10 minute read
THEME 12: STUDENT/PARENT/TEACHER VOICES
We believe that as Orthodox Christians we have a responsibility to love and respect all people protect and sustain the natural environment and all living things
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The programs of the Junior School centre around our Orthodox values, cross curricular priorities and general capabilities and, are embedded in our units of work. In this report we wish to share with you two initiatives that we are extremely proud of.
FUTSAL GALA DAY
To further develop the Australian identity and to celebrate what unites us as Primary School students, our Sports coordinator Mrs Diavatiotis hosted a Futsal Gala Day for interested Independent Schools. 20 teams entered from 11 different schools including girls and boys teams. Not only was the tournament filled with impressive group performances and and camaraderie amongst the children. healthy competition but also, great community spirit
As part of our commitment to Live, Life Well at School
initiative, the Junior School has planted small herb and veggie gardens with particular grades. This year, thanks to our Kipos coordinators, Mrs Alaydrus and Mrs Anastasopoulos, we
secured an Environmental Grant
of $3000 from Randwick Council. The Junior School students contributed their ideas to the project and the teachers created the submission. After testing what grows and how well it grows, the Junior School will work with parents and interested community members to bring to life a sustainable garden for children from K –6 to enjoy in 2020.
Mrs Alaydrus and Mrs Anastasopoulos received an Environmental Grant of $3000 from Randwick Council.
Student Principle 7: We believe in the sacredness of human life and the dignity of every human person
RESPECT AND UNDERSTANDING DAY
Twenty-six Year 9’s from our School along with students from Galstaun College, Moriah College, St Pauls College, Australian Islamic College, Stella Maris College and AIA Kellyville, representing the Jewish, Catholic and Muslim faiths joined together for the annual Respect, Understanding and Acceptance Day (RUA). In previous years this day was held at the Jewish Museum. This year our College was the venue and we were the hosts.
It was an exciting, jam packed day filled with a variety of activities. Mixed groups were created at the onset, consisting of representatives from each of the seven participating schools. This gave everyone the opportunity to discuss and share ideas about our world and in the process learn about each other’s cultural and religious beliefs and values. Students enthusiastically mingled and made new friends appreciation of the diversity within our rich multicultural society and our schools. while gaining a deeper
Hosting RUA day also enabled our students to take visiting students and their teachers on a tour of the school pointing out features that highlight our values and beliefs. Thanks to our Year 9 Food Technology students and their teachers Ms Yiannaros and Mrs Grillakis (Curriculum Leader), our guest enjoyed lenten koulourakia and fanouropita muffins while also learning a little about our religious practises at this time of year.
Some of the key messages taken away from this day included: RACISM is a destructive force that needs to be addressed and diminished, and that difference should not be feared, instead it should be respected, understood, accepted and celebrated. The world and our immediate society are made up of a plethora of groups. Sometimes as a result of ignorance and stereotypical views, confusion and false ideas are formed. However, when students from different backgrounds are given the opportunity to interact and on days such as this, they realise that they have many similarities and shared beliefs, and this unite them.
THEME 12:
STUDENT VOICES PARENT VOICES TEACHER VOICES
Introduction
In 2019, the Board of Governors commissioned an independent, confidential 'experience' survey of all school parents (K –12), staff and students (Years 6 to 12) as part of our commitment to continually monitor and improve the quality of education we provide to our students.
This information provided the College with important research-based information for the operational and strategic plans and continual improvement program.
A total of 281 parents, 349 students and 50 staff completed the survey.
The surveys were extensive and covered in excess of 300 aspects in relation to education at the College.
Meeting & Exceeding Expectations –Parents, Staff & Students
A key measure for the College is to monitor the level that school stakeholder's expectations are being met across key reasons for choosing a school.
Parents
For example, in relation to the quality of teaching, noted by parents as being the most important area for choosing a school, 80% of parents noted their expectations were met/exceeded.
1. 2.
3. 80% of parents’ expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the quality of teaching 81% of parents’ expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the focus on student wellbeing, providing a safe and caring environment 88% of parents’ expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the academic standards
Staff
1. 2.
3. 100% of staffs' expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the quality of teaching 94% of staffs’ expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the focus on student wellbeing, providing a safe and caring environment 100% of staffs’ expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the academic standards
Students
2019 St Spyridon College Parents - Expectations Met/Exceeded - Top 10 (n=281) 2019 St Spyridon College Staff - Expectations Met/Exceeded - Top 10 (n=50)
1. 2.
3. 88% of students' expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the quality of teaching 86% of students’ expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the focus on student wellbeing, providing a safe and caring environment 96% of students’ expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the academic standards
Open Responses
Parents, staff and students were asked to provide open responses to the most valued aspects of St Spyridon College. The most frequently nominated aspects are:
Parents
Staff
2019 St Spyridon College Senior School Students Top 10 (n=308) 2019 St Spyridon Parents - What do you value most about your - Expectations Met/Exceeded association with the School? Top 5
Educational & Financial Reporting 88% 86% 96% School community \NESA Annual Report 201 94% 97% 8 93% 93% 97% 63 94%
Greek culture/Orthodox tradition
Students
The professionalism and enthusiasm of the teachers and other school employees, my child making progress and loving the school, a nice welcoming atmosphere. A huge ‘thank you’ to all the staff for the hard work you do!
Being part of an inclusive, safe learning school community with student's having social skills, respect, empathy, and reaching their own full potential.
The connection to our Greek heritage and faith. Knowing that my children are in safe hands with their teachers.
In general, there is a wonderful sense of community. The cultural events bring the school together and enrich the student’s pride and connection to who they are. I also believe the school is lucky to have a great P&F who do so much to bring the school community together. I’m also very appreciative for the Heads of our two colleges. They are always approachable, warm and nurturing towards the students but still enforcing discipline.
I can see how much love and dedication the whole school community has towards the college. It’s a place that I am sure my children will grow and develop into great human beings.
There seems a great sense of community. I have been incredibly impressed by office staff - they have been kind, and helpful - a fair deal more than other schools that I have dealt with. I am grateful for their support and approachability
2019 St Spyridon Staff -2019 St Spyridon Students - What do you value most about your association with the School? Top 5
I am proud of the Greek culture and traditions that my daughter has been involved with. Also, I am happy with the learning, leadership and community opportunities that she had embraced during her time at the college.
We have been greeted with the utmost respect during our Junior years at the school and would highly recommend.
That they are a Greek Orthodox School and this allows 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation kids born in Australia to have ties back to Greece by learning the culture, the language, the dancing and the religion.
Students are well educated, staffs and parents are friendly, together provide a good environment to all students.
I value the sense of family and community the College provides its students. I value the fact that our students are nurtured and leave us ready in mind, body and soul to take on the world in which we live in. I value the strong connection to faith which is supported by events in our Orthodox church and events such as the Parish Pilgrimage to Greece.
I value the way the College acknowledges the work we provide to our Leaders of the College, as we always get praised and said a "thank you" at the end of the day. This really makes a difference when leaving work after a very long, sometimes stressful day. This is why i love working here.
Everything. I am proud to be employed by the College as it is an excellent school with vision and leadership. The Parish is also very caring and supportive.
That I work for a school that values education but also values the development of the whole person. I genuinely feel that our school places so much value on the academic, cultural, spiritual and pastoral development of all our students. I feel that our leadership team is incredibly fair- both to staff and students. They value their staff and are incredibly supportive.
The education of my children and the friendships they had made. The sense of community and friendships. Overall my work experience has been positive.
I value all lessons, subjects and sport. I love sport and having a variety to play for makes me satisfied.
How close everyone is at the collage / the respect of the students / the respect of the student to the teachers / the respect of the teachers towards the students.
that we are surrounded by Christians and warm hearted people! Greek means a lot to me, the culture language and everything about, I love being Greek and sharing my culture with
