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North Star Public School Annual School Report

School Motto: Learning to live

2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS Our School at a Glance Messages

Principals message P&C message Student representatives message 2 2 2 3 4 4 4

School Planning 2012-2014 About this Report School Contact Information

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School Content
Student information Student enrolment profile Student attendance profile Class sizes Structure of classes Staff information Staff establishment Staff retention Teacher qualifications Financial summary

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School Performance 2011

Achievements 6 Academic The Arts, Sport and other school programs Minimum Standards 11 Significant programs and initiatives 12 Aboriginal Education Multicultural Education Country Areas Program Student welfare Literacy and numeracy support Best Start Kindergarten Homework Centre Enrichment Parents and Community Progress on 20 11 targets 16 Key evaluations 16 Parent, student and teacher satisfaction 18 Professional learning 19

Our school at a glance Students

Our enrolment at the end of 2011 was 34 students. Term 1, 2011 began with a K-2 class of 10 students and a Years 3-6 class of 24 students. In Term 4 there was a K-2 class of 13 students and a Years 3-6 class of 21 students.

Significant programs and initiatives

The school ran a number of programs in 2011 to give students extra educational support. These were: Aboriginal Education Program Multicultural Education Program Country Areas Program Student Welfare Program Literacy and Numeracy Support Program Best Start for Kindergarten Program Homework Centre Enrichment Program

Student achievement in 2011

Literacy and Numeracy NAPLAN Year 3
In 2011 all five students in Year 3 undertook the NAPLAN assessments in literacy and numeracy. The small size of the Year 3 group prevents the making of generalised statements about the groups performance.

Literacy and Numeracy NAPLAN Year 5

Staff
In 2011 our staff included a principal, a part-time relieving principal on one day per week, a classroom teacher and two casual teachers who shared the part-time, library and teacher release components of our staffing entitlement. A new permanent classroom teacher, Mr Michael Sky, was appointed in Term 2. We had three part-time administrative and support staff. A part-time teachers aide was employed in Term 3. All staff met the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.

In 2011 all eight students in Year 5 undertook the NAPLAN assessments in literacy and numeracy. The small size of the Year 5 group prevents the making of generalised statements about the groups performance.

Messages Principals message

The Annual School Report (ASR) is the means by which parents and community members gain further insight into the daily activities of the school, celebrating the richness of life in our public schools today. The goal is to help all parents and community members engage more fully with their childrens school. Eric Jamieson, Acting Director, Educational Management and School Accountability.

Mrs Sue Nixon, Mrs Kylie Pearlman and Mr Michael Sky Absent: Mrs Marian Thatcher, Mrs Jane Bush

Our school is caring and supportive, providing an enjoyable, stimulating and challenging environment. We continually strive to ensure that our students receive a high quality education. Students are encouraged to care about their schoolwork and each other and to strive to reach their potential. Our teachers aim to give students the best possible opportunities in academic, cultural, sporting and social areas. We are proud of the achievements of our students in the International Competitions and Assessments

for Schools (ICAS), in the Arts, in sport, in public speaking, and in their involvement in community activities. The highlight of 2011 was the major excursion which saw Mrs S Nixon, Mr M Sky and parents taking all Years 3-6 students to Sydney. There was great excitement when our athletics relay team won the gold medal in the Nigel Bagley Small Schools Relay at the State Athletics Carnival. Congratulations Charlotte, Jake, Matthew and Dougal. During 2011 our Year 6 students Charles, John, Charlotte and Jake set an excellent example to the younger students. My very best wishes go with them as they enter Year 7 in 2012. It is most rewarding to hear about the successes of our former students at high school, boarding school, university and in the workforce. I applaud the strong partnership between the school and parents and thank the Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) for their continued help and support in the effective running of our school. I thank our staff for their contribution to our students and school. Their generous team work, shared values and high expectations help to make North Star Public School a happy and rewarding place for everyone.

P & C message
This is my first year as president of the P & C so I feel I must thank the past executive for the wonderful groundwork they put into making many of this years achievements become reality. Here is a brief summary of the work that the parent community invest into our school on top of managing their jobs and their families. North Star P & C members have been extremely active to say the least catering has been our thing this year with the Macintyre Cross Country, the North Star Trail Ride in conjunction with the Pony Club, the North Star Campdraft, Sandy Doolins Garden Days and the High Tea. P & C members have run meat raffles, hundreds boards, pie drives and sold many raffle tickets. We have also sold and packaged North Star tea towels, bottled water and now the eagerly anticipated recipe book. We ran the Mother's and Father's Day stalls, made lots of coffee and donated the health packs for Years 5 and 6. The P & C members have raised considerable funds for the school which include covering the cost of the swimming bus, contributing to teacher aide time, as well as a significant contribution to the Sydney excursion. Parents and grandparents have provided classroom support in reading. To the Canteen Supervisor Mrs K Owen and the parent volunteers who assist to run the canteen thank you for providing not only a healthy canteen menu but a valuable and significant contribution to P & C initiatives. It is imperative to acknowledge and thank those people who have provided support to the P & C over the past year. Firstly, the staff of the North Star Public School for your continued support of the P & C. We also acknowledge the contributions made by Nufarm, B and W Rural North Star, the North Star Sporting Club and Incitec. The P & C would like to make special mention of the Sporting Club for giving us the opportunity to fundraise, cater and assist at Club functions this year, a true example of community strength. I would also like to thank the great team that makes up the P & C executive. Working with

Mrs Thatcher with Gabby Prosser, Cleo Hardcastle and Anna Wells

I certify that the information in this report is the result of a rigorous school self-evaluation process and is a balanced and genuine account of the schools achievements and areas for development. Marian Thatcher

positive, forward thinking and helpful people makes the job much easier. The P&C is comprised not only of a dedicated executive but is fortunate to have the regular and skilful support of many other parents and community members. There are too many people to mention but please know that your contribution this year is valued highly and appreciated by all. The North Star school community is saying goodbye to two families Barry and Vicki Goodfellow, and David and Jenny Raleigh, who have contributed to the school over a number of years. We are very lucky to have the North Star Public School as a dedicated community which embraces the objective of making the school the best it can be, so the children get the best out of their time whilst at school. The working relationship between the school and the P& C is very cohesive and this allows the North Star Public School to prosper and be a huge asset in our community. Christina Smith P&C President

School context Student information

It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all students must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies.

Student enrolment profile

Our average March student enrolment 2007-2011 is 40, with numbers declining each year. Gender Male Female 2007 26 21 2008 27 17 2009 24 16 2010 22 14 2011 21 12

Improved seasonal conditions and employment opportunities saw an increase in enrolments in Semester 2, 2011.

Student attendance profile

Our Semester 1, 2011 attendance rate was 94.0% which was above the attendance rate for the region (92.9%) and a little below that for the state (94.3%). Our average Semester 1 attendance rate for 20072011 is 94.0%.
Student attendance rates
100

Student representatives message

The highlight of the year for us was the school excursion to Sydney. We really enjoyed Sydney Tower, the museums, Opera House, Parliament House, Fort Dennison and the zoo. During the year there were many activities which we enjoyed A-Day, Questacon, CWA International Day, Open Day, the Currabubula Small Schools Art Show, the Macintyre Young Writers Competition, the Fun Day and Year 6 Farewell. Our school was involved in many sports, including athletics, swimming, Fleming Cup tennis and the Small Schools Soccer Knockout. Our relay team won the Small Schools Relay at the state athletics and we were proud of them. The new library is very nice and we like having lessons there. We are looking forward to being buddies with the new Kindergarten children and reading to the Tharawonga students in 2012. Year 5 students

Attendance rate

75 50 25 0 2008 School 2009 2010 Year 2011

Region

State DEC

Non-attendance is managed by the school in the following ways. Parents are advised to phone the school or write a short note explaining their childs absence. A staff member will phone the childs family if the child is absent and the school has not been notified.

All absences are recorded on the childs HalfYearly and Yearly reports to parents. A comment is recorded if there have been too many absences. A follow-up phone call to parents is also made. The Home School Liaison Officer is informed if a child is often absent without good reason. Excellent Attendance certificates are presented at our Annual Presentation Day.

In 2011 our teaching positions were filled by fulltime, part-time and casual staff. The principalship was shared with a relieving principal on one day per week. Staff establishment The school had 2.436 teaching positions allocated at the beginning of 2011. The teachers were supported by several casual teachers, a part-time school administrative manager, a part-time school learning support officer (funded by CAP, the P&C and school savings), a part-time teachers aide (Term 3) and a part-time general assistant.
Position Principal Classroom Teachers Teacher Librarian Part-time Teacher Number 1.0 1.0 0.084 0.168 0.084 0.1 2.436 Number 0.696 0.2 0.896

Class sizes
Primary class sizes are included in the annual school report in order to provide parents with as much local information as possible. The following table shows our class sizes as reported at the 2011 Class Size Audit conducted on Monday 21 March 2011.
Roll class K12 K12 K12 3456 3456 3456 3456 Year K 1 2 3 4 5 6 Total per year 4 5 1 6 4 9 5 23 10 Total In class

Teacher Relief from Face to Face School Learning Support Coordinator Total Teacher entitlement Position School Administrative Manager

Structure of classes
In 2011 there were two composite classes Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 and Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. The School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) assisted the Kindergarten group with reading on seven days per fortnight. This was successful as the four students received an excellent foundation in phonics, reading and spelling. On three mornings per week, from 9.30-11.00am, Years 3 and 4 worked together with the classroom teacher while Years 5 and 6 worked with the parttime teacher. The groups were reversed each term. This was successful as it allowed smaller groups for spelling and maths, and gave the students the benefit of more individual attention.

General Assistant Total Non-Teacher Entitlement

The National Education Agreement requires schools to report on Indigenous composition of their workforce. There were no indigenous staff members.

Staff retention
Our Years 3-6 teacher Miss J Wilson was transferred at the end of 2010 after three years at North Star. A new permanent Years 3-6 teacher commenced at North Star during Term 2, following merit selection interviews. All other teaching staff from 2010 were retained in 2011.

Staff information
It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all staff must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies.

Teacher qualifications
All teaching staff met the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
Qualifications Degree or Diploma Postgraduate % of staff 100 42

School performance 2011

The school is proud of the academic, cultural and sporting achievements of its students.

Achievements
Academic
In the National Assessment Program, the results across the Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 literacy and numeracy assessments are reported on a scale from Band 1 to Band 10. The achievement scale represents increasing levels of skills and understandings demonstrated in these assessments. Yr 3: from Band 1 (lowest) to Band 6 (highest for Year 3) Yr 5: from Band 3 (lowest) to Band 8 (highest for Year 5) Literacy and Numeracy NAPLAN Year 3 The small size of the group in 2011 prevents the making of generalised statements about the groups performance. All parents have received a written NAPLAN report about their childs performance. Literacy and Numeracy NAPLAN Year 5 The small size of the group in 2011 prevents the making of generalised statements about the groups performance. All parents have received a written NAPLAN report about their childs performance.

Financial summary
This summary covers funds for operating costs and does not involve expenditure areas such as permanent salaries, building and major maintenance.

Date of financial summary: Income Balance brought forward Global funds Tied funds School & community sources Interest Trust receipts Canteen Total income Expenditure Teaching & learning
Key l ea rni ng a rea s Excurs i ons Extra curri cul a r di s s ecti ons

30/11/2011 $ 17034.24 50131.50 31604.76 24440.07 1040.44 4153.40 0.00 128404.41

Library Training & development Tied funds Casual relief teachers Administration & office School-operated canteen Utilities Maintenance Trust accounts Capital programs Total expenditure Balance carried forward

19634.14 12736.74 6074.44 624.09 60.16 30884.39 1327.20 21681.00 0.00 12268.06 3835.27 11322.43 0.00 120447.92 7956.49

Progress in literacy and numeracy

The small size of the group prevents the making of generalised statements about the groups performance. Parents of Year 5 students have received details of their childs progress in the written NAPLAN report.

The Arts, sport and other school programs

Our school received $2000 which was held in trust for the Country Areas Program (CAP). $1607.27 remains in trust for this program. The remaining balance brought forward contains $318.85 for our Year 6 Farewell lunch. A full copy of the school's 2011 financial statement is tabled at the annual general meeting of the P&C. Further details concerning the statement can be obtained by contacting the school. The school provides opportunities for its students to participate in writing, art, music, dance and drama. Writing In September students from K-6 entered narratives, digital stories and poems in the Macintyre Young Writers Awards. Charlotte Raleigh, Matthew Price, Dougal Coleman, Ben Owen, Will Donaldson and Sophie Coleman won major awards.

Heidi Mills won a highly commended award. The K-2 students wrote and illustrated Mr Lumpys Outing stories for the digital entries section. James Williams, Henry Smith, Sam Owen, Roderick Stephens and Jack Doolin won major awards. Highly commended awards went to Skye Williams, Melika Williams, Cleo Hardcastle, Nickolas Williams, Gabby Prosser, Anna Wells and Connor McIntosh. Years 3-6 students regularly wrote reports for the school Bulletin as well as writing for the class blogs.
See also ICAS Writing results P. 9 and Progress on Targets P.16

Music In May, the school travelled to Goondiwindi to participate in the Hubbub Sound Playground. They were joined by Tharawonga Preschool children and their parents. They had great fun making wonderful music together. The musical instruments were made out of recycled plastic drums, tubes, car wheel hubs and other objects.

Art All students from K-6 entered the Currabubula Small Schools Art Show. In Stage 3 Coloured Presentation, Charlotte Raleigh came second and Matthew Price came third. In Stage 1 Coloured Presentation, Anna Wells was awarded a commendation and Sam Owen gained an encouragement award. In Stage 2 Design, Emma Weatherall won an encouragement award. Gabby Prosser came second in Stage 1 Design. Cleo Hardcastle, Roderick Stephens, Henry Smith, James Williams, Sam Owen, Anna Wells, Nickolas Williams, Connor McIntosh and Jack Doolin all gained encouragement awards in Stage 1 Design.

James Williams, Ben Owen and Matthew Price

Years 3-6 students sang Family of Me on Open Day. The K-2 students sang Christmas carols in their play The Nativity, at our school concert. Drama In June Aditi and Her Rickshaw visited the school. Aditi told and performed stories from India, China and Nepal. The children were fascinated by her performance.

Nickolas Williams, Cleo Hardcastle, Sam Owen, Henry Smith, Roderick Stephens, , Anna Wells, Gabby Prosser and Jack Doolin

Mr and Mrs J Cowell visited the school in May with their Sketch and Scripture Outback Patrol. Mrs Gwen Cowell, a talented artist, sketched Australian animals while the students watched.

Aditi and her Rickshaw

All students took part in the Open Day Book Character Parade.

Sport
Sport is held high on the schools list of priorities. A wide range of sports and related activities are provided by the school for the students. Healthy competition, maximum participation, fitness and above all good sportsmanship are encouraged and promoted. In 2011 the whole school participated in:

Year 1 Book Parade Characters

weekly physical education lessons; Friday afternoon sports; daily jogging sessions in Terms 2 and 3; school athletics and swimming carnivals; Jump Rope for Heart; and intensive swimming lessons.

The year began with swimming carnivals. Charlotte Raleigh, Jake Donaldson, Dougal Coleman and Will Donaldson went on to Sydney to compete in the Peter Dobson Small Schools Relay team. Charlotte Raleigh was chosen to go to State for individual swimming events. Term 1 saw the Moree Zone selection trials for a number of different sports. Charlotte Raleigh was selected in soccer, netball and later in the year touch football. Charlotte represented the North West Area at the State Carnivals in netball and touch football. Jake Donaldson was selected to represent the Moree Zone in soccer. John Goodfellow, Jake Donaldson, Charles Goodfellow, Wyatt Laidlaw and Dougal Coleman were selected in Rugby Union. John Goodfellow and Jake Donaldson went on to represent the North West Area at the State Carnival in Rugby Union. Athletics carnivals were held at the end of Term 2 and throughout Term 3. Our students competed in the Macintyre, Moree Zone, North West Regional and State Carnivals. Following their success at the Regional Athletics Carnival Charlotte Raleigh and Matthew Price were chosen to compete in individual events at the

Dougal Coleman, Matthew Price and Jake Donaldson

K-2 presented the play The Nativity at our annual school concert. The play The Grinch Who Stole Christmas was presented by Years 3-6. Dance On Open Day K-2 performed the dance Rig a Jig Jig for the visitors

Sam Owen and Cleo Hardcastle

State Athletics Carnival in Sydney. Charlotte was in the high jump and discus while Matthew was in the discus event. Travis Mills and John Goodfellow were selected to represent the Moree Zone in tennis at the North West Tournament. North Star boys combined with Yetman boys to play soccer in the Soccer Knockout Competition. The boys trained together every Friday afternoon. The team advanced to the semifinals before losing to Ben Venue Public School from Armidale. In Term 2 Sophie Coleman, Ben Owen, Dougal Coleman and Charlotte Raleigh represented the Moree Zone in cross country at Coolah in the North West Area Carnival. Our students are wonderful ambassadors for our school but there is always one moment that stands out and this year it was our Small Schools 100m Relay Team. Charlotte Raleigh, Jake Donaldson, Matthew Price and Dougal Coleman won the gold medal in the Nigel Bagley Small Schools Relay at the State Athletics Carnival at Homebush in Sydney.

In September the school nominated two teams in the Fleming Cup Tennis, a tournament for primary schools within an 80 km radius of Goondiwindi. Travis Mills, John Goodfellow, Charlotte Raleigh and Kara Andrews won the tournament and brought home the coveted Fleming Cup.

Travis Mills, John Goodfellow, Charlotte Raleigh and Kara Andrews with the Fleming Cup

Our sporting calendar concluded with a week of intensive swimming lessons which proved a challenge this year with all the wet weather. The school swimming carnival was held on the last day of term. At Presentation Day Charlotte Raleigh was awarded the Ray and Stella Thatcher trophy for her outstanding participation and success in sport in 2011.

Other International Competitions

In 2011 students from Years 3-6 participated in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) tests. They undertook the Science, Computer Skills, Writing, Mathematics, English and Spelling Competitions. Altogether they were awarded three distinctions and seventeen credits. Distinctions were awarded to: Charlotte Raleigh science Ben Prosser science and maths Credits were awarded to: Charlotte Raleigh maths Ben Prosser computer, English, spelling, maths Matthew Price English, spelling, science, maths Ben Owen science, writing , maths
Matthew Price, Dougal Coleman, Charlotte Raleigh and Jake Donaldson

Sophie Coleman spelling, writing, science Emma Weatherall English, spelling The 18 students from Years 3-6, who participated in the ICAS competitions and won twenty awards between them, are to be commended.

the sea-life wonders of Manly Oceanworld; the infotainment provided by visits to the Powerhouse and Maritime Museums, the latter including the opportunity to explore a warship and inspect a submarine; and our extended stay at Taronga Zoo due to a day of protest around Parliament House in Macquarie Street, our intended destination around lunchtime. We were greeted at Parliament House by our local member Mr Richard Torbay who invited us to witness a speech he was about to make in the lower house. Years 3-6 and Mr Sky Sincere thanks must go to our accompanying parents, without whom the excursion could not have been possible. Also ensuring the success of the trip, generous financial assistance was given by Nufarm, Incitec, the North Star School P & C and the school. This allowed the excursion to be affordable for all students.

ICAS competition participants

Public Speaking All students in Years 3-6 prepared a speech on a multicultural topic and presented their speeches to the class. Four students were selected to participate in the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition in Inverell. Charlotte Raleigh and Dougal Coleman competed in the Years 5 and 6 section, while Emma Weatherall and Ben Owen competed in the Years 3 and 4 section. Major Excursion Every two years North Star Public School undertakes a major excursion to a destination that provides both an educational opportunity and the chance for our students to experience part of the wider world. This year our excursion took us to Sydney and it was, in the words of one of our students, The best excursion Ive ever been on. As we all travelled back from Sydney we reflected on what had certainly been a busy, exciting and definitely fun week. From dodging the crowds, a definite change from the placid North Star streets, to visiting a range of iconic attractions and enlightening institutions, the students absorbed and were left in wonderment at the stunning array of sights. Highlights included the eye-catching 3D I-max movie Born to Be Wild; the sunset and the emerging cityscape viewed from Sydney Tower;

Years 3-6 in Sydney

Sophie Coleman

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Special Celebrations On Anzac Day North Star students took part in the local North Star march and memorial service. Jake Donaldson lowered and raised the flag. John and Charles Goodfellow laid a wreath at the Anzac Gates. Parents and the local community were most appreciative of the schools involvement.

Minimum standards
The Commonwealth Government sets minimum standards for reading, writing, grammar and punctuation, spelling and numeracy for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The performance of the students in our school in the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy is compared to these minimum standards. The percentages of our students achieving at or above these standards are reported below.
Percentage of Year 3 students achieving at or above minimum standard (exempt students included)

Reading Writing Spelling Grammar & Punctuation Numeracy

North Star and other students on Anzac Day 2011

100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Year 6 students led the simple and dignified Remembrance Day Ceremony at the school. The students spoke about WW1, the poppies, the Ode, the flag and the minutes silence. K-2 students made poppies for everyone to wear and Years 3-6 recited the poem In Flanders Fields.

Percentage of Year 5 students achieving at or above minimum standard (exempt students included)

Reading Writing Spelling Grammar & Punctuation Numeracy

100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

North Star students on Remembrance Day 2011

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Significant programs and initiatives

In 2011 our school ran important programs and initiatives to support its students.

and everyone received special certificates in recognition of their contributions.

Aboriginal Education
Our school continues to provide programs and experiences designed to teach students about Aboriginal history, cultural and contemporary Aboriginal Australia. In June the school attended the A-Day and NAIDOC Week School Activities Day at Toomelah Public School. They joined activity groups with students from several schools to made art works, throw spears at targets, play games and make Johnny cakes.
North Star CWA Branch International Officer, Mrs Ros Smith

Harmony Day was celebrated this year with art and craft activities and a friendly game of cricket. The school continues to support our foster child Nimrot Manu, a boy from Indonesia, under Plan International Australia. Once again this year students from Years 3-6 entered the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition.
See Public Speaking p. 10

Country Areas Program (CAP)

A-Day 2011

The Macintyre Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming Carnivals, and Moree Zone sports trials and carnivals provided opportunities for staff, students and their families to participate together in friendly days. Our School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) gave additional help in reading and maths to all targeted students. In Term 4 this help was also given at our Homework Centre after school on Thursdays.

CAP provides funding to enable students from isolated areas to participate in various programs undertaken within the school or if appropriate between schools to address the effects of geographic isolation and improve student outcomes in literacy and numeracy. In 2011 CAP supported a Kindergarten transition program, an oral language program and a phonemic awareness program which provided improved educational outcomes and opportunities for our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students. The Kindergarten students settled in well and quickly adjusted to new school routines. The Waddington Reading and Spelling assessments in November showed that K-2 students had made impressive progress. CAP also assisted with the cost of the coach travel of the Years 3-6 major excursion to Sydney in September. Our P&C President, Mrs Christina Smith, was our CAP school community representative.

Multicultural Education
Each year the school joins with our local Country Womens Association (CWA) to learn about a new country and its culture. This year the CWA country of study was Iceland. K-2 students used the internet to watch documentaries about Icelands animals and volcanoes. Years 3-6 students researched information for their projects. They learned more about Iceland from the Branch International Officer, Mrs Ros Smith. The students posters and projects were on display

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Student Welfare, Respect and Responsibility In 2011 we worked hard to ensure that our students were safe, happy and well-behaved and that they received recognition for their achievements. Students were often reminded of the Golden Rule Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The importance of kindness, respect, honesty, inclusion, responsibility and good sportsmanship were values which were discussed regularly. A teacher met the buses every day to ensure students arrived safely at school. Bus drivers were asked about students behaviour and this was followed up at school. Our playground was closely supervised. Every afternoon teachers supervised students who were boarding the buses and those who were walking home. Staff members hold current Senior First Aid certificates and also participated in a CPR course. In Term 4 the Tharawonga preschool students who were starting Kindergarten in 2012 visited the school on several occasions and spent time in the K-2 classroom. They also attended the special Kindergarten Orientation Day. Each Kindergarten student was paired with a Year 6 buddy. There were many buddy activities during the year, including buddy time in the classroom and skipping together during Jump Rope sessions. Year 6 took good care of their little buddies. Years 1 and 2 had activities time with Years 3-5 on Fridays. Year 6 students were given important roles and responsibilities which included running daily assemblies, helping with K-2 lines on the verandah, keeping the house point scores and organising their house teams for athletics. Our School Captains Jake Donaldson and Charlotte Raleigh attended special leadership days. In March Jake and his father travelled to Brisbane for the Young Leaders Day. In May Charlotte and her mother attended the Impact Leadership Day in Moree. They found these days quite inspiring. Mr Richard Torbay our State Member for New England sent letters of congratulation to our School Captains. Year 6 students visited the Tharawonga Mobile Preschool at the North Star Hall each week to read

story books to the preschoolers. Year 6 and the preschoolers enjoyed the weekly visits. This very successful program will continue in 2012.

Jake Donaldson reading at Tharawonga Preschool

All students in K-2 and Years 3-6 had weekly responsibilities which involved helping in the classroom and playground. Parents and staff participated in the Clean Up Australia Schools Clean Up day. The students, especially the boys, really enjoyed cleaning up the sticks, leaves and branches in the playground and gardens and were proud of their efforts. In 2011 students raised money for the Queensland Public Schools Flood Appeal, Plan International, the Heart Foundation, Pink Ribbon Day Breast Cancer Awareness, Life Education and the Leukemia Foundation.

Cleo Hardcastle, Sam Owen, Roderick Stephens, Skye Williams, Henry Smith and Melika Williams enjoying their patty cakes

Years 5 and 6 organised a Fun Day to raise money for the Year 6 Farewell lunch. Tharawonga Preschool children joined us for the activities. The special Year 6 Farewell lunch was held at the North Star Sporting Club. It was attended by Years 3-6, parents of the Year 6 students and school staff. The Warialda Multi-Purpose Service Primary Health Care nurses ran a Health Day for all students K-6. They spoke about healthy foods,

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headlice, keeping clean, dental care and safe behaviour. Years 5 and 6 students benefited from a personal development session and were presented with gift packs of toiletries donated by the P&C.

Our voluntary canteen supervisor Mrs Kate Owen and mothers worked hard to ensure that our canteen offered a wide range of healthy foods. Mothers Cooking on Mondays continued to be popular. Our canteen volunteers are to be commended for their work. Through the weekly Bulletin parents were advised about whooping cough, mosquito borne diseases, eczema, sun safety and Parent Line. A teacher visited the school to talk to students and staff about Caring For Your Ears. Good attendance was encouraged and certificates for excellent attendance were awarded on Presentation Day. Principals Awards, Stars of the Week and Merit Certificates were presented at school assemblies to recognise student achievement. Students achievements and photos were published weekly in the school Bulletin. Articles on the successes of our school and its students were published in local newspapers. Every student received a book prize or certificate on Presentation Day. Mr and Mrs J Smith and Mrs D Uebergang taught Anglican Scripture during the year. Mrs V Goodfellow taught Catholic Scripture. Mr Mark Coulton, our Federal Member for Parkes, visited the school in November and talked to students about his responsibilities as our elected representative. He presented the school with a new Australian flag, an Aboriginal flag and some smaller flags.

Warialda Multi-Purpose Health Care nurses

The Life Education Van visited the school in Term 4. K-2 students learned about safety, body workings, safe use and storage of medicines and decision making. Its Your Call was the topic for Years 3-6. They learned about the definition of legal drugs, peer pressure, risk taking and decision making. We continued with the Good For Kids program in 2011. Crunch and Sip was popular with parents and students. Teachers observed that most students had fruit or vegetables to eat throughout the week as well as on Crunch and Sip day. Students were encouraged to drink more water and brought their water bottles to the classroom each day. In October the school participated in the Apple Quest Aussie Apples for NSW Schools program introduced by NSW apple growers. The program encouraged everyone to enjoy eating the beautiful varieties of Australian apples donated by growers.

Jake Donaldson, Mr Mark Coulton and Charlotte Raleigh

Sophie Coleman, Kara Andrews, Shevy McDonald, Heidi Mills, Maddison Rodgers and Emma Weatherall

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Literacy and Numeracy Support program Our SLSO worked with small groups and individual students from K-6 using the schools reading and phonics schemes. Several students from Years 2-6 worked on the highly successful Macquarie University Multilit reading program. The Dalwood Assessment Centre also provided a special reading program which was implemented by the SLSO. The students demonstrated improved skills in phonemic awareness, oral reading, spelling and comprehension. Additional help in literacy and numeracy was given to Years 3 and 5. Students in the targeted maths group also received extra help. The P&C, CAP and the school funded the Literacy and Numeracy Support program. This program will continue in 2012. Best Start Kindergarten program In Term 1 Kindergarten students were assessed using the Best Start (NSW) program. This was beneficial in informing the classroom teacher and parents about the childs learning prior to starting school. It also assisted the teacher in planning for each childs learning. Homework Centre Our Homework Centre commenced in Term 4 following interest from parents. The Centre ran for an hour after school on Thursdays and was supervised by our SLSO and a teacher on a voluntary basis. Students were helped with their reading, spelling and maths. The regular attendance of twelve students indicated need for the Centre. The success of the Centre will encourage us to continue with it in 2012.

Enrichment program A group of high-achieving students from Years 36 were provided with a stimulating and challenging enrichment program implemented by our SLSO. A highlight of the year was the groups investigation Saucy Facts a study of the different brands of tomato sauce available in our supermarkets. Parents and Community program Our Parents and Citizens Association raised funds for the school by holding a High Tea at Mr & Mrs Sandy Hardcastles garden; selling North Star water and tea towels; and catering at the Macintyre cross country, our athletics carnival, the North Star Trail Bike Ride and the North Star Campdraft. The healthy school canteen was run most capably by our voluntary canteen supervisor and mothers on two days per week. The P&C compiled and published a recipe book. The P&C donated $ 6000 to our valuable Learning Support Program The P&C subsidized the cost of the Year 3-6 Sydney excursion with a donation of $6000. The cost of bus travel to our annual swimming school in Goondiwindi was also paid for by the P&C. Two grandparents and a parent helped the K-2 and Years 3-6 classes by hearing the children read each week. Parents helped their children at home with reading, spelling and maths homework. Parents of Kindergarten students participated in the Jolly Phonics Reading session run by our SLSO. Parents attended Parent/Teacher interviews to discuss student progress. Parents transported students to sporting events and selection trials, to the public speaking competition and other school activities. They assisted with events at sports carnivals. The P&C organised the special stalls and gifts for Mothers Day and Fathers Day. The P&C organised an end of year social for our students and students from nearby schools. Parents cleaned and decorated the hall for our Presentation Day and concert.

Mrs Pearlman and students at the Homework Centre

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North Star parents gave wonderful support to the students and school by providing beautiful food at carnivals on Open Day and on Presentation Day. The attendance of school patrons, parents and members of the community at school events, particularly Open Day, Presentation Day, carnivals, and other special events is most welcome and demonstrates the great support our school has from the North Star district.

Our achievements in writing include: all Year 3 students achieved Band 4 or above, and all Year 5 students achieved Band 5 or above in the 2011 Persuasive Writing test, which demonstrated the effectiveness of the explicit teaching of writing skills; all Kindergarten students were able to confidently write little stories by the end of the year; our excellent results in the Macintyre Young Writers Competition; K-2 students wrote and illustrated digital stories using the Kidpix program; and Years 3-6 wrote reports for the class blog and the Bulletin.

Target 2
In 2011 all teachers will demonstrate an understanding of quality teaching practices in a digital learning environment. Our achievements include: Mr Skys leadership and teaching in using computers, Smartboards and related technology was invaluable to staff and students ; all teachers reported greater confidence in using the Smartboard in the classroom; students in Years 3-6 have their own class blog 3456; K-2 students showed greater engagement in maths and spelling lessons when using the Smartboard. They found the maths activities games quite exciting. The Smartboard was useful for explicit teaching of spelling.

Open Day 2012 Three generations of the Price Family

Progress on 2011 targets

In 2011 the targets concerned literacy, spelling and writing, and quality teaching practices in a digital learning environment. All staff worked hard during the year to meet the targets.

Target 1
Increased achievement in K-6 student literacy outcomes with a focus on spelling and writing. Our achievements in spelling include: all students in Year 3 and Year 5 achieved above the minimum standard in the 2011 NAPLAN tests ; all matched students in Year 5 showed growth in the NAPLAN test results from Year 3 to Year 5; the new school spelling scheme was effective in meeting the needs of all targeted students; Best Start data, Waddington Test results and individual reading records indicated improved learning achievements in the early years; most students attending the Homework Centre in Term 4 showed improved results in weekly class spelling tests; and weekly, semester and year-to-year assessments (Waddington Spelling) indicated growth in learning.

Key evaluations
It is a requirement for all NSW public schools to conduct at least two annual evaluations one related to educational and management practice and the other related to curriculum.

Educational and management practice

Teaching Background Teaching was the area selected for evaluation in 2011. To ensure that the school and its community had shared expectations in this area the eight question School Map Parent Survey About Teaching was sent out to 19 school families,

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asking their opinions on aspects of teaching. There were 13 responses to this survey. Findings and conclusions All parents almost always or usually agreed that: what students are asked to learn is important; teachers provide class activities that are interesting and appropriate to my childs needs and abilities; my childs teachers know what my child can do and what they need to learn; and the school provides clear information about student achievement through the schools reporting process.

Seventy per cent of students strongly agreed or agreed that teachers provided interesting lessons. Thirty per cent of students neither agreed or disagreed with this statement. The responses of parents and senior students to the surveys about teaching were very positive and encouraging. Future directions Class teachers will hold meetings with parents to discuss and show how students learning is assessed, and how the teachers keep records of student progress. Teachers will focus on discussing with students what they are learning and why.

Ninety-two per cent of parents almost always or usually agreed that: the way my childs teachers manage the class helps him/her learn; and my childs teachers keep records of his/her progress. Eighty-five per cent of parents almost always or usually agreed that: my child talks to his/her teachers about what they are learning and why; and parents and students understand how students learning will be assessed. The Student Satisfaction Survey was completed by ten students in Years 5 and 6. Selected questions from this survey were used to find out the students opinions about teaching. All students strongly agreed or agreed that: teachers support me when I find learning difficult; I can approach teachers and discuss things with them; teachers listen to what I have to say; and teachers try to make me do my best.

Curriculum
Literacy - Spelling Background A School Priority Area for 2009-2011 was Literacy, with a focus on increased achievement in spelling outcomes for students K-6. Staff members met throughout the year to evaluate the schools teaching of spelling. They: reviewed their teaching and learning programs for spelling; discussed the effectiveness of the new school spelling scheme for Years 1-6 ; discussed the effectiveness of the school phonics scheme, which is introduced in Kindergarten each year ; assessed and reviewed student progress using weekly spelling tests for Years 1-6 and the K-6 Waddington Spelling Test in Term 4; reviewed the teaching arrangements for Kindergarten, Years 1 and 2 and Years 36; and reviewed the Year 3 and Year 5 students NAPLAN spelling results.

Ninety per cent of students strongly agreed or agreed that: teachers encourage my learning; and teachers know how to treat students who misbehave.

Findings and conclusions The new school spelling scheme for Years 1-6 was effective. Students liked the textbooks and the work was appropriate for individual students at all levels. Smartboard activities linked to the textbooks were effective in engaging Year 1 and Year 2.

Eighty per cent of students strongly agreed or agreed that they were praised by their teachers when they did good things at school, while twenty per cent of students neither agreed nor disagreed with this statement.

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The teaching arrangements for Years 3 and 4, and Years 5 and 6 on three mornings per week were effective, enabling small group instruction. The Kindergarten phonics lessons were most successful as all four students have made impressive progress in spelling as indicated by their Waddington spelling test results at the end of their first year at school. Waddington Spelling test results showed that most students performed at or above the expected level. The analysis of Year 3 and Year 5 students NAPLAN results showed that our students had a very good understanding of grammar and punctuation. Year 3 and Year 5 were well above the state average. Four students gained credits in the ICAS Spelling tests. Future directions The new school spelling scheme for Years 1-6 and the Kindergarten phonics program will continue in 2012. Spelling class groupings for the Years 3 and 4, and Years 5 and 6 will continue on three mornings per week in 2012. Targeted students will continue to work at the appropriate levels in 2012. Teachers will explicitly teach students the successful methods for learning to spell words. Years 3-6 will continue to compete in the ICAS Spelling Competition in 2012.

the school expects students to achieve to the best of their ability; my childs teachers know what my child can do and what my child needs to learn; and students at the school demonstrate pride in their learning.

Eighty- six per cent of respondents agreed that the school almost always or usually praises and rewards individuals who are successful. These survey results are similar to the high level of satisfaction expressed by those parents who completed a parent satisfaction survey in 2010. Ten senior students completed the Student Satisfaction Survey for Years 5 and 6. Their responses showed a high degree of satisfaction. All students strongly agreed or agreed that: they felt safe at school; there is good communication between the school and parents and carers; students are encouraged to contribute to decision making in the school; the school has a positive image in the community; the school has a good reputation for learning and is always trying to do better; and they enjoyed being with the other students in their year level.

Parent, student, and teacher satisfaction

In 2011 the school sought the opinions of parents, students and teachers about the school. Their responses are presented below. One-third of the parents, randomly selected, responded to a five-question phone survey which covered aspects of teaching, learning and school culture. Their overwhelmingly positive responses are listed below. The respondents agreed that, to the best of their knowledge, the following statements were almost always or usually true of the school: teachers provide class activities that are interesting and appropriate to my childs needs and abilities;

Eighty per cent of students strongly agreed or agreed that: the teachers are fair in dealing with misbehaviour; and they liked being at school to learn.

There was no teacher satisfaction survey because we have so few teachers Future directions In 2012 staff and the P&C will discuss how the school rewards and praises the students. Years 5 and 6 students will be encouraged to contribute their ideas and opinions about making lessons more interesting and the contribution they can make to school policies.

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Professional learning
The school places great importance on the professional learning of its teachers and support staff. The principal or relieving principal attended the School Education Group meetings each term and the New England Regional Conference at Inverell. Staff members participated in school development days at the beginning of Terms 1, 2 and 3. Two staff members attended the Regional Small Schools Conference at Moree at the beginning of Term 2. The principal attended the Small Schools Planning Day at Moree and the Gwydir Learning Group meeting at Warialda. The principal attended the CAP Development Day in Moree. A teacher attended the Athletics Officials Course in Tamworth. The principal attended the Best Start training course at Croppa Creek. Teachers and support staff participated in the CPR training course at school. Our SLSO ran a course on our phonics and reading schemes for new parents and a staff member. Our Senior School Administrative Manager attended the Learning Management and Business Reform course in Moree. Teachers attended selection trials for various sports; zone and regional swimming, cross country and athletics carnivals; and tennis and soccer competitions. They gained valuable professional experience. The average expenditure per teacher on professional learning at the school level was $905.21. The total school expenditure on teacher professional learning was $2715.63. There were no new scheme teachers working towards accreditation. There was one new scheme teacher maintaining accreditation at Professional Competence.

School planning 20122014

The school planning policy provides direction for the preparation and implementation of school plans including the identification of priority areas, intended outcomes and targets that are consistent with the NSW State Plan and the Departments planning documents.

School priority 1
Outcome for 20122014
Increased achievement in K-6 literacy student outcomes with a focus on reading and spelling. 2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include: progress of seven levels (to Level 7 or above) in the schools reading scheme by Kindergarten students; progress of nine levels (to Level 16 or above) in the schools reading scheme by Year 1 students; progress of six levels (to Level 22 or above) in the schools reading scheme by Year 2 students; students show age appropriate progress in spelling using the Waddington Diagnostic Spelling Test and the South Australian Spelling Test; and Year 3 and Year 5 students meet the National Minimum Standards in 2012 NAPLAN Literacy tests.

Strategies to achieve these targets include: developing Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) in literacy for targeted students; explicit teaching of phonics to K-2 students using the schools phonics scheme; regular benchmarking of K-3 students reading progress using the schools reading scheme; continuing with the School Magazine lessons at the appropriate level for Years 3-6 students; continuing with the Macquarie Universitys MULTILIT reading program for targeted students; explicit teaching of spelling skills for all students K-6;

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continuing with small group lessons in phonics and reading for Kindergarten, and spelling for Years 3 and 4, and Years 5 and 6; assessment of students spelling performance using the Waddington Diagnostic Spelling Test (in Term 4) and the South Australian Spelling Test (in Terms 1 and 3).

staff become familiar with the new syllabus documents by using the internet and participating in meetings and school development days.

About this report

In preparing this report, the self-evaluation committee has gathered information from evaluations conducted during the year and analysed other information about the school's practices and student learning outcomes. The selfevaluation committee and school planning committee have determined targets for the school's future development. Marian Thatcher Sue Nixon Michael Sky Jane Bush Julia Thatcher Christina Smith Year 5 Principal Relieving Principal Staff Representative Staff Representative Staff Representative P&C President Student Representatives

School priority 2
Outcome for 20122014
To sustain the schools record of achievement in numeracy as seen in our students NAPLAN results from 2009-2011. 2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include: the majority of students sitting the 2012 NAPLAN Numeracy tests will be above the National Minimum Standard; Best Start for Kindergarten and school assessments indicate students are achieving appropriate stage outcomes; and PLPs developed for targeted students.

Strategies to achieve these targets include: North Star participates in the Targeting Early Numeracy Program (TEN) - introductory year; smaller group maths for Years 3 and 4, and Years 5 and 6 on three mornings per week; continue with the schools maths scheme; continue with the Best Start for Kindergarten program; and staff develop PLPs in maths for all targeted students.

School contact information North Star Public School Edward Street North Star NSW 2408 Ph: 07 46763128 Fax: 07 46763269 Email: northstar-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Web: www. northstar-p.schools.nsw.edu.au School Code: 2765 Parents can find out more information about Annual School Reports, how to interpret information in the reports and have the opportunity to provide feedback about these reports at: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/asr

School priority 3
Outcome for 20122014
Staff confident in implementation of the new NSW Syllabus documents. 2012 Targets to achieve this outcome include: staff develop awareness of NSW syllabus documents for English, Mathematics, History and Science.

Strategies to achieve these targets include: staff attend professional development courses on the new syllabus documents; and

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