rostrata primary school

Rostrata Primary School Annual Report 2014

ROSTRATA PRIMARY

SCHOOL

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

ROSTRATA PRIMARY SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT


INTRODUCTION

As an Independent Public School, Rostrata aspires towards success for each student, encouraging

their development into co-operative, respectful, responsible and caring members of the community.

Rostrata Primary School has consistently

demonstrated strong academic achievement

in national assessments with a significant

emphasis on the social, emotional and

physical development of students. Rostrata

students develop and hone the skills necessary

to meet the challenges of the future through a

variety of opportunities tailored to develop the

whole student. These innovative approaches

include specialist Science, the Stephanie

Alexander Kitchen-Garden program, specialist

Physical Education,

Italian, Drama and Music classes. We also offer instrumental tuition and an

opportunity to join the School Band and/or choir. There is a focus on

integrating technology into the

classroom and the development of

critical and creative thinking skills

through higher order thinking and co-

operative learning strategies.

Embedding our motto of CARE (Co-

operation, Achievement, Respect and

Endeavour), our policies and curriculum

provide an inclusive approach to educating children regardless of

their individual differences, backgrounds and learning styles. We

pride ourselves on our diversity, with more than 700 students from a

wide range of backgrounds and cultural communities.

Social and

emotional

intelligence is a

focus throughout

the school, with the

implementation of

the Positive

Behaviour Support

framework, the

Rainbows program,

peer mediators and

a specific emphasis

on building social skills.

We are fortunate to have a proactive Parents and Citizens Association that regularly supplements

school resourcing to enable us to purchase valuable teaching resources to enhance our diverse and

rich learning programs.

Our teachers and support staff are committed professionals, dedicated to ensuring excellence and

equity for all students. Our staff maintains high expectations for student behaviour and academic

achievement and adopt a wide range of innovative teaching practices, bringing a blend of

experience and expertise to the implementation of the Australian Curriculum.



OUR VISION

Rostrata Primary School is a caring, inclusive, enterprising and innovative learning

community that empowers students to reach their potential and become resilient,

independent, lifelong learners.

OUR ETHOS

Our school ethos is embodied in our school motto of CARE: Co-operation, Achievement,

Respect and Endeavour.

Co-operation We treat all individuals with care. Our

relationships are based on trust, mutual

respect and acceptance of

responsibility. We recognise the value of

working in partnerships with parents and

the wider community in providing quality

education for all our students.

Achievement We have a positive approach to

learning and encourage it in our

students, parents and staff. We enhance

students’ learning based on our belief that all students have the capacity to learn.

Respect We recognise the differing circumstances and needs of our students and are

dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for all. We strive to create a

work place and learning environment that is free of discrimination, abuse and

exploitation and is safe for all students and staff.

Endeavour We have high expectations of our students and ourselves. We set standards of

excellence and strive to achieve them. These standards and expectations

challenge all of us to give of our best.

2014 ADMINISTRATION STAFF

Principal: Thomas Campbell

Deputies: Maureen Capps

Annabella Clarke

Trevor Phoebe

Cindy Wells

Registrar: Helen Scott

Contact: Rostrata Primary School

Rostrata Avenue, Willetton

WA

6155

Tel. 9457 9455

Fax 9354 3922

Email [email protected]



SUCCESS FOR ALL STUDENTS At Rostrata Primary we believe in providing a high quality

education that enables all students to achieve their

potential academically, socially and emotionally. This view is

in line with the Teaching and Learning beliefs as set down in

the 2012 – 2015 Strategic Plan for WA Public Schools.

Specifically, at Rostrata Primary School we believe that:

All students can achieve success: our job is to ensure

every student has the opportunity to do so. For all

students, teachers identify areas requiring attention, put

measures in place to address them and closely monitor

progress so students achieve the standards we expect. Our

teachers build on the strengths of students and extend their

achievements.

The school meets the needs and aspirations of its

students and helps to build a strong community. As an

independent public school, Rostrata Primary School

organises its structures and allocates resources to match the

diverse needs of its community. The school has the autonomy

it requires to respond to the needs of its students through wise allocation of human, financial and

physical resources.

The basis for improving student learning

outcomes is high quality teaching and

leadership. Through a greater focus on

professional improvement, flexibility and

administrative simplicity, the skill sets of staff are

aligned to the needs of students. This includes

expanding our investment in professional

learning.

Using resources wisely and making open

and transparent decisions ensures great

trust between our school and our

community. Our school performance is

measured and managed against outcomes,

priorities and targets. Technology, evidence

and innovation are used to drive change. The

school actively engages with, and is responsive to, the local community so that all community

members have confidence in the high expectations and achievements of this school.



2014 HIGHLIGHTS

Throughout 2014 Rostrata Primary School continued to provide a range of opportunities for our

students to excel in a wide variety of fields.

Band Program The Rostrata Primary School Band Program had another great year in 2014. All three of our Bands –

Senior, Intermediate and Junior bands were very busy and productive throughout the year.

2014 saw the debut performance of the Band and the School Choir together at the School‟s Anzac

Ceremony in April. The combined performance was very impressive and is indicative of the strength

of our music program.

The Schools Make Music Concert at the Crown

Theatre in August was yet again another

magnificent performance by the Rostrata Band.

The highlight was the brilliant rendition of Phantom

of the Opera. The band also performed I‟m A

Believer and Proud Mary.

There were 15 performances in 2014, most notably

the Western Australian Government Schools Make

Music Concert Series held at Crown Theatre in

August and the City of Canning‟s Act-Belong-

Commit Schools Concert held at the Canning

Town Hall in November. Other performances

included a „Big Band Bash‟ for each band held at

various Schools in Terms 2, 3 & 4, School Assemblies,

the Anzac Ceremony, Pre Primary Concert, Buddy Class Concert, Training Band Parent Information

Nights, Tunes In June (day time concert held at school involving all 3 Bands) and our big end of year

Twilight Tunes when all parents, family and friends came along for a picnic tea followed by a Concert,

with the 3 Bands performing 4 items each and then the grand finale when all 3 bands combined

together and played a few tunes. There were 123 students in the program in 2014 and they produced

a magnificent sound.

It was the end of an era in 2014 as this was the final year that the Year 7‟s were in primary school.

Normally the Year 6‟s become our Senior Band the following year however this year they too were

graduating onto High School. The entire Senior Band of Year 6‟s and 7‟s received graduating

medallions at the end of year Concert.

Leadership Camp The Rostrata School Captains took part in a Civics and Citizenship Trip to Canberra in September,

2014. All year six and seven Captains took part, accompanied by Mr Baugh, Miss Wells and Mrs Baron.

A highlight of their trip was a visit to Parliament House where

they met our local Federal Member of Parliament over morning

tea. They got an insight into the role of their elected member

and the many duties they perform. The Captains were also

allowed into the viewing area to witness question time in the

Legislative Assembly, an added bonus that is not always

available to students.

Included in the trip were visits to the Australian Mint, the NASA

Deep Space Centre, Questacon, Old Parliament House, The

Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian War Memorial,

which is often quite confronting but very rewarding. Throughout the trip, the Captains learned

responsibility, cooperation and leadership skills and were praised by members of the public and the

tour guides on their exemplary behaviour.



Choir Program 2014 was a wonderful year for the Rostrata Senior Choir. They performed at various events throughout

the year including whole school assemblies, our school Anzac Ceremony and, most notably, at Carols

in the Park at Prendwick Oval. It is the second consecutive year that we have performed at this

community event run by the Willetton Uniting Church and this year we combined our talents with our

fantastic Middle Choir to perform a song together. The boys and girls in our Senior Choir learnt a

range of different songs, from contemporary pop

songs to classic Disney soundtracks to our

favourite Christmas Carols. Along the way they

were challenged with learning to sing in two-part

harmony, create accompanying movements and

remember complicated phrases and words. As

always, our dedicated choir members spent

countless hours in and out of school time learning

lyrics, breathing techniques, phrasing, harmonies

and dance moves to make every performance in

2014 a huge success.

The Rostrata Middle Choir consisted of forty

children from Years 2 and 3. Rehearsals were held

once a week focussing on learning a variety of

vocal skills and techniques to perform repertoire

consisting of a variety of musical styles. In 2014

they performed at the school ANZAC Day

ceremony, school assemblies, „Sing Fest‟ at

Melville Civic Centre, and „Carols in the Park‟.

During the ANZAC Day ceremony the Middle

Choir had the opportunity to perform with the

Senior Choir accompanied by the Rostrata Senior

School Band.

Student Numbers* (as at 2014 Semester 2)

Rostrata Primary School has always maintained

excellent enrolment numbers with a strong growth trend continuing in 2014. The school‟s profile in

innovative and effective curriculum delivery and proximity to excellent secondary schools will ensure

it is competitive within this context. *Excludes Kindergarten numbers.

PERFORMANCE OF BUSINESS PLAN TARGETS


PRIORITY 1 STUDENT SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Rostrata Primary School will implement the Positive Behaviour Support framework, use data to

monitor student progress and make informed decisions so that every student will be able to work

and play in a safe, positive and accepting school environment.

Specific Business Plan Targets

The PBS framework and CARE motto creates a positive, safe and accepting teaching and

learning environment.

Prevention and reduction of anti-social and challenging behaviours by teaching social

skills, providing positive consequences for desirable behaviour and minimising the use of

negative language and strategies.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Framework The PBS committee met regularly during 2014 to ensure the implementation of this program

progressed. Students have been involved in creating PBS visual aids which will be displayed

around the school during 2015 to increase interest and understanding of PBS and its purpose.

A Communication Board outside the library displayed progression of PBS implementation and

information for students, staff and parents. All community members have the opportunity to learn

more about the framework and what stage we are at as a school. A Whole School Behaviour

Matrix (WSBM) has been developed to support consistent behaviours throughout the school.

Peer Mediators Initiative The Peer Mediator Program aims to reduce incidences of bullying and

negative encounters by providing a school environment that is positive,

caring, safe and friendly. Peer Mediation enables students to resolve low-

level conflicts using their peers as mediators. Mediation opens up

communication channels allowing the disagreeing students to discuss their

problems and come to a resolution with the guidance of the mediators.

Peer mediators are senior students who applied in writing to be part of this

initiative. The selected students then received training during nominated

lunch breaks, once again confirming the level of commitment these

students made to help improve our positive school environment.

The peer mediators consistently demonstrated they had learned the skills of mediation and how

to apply them in their daily interactions in the play areas during break times, helping to maintain a

safe, positive and accepting school environment.

Attendance Student attendance rates at Rostrata continue to exceed the WA state means. In 2014 the rates,

in general, were slightly lower than 2013. However, Rostrata students continue to attend at a rate

that is higher than the WA average. This is another indicator of the safe and caring environment

that exists at Rostrata Primary, reflecting the positive social and emotional development of our

children.

Attendance % - Primary Year Levels

Y01

Y02

Y03

Y04

Y05

Y06

Y07

2012

93%

94%

96%

94%

94%

94%

94%

2013

94%

96%

95%

96%

95%

96%

96%

2014

93%

94%

95%

95%

95%

95%

95%

WA Public Schools 2014

92%

93%

93%

93%

93%

92%

91%



PRIORITY 2 STUDENT ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

LITERACY TARGETS The school‟s Literacy Data demonstrates that Rostrata PS is out performing

WA like schools in almost all assessments. Spelling and Grammar testing

results continue to be strong across the school. Writing results, on the whole,

were down on 2013 but like schools all showed a sharp downward trend –

indicating the task may have been more difficult in 2014.

In general, Rostrata literacy scores continue to trend upwards. While the

school is pleased with the 2014 results we continue to strive for

improvement.


1. Address the recent downward trend in NAPLAN Reading results

when compared to “Like Schools”.

2. Grammar and Punctuation performance to be equal to, or better than, like schools.

3. Identify, Support and track “At Risk” Students in English.

4. Implement “Best Practice” strategies in English.

NAPLAN LITERACY DATA

TABLE 1. RPS performs at/above ‘Like Schools’ in English (NAPLAN mean scores).*

READING

PERSUASIVE WRITING

SPELLING

GRAMMAR & PUNC.

Rostrata

PS

Like Schools

Rostrata

PS

Like Schools

Rostrata

PS

Like Schools

Rostrata

PS

Like Schools

Year 3

Mean 463 458 447 428 471 440 488 466

Year 5

Mean 538 537 518 493 556 520 553 528

Year 7

Mean 571 579 531 543 587 570 603 582

*Source http://www.myschool.edu.au/

Literacy Data -

Grammar Grammar scores continue

to trend upwards as a

result of Rostrata teachers ongoing commitment to

improving literacy

teaching.

Although there is a little

inconsistency across the

years the overall trend is

very strongly upward,

reflective of the efforts

made over the period of

the current business plan to implement “best practice” strategies in English with a particular

emphasis on Grammar.

400

450

500

550

600

650

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

SC

OR

E

Rostrata Primary School NAPLAN Grammar Data

Year 7 RPS

Year 7 Like

SchoolsYear 5 RPS

Year 5 Like

SchoolsYear 3 RPS

Year 3 Like

Schools



400

420

440

460

480

500

520

540

560

580

600

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

SC

OR

E

Rostrata Primary School NAPLAN Spelling Data

Year 7 RPS

Year 7 Like

SchoolsYear 5 RPS

Year 5 Like

SchoolsYear 3 RPS

Year 3 Like

Schools

Literacy Data - Reading Some reading scores were a little

down on 2013 but continue to

trend upward over the longer

term, reflecting efforts made at

the school to improve overall

literacy standards through explicit

teaching, usage of the MiniLIt &

MultiLit programs and through the

use of guided reading.

Given the significant number of

students at the school who are

learning English as a second or

third language this data is very

pleasing. The year 7 mean score,

although slightly lower than similar

schools represents a tremendous improvement for that cohort from their 2012 result.

Literacy Data - Writing Writing data showed a decline

in years 3 and 7 and a pleasing

increase in year 5. Given that

“Like Schools” were well down

on 2013, Rostrata data was

generally within expectations. It

is anticipated that the

downward trend can be

addressed through the

adoption of new teaching

strategies including

participation in the Brightpath

program.

The fact that all scores (except

Rostrata Year 5 students) were

down on 2013, including like schools, on the previous year; indicates the test in 2014 may have

been a little more difficult or the assessment more rigorous.

Literacy Data – Spelling Spelling data was very strong

once again, with Rostrata

students outperforming Like

Schools across all three year

levels.

The school adopted “Words

Their Way” as a whole school

approach to Spelling which is

expected to strengthen our

results.

The school is very pleased with

literacy data on the whole,

while acknowledging that there

is always room for improvement.

400

420

440

460

480

500

520

540

560

580

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

SC

OR

E

Rostrata Primary School NAPLAN Writing Data

Year 7 RPS

Year 7 Like

Schools

Year 5 RPS

Year 5 Like

Schools

Year 3 RPS

Year 3 Like

Schools

400

420

440

460

480

500

520

540

560

580

600

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

SC

OR

E

Rostrata Primary School NAPLAN Reading Data

Year 7 RPS

Year 7 Like

Schools

Year 5 RPS

Year 5 Like

Schools

Year 3 RPS

Year 3 Like

Schools



NUMERACY TARGETS

Rostrata Primary School produced excellent Numeracy results in all year groups in 2013. Across the

board Rostrata students outperformed statistically similar schools. Although 2014 scores were

slightly down on the previous year they continue the steady upward trend that has been evident

over the past few years.


1. Focus on increasing the percentage of children achieving in the Top 20% of all children

when compared with “Like Schools”

2. Identification and support of “At Risk” students in Numeracy.

3. Evidence of enhanced practice in the area of Numeracy.

NAPLAN NUMERACY DATA

TABLE 5. RPS performs at/above ‘Like Schools’ in Numeracy (NAPLAN mean scores).*

Year 7

(110 Students)

Year 5

(87 Students)

Year 3

(98 Students)

Rostrata

PS

Like

Schools

Rostrata

PS

Like

Schools

Rostrata

PS

Like

Schools

Mean

Scores 603 582 528 518 460 435

Students

in Top

20%

49% 41% 44%

*Source http://www.myschool.edu.au/

Rostrata students continued to experience success in numeracy during 2014. At Risk students were

identified early (Target 2.) and curriculum adjustments were made. Resources were allocated to

ensure these students were adequately supported. In a cohort of 304 tested students, over three

year levels, less than 5% of students recorded a score that was at or below benchmark (i.e. the

lowest 20% of all children) – an outstanding success for this school.

In addition to a

favourable comparison

with Like schools in 2014,

the numeracy data

shows that students at

Rostrata have

outperformed students

from similar schools

consistently over the past

4 years – a very

commendable

achievement.

Rostrata Primary School

supplements student

learning by arranging

access to the Mathletics

program. All students from Pre Primary to Year seven have access to this program which

supplements the classroom numeracy program. Additionally teachers utilise technology including

interactive whiteboards to enhance curriculum in mathematics.

400

450

500

550

600

650

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

SC

OR

E

Rostrata Primary School NAPLAN Numeracy

Data

Year 7 RPS

Year 7 Like

SchoolsYear 5 RPS

Year 5 Like

SchoolsYear 3 RPS

Year 3 Like

Schools

http://www.myschool.edu.au/



0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

2nd

May

9th

May

16th

May

23rd

May

30th

May

6th

June

13th

June

20th

June

27th

June

MU

LTILIT W

AS

Exte

nsio

n L

evels

MULTILIT Word Attack Skills Extension 2014

Accuracy

Fluency

Learning Support Results reflected in the attached graphs indicate that Multilit and Minilit programs continued to

support Year 1

-7 children

with reading

accuracy and

fluency. These

highly

successful

programs

effectively

target student

literacy needs.

A semester

one data

sheet is

included

below.

Current

research

highlights the

fact that

Phonological Awareness (PA) is one of the most influential factors affecting a child‟s ability to

learn to read. PA skills include the capacity to identify, discriminate and manipulate the different

sounds in Standard Australian English.

Cracking the Code, an evidence-based Phonological Awareness (PA) program, was trialled with

all Kindergarten children in 2014. Implementation of the program was facilitated by Speech

Pathologists from the Fremantle Language Development Centre Outreach team. Not only did

this ensure all Kindergarten children were exposed to the essential elements of PA but it also

enabled teachers to identify children needing

early intervention and referrals to external

specialist agencies.

At the end of 2014, Year 1 and 2 children were

identified for Handwriting Screening by a

visiting Occupational Therapist. Those requiring

intervention were provided with a series of

individual/small group sessions with the OT.

Research indicating links between handwriting and literacy

development enabled teachers to develop personalised

learning programs incorporating the OT‟s specialist

knowledge.

Gifted and talented students from Years 4 -7 were

provided with the opportunity to be extended and

challenged by participating in Tournament of Minds, an

interschool problem-solving event. Two teams entered the

Language/Literature and Social Science categories, the

latter being awarded HONOURS.



PRIORITY 3 HIGH QUALITY TEACHING, LEARNING AND

LEADERSHIP

“Through a focus on professional learning, implementation of the Australian Curriculum and

expertise in a variety of instructional techniques staff will ensure that high quality teaching and

learning takes place in every classroom.” Rostrata Primary School Business Plan 2013 - 2015


Early Years Learning Framework strategies fully implemented by end 2014.

A variety of classroom instructional strategies being implemented in classrooms.

A range of information technologies integrated into classrooms.

Implementation of Australian Curriculum.

Classroom Instructional Strategies Throughout 2014 the school

continued to encourage students to

engage in critical and creative

thinking utilising higher order thinking

skills across all curriculum areas.

The ongoing success of this program

has been very pleasing. To gauge

the extent of the implementation,

data was collected in 2014. The

survey result indicated children were

generally very familiar with, and liked

to use, a range of co-operative

strategies and thinking frameworks to

assist them in their learning. Where

data indicated dissatisfaction or a

lower level of understanding,

teachers have reviewed the program and are implementing modifications to the school

processes. A follow up survey will be conducted in June, 2015.

Implementation of Australian Curriculum

Implementation of Australian Curriculum is proceeding smoothly with all staff engaging in the new

curriculum in Mathematics, English, Science and History. Implementation of Geography has been

postponed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority while the content is reviewed. It is

our expectation that Geography will be implemented in 2016.

Expanding and Engaging ICT program Information Technology has been a major focus at Rostrata Primary School over a long period of

time. Every classroom is fitted with an interactive whiteboard, over 200 desktop computers, 130

Samsung Galaxy Tablet Computers and 6 Multifunction Ricoh copiers.

There are many online applications that are used extensively such as Mathletics, Reading Eggs,

Skoolbo and Reading Doctor. These help cater for the individual differences and needs of

students across the school.

The major focus in 2014 and moving into 2015 has been the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

program. Students from all years have been invited to bring devices into the school and connect

wirelessly to the school network. Tablet devices from all manufacturers are able to be bought in

and used. The devices can be used for a variety of purposes; as an encyclopaedia, an atlas, a

calculator and run a variety of educational apps. Currently there is an uptake of around 25% of

students in the program, an encouraging figure given that the program is in its infancy.

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Year 4&5 Yes Responses to HOTS Survey

Questions



Rostrata is currently in a partnership with suppliers; devices being available to be purchased

through the school. In the first program offering around 50 parents purchased a device. The

program enables parents to buy devices at a

discount price with onsite warranty.

Future plans include upgrading the

Smartboards in every room with new

Interactive projectors and larger format

whiteboards. The HDMI connectivity means

that tablet screens will be able to broadcast

onto the whiteboards, giving teachers

another means to display video content.

With technology being used in all facets of

work and home, Rostrata is well placed to

provide students with opportunities to

increase skill in this area in the 21st century.

Professional Learning

This school continues to commit significant resources to the professional learning of staff in key

curriculum and other priority areas to meet the targets of the Rostrata Business Plan 2013 – 2015;

recognising that professional learning is a key component in the development of staff as high

quality educators and school leaders. This year the school found many opportunities to send staff

to external professional learning funded by the Department of Education, reducing our course

costs but increasing the money spent on relief staff.

Expenditure on Professional Learning (PL) - Major Cost Centres only

2013 2014 %

Change

Whole School or Cluster PL sessions $7,000.00 $5,775.00 -18%

Special Needs $2,310.00 $1,292.00 -44%

Implement Australian Curriculum $4,008.00 $3,871.00 -3%

Positive Behaviour Support Program $3,575.00 $3,221.00 -10%

Specialist Programs (E.g. Music) $2,361.00 $254.00 -89%

Teacher Relief to support PL $21,049.00 $27,311.00 30%



PRIORITY 4 AN INNOVATIVE, INCLUSIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE

SCHOOL CULTURE

Rostrata Primary School prides itself on providing innovative approaches to curriculum and

curriculum delivery, resulting in learning opportunities and innovative programs which are inclusive

of a variety of learning needs and supplement an already high quality learning experience.

Specific Business Plan Targets Innovative special programs continue to operate and are priorities of the school.

Rostrata is an inclusive workplace and learning environment.

Community partnerships continue to be strong and mutually beneficial.

Innovative Special Programs The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program (SAKG) continued to thrive throughout 2014.

The children participated in a range of thrilling and purposeful cooking activities which focused

on promoting the SAKG philosophy of „nutritional eating‟. The children were given multiple

opportunities to taste and cook with unique, delicious and home grown fresh produce. They were

taken on „cooking adventures around the world‟ and created a wide range of delicious,

nutritional and flavoursome meals from many cultures and cuisines. We saw the development of

innovative projects and the implementation of new programs that enriched the children‟s

educational experience through the involvement of the community and local members. This

included beginning the early stages of the Community Garden Project which will be situated

adjacent to the SAKG garden. The program aims to involve community members in the

gardening process, educate local members about

gardening processes and connect Rostrata Primary

School with members of the wider community. The

children participated in a range of „Design and

Technology „projects which provided them with

many opportunities to apply and develop

fundamental „Higher Order Thinking and Problem

Solving Skills‟ (e.g. designing and creating a bug

hotel and an innovative chicken tractor). At the end

of Term 4 we were very sad to see our fantastic

Garden teacher (Mrs Martini) leave. However, we

were excited to Welcome Mr Cuevas-Hewitt as our new Garden specialist and delighted at the

new and wonderful ideas he has to offer our program and school community.

In October, students from year 6 and 7 attended the state final

of the Schools Innovation Challenge - F1 Challenge at

Barbagallo Raceway. The event was the culmination of months

of hard work in Science and Technology. Rostrata was awarded

the Primary Schools cup

for the second year in a

row. Congratulations to

the Velocity Raptors

team who won the

Engineering Innovation

Award for the second year running; as well as coming

second overall in the „Professional-Junior Class‟ and

receiving the Encouragement Award. The other teams to

compete were the Jet Racers and the Daredevil Dingoes

who also represented the school with distinction. Although

the project can be quite complex and demanding at

times, and the children are often competing against high



school students, they all acquitted themselves superbly and were really able to rise to the

challenge. We are very grateful to our local sponsors.

The Physical Education program continued to provide opportunities for children to experience a

wide range of games and sports. Inter-faction and interschool carnivals are held every term

enabling students to participate . The school participates in swimming carnivals, cross country

carnivals and athletics carnivals, as well as whole-school programs such as EduDance,

DanceSport and weekly aerobics sessions, providing students with a wide range of competitive

and non-competitive events. Senior students have the opportunity to try

out for interschool carnivals,

where they interact with athletes

from neighbouring schools. In-

school clinics, such as the Total

Football Academy, bring the

wider community into the school‟s

sporting environment. The PE

program also provides students

with the opportunity to further

develop their skills through before

and after school training sessions,

such as swimming and cross

country.

All students at Rostrata engaged in our excellent Drama program, designed to engage the

students creatively allowing for the development of imagination, creativity and confidence. Whilst

producing and performing assembly items is an integral, and enjoyable, part of the program, the

main focus is to develop confidence, the generation of creative ideas and vocal control. Being

able to clearly articulate ideas helps prepare students for communicating in any context; sharing

news in class, presenting a report, thanking a guest speaker, addressing an assembly or

brainstorming ideas in a group in class. Students from years 3, 4 and 5 contributed to the

development of the new Arts Curriculum by providing work samples as a part of the Judging

Standards Project for the School Curriculum and Standards Authority.

The Science program at Rostrata continued to inspire our students. Even though it was difficult we

managed to create the world’s first 3D printed Harmonograph Designed and created at

lunchtimes by three of year seven students at the end of 2014, it had glowing lights and can't be

missed. Parents and others wanting to see this outstanding work only need to search the internet

using the bold words above as an example of how Rostrata students are connected.

Our TDS Science team have mastered 3D Filament Printers and their creative expertise increases

daily as can be seen by the many stunning objects being printed including the exquisite Victoria

Cross medal printed to support Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day studies. They have never

been seen in Australia before.

Rostrata is an inclusive work place and learning environment. Underpinning all we do at Rostrata is the need to be

an effective, inclusive school both in the classroom

and playground. We believe we achieved this in the

past year.

In excess of 50% of our students are born overseas.

This has a significant impact on our teaching and

learning programmes; especially in the development

of English skills and in the acceptance that different

cultural norms happen within the home. In 2014 the

emphasis continued regarding the importance of

happy, welcoming classroom environments.



Throughout the past year we had an effective EAL/D programme which assisted children at

stages 1 and 2 to learn English. Through our LOTE (Italian) and recent after hours Chinese classes

we have demonstrated our ongoing support for students from diverse cultures.

During 2014 our emphasis on all children becoming fully aware of Aboriginal culture was

significant at the class and whole school level. This was highlighted during NAIDOC Week when, a

parent, Mrs Culbong, told stories about her culture and ran special

activities. The year 4/5 teachers in B Block commented “We felt it was a

very worthwhile activity and the children were attentive and interested

in her talk. They are very proud of their mia-mia they constructed under

her guidance.”

The school continued to work hard to ensure inclusivity and specific help

for those with learning difficulties. Our active, small-group, multi-lit

program has been very effective in this regard. This program was run by

two specially trained teacher assistants and continues to achieve terrific

results.

Under Mrs Clarke‟s leadership in 2014 a very effective but challenging

Students At Educational Risk (SAER) program continued to operate with

more than 20 children with learning difficulties. These students were, and

continue to be, assisted in our regular classrooms by specially appointed trained assistants.

Teachers involved with these children have accessed professional learning and put in place

individual learning plans for all children with learning difficulties or disabilities which were reviewed

and reported regularly.

The school continued to address the growing need to cater for those students who are gifted and

talented. As well as in-class extension programs; blue-ribbon Writer awards, special music and

drama opportunities, F1 Challenge, Science extension groups, PEAC, Leadership Camp,

Tournament of Minds and Mrs Heldt‟s special TAGS

group all provided an opportunity for talented

students to develop their abilities.

Generally in 2014 Rostrata highlighted inclusivity at

our assemblies by our honour certificate awards with

almost all children receiving a certificate for

encouragement, endeavour or achievement. This,

together with our many other programmes such as

instrumental music, physical education

sportsmanship, junior play opportunities, science

and our kitchen & garden programme demonstrate

our efforts in 2014 to ensure Rostrata is an inclusive

school.

Community partnerships continue to be strong and mutually beneficial.

The parent survey distributed in term 4 2014 has provided us with some enlightening data

regarding parent satisfaction with what is being provided for the children in our care at Rostrata.

It is interesting to note, in particular, the comments made by new parents who appreciate the

fact that our staff and students are always very welcoming of new children. We consider this to

be especially important as we have many children who have joined us from overseas and often

have not begun speaking English.

As in previous years parents have also been highly complementary of the work teachers do in the

classroom. They comment on their commitment, the very effective strategies that are being used,

as well as the programs that we have been able to provide for the children.

Parental involvement was a common thread within the survey which is also very important to us.

The majority of parents felt that the school welcomes their involvement. We have significant

numbers of supporters involved a wide variety of activities including, for example, classroom



support, school banking, canteen, Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden, literacy, science, school

board and P&C.

One of the valuable aspects of a survey such as this is that we also gain information regarding

parent concerns. As a school we acknowledge that we need to take account of these. It is

important to us that parents are satisfied with the communication processes in place, including

information and feedback on individual student progress. Generally it was acknowledged that

this is at a good level though it is something which we need to keep in focus.

It has also been suggested that we should provide more opportunities for „at risk‟ students,

including the gifted and talented. We are in the process of providing further opportunities for

these children and will continue to evaluate effective programs for them.

The survey indicated overwhelmingly that children felt safe within this school and liked attending;

an indication of the positive behaviour exhibited by our school community. With our current

Positive Behaviour Support program in place we anticipate continuing to maintain a safe and

welcoming environment for our students.

It is appropriate to also make mention of partnerships that exist within the wider community. In our

science program we have a close connection with a number of key institutions. These include the

CSIRO which sponsors a program called Scientists in Schools, The University of Western Australia,

the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical research and Scitech. Each of these groups has made

valuable contributions to our program.

2014 PARENT SURVEY RESPONSE



1 34,595.00$ 37,863.20$

2 166,623.80$ 170,834.43$

3 -$ -$

4 20,000.00$ 27,854.77$

5 6,996.70$ 6,996.70$

6 395,036.92$ 395,036.92$

7 5,704.45$ 5,704.45$

8 4,800.00$ 4,800.00$

9 -$ -$

10 67,329.64$ 72,462.13$

11 -$ -$

701,086.51$ 721,552.60$

117,285.89$ 117,285.89$

818,372.40$ 838,838.49$

1,115,000.00$ 1,115,000.00$

1,933,372.40$ 1,953,838.49$

Locally Generated Revenue243,549.10$

DoE Grants 395,036.92$

Other Govt Grants10,504.45$

Other 72,462.13$

Transfers -$

721,552.60$

1 24,073.63$ 28,343.63$

2 -$ -$

3 153,969.34$ 115,492.75$

4 38,451.88$ 31,729.31$

5 -$ -$

6 57,000.00$ 64,745.79$

7 254,206.01$ 240,255.91$

8 61,291.29$ 44,242.81$

9 -$ -$

10 128,382.00$ 61,732.00$

11 34,564.18$ 23,961.47$

12 9,982.40$ 9,982.40$

761,920.73$ 620,486.07$

1,115,000.00$ 992,068.00$

1,876,920.73$ 1,612,554.07$

Bank Balance 292,401.14$ Made up of: -$

1 General Fund Balance 218,352.42$ 2 Deductible Gift Funds -$ 3 Trust Funds -$ 4 Asset Replacement Reserves 53,054.20$ 5 Suspense Accounts 27,239.52$ 6 Cash Advances 450.00-$ 7 Tax Position 5,795.00-$

292,401.14$

Total Salary Allocation

Total Funds Available

Total Salary Expenditure

Assets and Resources

Education Services

Other Specific Programs

Salary Payments to Central Office

Budget ActualExpenditure

Trading Activities

Administration

Leases

Utilities

Total Bank Balance

Cash Position as at:

Other

Transfers to Reserves

Total Contingencies Expenditure

Total Expenditure

Repairs/Maintenance/Grounds

Building Fabric and Infrastructure

Rostrata PSFinancial Summary as at

Actual

Dec. 2014

Total Contingency Funds Available

Internal Transfers

BudgetRevenue - Cash

Trading Activities

Other

Opening Balance

Voluntary Contributions

Charges and Fees

Government Allowances

Total

P&C Contributions

Commonwealth Govt Grants

Fundraising/Donations/Sponsorships

DoE Grants

Other State Govt Grants

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

$000

Revenue Source

Contingencies Revenue - Budget vs Actual

Budget Actual

Locally Generated Revenue

34%DoE Grants

55%Other Govt Grants1%

Other 10%

Transfers0%

Current Year Actual Contingencies Revenue Sources

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

$000

Expenditure Purpose

Contingencies Expenditure - Budget vs Actual

Budget Actual

10

60

110

160

210

260

$000

Cash Position

rostrata primary school

Documents