Willans Hill School
Annual School Report 2014
School context statement
Principal’s message
Our school caters for the educational needs of
students with moderate and severe intellectual
disabilities from kindergarten to year 12.
2014 was another wonderful year of learning for
all members of the Willans Hill family, staff and
students alike.
At Willans Hill School, we work with parents and
carers to design and implement individual
educational programs to meet the needs of each
student.
Our school is very proud of its excellent
reputation for high quality teaching programs
throughout Australia.
Our staff continues to research and implement
best practice in teaching to ensure our students
receive the very best education possible.
Student information
All parents of children with disabilities are given
the choice of mainstream placement, a special
class in a mainstream school or placement in a
Special School.
As a staff, we rediscovered the need for support
and teamwork as we struggled with one of the
very harsh realities of life, losing a student.
Ainsley de Jong passed away in in October which
devastated the entire school community. We
were inundated with messages of sympathy and I
would like to sincerely thank our parents, carers
and departmental personnel for their kind words
and actions of support. Ainsley continues to hold
a very special place in the hearts and lives of us
all.
Students are placed at our school by the
Department of Education and Community,
Riverina Placement Panel.
Our student population is made up of students
who, for a range of reasons, would find the
mainstream challenging. Parents have looked at
the options and made the choice to enrol at
Willans Hill School.
It is these struggles, along with the successes,
that keep us all totally committed to making sure
that every day at Willans Hill School is a day of
learning, soaking in the joy of just being together.
We have a school community to be proud of!
Each student has a Personalised Learning Support
Plan which is developed with parents and carers.
This plan includes priorities for each student.
These
priorities
may
include
literacy,
communication and behaviour, as well as DET
curriculum areas.
I am particularly proud of the staff at our school. I
believe we have the best Special Education
Teachers in the state. They never cease to amaze
me with their willingness to learn and try new
things, and with their ongoing and total
commitment to the education and wellbeing of
the students in their care.
Parents and carers are seen as crucial members
of the learning team around each child.
Communication with them is part of daily school
practice.
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all students must be consistent
with privacy and personal information policies.
The future is looking good for Special Education
at Willans Hill School.
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
school’s
achievements
and
areas
for
development.
Wendy Cox
Acting Principal
1
P&C President’s Report
Student enrolment profile
Presidents report 2014
Demand for enrolment continues to be strong.
Students enter the school at various times:
This year we welcomed into the fold a new
Treasurer and Secretary, in the larger than life
combo of Darren and Leanne Grass. What a huge
effort undertaken by this pair, juggling home,
work and P&C duties with aplomb. This year has
also seen an increase of P&C members who have
contributed to our cause of assistance and
support for our school and the children within.
From me, thank you for your efforts and may it
continue into this year.
• In Kindergarten
• In Year 7
• Due to changes in family circumstances.
Gender 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Many things have been achieved for the year.
Our very own Website and Facebook were
launched this year and have been a huge success.
Many thanks need to go to the Grass duo for
instigation and installation of these social media
outlets. Communication to our families and the
wider community has never been better, and it is
a step in the right direction for our organisation.
Male
39
43
40
44
42
42
47
Female
19
24
28
25
25
23
22
Enrolments
80
Students
60
Another great success story are the new senior
uniforms. How smart and how cool do they look
in them. Members of the public have stopped me
when shopping with Dominic to comment how
good they look. The next step will be the junior
uniform and senior jumpers. Well done Leanne
and her team of experts!
40
20
0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Year
Male
Female
Post-school destinations
Our main goal for the year was to install new play
equipment to replace the old. Although we are a
bit behind schedule, we are determined to
achieve that goal this year and show that we are
a pro-active P&C. Watch this space!!!
Post school destinations are planned
by parents and carers with the
support of school staff in the final
years of school life. A variety of
options are available for students
depending on their skills and needs.
These include community access
programs, work training programs
and open employment
On a sadder note, one of our very dearly loved
angels at the school, Ainsly De John, passed away
in term 4. This rocked the school community
hard, especially our teaching staff. How they all
got through the weeks following Ainsly’s passing
was simply incredible. My hat goes off to
everyone.
Year 12 students
undertaking vocational or
trade training
May our year ahead be filled with promises. A
promise to install new play equipment, a promise
to serve the school to our potential, and a
promise to enjoy ourselves at all times.
Remember, we are all doing this as volunteers,
and sometimes our home lives are difficult. We
can only do what we can. Thank you again for
your services to the P&C.
Some students at Willans Hill
School attend TAFE for 1 day a
week in year 11 and/or 12 to
complete a hospitality course.
Year 12 students attaining
HSC or equivalent Vocational educational
qualification
Stephen Reynolds
All students at Willans Hill School remain at
school to complete their Higher School Certificate
in Year 12
2
Workforce information
Financial summary
All staff at Willans Hill School are committed to
quality teaching and quality learning for all our
students.
This summary covers funds for operating costs
and does not involve expenditure areas such as
permanent salaries, building and major
maintenance.
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all staff must be consistent with
privacy and personal information policies.
Date of financial summary
Income
Balance brought forward
Global funds
Tied funds
School & community sources
Interest
Trust receipts
Canteen
Total income
Workforce composition
Position
Principal
Deputy Principal(s)
Assistant Principal(s)
Head Teachers
Classroom Teacher(s)
Teacher of Reading Recovery
School Learning and Support Officers
Teacher Librarian
Teacher of ESL
School Counsellor
School Administrative & Support Staff
Total
Number
1
0
3
0
9
0
9
1
0
0.2
1.5
24.7
Key learning areas
Excursions
Extracurricular dissections
Library
Training & development
Tied funds
Casual relief teachers
Administration & office
School-operated canteen
Utilities
Maintenance
Trust accounts
Capital programs
Total expenditure
Balance carried forward
Teacher qualifications
All teaching staff meet the professional
requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
Professional
accreditation
% of staff
100
40
learning
and
$
246080.56
178824.92
95176.01
17256.40
6117.96
4533.85
0.00
547989.70
Expenditure
Teaching & learning
There are currently no indigenous staff working
at the school.
Qualifications
Degree or Diploma
Postgraduate
30/11/2014
teacher
8278.40
147.5
4032.53
3309.63
2429.97
126534.23
86496.16
52628.68
0.00
39174.94
14760.72
5195.6
0.00
342988.36
205001.34
A full copy of the school’s 2014 financial
statement is tabled at the annual general
meetings of the School Council and/or the parent
body. Further details concerning the statement
can be obtained by contacting the school.
All staff at Willans Hill School are committed to
ensuring that students with a disability access a
quality education.
They are keen to develop
their skills and take part in
professional learning
opportunities in staff
meetings, special training
events and staff
development days.
3
School performance 2014
Library
Literacy and Communication
All classes have one Library lesson every
week when reading is shared and books are
borrowed. Most RFF lessons, predominantly
with a focus on literacy, also take place in the
Library. The Library is a very popular place to
be at lunchtime.
2014 saw further commitment to the 4 Blocks
Literacy program across the school. The majority
of the teaching staff took up the offer of weeklong instruction in the Level 1 or Level 2 training
courses. The Level 2 people were able to apply
their training in clinic conditions.
Library staff coordinate our
students’
participation in the
Premier’s Reading
Challenge, National
Simultaneous
Storytime, and Book
Week activities.
Several parent workshops were held at the
school, skilling parents in the use of the
Proloquo2go app with their children at home. It
was also an opportunity for parents to gain
greater insight into the use of the app at school
and its importance in developing communication
skills for those students with complex
communication needs. To complement this
training all classes received a third iPad dedicated
to Proloquo2go for use in the classroom and
playground.
In the 2014 Premier’s Reading Challenge 46
of our students completed the challenge, t
received medals for completing the Premier’s
Reading Challenge every year from Year 3 to Year
9, two earned gold awards for successfully
completing the challenge for four years and five
students received platinum awards for
completing the challenge seven times.
2014 also saw a shift in the way teachers
programmed and presented 4 Blocks based on
the most current research. The school also
responded to research and changed the
assessment tools it had been using. The new
tools reflected more fairly, and specifically, the
literacy levels and skills of our students.
Carnivals
There were two sporting carnivals held in 2014.
The Regional SSP
Athletics Carnival
saw all classes
from WHS in
attendance at
Jubilee Park for a
day of running,
field and novelty
events.
Riverina Environmental Education Centre
Excursion (REEC)
During 2014, all classes once again, attended the
REEC. The students went on an animal hunt,
explored a pirate cave, investigated magnets and
rocks, tested skills on an obstacle course,
launched bottle
rockets, played
didgeridoos and
more. Students had
an exciting time
discovering all the
things on offer at the
REEC.
The Regional SSP
Swimming Carnival
was held at the
Oasis Swimming
Centre in Wagga
Wagga and, once
again, the whole
school attended this
social event. Lots of smiles, cheering and ribbons
were the order of the day.
4
Shell Questacon Science Circus
On Tuesday 25th March
presenters from the Shell
Questacon Science Circus
brought the fun of science
to our school. Students (K12) were required to use
their investigating skills to
observe, question, predict
and
suggest
possible
explanations for the experiments presented. The
show explored the relevance of science and
technology in everyday life using familiar
everyday items with a touch of theatre to inspire.
Creative and Performing Arts
All students at our school enjoy a
comprehensive CAPA program,
taking in all aspects of the syllabus.
They look forward to the school
disco and other musical
opportunities.
A group of interested students experienced
performing to a packed
theatre in the 2014
Riverina Dance Festival
with their dance piece
entitled “Happy”. They
practiced long and hard
and their efforts were
recorded in a short
documentary film which was then entered in the
Focus on Ability Film Festival. The same students
then had the great experience of participating in
an acting workshop put on by the No Strings
Theatre. A fun time.
Presentation Night
Family and Friends gathered
in the hall to celebrate the
achievements of Willans Hill
School Students. The Junior,
Middle and Senior School
students all participated in a
3 group performances
throughout the night.
Special awards were given
to students in the areas of:
We also had a very talented
student, Kristian Martin-Gibbs,
gaining third prize in the NSW
School Reconciliation Challenge
Art Competition. His family was
excited to travel to Sydney for
Kristian to accept his award.
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The senior school turned their talents to
decorating a Rhino for Taronga Zoo’s Wild Rhino
initiative. Our Rhino
took pride of place on
display at Bankstown
Court in Sydney, before
being returned to us to
live out his life.
Citizenship Award recognizes
Technology Award
The Sportsmanship Award
Encouragement Award
Commitment Award
Learning Award
Year 12 Graduation
The 2014 Graduation was a
gala affair with nine
students being presented
to a crowd of over 120
guests. Once again the
Navy provided each student
with a partner for the
evening. The decorations
were outstanding this year
and provided the backdrop
for a memorable evening for all.
Our senior students experienced live theatre
performances at Kooringal High School, Wagga
Wagga High School and the Civic Theatre.
We also enjoyed
performance visits from Nth
Sydney Girls’ High Concert
Band, The Wagga Wagga
Christian College Year 12
students and the Jungle
Drums touring group.
5
Day for Daniel - Safety Awareness
Footy Colours Day - Childhood
Cancers
Blue Day - Autism Awareness Day
Northcott Walk with Me –
Disability Service Providers.
Year 6 Graduation
Seven students
and their
families took
part in
celebrating the
transition from
primary to High
school. Each
student’s experiences at Willans Hill School were
highlighted through a PowerPoint presentation.
Respect Lunch
Transport Day
Worthy students throughout the year receive
Respect Awards. These culminate with a special
morning tea with the Principal and the parents of
the honoured recipients.
Every year our
students love to get
up close and personal
with some big trucks,
an ambulance, police
cars, fire engine, and a
variety of other
interesting vehicles. Everyone has lots to write
about after this experience. Thanks to Chris
Harmer for organizing the fun.
Other achievements
Literacy Website
We are particularly proud of our Literacy website.
literacyatwillanshill.net.au
It is used as a starting point for many interested
schools before they come to us to see the 4
blocks in action. We have an ongoing entourage
of teachers from a variety of school around the
Riverina visiting. Our teachers are very generous
with their time and knowledge in support of
getting the 4 Blocks out there.
Borambola
The whole school
took part in an
excursion to
Borambola Sport and
Recreation Centre.
The students
enjoyed low ropes,
archery, wood work, dance party, earth ball
activities and parachute games.
Charity Days
Variety Bash
In 2014 the staff and
students at the school
participated in a range of
fundraising activities to
support local and
national charities. These
days allowed students
and staff to dress up, be creative and become
more aware of the causes we were supporting.
We had 5 events last year including :
The Biggest Morning Tea (Staff only),
The Variety Bash once again
passed through our town and
the P&C took on the mammoth
job of providing breakfast all
200 or so of them. This is a huge
undertaking but very much
appreciated by Variety and a
great fundraising opportunity for us.
6
School planning and evaluation
2012—2014
School priority 2
Develop an active learning community to sustain
quality programs.
School evaluation processes
NSW public schools conduct evaluations to
support the effective implementation of the
school plan. The processes used include:
Outcomes from 2012–2014
All teachers will be trained in the application of
the national curriculum.
 Data Collection
All school programming will include outcomes
from the national Curriculum.
 Program reviews
 Surveys
Evidence of achievement of outcomes in 2014:
School planning 2012-2014:
 Class Programs checked for outcomes from
the National curriculum.
School priority 1
 PLSPs reflect the use of outcomes from the
national curriculum.
Communication programs for students with
complex communication needs will be
established based on current research
 Student Reports report on achievement of
outcomes from the national curriculum.
Outcomes from 2012-2014

Yes/No visuals to be used at all times as a
first stop, very basic communication aid

All staff will be able to navigate through
Proloquo2go to suit their own in class
needs

Strategies to achieve these outcomes in 2014:
 Sharing of proformas making use of national
curriculum outcomes within each section of
the school
 Sharing these ideas through staff meetings
across the sections.
 TARS and EARS processes to reflect areas of
the national curriculum.
All staff will be able to navigate through
Proloquo2go to suit playground needs of
the students
Evidence of achievement of outcomes in 2014:

Yes/No visuals worn and used by all staff
all the time

Proloquo2go used in the classroom at
specific times eg Guided and Shared
Reading, Morning circle, all choice
making

Parent/caregiver, student, and
teacher satisfaction
In 2014, the school sought the opinions of
parents, students and teachers about the school.
The results of the parent survey have been
summarized into the tables on the following
page. These will be used as a basis for seeing
where the shortfalls are and for planning
strategies through 2015 to improve the areas of
greatest need.
Further surveys will be distributed to staff and
students to achieve similar insight into areas of
need.
Proloquo2go used in the playground by
all staff
Strategies to achieve these outcomes in 2014:
 Training conducted by Jane Farrall
 Proloquo2go use programmed and timetabled
into every classroom
 Wear the visuals, set a goal to use them x
number of times every day
 Communication plans become an integral part
of the PLSP planning
7
Future Directions
2015-2017 School Plan
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
self-evaluation committee and school planning
committee have determined targets for the
school's future development.
NSW DEC is implementing a new school planning
process for 2015-17. The new plan will be
published on the school’s website from the
beginning of Term 2 2015.
The following Strategic Directions form the basis
of the planning for these next years.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 1
Curriculum and Learning



All students access the curriculum and
work towards achieving their full
potential.
The whole community will have high
expectations of the students.
We believe no student is too anything
not to learn to communicate.

To cater for staff development, parent
education and student education in using
and understanding the forms which are
relevant to them.
Acting Assistant Principal
Jason Sainsbury
Acting Assistant Principal
Steven Reynolds
P&C President
Email: [email protected]
Website: willanshil-s.schools.nsw.edu.au
Literacy Website: literacyatwillanshill.net.au
School Code: 5550
Parents can find more information about Annual
School Reports, how to interpret information in
the report and have the opportunity to provide
feedback about the report at:
Policies and Procedures

Amanda Cappello
Fax: 0269253871
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 1
To implement these policies and
procedures across the school so they
remain consistent, relevant and usable.
Assistant Principal
Ph: 0269251076
The school playground, as it is, does not
cater for the needs of the students and is
detrimental to the individual and
collective wellbeing of all personnel.

Janelle Urbanavicius
Wagga Wagga
To provide classrooms and outdoor areas
with designated spaces which reflect the
physical, sensory and emotional needs of
the students.
To provide policies and procedures which
are accessible, user friendly and
sustainable.
Acting Principal
Lord Baden Powell Drive
To ensure that all school environments
are safe for all students: stimulating and
active.

Wendy Cox
Willans Hill School
Wellbeing for All

Principal
School contact information
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 1

Chris Lennon
http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/learning/emsad/
asr/index.php
1