Annual School Survey arrives Week 3

The annual school survey will be launched next week. Our school survey is run independently via the Catholic Education Office.  It is an opportunity for everyone involved to have their say on the performance of Sacred Heart Primary School. You can provide feedback on all aspects of the operations of the school – from classroom to playground and community involvement.

Last year we had a relatively small sample size, with less than half our families providing feedback. It would be great to hear from everyone, to add more suggestions and diversified ideas for improvement. The results are scrutinised by the School and Community Council executives alike, to formulate an action plan for improvement.

Our students also have their say. In 2018 100% of students responded to ‘all of my teachers encourage me to do my best’. The student’s lowest result was a high 77% positive to ‘Our school takes students’ opinions seriously.’ Results from the staff surveys are managed through the school executive.

The 2018 results from parents and carers indicated across the board satisfaction in the running of the school. But we all know we can do better! For recollection, the top and bottom three results are listed below:

• 94% I am happy with my child’s access to technology in our school.
• 94% The staff at our school take an interest in my child.
• 94% I can make contact with my child’s teacher or other staff easily.
• 53% The School Board/Community Council is effective at our school (37% don’t know enough about the issue, 10% negative).
• 45% Our school has explicit, clearly communicated school-wide targets for improvement (37% don’t know enough about the issue).
• 46% Our school promotes and sets targets for improving student outcomes (35% don’t know enough about the issue).

2019 priority areas for the school executive to provide an academic and values-based learning environment:

1. Staff are using learning assets - skills and dispositions, within a shared inquiry approach to foster 21^st Century learning.
2. Staff are formalising process to collect data in order to direct professional learning and teaching practices, to improve student outcomes.
3. Growth Coaching is being used develop SMART Goals with staff.

 2019 priority areas for the Community Council, based on 2018 results and AGM parent agreement:

1. Retention of (male) students in Stage 3 – develop action plan with parent community to promote ‘what makes SHPS great.
2. 50^th anniversary planning for 2020, noting primary promotion and support for 2019 Fete.
3. Clearer and timely communication from school to home, including use of website, app, newsletter and Facebook to cross-promote school activities. This has extended to involve parents and carers in active learning sessions through Council meetings, for hands-on experience with curriculum and support services (BeYou).

The school survey will be sent next week to each parent/carer registered with the school via email and through SZapp.