BOARD OF GOVERNORS’

ANNUAL REPORT

2014-15

CONTENTS

Membership – Board of Governors page 2

Responsibilities page 3

Visionary Framework page 4

Staffing Complement page 5

Curriculum page 6

Extra-Curricular Achievement page 7

Special Educational Needs page 8

Attendance page 9

Assessment page 9

External Accreditation page 11

Personal Development and Mutual Understanding page 13

Links with the Community page 15

Religious Matters page 16

Charities page 16

Finance page 17

Parent/Teacher Association page 19

BOARD OF GOVERNORS - MEMBERSHIP

CATEGORY POSITION TERM OF OFFICE ENDS

TRUSTEE REPRESENTATIVES

The Very Rev. Brendan Hickland 2018

Mrs N McCabe 2018

Dr D Hanna 2018

Mr P McAlister Chairperson 2018

DENI REPRESENTATIVE

Mrs R Murphy 2018

BELB REPRESENTATIVES

Mrs K McSherry 2018

Mr C Bradley 2018

PARENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE

Mr B McCarry 2018

TEACHER REPRESENTATIVE

Mrs E Cullen 2018

PRINCIPAL

Mr T Rodgers Secretary non-voting member

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board of Governors has overall responsibility for the effective management of the school.

They are required to meet for a minimum of three times each year but in practice may meet

more often than this. Their range of duties and responsibilities are diverse and would include

such things as:

Oversight of the Curriculum

Control of the School Budget

Provision of information to parents

Selection of staff

Maintenance of premises - a responsibility shared with the EABR

Admissions Policy

Fostering links with the local community and pursuing the objectives of mutual

understanding

- in addition to other duties not specifically listed above.

VISIONARY FRAMEWORK

Our school is a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and Article 29 of the United Nations

Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) underpins our school’s visionary framework.

‘Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must

encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own

and other cultures and the environment.’

VISION

St. Teresa’s Primary School –

‘Deeds Not Words’

AIMS

St. Teresa’s Primary School promotes high achievement and learning for life

by working with children to:

practice the Catholic faith;

be tolerant and respectful of themselves, others and the environment;

acquire knowledge and skills to be their individual best;

be highly motivated life-long learners;

be able to work independently and collaboratively;

gain technological skills to equip them for the 21st century.

MISSION

We believe that each child will succeed through experiencing quality in:

a caring and supportive environment;

a broad and challenging curriculum;

stimulating surroundings;

innovative teaching and an investigative approach to learning;

a learning partnership between school, home and the wider community.

We demonstrate our commitment to working as a learning school by:

striving for continuous improvement in all that we do;

working collaboratively towards common goals;

investing in people.

Teaching Complement

Mr T Rodgers Principal

Ms U MacAllister Vice-Principal

Mrs Walsh P1

Mrs Branniff P1

Mrs Keane P1

Miss Campbell P1

Mrs Finch P2

Miss Carey P2

Mrs Conlon P2

Mrs Kelly-Bogue P2

Mrs Connolly P3

Miss Friel P3

Mrs Ellis P3

Mr McSwiggan P4

Mrs King P4

Mrs Prior P5

Mr McCaughey P5

Mrs Durkan P6

Mrs Crutchley P6

Miss Smyth P7

Miss Cullen P7

Mr E Haughey Learning Support Teacher

Mrs McLean P3&4

Ancillary Staff

Clerical Officer Mrs G Bennett Miss L Kennedy

Building Supervisor Mr G Austin

Cleaners Mrs K Gillespie, Mrs K McLean, Mrs D McIllhatton,

Mrs A McLaughlin, Mr G Siwicki, Mrs C Cichosz

Learning Support

Learning Support (SEN) Miss TL McCann Miss C Finn Mrs P Barnes

Mrs B McFarlane Mrs J Bleakley Mrs R Connolly

Mrs M Smyth Mrs G Kearney Mrs T Kennedy

Mrs S Shields Mrs E Barnes Mrs J McMahon

Miss A Franklin Mr M Sweeney

Miss N Kennedy Miss A Franklin Miss D Loughran

General Assistant

Foundation Stage Assistant Mrs M Crosbie Mrs M Delaney Mrs P Martin

STAFFING COMPLEMENT 2014/15

CURRICULUM

Under the Education Reform Order the responsibility of Governors for the curriculum i.e. what

is taught in the school, has been increased. The Governors’ control however, is more apparent

than real, as much of what is to be taught has been determined by law.

The curriculum is not just about formal lessons. It includes all the opportunities for learning

provided by the school including sport, music, culture, opportunities for travel and so on. In a

Catholic school such as ours the teaching and expression of our Catholic values are also

important elements of the curriculum.

It is our responsibility to ensure that a broad and balanced learning experience is provided for

all pupils. To this end the school has implemented the statutory requirements of the Northern

Ireland Curriculum in Language and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, the Arts, the World

Around Us (WAU), Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU), Physical

Development and Religious Education.

The Department of Education have also set targets relating to the knowledge, skills and

understanding which pupils are expected to have at various stages of their school life and have

determined what the school should teach pupils at various stages.

We, along with the Principal and staff, ensure that the school continues to provide high quality

education provision through a structured programme of staff development. Listed are the areas

that were the main priorities during the academic year:

Literacy - Synthetic Phonics, Writing, Assessing the cross-curricular skills,

Author Visits to schools

Mathematics - Line of Progression of maths skills, Assessing Using Mathematics

as a cross-curricular skill;

ICT - A line of progression in ICT Skills, internet safety, e-learning,

review of policy.

SEN - Review of Individual Education plans, New Rapid Reading

Scheme, Maths Recovery, review of policy.

Pastoral Care/PDMU – Rights Respecting Schools Award, Review of Positive Discipline

Policy, Review of Golden Time, Review of Anti-bullying Policy.

WAU - Developing Scientific enquiry; Playful Science

Leadership - Developing the role of the middle leader

Library - Developing volunteer reading programmes, enhancing the library

learning environment. Parent Reading Programme

Inclusion - Assessing newcomer children using the CEFR; Support

programme for newcomer children; Media Initiative for Schools.

Shared Education - Peace Players International link with Euston Street PS

Speech & - Developing signage and prospectus for the SLC

Language Centre

Transition - Continue to develop well established links with Nursery and Post

Primary Schools. Participate in Area Learning Community project.

Assessment - Analysis of whole school assessment data leading to school

improvement.

The school also considers how to further enhance the curriculum provision for the children in

challenging and innovative ways. Some these innovations include:

- Media Initiative for Schools

- China Bridge Visit

- The Ugandan Northern Ireland School’s Project (TUNSIP)

- Medics in Schools

- Primary Science Teacher’s Trust: Playful Science

- Primary Languages Programme

- Solas Reading Programme

- Time to Read-Business in the Community

- Volunteer Reading Programme.

Parents are informed of curriculum initiatives and how to support their children’s learning with

focused parent information evenings.

The after school clubs are extremely popular and the children have a wide menu of activities to

choose from including: Gaelic Football, Camogie, Soccer, Basketball, Body and Mind, Art,

Judo, Irish Dancing, Literacy and Numeracy, Knitting, sewing, ICT, Science, Drama and

Choir. Three hundred and fifty children took part in after school clubs last year.

The school also organised a very effective summer school programme for the following

groups:

Nursery and Primary 1 children

P3-7 children

P6 Literacy and Numeracy Support

Over one hundred and fifty children took part in this programme.

The school also supports the local community including St Teresa’s Youth Club and St

Teresa’s GAC who use the premises four nights during the week.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACHIEVEMENT

The pupils have also received success in a range of extracurricular areas including:

Music - 15 pupils sat and achieved Music Exams Grades 1 -3

STEM - Northern Ireland champions in the industry Challenge in Schools

competition.

- First Place winners in the Belfast Technology Challenge

-

ECO - awarded Bronze Award in the Eco Flag award

- Awarded third place in the ‘Wheelie Big Challenge’ Competition

-

Swimming - 1st Place in the Belfast Swimming Gala.

- 7th Place in the Irish National School’s Championship,

- award winners at the Ulster School’s Championship.

-

Gaelic - Monsignor Toner Memorial Cup Winners

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

The school’s Special Educational Needs Policy is in line with the Education (NI) Order. This

enables the staff to fully implement the requirements of the Code of Practice on the

Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs published by the DENI.

Pupils with barriers to learning are identified as early as possible and following discussion with

the parent the child may be placed on the Special Need’s Register. An appropriate programme

of work will be discussed with the parent and guidance on how to support their child at home.

In addition, pupils may be provided with peripatetic support including:

- Children’s Interdisciplinary School’s Team

- St Gerard’s Outreach Support

- Harberton Outreach Support

- Clarawood Outreach Support

- Speech and Language Therapists

- Peripatetic Support Service

During the year, parents of children on the school’s Special Needs Register were invited to

attend interviews with the staff of the school, so that they became familiar with the provision

being offered for their child. Individual Educational Plans are drawn up, in consultation with

parents, and a review process initiated. In addition, the parents of children who have a

Statement of Special Educational Need were invited to attend a Transferor Review Meeting in

term 1 (P7 only) and/or an Annual Review meeting in Dec/Jan.

The school offers additional support programmes for children with particular literacy and

numeracy needs including, Reading Partners, Toe by Toe and Springboard Maths and Maths

Recovery.

Parents can be assured that St. Teresa’s is committed to providing an effective education

service - one that is set to meet the individual needs of all children. Ms U MacAllister, the

leader of Special Needs, has led the staff during the year ensuring that the implementation of

the Special Needs Policy has been effective.

ANNUAL ATTENDANCE

Throughout 2014/15 attendance has dramatically improved. The average daily attendance

stood at 97.7% this is a increase from 94.8% and is now well above the Northern Ireland

Average of 95.6%. Over 30 pupils received certificates for one year’s full attendance. When

the attendance of a pupil is of concern and is affecting their learning, the school discusses this

with the parent. The Governors, where applicable, worked closely with the Education Welfare

Office in the best interests of the pupils.

ASSESSMENT

We, in St. Teresa’s, fulfil the statutory obligation DENI has placed on all primary schools to

formally assess pupils at the end of the respective key stages i.e. Year 4 (end of Key Stage 1)

and Year 7 (end of Key Stage 2).

It has become a statutory requirement that all schools report the outcomes from the formal end

of Key Stage assessments. Due to industrial action the results of these assessments have not

been published in this report.

REPORTING TO PARENTS

In the Autumn term parents of all pupils are invited for parent consultations. In addition the

pupils in Y4-7 are presented with a written report that records the attainment levels in GL

assessments. These results are recorded as standardised scores so that comparisons between

assessments can be made.

In the summer term all parents receive a written progress report in line with the statutory

requirement. In addition, the End of Key Stage assessment results for pupils in Y4 and Y7 are

provided for parents.

SCHOOL INSPECTION

The Education and Training Inspectorate completed a Primary Inspection of the school’s

educational provision in December 2014. The Governors are pleased to record the school

received a ‘Good’ report. The strengths include:

The children are very welcoming, well-motivated and their behaviour is exemplary.

They engage enthusiastically with the learning process and, when given the

opportunity, articulate well their ideas and opinions. They are very willing to help

others, interact confidently with their peers, take pride in their achievements and

present their work to a good standard. The children have a keen sense of social justice

through their participation in a wide range of community and global projects. They

achieve very well in sport, musical events and in creative competitions; the fostering of

the children’s musical, creative and sporting talents is a significant feature of the

school’s provision.

Throughout the three key stages, the children communicate confidently and, when given

the opportunity, share their views during class or group discussions. The children’s

enjoyment of, and competence in, reading develops well through the use of appropriate

reading schemes, and, in key stage (KS) 2, the children’s analysis of text is progressed

effectively through the detailed study of novels. By year 7, the most able children read

with fluency and expression and explain their understanding of key phrases, text and

imagery.

Nearly all of the teaching observed was effective in promoting learning. The classroom

assistants provide valuable support to the teachers and the children. In the best

practice: the teachers have high expectations for what the children can achieve; the

teachers build effectively on the children’s prior knowledge and make meaningful

connections in the children’s learning; and, effective use is made of plenary sessions to

consolidate the children’s understanding.

Area Identified for improvement:

In the areas inspected, the quality of education provided by the school is good. The

school has important strengths in most of its educational and pastoral provision. The

inspection has identified an area for improvement which the school has demonstrated

the capacity to address which includes the need: for all teachers to review and improve

the quality of planning at all levels throughout the school to ensure appropriate

challenge and progression in the children’s learning and improve further the good

standards they attain.

The Board of Governors wish to congratulate the staff and pupils on all their success. External

accreditation reaffirms the effective practice that is evident in St. Teresa’s Primary School. The

Inspectorate highlights clearly their belief that the school has demonstrated the capacity to

address the area for improvement. We thank the staff, both teaching and non-teaching, for their

hard work and dedication in providing an excellent educational provision for the pupils.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING

Personal Development and Mutual Understanding is compulsory for all pupils of school. It is

taught, not as a separate subject but as a cross-curricular theme, in other words through the

medium of other subjects. The Board of Governors is required to report on how it ensures this

aspect of the curriculum is delivered. Listed are a number of activities that occurred during the

year that endorses the principles of this learning area.

Sep – Mar Y6 Shared Education Project with Euston Street Primary School as part of the

Peace Players International Project.

Sept Media Initiative for Schools Project in P1 and P2

Oct The children supported The Macmillan Coffee Moring appeal raising £1300. The

Principal, Mr Rodgers Visited Beijing and Zuzhou as part of a new school

partnership with Zuzhou Foreign Languages School in China.

Nov Anti-Bullying Week – the children took part in workshops based on the theme

‘how we communicate with each other, both online and in person’.

Dec The children supported the Morning Star Appeal providing a number of hampers

to the residents of the Morning Star Hostel.

Dec The school choir sang at Sainsbury’s and the local Residential homes for the

elderly.

Jan The school celebrated Catholic School’s Week including a ‘Grandparent’s Day

Celebration’

Mar The Student Council organised and celebrated Right’s Respecting Week from 23rd

to 27th

March as part of the schools journey towards being a rights respecting

school.

The P2, P4 and P5 children took part in an outdoor learning project with Belfast

City Council in Falls Park and Lady Dixon Park.

The school was visited by Drama Students from Wheelock University in Boston

and performed ‘American Tales’

The School raised over £3000 for the Lenten Trocaire appeal and St Dominic’s

Zambia appeal.

Apr Liz Weir, renowned story teller excites the children with a range of traditional

tales about the history of Ireland.

The Primary 7 children took part in a transition retreat in the De La Salle Retreat

Centre.

May Walk to School Week – on average 100 pupils walked to school every day during

this week.

June Primary 7 children took part in a three day residential to Gartan Outdoor Learning

Centre.

The Governors are pleased to note the caring emphasis that is at the heart of school life and the

respect the children are encouraged to develop for themselves, other pupils and adults - which

remains the underlying principles of our Community Relations Programme.

LINKS WITH THE COMMUNITY

In addition the school has developed strong links with the preschool providers and the post-

primary schools in the local area.

Preschool Links include:

Invitations to attend school-based activities e.g. Christmas Concert and School Musical;

Staff Development between teachers from the Nursery and Primary School

Part of the Nursery Area Learning Community;

Transition meetings with the preschools for the September 2014 admissions.

Transition Summer School for Nursery and P1 children.

Post-primary links include:

STEM school workshops;

Transition classes between students and pupils

Sporting events;

Language classes (French and Irish)

Student Placements – work experience and Health and Social Care course placements;

Transition meeting with the post-primary schools for our school leavers.

Other links with community groups or organisations:

Queen’s University – STEM- Medics in Schools

Stranmillis University College: Playful Science (Primary Science Teacher’s Trust)

The Arts Council: Poetry in Motion

Sentinus – STEM;

Ulster Bank – Financial Capability workshops;

NI Dairy Council;

Inclusion and Diversity NI;

Suffolk Library;

Ulster GAA – coaching programme

Parish Luncheon Club

Institute of Civil Engineers

Business in the Community

Belfast City Council Outdoor learning Programme

RELIGIOUS MATTERS

In promoting the Aims of our school, and in particular, our first aim, which commits us to the

Statement of Aims of a Catholic School - the core Religious Programme we offer all pupils is

that of the ALIVE-O Series.

The teaching of this formal Religion programme is supplemented by class assemblies, prayer

services and pastoral visits by the local clergy.

With Fr Brendan and Fr Aloysius, the staff of Primary 3, 4 and 7 prepared pupils for their

respective Sacraments - Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation. Special Masses of

Thanksgiving, attended by all pupils and staff, were offered at the beginning and end of the

academic year.

The children in Primary 4 enrolled in the Do this in Memory programme in the parish. The

Governors are indebted to the parish team who support the school in preparing the children for

the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Catholic Schools’ Week has become a regular feature in the school calendar of events. This

year’s theme was ‘Catholic Schools – Call to Serve’. During this special week each class

acknowledged Catholic Schools’ Week in different ways including attendance at daily Mass

and celebrating Grandparents’ Day.

CHARITIES

The pupils of our school are encouraged to think not only of themselves but the plight of others

- particularly those less fortunate than themselves. During the year the school raised funds for

the following charities:

Macmillan Cancer £ 1,110.00

Morning Star Appeal Food Parcels

St Dominic’s Zambia Appeal £800.00

Trocaire £2,120

FINANCE

Since April 1992 the Board of Governors has been responsible for the management of its

overall budget. This is commonly referred to as full delegation. To this end, the Board of

Governors has overall responsibility, but on a day-to-day basis this is exercised by the

Principal, and monitored on a regular basis by the Governors’ Finance Committee.

The Budget is calculated by the BELB using a ‘formula’ that applies to all schools in the area.

The main element in the formula is the age and number of pupils attending the school.

For 2014/15 the allocation to the school amounted to £ 1,277,670. This figure is used to

account for all staffing and other running costs.

Overleaf is a copy of the Outturn Statement for St. Teresa’s Primary School. This statement

details how the overall allocation was spent and the balance which remained at the end of the

financial year.

OUT TURN STATEMENT 2014-15

THE FRIENDS OF ST TERESA’S ASSOCIATION

Charity Registration Number: NIC103097

The Board of Governors are very aware of the support afforded by the Friends of St Teresa’s

and would like to put on record their invaluable contribution to the life of St. Teresa’s.

The Governors would like to extend their grateful thanks to the outgoing committee:

Chairperson: Mr M Kane

Secretary: Mrs S Morris

Treasurer: Mrs L Smyth

Other Members: Donna Dunlop Carole McLaughlin Fiona McCague

Joanne McCloskey Denise Smith Gemma Attwood

Siobhan Napier

The PTA accounts for the 2014/15 year:

Gross Income raised from September 2014 to August 2015 £

Income raised from fundraising activities of FoST 6,702.00

National Lottery funding (secured by Mr. Rodgers) 10,000.00

Donation by P7 class of 2015 (Winners of NI Industry Challenge) 300.00

TOTAL GROSS INCOME 17,002.00

Expenditure incurred from September 2014 to August

2015

£

Expenditure incurred in fundraising activities of FoST 1,134.67

Bank Charges 11.19

PTA Registration costs 50.00

Printing costs 160.00

TOTAL EXPENDITURE INCURRED 1,355.86

Surplus 2014/15 £15,646.14

It is intended that this surplus will be used to part fund the installation of a trim trail at the front

of the school in the autumn term of 2015-16.

THE FAMILY FUND

The Board of Governors are very aware of the support afforded by the parents through their

contribution to the family fund and would like to put on record their invaluable contribution to

the life of St. Teresa’s.

Date Income Expenditure Purchased Balance

Term 1 £2,630.00 £100.00 Prize Draw

£2530.00

Term 2 £1,120.00 £100.00 Prize Draw

£3,550.00

Term 3 £500.00 £3358.00 Prize Draw

Playground

Furniture

£692.00

TOTAL £4,250.00 £3,558.00 £692.00

The funds raised in 2014/15 were given to the Student Council who were supported by staff to

spend on improvements in the playground including picnic tables and benches. Additional

playground games will be purchased in 2015-16 to support outdoor play.

GENERAL PURPOSE ACCOUNT

The school operates a General Purpose Account for the day to day handling of money.

Accounts are available for perusal upon written request.