preference for enrolment and children of employees of the school will have 2nd preference for enrolment in the school.

A church a ending family is defined as one having at least 1 parent a ending an evangelical protestant church at least twice per month and confirmed by a le er from the Minister/Pastor of the church being a ended.

Children and parents from families who do not regularly a end a Chris an church, or who a end a church other than a protestant evangelical church, must be familiar with and support the aims, objects, vision and mission of the school prior to enrolment of their child/ren in the school. Familiarity will be to the sa sfac on of the School Principal and the Me ord Community Bap st Church Pastor.

The parents must give unqualified support to the school for the curriculum used and the methods used in the educa on and development of their child/ren. The parents must also be in agreement for the church Pastor and/or Senior Chaplain to provide pastoral support to the family at appropriate mes by visita on to the home when the whole family is present.

For those families where there is no church a endance, the understanding of the Chris an faith can only be achieved by both parents a ending all of a series of classes run by the Me ord Community Bap st Church which presents the main features of the Chris an faith. The classes will be run at specific mes each semester and may be run separately for a family if this can be arranged with the church Pastor with either he or another member of the church leadership being available.

For urgent enrolment situa ons where the parents do not a end an evangelical Chris an church, enrolment will only be received on condi on that the Chris an Faith classes run by the Me ord Community Bap st Church will be a ended within the following 6 months.

If at any stage the family or the enrolled child ceases to support the mission, vision, aims and objects of the school, enrolment may be withdrawn with 1 term’s no ce if a empts by the school to improve the situa on prove unsuccessful.

Enrolment of children from a family where at least one parent is a regular a ending member of the Me ord Community Bap st Church will be given a 10% discount each year o the standard tui on fees for each fee paying child enrolled.

Enrolment of children where at least one parent is a regular a endee of the Me ord Community Bap st

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Church, but not a member, will be given a 5% rebate on applica on each term off the standard tui on fees for each fee paying child enrolled. Regular a endance is defined as 3 mes per month on average and will be on a term by term basis. The Pastor of the church must approve the applica on on each occasion.

Enrolment of children of an employee of the Maitland Chris an School will be given a discount off the standard tui on fees for each child enrolled. The discount will be 10% for those who work for more than an average of 20 hours per week for each term of school and a rebate of 5% for those who work an average of 19 or less hours per week for each term of school.

Where employees of the school are members or a endees of the Me ord Community Bap st Church the discounts/rebates are accumula ve.

Enrolment of all children is condi onal upon the mely payment of school fees and enrolment may be withdrawn if a child’s educa on fees are in arrears by more than 1 term.

Fee assistance is available to those who wish to apply and discussions with the Business Manager about the terms and condi ons of assistance and outcomes agreed will be treated in confidence.

Prerequisites for con nuing enrolment As per the Maitland Chris an School Enrolment Policy, families must con nue to support the mission, vision, aims and objects of the school. Families must also abide by the Maitland Chris an School Fees Policy as they may be asked to leave the school if they fail to address significant fee arrears.

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School policies The full version of the following policies can be obtained by contac ng the school office. 2014 saw a significant revision of a number of the school policies

Student welfare policies This policy outlines the management of student welfare within the Maitland Chris an School community.

We believe: 1. The one sovereign triune God, who has revealed himself through Christ and in his word the Bible, is the Creator, and Redeemer of the ordered world that he sustains moment by moment through his word of power (Hebrew 1:3).

2. Human beings are called to act in a stewardly manner towards each other and towards God’s crea on, according to God’s created norms. Due to the fallen nature of humanity, we excercise this stewardship imperfectly.

3. MCS devises (and revises) its policies and procedures to guide the life of our community under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and in the light of the laws and regula ons of New South Wales.

4. Due to the fallen nature of man we can expect the need for the school intervene in student welfare concerns. (1 Corinthians) 5. We can take comfort when the need for school interven on occurs in acknowledging that God is sovereign over all things and that Jesus experienced suffering on our behalf.

6. God uses all situa ons for His purposes and our good even when we cannot see or feel that this is so (Rom 8) 7. We will aim to offer care, compassion, sensi vity and support to all members of the school community using as Jesus our role model for us to follow. (2 Corinthians) 8. Christ’s sacrifice is the highest price for every pleasure and the deepest comfort for every pain.

And we recognise: 1. That the no on of pastoral care for students must underpin the range of teaching and support tasks undertaken by teachers and administra on staff.

2. Student welfare refers to the mental, physical, emo onal and spiritual well-being of the student.

3. Providing a student welfare policy and programs are essen al as part of developing a sense of worth and fostering personal development.

Therefore we will: 1. Provide daily opportuni es to speak into children’s heart on how to be more Christ like.

2. Provide specific Pastoral Care/Devo ons classes in secondary school to address year group/stage specific issues through a Chris an worldview.

3. Ensure we monitor student wellbeing, par cularly across crucial transi onal periods of their life.

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Discipline policies This policy outlines the management of student behaviour within the Maitland Chris an School community.

We believe: 1. The one sovereign triune God, who has revealed himself through Christ and in his word the Bible, is the Creator, and Redeemer of the ordered world that he sustains moment by moment through his word of power (Hebrew 1:3).

2. Human beings are called to act in a stewardly manner towards each other and towards God’s crea on, according to God’s created norms. Due to the fallen nature of humanity, we excercise this stewardship imperfectly.

3. MCS devises (and revises) its policies and procedures to guide the life of our community under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and in the light of the laws and regula ons of New South Wales.God uses all situa ons for His purposes even when we cannot see or feel that this is so (Romans 8) 4. We are called to train up children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22) 5. We will aim to offer compassion, sensi vity and support to all members of the school community involved in poor behaviour choices as Jesus role modelled for us to follow. (2 Corinthians) 6. Christ’s sacrifice is the highest price for every pleasure and the deepest comfort for every pain. and we recognise: 1. It is in the best interests of children to have guidelines that help define boundaries within which every student is safe and free to be themselves.

2. That natural jus ce and procedural fairness must be afforded to students in all circumstances.

3. Behaviour management is about the training of and the development of self-discipline in each child, based not merely upon demonstra on of acceptable behaviour, but more deeply upon a heart change towards God and others upon which we seek behavioural change to be based.

4. Students, teachers and parents have rights and associated responsibili es as members of the Maitland Chris an School community. therefore we will: 1. Set expecta ons that are realis c and achievable for students taking into account each student’s individual needs.

2. Manage student behaviour in a way that is biblically founded, consistent, fair and impar al.

3. Separate at all mes the student (created in God’s image) from the behaviour (we all sin and in doing so we all fall short of the Glory of God).

4. Restore the student as a valued member of the Maitland Chris an School community as a priority.

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Corporal Punishment Disclaimer The corporal punishment of students at Maitland Chris an School is expressly prohibited.

In addi on, the school does not sanc on nor condone, either explicitly or implicitly, the use of corporal punishment by non-school persons (including parents) to enforce the school’s Behaviour Management Policy.

Grievance resolution policies The school’s approach to handling complaints and grievances is contained in the Communica ons Policy. It is based on the four following biblical principles: 1. Talk first with the person with whom you have a problem If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. Ma hew 18:15 2. If you can’t resolve the problem take a wiser person with you.

But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every ma er may be established by the tes mony of two or three witnesses. Ma hew 18:16 3. Only refer ma ers to a higher level when the prior steps have been tried.

If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; Ma hew 8:17a 4. Preserve unity as much as you on your part can do.

Be completely humble and gentle; be pa ent, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: Ephesians 4:2-3

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GENERAL REPORTS School-determined improvement targets 2014 / 2015 The following diagram represents an overview of the Strategic Planning framework for 2014 / 2015 and areas targeted for improvement / comple on:

Key ini a ves achieved in the 2014 school year include:

Spiritual • A endance at key Chris an educa on conferences and enhanced PD opportuni es for staff • Appointment of Part- me Senior Chaplain • Bookings for camp programs for High School for 2015

Academic • Successful Board of Studies Registra on and Accredita on process with approval to 2018 • Improved transi on arrangement for all students and classes communicated prior to end of year.

• Implementa on of first Na onally Consistent Collec on of Data • Improved metabling to support Literacy and Numeracy blocks in Primary • Implementa on of Ac ve Professional Por olios for staff aligned to BOSTES Teaching Standards • Implementa on of the 2014 Literacy / Numeracy Ac on plan (see school website) • Development of the 2015 Literacy / Numeracy Ac on plan (see school website)

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Physical • Comple on of 1 to 1 device rollout in High School • Internet upgrade from 20/0.5 speed to 50/50 speed • Upgrade of staff IT devices • Primary iPad Deployment at 1 to 4 ra o • Sustainable budget parameters and ra os for staffing.

• Improved School signage • Purchase of School buses

Social • Appointment of Community Rela ons Officer • Progress reports issued at end of term 1 • New Parents Dinners established • School Internet and Facebook presence significantly improved • Expanded MADD AS night format to engage the broader school

Significant progress has been made towards the following targets:

Spiritual • Templates more clearly outlining Chris an Curriculum content • Execu ve training in strengths and Peace makers • Improved student involvement in high school mission projects

Academic • Policy procedures updated and publically available.

• More effec ve implementa on of Individual Programs for students with disabili es.

• Increased student performance tracking via NAPLAN, PAT and other in house tes ng • Execu ve staff coaching towards effec ve educa onal outcomes.

Physical • Preliminary work towards ICT review in 2015 • Improved signage and school presenta on

Social • Key parent events to support school mission and ethos.

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Initiatives promoting respect and responsibility The school’s Behaviour Management Policy has been designed around the rights and responsibili es of the school community as a whole – students, teachers and parents. While indica ng always that each individual has certain rights within our society, the policy has emphasised that with each right exists a corresponding responsibility. It is our hope that by engendering such acceptance within the societal context of the school, students will be er be able to transfer these responsibili es into the broader community both now and in the future.

Parent, teacher and student satisfaction A comprehensive Community Health Audit was undertaken by Endeavour Community Rela ons and Development Pty Ltd at the end of the 2014 school year with results delivered to the School Board and management early in 2015. This report was a follow-up to the 2011/2012 report undertaken by the same company. The School Board, in conjunc on with management, is using the informa on provided in the report to further strengthen the vision and mission of the school whilst taking into account the careful feedback provided by the school community.

The outcomes of the report were shared as appropriate with the various segments of the school community during the first half of 2015. Parents were invited to a end a public mee ng with Endeavour CRD. Key findings of the report are outlined below.

Parent Sa sfac on Survey All parents in the school community were invited to take part in the Community Health Audit and 141 responses were received from parents.

The main reasons parents enrol their children at Maitland Chris an School are as follows: • Chris an Educa on • Compa ble worldview and values to that taught at home • Chris an environment • Good first impressions • Good reputa on • Affordable private schooling • Good academic reputa on • Small class sizes • Bullying issues at other schools Parents believe that the overall impression of the general community to the school is posi ve, that it is a caring school, has a strong Chris an influence, although the school is not well known in the broader community. They see their churches being suppor ve of the school and posi ve interac ons between church and school.

Average sa sfac on ra ngs: • Prep

-

96%

• Infants

-

87%

• Primary

-

80%

• High School

-

77%

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This compares favourably with the overall sa sfac on ra ngs of 79% in 2013 Parents see the schools greatest strengths to be: • Caring teachers • Good teachers • Good facili es • Student welfare • Chris an teaching and values • Principal and Deputy • Small size In indica ng areas for improvement parents indicated communica on, improvement of some noncommi ed staff, more resources for students with special needs, high school op ons and uniform consistency as the areas they believe most need improving.

The Chris an character and tone of the school were noted as being very posi ve, suppor ve and caring, clearly seen in the school, and evidenced by the care that students show for those around them.

Student Sa sfac on Survey As part of the Community Health Audit, Endeavour CRD focussed on the opinions of the senior students in 2014.

The majority of students were happy with their me at the school with a 78% ranking of the standard of educa on received at the school.

Students indicated caring teachers and rela onships as the strengths of the school. Areas they would most like to see work on include the Time of Praise at School (TOPS) / Chapel program, developing rela onships with some teachers and a variety of other ideas.

Staff Sa sfac on Survey All staff members were invited to par cipate in the Community Health Audit, with 45 staff members responding. The primary reasons that staff choose to work at Maitland Chris an School are that it is a Chris an School and they were called by God to teach at the school.

Staff believe the schools greatest strengths to be a caring environment for students, its Chris an ethos, caring staff, good resources and a good leadership team / Principal. The greatest challenges for staff are the speed of change and the impact that has had on staff morale.

Staff indicate that the school is pursuing improved academic perfomance as a strength based on data collected in the school.

In terms of preparing students to leave school with a sound Chris an Perspec ve, staff see this as con nuing to develop over recent years, that as a team they are striving to encourage and nuture the students in their care, and that Chris an Studies con nues to develop.The Chris an Character and tone of the school is also developing.

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FINANCIAL REPORTS

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ATTACHMENTS School’s Foundational Position Since the school’s incep on in 1983 the following statements outlining the Aims of the school and the school’s Statement of Faith have been adhered to. When people seek to join the school community as a member of staff, a family enrolling a child or as a member of the board, they are asked to indicate their agreement to these two statements.

Firstly it is important that all members of the school community understand and agree with the core purpose of the school.

Secondly, as a Chris an school with members of the school community coming from a wide variety of Chris an tradi ons, it is important that there is a statement of the core posi on that the school takes on spiritual understandings.

The Aims of Chris an Schools Chris an Schools are being developed to contribute to the educa onal facili es of the Commonwealth of Australia by establishing and maintaining, in such suitable places that may be thought convenient, preschools and primary, secondary and other educa onal ins tu ons of the highest standards for the purpose of achieving the objects hereina er men oned namely: (a)

To provide an educa on of high academic standards based on: • An acceptance of the lordship of Christ, and • An acceptance of the Bible as the revealed Word of God;

as these are defined in the Statement of Faith of the company. (b)

To provide an educa on that also: • Fosters self-discipline in the learner while teaching him to accept the discipline of the church which is the Body of Christ and to obey the laws of the Government.

• Develops the individuality of the learner and stresses the func on of the learner as a member of the Body of Christ and of the community.

• Trains the learner in the moral and ethical standards of the Bible as interpreted in the teaching of the New Testament.

• Develops the learner’s crea ve and cri cal abili es.

• Stresses co-opera on rather than compe on and fosters the development of the gi s, skills and abili es of the learner for the service of Jesus Christ in the Body of Christ and the community.

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The Statement Of Faith We believe in the Divine inspira on, the infallibility and supreme authority of the Old and New Testaments in their en rety and that the Holy Spirit so moved the writers that what they wrote are authorita ve statements of truth for all ma ers of faith and conduct.

We believe there is one God in whom there are three equal Divine Persons, revealed as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and who of His own sovereign will created the heavens, the earth and all that is contained within the Universe.

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the eternally exis ng, only bego en Son of the Father, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. As God He became flesh and dwelt among us; as man He was God. We believe all men are in a fallen, sinful and lost condi on through the rebellion of Adam and Eve, who were created without sin, and in this state of depravity are helpless to save themselves and are under the condemna on of God to eternal punishment in Hell.

We believe that the salva on from the penalty and consequences of sin is found only through the subs tu onary, atoning death and resurrec on of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We believe it is the Holy Spirit alone who convicts men of sin; leads them to repentance; creates faith within them and regenerates and fills those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord. It is the indwelling Spirit who bestows the Gi s of the Spirit and manifests the Fruit of the Spirit in the believer.

We believe Christ died for our sins, was buried and the third day rose from the dead; that He appeared to men who touched Him and knew his bodily presence and that He ascended to His Father.

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ will return in person with His saints and that the full consumma on of the Kingdom of God awaits His return.

We believe those who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit will receive a resurrec on body at the return of Jesus Christ and be forever with the Lord, while those who have not believed will be resurrected to stand at the Judgement Seat of God to receive His judgement and eternal condemna on to Hell.

We believe in the actual existence of Satan who is the father of all evil and opposed to God although ul mately subject to the purposes of God and des ned to be confined forever to Hell.

We believe the Church is the Body of Christ composed of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, which finds its visible manifesta on in the local community of believers and ministers through the co-opera ve exercise of God-given gi s by the en re membership. Each local community of believers is competent under Christ as Head of the Church to order its life without interference from any authority whether civil or ecclesias cal.* We believe there are two ordinances ins tuted by the Lord Jesus Christ: • Bap sm by immersion of all believers;* • The Lord’s Supper which is a memorial and proclama on of the Lord’s death un l He returns. (*Varia ons to these clauses will be accepted to allow for different convic ons about these two beliefs.)

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Mission & Vision Statements The school’s Mission Statement is a succinct statement devised by the school board some years ago to outline the school’s core purpose. This is supported by a Vision Statement which outlines key ways in which the school strives to achieve its mission.

School Mission Statement The school’s mission is to work in partnership with families and churches by offering a sound Christ-centred educa on which encourages the fullest possible development of the spiritual, academic, physical and social characteris cs of each child.

Vision Statement We believe that God has called Maitland Chris an School to be a school that: • Strives to develop individuals who are equipped to penetrate and impact the world by living • obedient and responsible Chris an lives as servants of Jesus Christ.

• Encourages children to strive towards excellence so that they may reach their full poten al in all • that they do.

• Helps each child to develop a realis c self-concept of who they are in Christ.

• Cares about children, helping to nurture them in their faith and guiding them towards spiritual • maturity, based on the knowledge and understanding of God and His Word.

• Strives to cater for each child’s abili es, needs and interests by providing them with opportuni es • to develop their gi s and talents.

• Assists children to understand the process of learning by teaching them the strategies to improve • their own learning skills.

• Prepares children to be competent communicators, able to verbalise, ar culate and think cri cally.

• Seeks to develop healthy inter-personal rela onships at all levels, considering them to be a vitally • important aspect of the school community.

• Aims for the highest possible quality in educa onal facili es, resources and staff.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • This report has been prepared by the school principal, Mr Geoff Peet, and the school business manager, Mr Stephen Tibbs.

• This report was made publicly available on the school’s website, www.maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au from 30.6.15.

• The full text of policies referred to in this report are available on request from the school office.

Maitland Chris an School 75-81 Chelmsford Drive Me ord NSW 2323 PO Box 618 East Maitland NSW 2323 Ph: 02 4933 7633 Fax: 02 4934 1120 oďŹƒce@maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au www.maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au ACN: 002 679 638 ABN: 72 162 995 104