Annual report 2015 by Maitland Christian School

The Education 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 identified 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 information about the school • student outcomes in standardised national literacy and numeracy testing • the granting of Records of School Achievement • results of the Higher School Certificate • professional learning and teacher standards • workforce composition • senior secondary outcomes • student attendance and management of non-attendance • retention of Year 10 to Year 12 (where relevant) • post-school destinations • enrolment policies and characteristics of the student body • school policies • school determined improvement targets • initiatives promoting respect and responsibility • parent, student and teacher satisfaction • summary financial information.

Table of Contents Introductory Reports Contextual Information About the School

Message from Chairman of Board of Directors

Maitland Christian School – Strategic Intentions 2015 – 2025

Message from School Principal

Message from Student Action Leadership Team (SALT)

Message from Mini-SALT (Student Action Leadership Team)

Student Reports General characteristics of the student population

Student attendance and management of non-attendance

Student outcomes in standardised national literacy and numeracy testing

Results of the Higher School Certificate

Granting of the Record of School Achievement

Senior Secondary Outcomes

Staff Reports Workforce Composition

Teacher Standards

Professional learning

Policy Reports Enrolment policies

School policies

Grievance resolution policies

General Reports School-determined improvement targets 2014 / 2015

Initiatives promoting respect and responsibility

Parent, teacher and student satisfaction

Financial Reports Attachments School’s Foundational Position

Mission & Vision Statements

Acknowledgements Maitland Christian School

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Introductory Reports Contextual Information About the School Maitland Christian School’s mission is “to work in partnership with families and churches by offering a sound Christ-centred education which encourages the fullest possible development of the spiritual, academic, physical and social characteristics of each child.” The school achieves its mission by offering a comprehensive academic program delivered in a climate of strong Christian values supported by effective behaviour management and pastoral care programs. Extra-curricular programs in areas such as music, sport and mission-based activities are also available. The school was commenced in 1983 by Metford Community Baptist 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 continues to be a ministry of the church but has expanded to include families from all Christian denominations. The school is autonomously governed by a board of directors and is affiliated with Christian Schools Australia. The school has been located in the East Maitland suburb of Metford since January 1991. The school’s facilities are of a high standard - all classrooms are air-conditioned, the school is wellappointed with computer technology and the school’s grounds are attractively presented. In addition, the school has daily access to the adjacent council oval, as well as daily access to Metford Community Baptist Church’s auditorium and indoor basketball hall. This is the third 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 Christian teachers who meet NSW Institute of Teachers standards. The school is due for registration and accreditation in the 2014 school year. At the time of submitting this report, the school had been recently advised that it has successfully completed this process and has been given maximum accreditation until the end of the 2018 school year. In the primary department there continues to be a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Maitland Christian School was included in the ‘Principals as Literacy Leaders’ (PALL) National Partnership in 2012 and has since been involved in a combined State Government Literacy Numeracy Action Plan (LNAP). This plan has resulted in targeted Literacy and Numeracy times which allowed for ongoing differentiated and targeted instruction of students. As well as undertaking Direct Instruction programs, investigation of evidence-based approaches to explicit teaching was also explored on a National and International level. The secondary department has all the benefits of being small in size but maintains a wide diversity in its curriculum offerings. Utilisation of high quality timetabling software has delivered excellent elective choices for students in a small school environment. In Stage 5 of schooling, students are able to choose two elective subjects. Combining year 9 and 10 students for elective classes is a well embedded practice. This continues to achieve a significantly

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improved subject choice for both year groups and also in 98% of students receiving the subjects they had chosen. 2015 saw a cohort of 14 students complete their HSC studies at Maitland Christian School, after a larger cohort of 21 students in 2014. For the 2015 Higher School Certificate, students were able to select subjects from a schedule of 17 two-unit subjects and 2 one-unit subjects, HSC students also have the opportunity to undertake Distance Education courses or T-VET courses via local TAFE colleges. In many HSC cohorts to date, students have appeared in the Band 6 Distinguished Achievers Lists with multiple students appearing in most years. A large year 11 cohort of 40 students was a record for the school. The school has a strong learning support program featuring an inclusive approach to supporting students through targeted differentiated learning programs and also within their mainstream classes. 2015 was the second year of involvement in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) which gives a greater number of students the recognition of areas for which they require support. The school plays an important role in the community by offering local families the opportunity for their children to receive a high quality academic education that is delivered within a framework of strong Christian values and principles.

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Message from Chairman of Board of Directors As the Board of Directors of Maitland Christian School we are very conscious of living out our school motto of “Do all for God’s Glory” and maintaining a focus on our core purpose of working in partnership with families and churches as we offer a sound Christ-centred education which encourages the fullest possible development of the spiritual, academic, physical and social characteristics of each child. The Board has met regularly throughout the year and has several sub-committees that have specific areas of focus that meet as required, these are: • Finance and Budget Committee – oversight of the budget and finances of the school – currently the school has financial reserves and is able to pay bills as and when they fall due. • Christian Content Committee – focusing on a biblical worldview in all aspects of the curriculum. • Governance Policy Review Committee. • Board Nominations Committee – focused on providing information and an outline of responsibilities of being part of the Board to prospective Board members – an information evening was held earlier in the year for prospective board members. • Principal Evaluation Committee – completion of the yearly appraisal of the Principal. • Risk and Audit Committee – maintenance of a risk management framework for the school from a corporate perspective. • Building committee – review of proposed building projects in the school.

School Pastor: God has blessed our search for a School Pastor. The role of the School Pastor has responsibility for the spiritual tone of the school and will work with staff and parents: providing specific pastoral support for staff, providing families with pastoral support as the need arises, providing a strong link to the churches represented in the school and ensuring the curriculum used in the school for all ages provides appropriate and comprehensive coverage of the Statement of Faith and presents a biblical worldview. This is a unique role to our school, please pray for our School Pastor.

2015: This past year has seen: • The annual Staff Dedication service held in February providing opportunity for the church to continue to pray for and support the school staff in their ministry at the school. • The completion of the Spiritual Climate Assessment with a visit from the President of the Association of Christian Schools International. • Development of a handout containing each Board Members profile – to put a face to a name for Directors on the School Board. • Continued meeting with members of the School Executive at each Board meeting to hear about their role and how we can pray and support them at the school. • A more formal approach to incorporating the mandatory training that responsible persons are required to do as part of registration as a school, this is accredited training required as

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part of the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES). • Approval for a building proposal for a senior student common room. • Regular School Information nights for new families to the school that outline our focus and purpose and explain our Statement of Faith. The year ahead will see the Board focusing on: • Working on recommendations from the Spiritual Climate Assessment • Performing a Board Appraisal to further develop our governance role, clarify the individual and collective roles and responsibilities of the directors and become more effective. • Exploring ideas around future planning and opportunities available to the school. • Continuing with the journey of doing all for God’s glory. In the midst of uncertainty in government funding, increased educational expectations and governance requirements, we have a hope, we have a future, as Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Please continue to pray for the school and staff as well as the Board that we may continue doing all for God’s glory.

Elizabeth Smith

Board Chairman Maitland Christian School

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Maitland Christian School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Strategic Intentions 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2025 Strategic Framework The strategic intentions of the Board of Maitland Christian School are guided and underpinned by: 1. Our Moral Owners (Metford Community Baptist Church) who continue to seek to glorify God, love and serve the community through the ministry of Maitland Christian School; 2. Our Constitution, Statement of Faith and Core Purpose which are central to work in partnership with families and churches as we offer a sound Christ-centred education which encourages the fullest possible development of the spiritual, academic, physical and social characteristics of each child; 3. Our Biblical values which are lived out, taught and promoted in our Christian learning community;

Strategic Intentions We pursue the following strategic intentions towards our vision and mission so that: 1. Our graduates will grow in maturity; being encouraged to live Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purposes for their lives, to respond to the gospel of Jesus and to have a Christian perspective that equips them to meet the challenges of the world; 2. Our staff capacity will continue to grow spiritually, professionally and relationally which will enable them to add significant value to the potential and learning experiences of the students; 3. Our resource sustainability will allow us to continue 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 outward-looking Christian educational community through significant partnerships with local, national and global communities; 5. Our governance will ensure we provide effective strategic and operational leadership to achieve our core purpose and to glorify God;

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Message from School Principal 2015 saw Maitland Christian School experience its 33rd year of operation. The K – 12 2015 student population on Commonwealth Census day in August was 524 students (282 primary and 242 secondary) in 24 classes. A four day a week Prep class for four year olds had 31 different students attending for between 1 and 4 days a week. In 2015 Maitland Christian School continued to pursue its mission to work in partnership with families and churches by offering a sound Christ-centred education which encourages the fullest possible development of the spiritual, academic, physical and social characteristics of each child.

Spiritual: • Governing Church - Maitland Christian School continues to be operated by its Company made up of members from the Metford Community Baptist Church. The church continues to pursue strong spiritual foundations in the life of the school, and prayerfully supports the school as well. The ongoing availability of church facilities to the school is a real blessing, as is the practical service by so many of the church members. • Chaplaincy –Andrew Sumpton continued in the part-time role of Senior Chaplain addressing areas such as spiritual tone of the school, spiritual and pastoral support of staff and students, development of the HS TOPS program, connections with local ministers and a number of other initiatives. Mr Jim Forbes continued in the role of School Chaplain, supporting the care and development of Primary students. • Mission – the Mission Week program for year 9 – 11 students continued to develop momentum with high levels of student engagement. Mission programs included: � Fiji – visiting villages and communities around the city of Suva to share the message of the gospel through music, drama, crafts, games and sport. The students also attended local bible-studies and church services. � Northern Territory – serving the community of Woolaning Homeland Christian College in the Litchfield National Park. Our students assisted with lessons, property work around the school and shared music, drama, games and sport with the students at WHCC who come from remote indigenous communities across the NT. � STUMP – working with the Salvation Army and serving amongst the homeless communities in inner-Sydney, whilst learning to appreciate the issue of homelessness and God’s work amongst these communities. � Bike and Hike – travelling from Wollongong Lighthouse to the Sydney Opera House across 5 days to raise money for Father O’Reilley’s Youth Off the Streets and Elim Kids. � Empowering – serving students in local schools with music, drama, games, sport and classroom programs. � Local ministry options – assisting with local opportunities here in the Maitland area and with environmental restoration work on Ash Island. • Camps – our camping program continued in Primary School, with a relocation of the Stage 2 camp to Toukley to allow further spiritual input for students. The reestablishment of camping programs for years 7 and 8 at the Anglican Youthworks camp sites at Port Hacking provided physical, social and spiritual challenges and opportunities. The year 9 caving and outdoor

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education camp combined with community service provided further growth and service opportunities for these students. • Christian Professional Development – The Christian Schools Australia NSW State Conference was attended by many of the staff for two days in the July PD week. At the same time a number of staff were able to attend the International Transforming Education Conference in Melbourne. These conferences allow input from national and international speakers as encouragement for staff in their ministry of developing distinctly Christian education. • Senior Christian Studies – the implementation of multiple teachers for senior Christian studies, allowing students to move through different topics with different teachers proved a positive initiative. • Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) – Maitland Christian School took part in the Spiritual Climate Assessment (SCA) with a team from ACSI in 2015. Along with Green Point Christian College on the Central Coast, our school was a pioneering school in the Australian context. This assessment involves both quantitative and qualitative input from the school community to examine the School’s effectiveness in the area of faith development amongst students. A pre-visit in July was undertaken before the full ACSI team undertook the SCA in September 2015. The information provided will continue to inform pathways and strategies to assist in faith development of students. • Engaged Schools Assessment - alongside the Spiritual Climate Assessment, Maitland Christian School also participated in the Engaged Schools Assessment, which is overseen by Chris Browne at Wheaton Academy in Chicago. This assessment helps to identify student’s faith development journey so that Christian Studies, devotions and other programs can be better targeted to support student growth and questions. • Christian Culture – a small team investigated a framework that could be used to assist in further bringing the School’s foundational statements to life. The New Hope International “Effective Teaching and Learning Series I” was selected as a handbook for Christian school culture and will be implemented with all staff in 2016. • Christian Curriculum – similarly a process to explore a tool to more effectively scaffold Christian curriculum was undertaken. The “Transformation by Design” curriculum development resource for Christian Schools was selected as a framework for further developing Christian curriculum moving forward. • Student Leadership – opportunities for growth of senior students and student leaders continue to be pursued. These include prime Christian leadership events such as Masterclass (run by the Bible Society), Stand Tall and the Newcastle Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast and associated School’s Leadership Forum. This is also supplemented by guest Christian speakers visiting the school such as Patricia Weerakoon who spoke to our high school students in various forums and also engaged with parents and the broader community.

Academic: • Prep – 2015 was the second year of the Prep program for four-year-old students at Maitland Christian School. As well as expanding to a four day a week program, the school readiness of our Kindergarten students is at an extraordinary level. • Literacy / Numeracy Action Plan (LNAP) – 2015 was the fourth year of involvement in the State Government funded LNAP. As a school we are starting to see more significant dividends in student learning across the school.. The 2015 plan saw the following key targets and strategies.

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� Further development of structured Numeracy blocks and improved strategies in the teaching of Numeracy. � Full implementation of the Mini-Lit program as a small group focussed approach to give students foundational phonics skills with all students completing the course in Kindergarten. � The introduction of the ‘Get Reading Right’ synthetic phonics program into Kindergarten and Year 1 � A visit to the high performing Dianella Heights Primary School in Western Australia to understand progress towards an Explicit Teaching framework for educational success. � Classroom based coaching of K – 6 staff in Literacy and Numeracy Instruction utilising Direct Instruction and Explicit Teaching techniques for Literacy and Numeracy Teaching. � Improved data gathering and analysis skills for Primary staff to support more effective teaching. • Explicit Teaching – broader development and training in the area of Direct Instruction and Explicit Teaching was undertaken by the school including: � Utilisation of an expert US based Direct Instruction (DI) Coach to develop staff and coaching capacity in DI programs. Evaluation of appropriate programs to further support student development in key areas of literacy was also undertaken. � Onsite training for all P – 12 staff on Explicit Teaching with the Principal and Deputy from Dianella Heights Primary School on the journey of developing a quality pedagogical framework. • Learning Support – developing improved approaches to supporting students including: � Further refining Individual Program (IP) development and understanding of learning needs across the school. � Refining the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) as part of the transition to (hopefully) better funding of students with disabilities. � Developing opportunities for Gifted and Talented students. • Australian Professional Teaching Standards – completion of the School based Active Professional Portfolio framework based on the APTS improved teacher understanding of these standards as the basis for quality teaching and learning.

Physical: • First Aid – staff training in First Aid was updated / reaccredited to ensure safe care of students. • Buses – the full branding of the school buses was completed for the start of the 2015 school year. Access to the buses has allowed improved educational outcomes for students. • Foyer – the property staff coordinated the renovations in the school foyer area, providing increased space of visitors to the school and greater functionality. • Shade Sail – the installation of the new shade sail funded by the Cancer Council and EFTPOS was able to be installed over the Music Room amphitheatre. • Uniform – a committee worked throughout 2015 to update the school uniform. A freshening

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of the formal uniform with improved use of school logo, along with a change of the sport uniform were the main features for a 2016 implementation. • Stage Curtaining – permission was given by the Metford Community Baptist Church for the installation of curtaining in the Church Auditorium to support Narnia the Musical and other performances in the future using this space. • ICT Review – funds available through the Association of Independent School allowed for an initial review of the School’s ICT framework by Combined Management Consultants (CMC). A follow up review of the School’s disaster recovery and backup plans was able to be undertaken by Dancrai Pty Ltd. The two reviews will inform improved processes in platform stability, backup and mobile device management (iPads). • Infants Grass Area – a reworking of the courtyard at the front of the school has made a lovely kikuyu area for Infants students to play on, as well as some tidying and lighting of the memorial garden for Daniel Neville. • Senior Kitchen Facility – with increased student cohort sizes, planning for a kitchen / social area for our year 11 students (to compliment year 12 facilities already in place) was undertaken in 2015. • Refrigerated Bubbler – thanks to the work of the team of volunteers who run the second hand uniform shop at the Metford Community Baptist Church, funds were able to be provided to refrigerate 5 of the bubblers and one tap near the Music rooms. This is an excellent resource in the warmer times of the year for student health and well-being. • Budget – with tighter economic conditions in the local area, God provided a positive budget outcome in what initially looked like a tighter budget circumstance. We give thanks and praise for this positive outcome. • Prospectus – a new school prospectus was completed in 2015.

Social: • Narnia – Narnia the Musical was a highlight in the History of the school. A significant production of over two hours, the production involved quality acting, costuming, sound and lighting. A cast of around 60 and a support team of around 40 meant the involvement of over 100 members of the school community. Feedback from audiences was very positive and the team involved deserve congratulations for a superb production. • Gallipoli 2015 – it was privilege to have Scarlett Budden and Mr Craig Shafer take part in the Hunter Schools trip to Gallipoli to commemorate the centenary of the ANZAC landing. As well, over 100 students were able to represent the school in the march and dawn service held at East Maitland, despite the flooding and effects of the super storm on April 21. • Community Health Audit – findings from the 2015 Community Health Audit undertaken by Endeavour Community Relations were shared with the Board, Executive, Staff and Parent community. • Parent Pedagogy tours – a number of information sessions / school tours were undertaken by our parents to help them understand the changes to pedagogy and improved student learning. Parents were impressed with the quality of teaching, student engagement and the research base behind our educational improvement program. • Advertising – a move to ongoing advertising with Rhema FM has helped to improve our presence amongst the Christian community.

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• Newcastle Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast – our school was a key sponsor of this event, supporting this interaction with the broader Christian community and giving our student leaders exposure to Christian community leaders and also the student leadership forum. • Grandparents’ Day – our annual grandparents day is much enjoyed and well attended by close to 400 grandparents.

Strategic Plan 2014 / 2015: 2015 saw the completion of the two-year Strategic plan commenced in 2014. An overview of the headlines of the plan are included below:

Key achievements of the plan include: • Improved Christian Curriculum perspectives in staff programs • Post Graduate studies in Christian Education by some staff • Ongoing fellowship with local Christian Schools via THACCCSA network • Appointment of part-time Senior Chaplain • Improved student discipleship through camps, mission and senior Christian Studies. • Executive work in Peacemakers • Successful Registration and Accreditation process until 2018 • Increased process to support students with disabilities • Exploration and implementation of ACSI Spiritual Climate Assessment and Wheaton Academy Engaged Schools Assessment

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• Executive leadership training, mentoring and classroom coaching of teachers • Use of Australian Professional Teaching Standards as a framework for staff development and growth • Improved Internet access • Rollout of 1 to 1 iPad deployment in High School • Rollout of shared iPad resources between Primary classrooms • Increased Digital Discipleship / citizenship training for High School students. • Undertaking of two key reviews into ICT platform • Development of sustainable budget parameters • Appointment of Community Relations Officer, improved signage and digital presence. • Closer links between Metford Community Baptist Church and Maitland Christian School. • High quality guest speakers to support mission and vision – Tim Challies, Patricia Weerakoon • Local Pastors breakfast and stronger church connections

Strategic Plan 2016 - 2018: As the previous strategic plan concluded, preliminary work on the 2016 – 2018 Strategic Plan was undertaken. The key elements of this plan are as follows:

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Some of the key elements of the plan will include: • Implementation of New Hope International Effective Teaching and Learning Series 1 as a Christian Culture and Learning framework • Evaluation of ACSI Spiritual Formation Assessment and Engaged Schools Assessment to target key strategies in developing faith formation and growth in students. • Implementation of Transformation by Design Christian Curriculum Framework • Developing strengths based leadership amongst leadership, staff and students • Further developing mission culture in years 9 – 11 and across other segments of the school • Explore opportunities to develop educational leadership to school communities in the developing world. • Implement a quality Explicit Teaching Framework • Target, implement and coach Explicit Teaching Strategies • Prepare and complete the 2018 Board of Studies Registration and Accreditation process • Improve the student IP process to be on a rolling 12-month basis. • Develop a coaching framework developed around the Australian Professional Teaching Standards and supported by the Silent Edge / Directional Talent Performance System • Training, development and implementation of Instructional Coaching

Yours in Christ,

Geoff Peet Principal

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Message from Student Action Leadership Team (SALT) In 2015, SALT (Student Action Leadership Team) saw its largest number of team members in several years. Thirty-seven enthusiastic students met weekly under the guidance of captains, Madeline Pauley & Lachlan O’Neil. Doing ‘All for God’s glory’ continued to at the heart of what students sought to achieve both individually and collectively. There was a transition of the leaders for the Mini SALT group as the current leaders mentored Bianca, Sam, Sophie & Katie with a vision of a hand over of leadership by the end of the year. Some of the activities undertaken by SALT included; • Colour Day was a vibrant celebration of colour and fun with students raising money to help beautify their school environment. • After school one afternoon the team along with staff helpers, Mr Shafer and Mrs Limon, frantically baked ANZAC biscuits. These biscuits were a part of a bake sale to raise funds for year 11 student Scarlett Budden to travel as part of a group to ANZAC Cover to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing. Elizabeth Reid drew a large map that outlined Scarlett’s journey and then students were able to pin poppies to this map to symbolise the journey our soldiers took. • Our School Captains attended a special evening hosted by the East Maitland Rotary Club where they had an opportunity to share about their school at a community event. The captains were able to network with captains from others schools and gain insight to other initiatives in their local area. • Many team members represented their school with pride at the Maitland ANZAC Service and East Maitland Dawn Service. SALT were at the forefront of encouraging their peers to attend and our school was represented with over 100 members of the school community. • Leadership opportunities 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. Stand Tall was this year held in the Hunter region with a range of youth speakers at the top of their field sharing how to lead others in a Christian manner. • Wrapping up the year SALT coordinated the collection of 45 Christmas Hampers for our local community. Team members, accompanied by their mini SALT colleagues then went around the neighbourhood spending time talking with our neighbours and sharing the love of Jesus with these offerings. Year 7 students took the lead with mapping out how the hampers would be distributed and where each group had to go. Students were very encouraged to hear the following feedback from one of our neighbours A lady called and said her neighbours were thrilled to receive a gift from the school and were very impressed with our young people. She wanted us to know it has given her opportunity to speak about Jesus and the church services. She also recounted how one of her neighbours is very timid and was so blessed by the hamper that she spent time talking and crying over our generosity. 2015 saw students continue to develop their leadership skills, work cooperatively 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 Action Leadership Team) In 2015, Mini-SALT (Student Action Leadership Team) consisted of 73 volunteer primary students from Years 3 to 6, including the school captains, to represent their student body. This large, enthusiastic group was divided into two teams, each serving for half of the year. They were led by high school SALT students: Matthew Betts, Katie Cox, Brianna Peet, Lily Sanders, Aiden Smith and Brodie Smith. The Mini-SALT teams looked for ways they could serve the school, local and world community. Some of the events Mini-SALT organised in 2015 were: • Colour Day: raised funds to make the school a brighter and more colourful place for all students, teachers and visitors. Students are making plans to ‘redecorate’ parts of the school, enhancing the appearance and bringing play areas to students. This will incorporate setting up a ‘Buddy Bench,’ which is a seat students can go to if they are looking for someone to play with. SALT and Mini-SALT organised fun activities on the day, including Minute to Win It games for high school, a jellybean guessing competition and fun activities for primary, and face painting for Prep. • Pizza Day: raised $1,000 in funds to contribute to a new Community/Evacuation Center in the Philippines called ‘Center for Change’. The Center for Change Village aims to improve the lives and future opportunities of the increasing number of street children in the City of Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines. We were privileged to have the Centre’s founder Margaret Pashley come and speak to primary students in TOPS during her very brief visit in Australia. • Christmas Hampers: All students from Prep to Year 11 were invited to bring in a grocery item to contribute to their class hamper. The Christmas hampers were delivered by SALT and MiniSALT students to the local community. The activity was based around the principle “love your neighbour as yourself.” (Matthew 29:39). • Weekly playground activities: Mini-SALT enjoyed playing with infants’ students, supervising chalkboard and bubble blowing activities each week. • School events: raising money for Scarlett Budden’s trip to ANZAC Cove, ANZAC Dawn and Remembrance Day services and Transition Day. It has been a privilege to serve alongside such an enthusiastic team of students and observe as they grow and develop skills in being the “salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13).

Mrs Kelly-Ann Cumming

Mini-SALT Coordinator 2015

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Student Reports General characteristics of the student population At the time of the 2015 federal census the school had 524 students in Years K-12. There were 283 primary students and 242 secondary students. There were 241 girls and 283 boys. In 2015 the school had 6 students enrolled who identified as indigenous students. In addition to this we also had 28 students in our Prep class.

Student attendance and management of non-attendance 2015 student attendances at a grade level are as follows:

The average student attendance for 2015 across the whole school was 92.63 %. When students are absent parents are notified 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 doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 information concerning student outcomes in standardized national literacy and numeracy testing can be found on-line at www.myschool.edu.au The school’s recent investment in developing effective approaches to Literacy and Numeracy instruction has seen dividends in the areas of Reading and Numeracy in particular. Writing results are a little lower as the intervention targeted the foundational Literacy skills to build a foundation for Writing success in the years ahead. Highlights of the school’s NAPLAN performances include: • Year 3 students are on average 4 scale points or 1% above state average in Reading • Year 5 students are on average 58 scale points or 12% above state average in Reading • Year 5 students are on average 15 scale points or 3% above state average in Writing • Year 5 students are on average 12 scale points or 2% above state average in Spelling • Year 5 students are on average 25 scale points or 5% above state average in Grammar & Punctuation • Year 5 students are on average 19 scale points or 4% above state average in Numeracy • Year 7 students are on average 13 scale points or 2% above state average in Reading • Year 9 students are on average 10 scale points or 2% above state average in Grammar & Punctuation An excellent range of above average growth was spread across all year groups as follows: • Year 3 2013 to year 5 2015 growth is on average 16 scale points or 21% above state average growth in Reading • Year 3 2013 to year 5 2015 growth is on average 17 scale points or 28% above state average growth in Writing • Year 3 2013 to year 5 2015 growth is on average 2 scale points or 2% above state average growth in Reading

• Year 5 2013 to year 7 2015 growth is on average 14 scale points or 32% above state average growth in Reading • Year 5 2013 to year 7 2015 growth is on average 15 scale points or 29% above state average growth in Spelling • Year 5 2013 to year 7 2015 growth is on average 12 scale points or 31% above state average growth in Grammar and Punctuation • Year 5 2013 to year 7 2015 growth is on average 20 scale points or 38% above state average growth in Numeracy

• Year 7 2013 to year 9 2015 growth is on average 8 scale points or 20% above state average growth in Reading

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• Year 7 2013 to year 9 2015 growth is on average 3 scale points or 10% above state average growth in Spelling • Year 7 2013 to year 9 2015 growth is on average 14 scale points or 49% above state average growth in Grammar and Punctuation • Year 7 2013 to year 9 2015 growth is on average 7 scale points or 14% above state average growth in Numeracy As socio-economic status is an indicator of likely NAPLAN performance, the My-School website contains an Independent Coefficient of Socio-economic Advantage (ICSEA) for each school. Hence a measure of student academic performance versus comparative schools (Government, Catholic and Independent) in the area is helpful to see relative performance to other schools ranked by Socio Economic Status. Year 3 2015 ICSEA (Rank) Reading MCS

1047

(8)

434

Writing (8)

375

Spelling (12)

402

Numeracy

(7)

Grammar & Punctuation 430 (8)

Numeracy

(5)

Grammar & Punctuation 533 (1)

Numeracy

(7)

Grammar & Punctuation 549 (5)

Numeracy

(9)

Grammar & Punctuation 581 (6)

404

(6)

Year 5 2015 ICSEA (Rank) Reading MCS

1047

(8)

560

Writing (1)

498

Spelling (2)

518

517

(5)

Year 7 2015 ICSEA (Rank) Reading MCS

1047

(7)

562

Writing (7)

507

Spelling (7)

546

550

(5)

Year 9 2015 ICSEA (Rank) Reading MCS

1047

(7)

576

Writing (8)

515

Spelling (10)

576

594

(6)

Maitland Christian School’s ICSEA of 1047 is ranked 8th amongst the comparative Primary Schools and ranked 7th amongst comparative High Schools. Hence a score above this ranking is a positive indicator (marked in Green). Results in year 5 are exceptional with the class average ranking as the best in the area of Reading and Grammar / Punctuation. Results in Numeracy are above ICSEA ranking at all year levels. Across all grades, 55% of results are above the relative ICSEA for our school, 25% are at the comparative ICSEA rank for the school and 20% below

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Results of the Higher School Certificate Fifteen candidates sat for the 2015 Higher School Certificate. A total of 20 courses were delivered at school: Ancient History, Biology, Chemistry, Community & Family Studies, English (Advanced), English (Standard), English Extension 1, English Extension 2, Food Technology, Industrial Technology, Legal Studies, Mathematics, General Mathematics 2, Mathematics Extension I, Mathematics Extension II, Music, PDHPE, Physics, Visual Arts. Early Childhood Education and Care was studied via TAFE. Several students also studied the non-ATAR Sport, Lifestyle & Recreation course. A comparative study of Higher School Certificate results over the past four cohorts reveals the following data: 2-unit courses

2012

2013

No. of Students

% in Bands 4/5/6

MCS

2014

No. of Students

State

% in Bands 4/5/6

MCS

2015

No. of Students

State

% in Bands 4/5/6

MCS

No. of Students

State

% in Bands 4/5/6

MCS

State

Ancient History

33%

54%

50%

61%

67%

61%

33%

61%

Biology

44%

63%

33%

68%

33%

68%

50%

60%

Business Studies

100%

67%

50%

66%

50%

66%

Chemistry

60%

71%

73%

14%

73%

CAFS

100%

68%

67%

66%

67%

66%

50%

65%

82%

Drama Economics (D.E)

100%

72%

Engineering Studies

100%

64%

English (Standard)

14%

51%

34%

42%

English (Advanced)

67%

89%

14%

86%

14%

86%

25%

91%

Food Technology

90%

68%

60%

55%

Industrial Technology

40%

62%

Information Technology

100%

57%

Legal Studies

40%

General Mathematics

Mathematics

100%

60%

100%

60%

75%

55%

69%

100%

70%

100%

70%

68%

60%

51%

13%

42%

13%

42%

13%

50%

64%

79%

33%

77%

33%

77%

75%

81%

Modern History

25%

74%

Music

100%

90%

100%

88%

PDHPE

57%

63%

80%

59%

80%

59%

40%

62%

Physics

60%

67%

66%

60%

66%

Studies of Religion II

20%

72%

SDD

40%

57%

67%

65%

67%

65%

Visual Art

100%

89%

67%

88%

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1-unit courses

2012

2013

No. of Students

% in Bands 2/3

MCS

2014

No. of Students

State

% in Bands 2/3

MCS

State

2015

No. of Students

% in Bands 2/3

MCS

No. of Students

State

% in Bands 2/3

MCS

State

English Extension 1

94%

English Extension 2

100%

82%

Mathematics Extension 1

33%

85%

Students sat for a total of 70 examinations for 2-unit Board-Developed Courses and 1 examination for a 1-unit Board-Developed Courses with the following band percentages: Band E4 (0%), Band E3/E4 (100%), Band 6 (0%), Bands 5/6 (7%), Bands 4/5/6 (37%) and Bands 3/4/5/6 (85%). Average marks of 80% or higher we achieved in Music (83%).

Granting of the Record of School Achievement Several students from Year 10 and Year 11 at Maitland Christian School chose to depart the education system at the end of 2014 and were eligible to receive their RoSA at that point in time but did not request the awarding of their RoSA at that time.

Senior Secondary Outcomes In 2015 6.66% (1 student) of Year 12 students were undertaking vocational or trade training.

Retention of Year 10 to Year 12 and post school destinations At the end of 2015 a total of 25 students left the school in Years 10, 11 and 12 for the following destinations: Year 10 4

Attend another school University TAFE/apprenticeship 1 Other post-school training Workforce Move interstate/overseas 1 Total departures 6

Year 11 2

Year 12 4

1 8 1 14 25

For 2014â&#x2020;&#x2019;2015 the retention rate from Year 10 to Year 11 was 87%. For 2014â&#x2020;&#x2019;2015 the retention rate from Year 11 to Year 12 was 84%.

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Staff Reports Workforce Composition In 2015 the school had a total of 69 staff with FTEs (full-time equivalents) as indicated: 8 K-12 teachers (7 full-time and 1 part-time) 7.8 FTE 17 primary teachers (14 full-time and 3 part-time) 15.2 FTE 21 secondary teachers (15 full-time and 6 part-time) 19.2 FTE 23 ancillary staff (10 full-time and 13 part-time) 19.4 FTE Total = 61.6 FTE The schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive structure in 2015 was:

P-12 executive positions: Principal, Deputy Principal, Business Manager, Welfare Co-ordinator

(boys), Welfare Co-ordinator (girls), Learning Support Co-ordinator, Professional Development Co-ordinator, Christian Perspectives Co-ordinator, Senior Chaplain.

K-6 executive positions: Administration Co-ordinator, Curriculum Co-ordinator. 7-12 executive positions: Curriculum Co-ordinator, Administration Co-ordinator. Several staff members have indicated that they have an Indigenous heritage.

Teacher Standards All teachers at Maitland Christian School are committed Christians of evangelical protestant persuasion who subscribe to the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Statement of Faith (see attached). They are committed to teaching from a Christian worldview perspective. All 46 teaching staff members have teaching qualifications from a higher education institution within Australia or as recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) guidelines. There are no teachers on staff who lack formal teacher qualifications. A summary of teaching qualifications are listed below: Qualification

Number

Advanced Certificate in Christian Education

Bachelor of Applied Science (Nursing)

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Computer Science

Bachelor of Design (Industrial)

Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies

Bachelor of Economics

Bachelor of Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Bachelor of General Studies

Bachelor of Health and Physical Education

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Bachelor of Human Movement Science

Bachelor of Laws

Bachelor of Music

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Teaching

Certificate - Introduction and Application of Calculus

Certificate - Fashion Teachers Course

Certificate II in Information Technology

Certificate III in Business Administration

Certificate III in Information Technology

Certificate in Christian Education - An Introductory Course in Education from a Christian Perspective

Certificate in Teaching Early Reading More Successfully

Certificate in Theology - Doctrine 1

Certificate in Theology - Introduction to the Bible

Certificate in Theology - Old Testament 1

Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training

Certificate IV in Freelance Photography

Certificate of Attainment - Professional Competence Level "Hope for the Future"

Certificate of completion - Discipleship & Ministry

Certificate of Ministry

Certificate of Ministry - Module 2

Certificate of Theology - Introduction to the Bible

Certificate of Theology - New Testament 1

Certificate - Practical Business Accounting

CSA Child Protection Investigator Training

Department of Education and Training Teacher's Certificate

Diploma in Divinity and Mission

Diploma in Education

Diploma in Teaching

Diploma of Education

Diploma of Financial Planning

Diploma of Theology 2

Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies

Graduate Certificate in Management

Graduate Certificate in Personnel Management

Graduate Diploma of Education

Master of Education (Educational Leadership)

Master of Education (Information Technologies)

Master of Leadership and Management in Education

Master of Teaching (Secondary)

NSWIT Certificate of Accreditation at Professional Competence

Preliminary Theological Certificate

Teachers Certificate

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Professional learning Maitland Christian School is committed to providing Professional Development for all members of Staff in order to enhance their opportunities for learning and/or train them in procedures, techniques and teaching practices which culminate in a better learning environment for the students. The School is also registered as a Teacher Accreditation Authority (TAA) under the NSW Teachers Institute. As part of the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment, it supported members of staff participating in a good number of Professional Development activities during 2015. These included school based in-service courses as well as many external courses and conferences. Extra training and development for executive and teaching staff formed part of the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in the Literacy / Numeracy Action Plan. Overall, the staff of Maitland Christian School attended a wide range of courses during 2015, 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 school-based development days; the latter included a two day CSA State Conference at which staff from NSW CSA schools attended and a three day ITEC15 International Transforming Education Conference at which staff from Christian Schools from across Australia attended. Across the 2015 year 72 staff members took place in external professional development for a total of 2603 hours of external PD or an average of 36 hours per staff member. The average amount invested in external staff professional development was $1210.00, which only includes actual course costs and does not consider travel, meals, accommodation and costs to employ relief staff on these occasions. This was complemented by in house professional development activities, staff meeting and professional partnerships as well. Professional development opportunities were utilised to support and embed the 2015 strategic plan. An overview of Professional Development courses attended includes: Event Name

No. of Staff

Aboriginal Educators

AIS Lynelle Campbell Mathematics Consulting

AIS Lynelle Campbell Mathematics Training

AIS Lynelle Campbell Mathematics Sessions 1-6

AIS Lynelle Campbell Mathematics for Year 1

AIS Lynelle Campbell Mathematics for Year 2

AIS Music Teaching

AIS Senior Executive PD

AIS Teacher Accreditation Briefing

Assessing Students Writing

Behaviour Management

Bus Driver Training

Bus Driver Training - MR Licence

CAFS Inservice

Christian Schools Library Conf.

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CSA NSW Meeting

CSA NSW Teachers Accreditation Meeting

CSA NSW State Conference

CSA State Council Retreat

Dianella Heights School Visit

Distance Education

Donna Dressman Coaching Session 1

Donna Dressman Coaching Session 2

Donna Dressman Coaching Session 3

Economics Business Educators

Excelsior TAS Christian Worldview

Executive Coaching with Linda Lenord

Executive Coaching with Lynne Stone

Get Reading Right Partial Training

Get Reading Right Training

Get Reading Right Training Session 2

Get Reading Right Training Session 3

Heavy Vehicle Driver Training

HSC Marking

HSC Marking for Mathematics

Inhouse Feedback

International Transforming Education Conference 2015

Lawsense Seminar

LNAP Comprehension

LNAP Conference

LNAP Data Entry

LNAP Numeracy

LNAP Observation

LNAP Observations in High School

LNAP Online Continuum

LNAP Peer Comprehension

LNAP Peer Reading Visit 1

LNAP Peer Spelling and Comprehension Visit

LNAP Text/Comprehension

LNAP Training (Anita Chin)

Maitland Child Safe WWCC

Managing Risk in Schools

Math Conference

MCBC Conference

Memory Matters

Minilit Training

MR Licence

NCCD Training

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New Hope International - Effective Teaching

Newcastle Library Conference

NZ Study Tour

Provide Advanced Resuscitation

Provide First Aid Course

Science Assistants Day

St Johns Advanced Resuscitation

Stepping Stones Training

Sue Larkey's Autism/Aspergers

Synthetic Phonics Training

Teaching Reading and Writing

Teaching Struggling Students Mathematics

THACCCSA Conference at Green Point

Uplifting Leadership

Using the RTI Model for Numeracy

Writing Success

WWCC In Sport

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Policy Reports Enrolment policies The Maitland Christian School is a major ministry of the Metford Community Baptist Church and was established in 1983 to be a partnership between Christian parents, school and church to educate the students with a Christ-focussed perspective and prepare them for being a part of the Australian community. The school primarily enrols children from families who are regular attendees of protestant evangelical Christian Churches and encourages all parents to be actively involved in the school community and in the education of their child/ren. The school will work towards building a culture where there is a 75% significant majority by 2018 of church attending families in the school and may refuse enrolment of new families who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attend a Christian church to maintain this objective. Siblings of children already enrolled will not be refused enrolment based on the majority of church attending families being maintained. In the event that classes are approaching capacity, children and grandchildren of members of the Metford Community Baptist 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 attending family is defined as one having at least 1 parent attending an evangelical protestant church at least twice per month and confirmed by a letter from the Minister/Pastor of the church being attended. Children and parents from families who do not regularly attend a Christian church, or who attend 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 satisfaction of the School Principal and the Metford Community Baptist Church Pastor. The parents must give unqualified support to the school for the curriculum used and the methods used in the education 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 times by visitation to the home when the whole family is present. For those families where there is no church attendance, the understanding of the Christian faith can only be achieved by both parents attending all of a series of classes run by the Metford Community Baptist Church which presents the main features of the Christian faith. The classes will be run at specific times 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 situations where the parents do not attend an evangelical Christian church, enrolment will only be received on condition that the Christian Faith classes run by the Metford Community Baptist Church will be attended 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 termâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notice if attempts by the school to improve the situation prove unsuccessful.

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Enrolment of children from a family where at least one parent is a regular attending member of the Metford Community Baptist Church will be given a 10% discount each year off the standard tuition fees for each fee paying child enrolled. Enrolment of children where at least one parent is a regular attendee of the Metford Community Baptist Church, but not a member, will be given a 5% rebate on application each term off the standard tuition fees for each fee paying child enrolled. Regular attendance is defined as 3 times per month on average and will be on a term by term basis. The Pastor of the church must approve the application on each occasion. Enrolment of children of an employee of the Maitland Christian School will be given a discount off the standard tuition 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 attendees of the Metford Community Baptist Church the discounts/rebates are accumulative. Enrolment of all children is conditional upon the timely payment of school fees and enrolment may be withdrawn if a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education 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 conditions of assistance and outcomes agreed will be treated in confidence.

Prerequisites for continuing enrolment As per the Maitland Christian School Enrolment Policy, families must continue to support the mission, vision, aims and objects of the school. Families must also abide by the Maitland Christian 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 contacting 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 Christian 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 Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creation, according to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 regulations 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 intervention occurs in acknowledging that God is sovereign over all things and that Jesus experienced suffering on our behalf. 6. God uses all situations 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, sensitivity and support to all members of the school community using as Jesus our role model for us to follow. (2 Corinthians) 8. Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sacrifice is the highest price for every pleasure and the deepest comfort for every pain. And we recognise: 1. That the notion of pastoral care for students must underpin the range of teaching and support tasks undertaken by teachers and administration staff. 2. Student welfare refers to the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of the student. 3. Providing a student welfare policy and programs are essential as part of developing a sense of worth and fostering personal development.

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Therefore we will: 1. Provide daily opportunities to speak into children’s heart on how to be more Christ like. 2. Provide specific Pastoral Care/Devotions classes in secondary school to address year group/ stage specific issues through a Christian worldview. 3. Ensure we monitor student wellbeing, particularly across crucial transitional periods of their life.

Discipline policies This policy outlines the management of student behaviour within the Maitland Christian 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 creation, 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 regulations of New South Wales.God uses all situations 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, sensitivity 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 justice 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 demonstration 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 responsibilities as members of the Maitland Christian School community.

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Therefore we will: 1. Set expectations that are realistic 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 impartial. 3. Separate at all times 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 Christian School community as a priority.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT DISCLAIMER: The corporal punishment of students at Maitland Christian School is expressly prohibited. In addition, the school does not sanction 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 Communications 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. Matthew 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 matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Matthew 18:16 3. Only refer matters to a higher level when the prior steps have been tried. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; Matthew 8:17a 4. Preserve unity as much as you on your part can do. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, 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 introduction to the report celebrated many of the achievements of the past 12 months at Maitland Christian School. 2015 saw the completion of the two-year strategic plan put in place at the commencement of the 2014 school year. A great number of targets were completed and embedded into the culture of the school.

Key initiatives achieved across the 2014 / 2015 strategic plan include:

Spiritual • Improved integration of Christian content into teaching programs • A number of staff completing post-graduate courses in Christian Education • A small team of staff members under taking New Hope International Training in transformative Christian education. • Attendance at the Christian Schools THACCCSA Conference 2014 along with other Christian Schools from Taree, the Hunter and Central Coast • Attendance at NSW Christian Schools Australia State Conference in Newcastle in July 2015 • Attendance at the International Transforming Education Conference in Melbourne in July 2015 • Appointment of a part-time Senior Chaplain to support the development of the School’s spiritual focus. • Implementing camps for years 7 and 8 based at the Anglican Youth Department in sites on Port Hacking with a distinct spiritual focus.

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• Implementing the year 9 outdoor education camp at Bungonia aligned with community service placements with a mission focus. • Further development of the year 10 and 11 mission program with visit to Fiji, Northern Territory, Sydney homeless communities, local schools and community needs. • Staff training in “Your Christian School as a Community of Grace” • Executive team training in Hermann Brain Institute

Academic • Successful Board of Studies Registration and Accreditation process with approval to 2018 • Improved transition arrangements for students from year to year • Improved process of IP development and revision for students with disabilities • Implementation of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) process for students with disabilities. • Use of online PAT testing and better data tracking of student performance. • Ongoing involvement in the NSW Government’s Literacy and Numeracy Action Plan to develop high quality outcomes in Literacy and Numeracy: ДД Structured Literacy and Numeracy blocks ДД Realigned school table to support effective morning learning times ДД Improved data handling and analysis ДД Leadership training and development ДД Partnering with high performing schools to develop explicit teaching and instructional coaching frameworks. • Utilisation of Australian Professional Teaching Standards to support staff improvement framework • Improved change management capacity and understanding.

Physical • Improved internet access (microwave at 50/50 speed) • iPad rollout to all senior classes. • Primary iPad deployment in shared class arrangements • Undertaking of funded ICT reviews in conjunction with the Association of Independent Schools to review overall framework and then subsequent improvement in disaster recovery and backup. • Further developing financial sustainability framework • Appointment of Community Relations Officer • Improved Signage and visual presentation of the school • Updated website • Active Facebook page and presence with significant community following • Installation of new Shade Sail via successful Cancer Council / EFTPOS grant

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Social • Appointment of Community Relations Officer • Improved Internet and Facebook presence • Addition of term 1 progress reports for closer interaction with parents. • New parents dinners to welcome families to the MCS context • A successful MADD night with close to 1000 people in attendance in 2014 • An exceptional production of Narnia the Musical in 2015 with four performances and 100+ members of the school community involved in the project. • Stronger connections with church pastors through breakfasts and input into the school • School connection with Metford Community Baptist Church through combined breakfasts and events. • Parent and community meetings providing input with expert speakers such as Brett Ryan (Focus on the Famliy), Tim Challies and Patricia Weerakoon • Undertaking a communications survey with Endeavour Community Relations and Development to develop improved clarity.

Initiatives promoting respect and responsibility The school’s Behaviour Management Policy has been designed around the rights and responsibilities of the school community as a whole – students, teachers and parents. While indicating 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 better be able to transfer these responsibilities into the broader community both now and in the future.

Parent, teacher and student satisfaction Students indicated caring teachers and relationships 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 relationships with some teachers and a variety of other ideas. Maitland Christian School’s mission is to work in partnership with families and churches by offering a sound Christ-centred education which encourages the fullest possible development of the spiritual, academic, physical and social characteristics of each child. Satisfaction surveys have been conducted via a number of forums in the past few years. The 2013 Annual Report utilised a school-based survey. The 2014 Annual Report satisfaction data was taken from a comprehensive Community Health Audit undertaken by Endeavour Community Relations & Development. In 2015, the services and expertise of the Association of Christian Schools International were utilised to undertake a Spiritual Climate Assessment: A Spiritual Climate Assessment is based on ethnographic research methodology. Ethnography is a qualitative research methodology that comes from the anthropological tradition of illuminating patterns of culture through immersion in the field by collecting data primarily through participant observations and interviews (Glesne, 2006). In ethnography, primary data

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collection requires researchers to be immersed in the social environment, (Whitehead, 2005) focusing on the perspectives and words of participants. Researchers put aside prior theories and assumptions in order to let participants and the data “speak” to them, allowing themes, patterns, and concepts to emerge. The accounts, descriptions, and analyses expressed in terms of categories (or themes) are regarded as meaningful and appropriate by members of the group being studied (Lett, 1990). Strengths noted in the report included: • Maitland Christian School has a caring community where teachers and staff make an effort to know, nurture, and care for students and families.   • There is a clear commitment by the entire school community in maintaining a Christ- centred focus.   • Cross-cultural experiences, community outreach, and service provide some students with tremendous opportunities for spiritual growth and putting faith into action. Many students shared that these experiences were meaningful and contribute to their faith development. MCS should look for ways to expand these programs school- wide and find tangible and practical ways to involve all students (in all grade levels) at some level within your school.   • Staff devotions and prayer each morning is important for many school staff members. Continue to make this a priority, and look for additional ways to build an even stronger sense of community among your school staff. • The School encourages parental involvement • Biblical framework where students learn about the Bible, what it means to be a follower of God and opportunities for students to pursue a vibrant relationship with Him • Staff and students feel they have trusted friends and colleagues. • The school provides an environment of care and nurture for students where teachers also share their faith with students. • The staff regularly pray for students and families. • Staff are growing in their faith because of their involvement in the school. • The school provides opportunities for students to interact with those different than themselves. Areas to work towards improvement in included:

Students • Ensure that helping students discover what God wants for them and how to live a life of sacrifice remains a priority • Teaching students about holiness and actively pursuing godliness. Christian students are looking for this guidance and not just hearing the gospel over and over again. • Freedom for staff to put the spiritual needs of students before their academic, not just as a treat. • More opportunities for students to share their faith, care for others (particularly those different than themselves) and preparing students to engage using biblical principles and actions in real-life situations. Helping students to think and do.

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Staff • Management of change with: ДД Prioritising what is most important ДД Ensure care for staff in the process ДД Help manage busyness so that it doesn’t impact spiritual formation. ДД Ensure steps to restore our “first love” As part of the Spiritual Climate Assessment, staff, student and parent responses were combined to give a grade ranking on the school’s ability to develop faith. Over 50% of indicated this as being above or well above average and 89% of families rated this as a ‘pass’ or higher. Well Above Average 32 10%

Above Average

Pass

Below Average

128 42%

104 34%

34 11%

Well Below Average 9 3%

Parent Satisfaction Survey All parents in the school were invited to undertake a quantitative survey and a broad selection of parents were involved in small group based qualitative analysis. 67 parents responded to the survey. The time that these respondents have been involved as parents in the school is given below.

Key strengths that parents noted include: • This school encourages family involvement in the various activities of the school • The school helps my child understand more about the Bible • This school helps my child understand what it means to be a follower of God

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Responses to key questions are as follows:

Student Satisfaction Survey 189 students from Years 7-12 answered the responded to the survey. The time that these respondents have been students in the school is given below.

Key strengths that students noted include: • I have trusted friends at this school I can talk to if I have problems. • Teachers and school staff freely share their own personal struggles, challenges, and successes of their faith journey. • This school helps me to understand what it means to be a follower of Christ. • This school provides opportunities to interact with people who are different than me (race, worldview, ethnicity, educational needs, etc.)

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Staff Satisfaction Survey All staff members were invited to participate in the Community Health Audit, with 45 staff members responding. The primary reasons that staff choose to work at Maitland Christian School are that it is a Christian 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 Christian 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 Christian Perspective, staff see this as continuing to develop over recent years, that as a team they are striving to encourage and nuture the students in their care, and that Christian Studies continues to develop.The Christian 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 inception 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 Christian school with members of the school community coming from a wide variety of Christian traditions, it is important that there is a statement of the core position that the school takes on spiritual understandings.

The Aims of Christian Schools Christian Schools are being developed to contribute to the educational facilities of the Commonwealth of Australia by establishing and maintaining, in such suitable places that may be thought convenient, preschools and primary, secondary and other educational institutions of the highest standards for the purpose of achieving the objects hereinafter mentioned namely: (a)

To provide an education 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 education 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 function 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 creative and critical abilities. • Stresses co-operation rather than competition and fosters the development of the gifts, skills and abilities 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 inspiration, the infallibility and supreme authority of the Old and New Testaments in their entirety and that the Holy Spirit so moved the writers that what they wrote are authoritative statements of truth for all matters 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 existing, only begotten 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 condition 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 condemnation of God to eternal punishment in Hell. We believe that the salvation from the penalty and consequences of sin is found only through the substitutionary, atoning death and resurrection 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 Gifts 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 consummation of the Kingdom of God awaits His return. We believe those who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit will receive a resurrection 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 condemnation to Hell. We believe in the actual existence of Satan who is the father of all evil and opposed to God although ultimately subject to the purposes of God and destined 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 manifestation in the local community of believers and ministers through the co-operative exercise of God-given gifts by the entire 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 ecclesiastical.* We believe there are two ordinances instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ: • Baptism by immersion of all believers;* • The Lord’s Supper which is a memorial and proclamation of the Lord’s death until He returns. (*Variations to these clauses will be accepted to allow for different convictions 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 education which encourages the fullest possible development of the spiritual, academic, physical and social characteristics of each child.

Vision Statement We believe that God has called Maitland Christian School to be a school that: • Strives to develop individuals who are equipped to penetrate and impact the world by living • obedient and responsible Christian lives as servants of Jesus Christ. • Encourages children to strive towards excellence so that they may reach their full potential in all • that they do. • Helps each child to develop a realistic 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 abilities, needs and interests by providing them with opportunities • to develop their gifts 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, articulate and think critically. • Seeks to develop healthy inter-personal relationships at all levels, considering them to be a vitally • important aspect of the school community. • Aims for the highest possible quality in educational facilities, 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 30.6.16. • The full text of policies referred to in this report are available on request from the school office.

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