Arcadia Public School
Annual School Report 2014
[school code]
1048
Technology continues to provide a tool for our
students for the promotion of critical thinking,
problem solving and cooperative work. With the
generous support of our P&C, 2015 saw wireless
connectivity installed throughout the school. We
have increased our bank of ipads and laptops and
the children are benefiting from the increased
mobility and access.
School context statement
The motto for our school is ‘Be Outstanding, Be
Inspired’. We stand by this by striving to build a
great school that promotes a passion for learning
in our students and the confidence and
knowledge to take responsibility and be actively
involved in their own learning.
Our School’s educational philosophy is
underpinned by the timeless values of respect,
responsibility and personal best.
Arcadia Public School is supported by an active
P&C who work tirelessly in partnership with the
school to achieve the best in education for their
children.
Principal’s message
The 120th celebration in May was an excellent
example of the esteem in which Arcadia Public
School is held by its current and past community
and I congratulate and thank the 120th organising
committee for such a successful culmination to
many hours of research, collating and planning.
Their recognition in winning the Hornsby/ Hills
volunteer group community award was very well
deserved.
Successful schools begin with the question of
‘why’ and work outwards from there. Why
translates to purpose. Our purpose is to engage
each of our students as learners, where they see
the value of learning, seeing their own potential
as learners in a community which promotes a
deep sense of self and confidence in their ability.
We understand that children’s belief in
themselves begins with others’ belief in them.
Arcadia Public School is a place where each
student is important and where activities are
geared to grasp and harness their natural
eagerness to learn.
Mrs Sharon O’Brien
P&C Report
This is a consolidated report from two presidents
as there was a change half way through the 2014
year of President, due to personal circumstance.
Lori Modde and Trevor Newstead each led 6
months of the parents and citizens association to
continue delivering community service for the
students, teachers and families of Arcadia. The
members fundraised through uniform sales,
canteen, social initiatives, merchandise and
grants to provide better facilities. Both presidents
commented on their passion for the school and
thankfulness that they had the opportunity to be
involved with the P&C and have passed the baton
to Mr Peter Jones for the 2015 year leadership.
How do we do this? Through quality education
programs that are responsive to initiatives and
change such as the National curriculum rollout.
By continually evaluating our students’ progress,
planning and collaborating as a team to most
productively utilise our wide expertise.
Our Arcadian Way expectations clearly
communicate to our students what is valued and
important. We encourage them to be selfdirected through goal setting, student generated
success criteria, peer and self- assessment and a
variety of leadership opportunities.
In 2014 the association was successful in
obtaining a state government grant through Ray
Williams MP office to start building our Covered
Outdoor Learning Area. Fundraising contributions
provided teaching resources, extra equipment
and maintenance requirements to enhance
school budgets. But perhaps the most significant
event of 2014 was the school's 120th birthday
celebrations and a big thank you to the award
winning committee for their outstanding
commitment to make this event happen. The
celebration day, the interpretation that was put
in place around the school, have all added to
We build confidence in communication through
public speaking and debating and encourage
shared
responsibility
for
their
school
environment through sustainability education
and an outstanding gardening program.
They interact with the wider community through
sporting and cultural opportunities. So many of
our parents and community sat proudly in the
audience at the Sydney Town Hall in August as
our talented choir performed once again in the
Arts North concert while others were cheering on
the sideline as the children competed at school
and zone carnivals.
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cement another era in this school’s history for
future generations.
go to the junior girls. They made it all the way to
the semi finals but unfortunately lost to
Cherrybrook. Well done girls!
We (Trevor and Lori) wish the Arcadia Parents &
Citizens Association and Arcadia Public School all
the very best for the future in continuing to
deliver the very best education to the community
of Arcadia.
Very recently, the captains went to AMF Bowling
for a leadership day with many other schools
around the region. We got to meet up with all the
captains from earlier in the year. We got to talk
about the challenges we have faced and the
opportunities we have had.
Lori Modde Retired P&C President
Student representatives’ message
I speak for Tahlia, Scott, Willow and myself when
I say it has been a pleasure, an experience, a
challenge and a privilege to be your captains for
2014 at Arcadia Public School.
Some highlights of 2014 included the Great
Aussie Bush Camp. It was definitely a place for
people who want to have fun. For some of us it
was one of the latest times that we go to bed.
Everyone was yawning. Tahlia, Willow, Scott and I
went to a 3-day leadership camp at Vision Valley.
We were given many group activities that we had
to solve together. We met many new people and
we learnt new things.
Tahlia and Nathan
Macquarie University was a great experience for
5/6. We got to experience the technicality of
robotics, even though we already had the
instructions. To build the robot we used LEGO
and a laptop to do all the programming. After, we
received an email from the teacher who taught
us robotics and he said they have never had a
school like us, in their entire career. They said we
worked cooperatively, independently and got the
job done.
Student information
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all students be consistent with
privacy and personal information policies.
PSSA was a great opportunity to meet with other
schools at Hayes Park, Galston. Years 3/6 got to
play Oz tag and netball. I'm sure everyone had a
great time, and it wasn't because they got time
off school.
Student enrolment profile
The World Parks Congress was like we were rich
and famous. Getting off the bus with cameras
taking photos and videos. As we walked into a
huge dome full of information about the world's
problems regarding the environment and its
creatures. 5/6 were split into groups of 3s & 4s,
each group went around the whole dome
interviewing many different people, and what
they're doing to save the environment and
animals. Everyone created documentaries and
then it was compiled into one final product.
Years 3/6 paid another visit to Hayes Park and
had another great time where the Oz Tag Gala
day was held. Everyone said it was lots of fun,
and I'm starting to think it was because of the icecream van. Many games were played, there were
wins and losses. But the team of the day had to
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Student attendance profile

Implementation of the NSW syllabus for
science and technology K–6 – all
teachers.

Intensive learning about writing and
grammar, with a mentoring and coaching
component. As this was facilitated by,
Ann Leaf, a non DEC provider, it
accounted for a substantial portion of
expenditure of professional learning
funds – all teachers.

The computer coordinator, Miss Murphy,
participated in professional learning in
incorporating technology into teaching
and learning with a focus on ipads in the
classroom. She then led school based
learning for all teachers and coached
each in a classroom based action project.

Planning Literacy and Numeracy (PLAN)
software. All teachers participated in a
learning led by Meredith Hines which
focused on how to enter student data,
track student achievement and generate
reports.
Workforce information
It is a requirement that the reporting of
information for all staff must be consistent with
privacy and personal information policies.
Workforce composition
Position
Teaching Principal
Classroom Teacher(s)
Teacher of Reading Recovery
School Counsellor
School Administrative & Support
Special
Staff Hearing teacher
Total
Number
1
4
1
1
2
1
10
Staff Development days
Term 1 – Child protection update, presentation
by Catherine Walker, Assistant Principal, Positive
Behaviour for Learning Public Schools NSW
Term 2 – Teachers participated in a series of
workshops at Galston High School on the
following topics – data analysis, writing criteria,
numeracy and engaging with the wider
educational community.
The Australian Education Regulation, 2014
requires schools to report on Aboriginal
composition of their workforce.
The workforce of APS does not contain an
Aboriginal component.
Term 3 – Teachers participated in professional
learning at Annangrove Public School on the
topics of the Australian professional standards for
teachers and the mathematics continuum.
Teacher qualifications
All teaching staff met the professional
requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
Qualifications
Degree or Diploma
Postgraduate
Term 4 – School planning
% of staff
100
0
Average expenditure per teacher on professional
learning $780.
Total school expenditure on professional learning
- $3900.
Professional learning and teacher accreditation
At Arcadia Public School strategic planning is in
place to build the capacity of all staff to achieve
key school priorities. Participation in professional
learning activities are school based, as members
of the Galston Community of Schools or in
conjunction with the P5 Learning Alliance.
In 2014 the staff carried out professional learning
in the following:
3
year presentation evening at the nearby
St Benedicts Monastery.
Beginning Teachers
Arcadia Public School staff did not include any
beginning teachers in 2014.

Our choir students from Years 4, 5 and 6
proudly performed at the Sydney Town
Hall as members of the Arts North
Combined Music Festival, with over 500
other choristers. It was a memorable
evening highlighting the talent of our
students and the dedication of our
outstanding choir teacher, Mrs Crouch.

All Year One students participated in
recorder lessons throughout the year
with opportunities to show off their
foundation music skills through class
performances.

Our combined choir, made up of many
from both the junior and senior classes
performed at the Education Week
celebrations,
the
120th
School
Anniversary and presentation evening.

Drama skits produced and performed in
French by Year Six students were a great
hit at Education Week as was Arcadian
Idol which featured solo instrument and
vocal performances by our talented and
confident students.
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 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
30/11/2014
$
84735.95
81148.57
34080.38
70523.42
2620.22
5943.65
0.00
279052.19
15613.47
21326.23
17169.12
5279.00
1694.94
35608.26
15884.13
42272.18
0.00
13612.65
13174.07
5254.39
0.00
186888.44
92163.75
Our band has been involved in various events
during the year, providing the children with
opportunities to develop confidence in technique
and performance. Events include performing at
the 120th School Anniversary, Education Week,
Presentation Evening, a combined performance
with the students from Kenthurst Public School
and Glenorie Public School and a very enjoyable
visit to Rowland Village.
At Arcadia Public School we believe that the
provision of a wide range sporting
opportunities for students is vital in ensuring
students engage in active healthy living. 2014
has been another successful year for Arcadia’s
students.
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.
In 2014 students at our school participated in the
following events:
School performance 2014
In Term 1, K to 6 students participated in the
SportsPro gymnastics program where they were
exposed to a wide variety of movement
activities which developed their gross and fine
motor skills.
Arcadia PS considers it important to offer our
students enriched and exciting learning
activities in the arts. Some of the highlights
were:

All students participating in the
footsteps dance program culminating in
fabulous class performances at the end of

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Field and track athletics carnivals at
school and zone and regional levels.

Swimming c a r n i v a l s a t s c h o o l
and z o n e levels.

Cross Country carnivals at school and
z o n e levels.

PSSA
weekly
competitions.
PSSA
competition teams included junior and
senior mixed Oz Tag and Netball teams.

School sport

Gala Days in Soccer and Oz Tag where
the junior girls’ team was runner up
champions.

Premier’s Sporting Challenge

Personal Development programs of
Peer Support, Bounce Back and Social
Skills were part of the year’s program for
all students.

The Arcadia Public School Equestrian
Team successfully competed at various
local and interstate Dressage &
Equestrian Carnivals. Our school captain
Tahlia achieved National recognition with
her selection to represent NSW at the
Australian Equestrian championships in
November.
Our
students
looked
outstanding at the events with their
horses wearing new saddle blankets
embroidered with the APS shield and
braided brow bands all donated by our
generous P&C.
Year 5 and 6 students were invited to rub
shoulders with world experts at a landmark
global conference in Sydney on Thursday
November 13, 2014.
Arcadia Public School was one of two public
schools in Sydney chosen to be part of the
International Union of Conservation of Nature
World Parks Congress.
The global forum on protected areas, with
upwards of 5000 delegates, is only held once a
decade. It is hosted on behalf of the Australian
Government by Parks Australia and the New
South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service,
in the Office of Environment & Heritage. Of
course our parents who are employed by
National Parks are thrilled although they take no
credit for the invitation.
Our students earned the invitation because their
qualities shone through when they created
iMovies with specialists from the Field of Mars
Environmental Education Centre last term. They
worked with an Apple Distinguished Educator,
interviewing delegates from around the world
and collating content for a multi-touch textbook
created with iBook authors which will be
published by the International Union of
Conservation as a legacy document for the
congress.
I am so proud of our students. This stimulating
congress was an ideal environment for our
students to demonstrate the creativity and values
that are fostered at Arcadia Public School. It was
an invaluable opportunity for them to
demonstrate knowledge from their studies of
global climate issues, their self-direction and their
ability to communicate confidently with a wide
range of people.
Technology
Arcadia Public School students were recognised
for their outstanding willingness to cooperate
and work diligently to achieve the high
expectations set for them in both learning and
behaviour.
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The My School website provides detailed
information and data for national literacy and
numeracy testing (NAPLAN).
2014 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge
All students ranging from Kindergarten to Year 6
were successful in completing the 2015 Premier’s
Reading Challenge. As in previous years,
participation in the Challenge is encouraged
amongst students as an additional support to
help guide personal reading choices and so that
students may experience literature that is
varied and suitable for their Stage level. The
library supports the program by promotion of
PRC books, displays and specialised browsing
collections, weekly library borrowing and time
allocated for older students to access their PRC
records. Classroom teachers have continued
their support through encouragement of
students and where possible inclusion of PRC
books in the classroom program. Students were
awarded a certificate from the NSW Premier in
recognition of their success.
Click on the link http://www.myschool.edu.au
and enter the school name in the Find a school
and select GO to access the school data.
Aboriginal education
At Arcadia Public School we endeavor to
embed the principles of Aboriginal education
into the regular teaching programs in all
classrooms. For example, our school
assemblies and special events begin with a
‘Recognition of Country’ which encourages
all members of the audience to reflect on the
past, acknowledge the present and think
about the future.
Multicultural education and anti-racism
Multicultural education is integrated throughout
the school via units of study in HSIE and other
KLAs.
Public Speaking and Debating
This year the Arcadia Public School public
speaking and debating program expanded to see
our students compete in the 2014 Premier’s
Debating Challenge. It was a great pleasure for
parents and teachers to view our students’
problem solving and communication skills being
tested and honed in this wide arena. Once again
our students proudly participated in the District
Inter School Debating Competition with our
school teams regularly achieving excellent
results. Every student in the school participated
in the Educational Multicultural Perspectives
Public Speaking Competition. Two students each
from Stage 2 and Stage 3 represented the school
at the district final of the Multicultural
Perspectives Public Speaking competition, held at
Cherrybrook Public School.
The School encourages cultural diversity within
an atmosphere of unity by participating in various
whole school activities such as Harmony Day and
the Multicultural Public Speaking competition.
Policy and equity funding
Aboriginal background
Funds were used to supplement the purchase of
a series of digital texts to improve Aboriginal
students’ literacy outcomes. Engaging, interactive
texts allowed for independent, leveled literacy
development.
Socio-economic background
Funds were used to facilitate student access to
specialist teachers in dance and gymnastics, as
well as, supplementing the purchase of a series of
digital texts and mathematics problem solving
resources to improve all students’ literacy and
numeracy outcomes. These engaging texts and
mathematics resources support effective
differentiation and classroom organisation.
Academic achievements
NAPLAN
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.
English language proficiency funding was
not received in 2014
The achievement scale represents increasing
levels of skills and understandings demonstrated
in these assessments.
Learning and Support
Year 3: from Band 1 (lowest) to Band 6 (highest
for Year 3)
This funding was expended on the employment
of a Student Learning Support Officer who
collaborated closely with the K/1 teacher to
Year 5: from Band 3 (lowest) to Band 8 (highest
for Year 5)
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support student adjustment to school and
participation in classroom activities.
School planning and evaluation 2012—2014
Parent/caregiver,
satisfaction
student
and
6.
teacher
In 2014, the school sought the opinions of
parents, students and teachers about the school.
7.
School evaluation processes
NSW public schools conduct evaluations to
support the effective implementation of the
school plan. The processes used include:
A survey was distributed electronically in
November 2014. As the survey questions were
designed to gather parent and community ideas
about where we should be heading as a school
over the next three years, the responses were
necessarily of a qualitative nature. The school
self-evaluation committee has begun analysis of
the information, reporting to the P&C as trends
are identified. Due to the large amount of
information, analysis is ongoing.
1.
Name 3 aspects that make Arcadia Public
School a great school.
Many respondents commented on the
friendly environment found in this small
‘community’ school.
2.
Name 2 aspects that Arcadia Public
School could change to make it an even
better school.
Some parents commented on the need
for increased learning support and clear
communication between home and
school.
If you could choose one thing to add to
our school that we don’t do, what would
it be?
The wide ranging responses varied from
updating the school uniform to increasing
science education.
What does a successful school
community look like?
Happy children in an accepting,
welcoming community was the
predominant response to this question.
What do you see as the big
considerations for our school over the
next three years?
3.
4.
5.
8.
9.
Maintaining and growing enrolments was
the predominant response to this
question.
What do you see as the big
considerations for our school over the
next three years?
Building on our strengths was the key
message from responses to this question.
What do you see as the big
considerations for our school over the
next three years?
Once again, increasing enrolments is seen
as a priority.
In terms of learning, what are the 3 most
important aspects you expect Arcadia
Public School to provide?
Parents wish their children to be self motivated learners who achieve their
maximum potential in all Key Learning
Areas.
Please describe what the future holds for
your child and what beliefs, opinions,
ideas and attributes do you want your
child/children to take away with them
when they leave primary school.
96% of respondents believe in the
importance of their child having a deep
understanding and appreciation of
values- respect, responsibility, personal
best, friendship, support and integrity.
In response to this information a school
promotions team has been formed consisting of
parents and the principal.
‘Arcadia Social Circle’ has been established with
the purpose of increasing communication and
supporting the work of the P&C.
A review of the school uniform has been initiated.
The learning and support team in collaboration
with teachers continues to ensure that learning
support staff are targeting identified students
with learning needs.
The release from face to face teacher provides a
dedicated science program K-6 implementing the
NSW Syllabus for the Australian curriculum
Science and Technology K-6.
Student focus groups were led by Year 6 students
to identify areas that our students enjoyed in
their learning. Sport, technology, art and English
were the most popular. Areas identified as most
valued by the students were the canteen, the
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boat and the oval. Doing up the chicken shed was
considered a very important area for
improvement.
25% in 2013 to 30% by the end of Term 3,
2014.
Evidence of achievement of outcomes in 2014:
School Priority 1

While the percentage of students in the
top 2 proficiency bands did not increase
to 30% (11.1%) 66.7% of students
experienced greater than or equal to
expected growth in numeracy.

No students were placed in Band 3.
Improved learning outcomes in Literacy to be
equal to or above State average
Outcomes from 2012–2014
1.
2.
3.
Increase percentage of Year 3 students in
top 2 proficiency bands in reading from
29.4% in 2013 to 35% by the end of Term
3, 2014.
Increase percentage of Year 5 students in
top 2 proficiency bands in writing from
12.5% 2013 to 20% by the end of Term 3,
2014.
Increase percentage of Year 5 students
demonstrating greater than or equal to
expected growth in spelling from 30.8%
2013 to 40% Term 3, 2014.
Strategies to achieve these outcomes in 2014:


Collegial learning - preparing for the
implementation of the NSW Mathematics
Curriculum.

Curriculum learning with MathsPLUS
professional learning Adobe sessions.

Review of school based scope and
sequence.
School Priority 3
Evidence of achievement of outcomes in 2014:


Improved learning outcomes for students
through information and communication
technologies
Percentage of Year 3 students in top 2
proficiency bands in reading increased
from 29.4% in 2013 to 40% by the end of
Term 3, 2014.
Outcomes from 2012–2014
The percentage of Year 5 students in top
2 proficiency bands in writing did not
increase, however, 66.7% of students
experienced greater than or equal to
expected growth in writing.
56.6% of students achieved Increase
greater than or equal to expected growth
in Spelling.
1.
To increase student achievement through
interactive technology.
2.
To promote innovation in the use of
interactive technologies for learning and
teaching and for teacher professional
learning.
Evidence of achievement of outcomes in 2014:
Strategies to achieve these outcomes in 2014:

Students in Years 3 to 6 proficient in
creating iMovies.

Consultant led series of professional
learning and coaching in effective
teaching of writing and grammar.

Students in Years 5 and 6 invited by Apple
technology to create iMovies at the
World Parks Congress.

Use of Springboard into Comprehension
resource reviewed with introduction of
digital texts to support students.

Each teacher designed and implemented
a classroom based technology project

Increased student engagement through
use of ipads in teaching and learning.
Strategies to achieve these outcomes in 2014:
School Priority 2
Improved learning outcomes in Numeracy to be
equal to or above stage average.
Outcomes from 2012–2014
1.
Increase percentage of Year 5 students in
top 2 proficiency bands in numeracy from
8

Students in Years 3 to 6 participated in
Field of Mars movie making incursion.

Wireless connectivity installed across the
school site.

Coaching program for each teacher to
prepare and implement a classroom
based technology action project.
Future Directions
2015-2017 School Plan
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.
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.
Mrs Sharon O’Brien - Principal
Mrs Shelley Warren - Teacher
Mr Peter Jones - Parent
School contact information
Arcadia Public School
140 Arcadia Road, Arcadia 2057
Ph:
9653 1270
Fax:
9653 2697
Email: [email protected]
Web:
www.arcadiaschool.com.au
School Code: 1048
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:
http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/learning/emsad/
asr/index.php
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