Cocos (Keeling) Islands District High School

Annual Report

2007

(This is an abridged version.

A full version containing learning area reviews

is available on request from the school Principal.)

Significant Achievements 2006/2007

Winner: West Island K-3 Class/Sally Harrison

Early Years Education Society (EYES) Awards 2007

'Our Story' Inclusivity Project

Winner: Home Island 3-4 Class/Don Gardiner, Paul Borbas

Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF) Songwriting Competition Awards 2007

'Drugs No Way' (Hip Hop Category)

Nomination: Premier's Teacher of the Year Award 2007

Sally Harrison

Nomination: West Coast Teacher Assistant of the Year Award 2007

Deanna Pfeiffer

Winner: Maddison James

Positive Image Award 2007

Runner-Up: Cocos Islands DHS

National Literacy and Numeracy Awards 2006

Sustained improvements in literacy

Principal's Report

Overview

On behalf of the School Council and staff, I am pleased to present the 2007 Annual School Report for Cocos (Keeling) Islands DHS.

2007 has been an outstanding year for the school with continued innovation in teaching and learning programs matched by high-level student achievement.

Once again the entire staff has worked tirelessly in an effort to elicit the highest possible outcomes in the school's six key focus areas (as outlined in the School Strategic Plan 2005-2007), and in particular teaching literacy to the local Cocos-Malay students.

This school report includes the reporting requirements as outlined by the WA Department of Education and Training (DET) and the federal Department of Education Science and Training (DEST) (Appendix One), and school reviews from primary and secondary (Appendix Two). It also contains a Literacy/WALNA review with targets for 2008 (Appendix Two).

Student Achievement

Analysis shows that the large majority of students achieved expected or above expected grades. There were a number of outstanding achievements, several primary and secondary students all working well above expected levels, and in context of the ESL nature of most of the students, growth in literacy (as supported by systemic testing) was excellent.

The strongest indicator of the school's excellence continues to be the Year 11 and 12 retention rates (100%) and student success in Perth. The school is essentially preparing students, and in the case of local Cocos-Malay children, equipping them with appropriate levels of English to succeed in these senior school years. What makes the facts even more impressive is that the only time the Cocos-Malay children speak English is at school during school hours.

School Planning

The school's 'accountability' and 'planning for improvement' processes as outlined in the Department of Education School Review Framework are now embedded and extremely strong.

All staff are fully and collaboratively engaged in school planning and reflection for improvement. Staff endorsement of termly individual accountability meetings with school administration continue to lead to highly effective and clearly focussed professional development, and the appropriate allocation of resources, ie facilitating time for all staff to meet with the Getting It Right Literacy specialist. This has resulted in collection and appropriate analysis of data (school and systemic) being the cornerstone of informed planning increasingly shaping teaching and learning programs, focussing in particular on student outcomes.

Tracking students using in-school data collection/assessment methods supported by WALNA/MSE WAMSE information, which in turn informs planning, is now embedded. Individual education plans or group education plans are in place where necessary, and efficient and effective use has been made of external agencies in particular psychologist and other Indian Ocean Territories Health services when available. The process continues to be thorough and effective and has resulted in significant improvements and growth in student achievement.

For 2007, specific targets for student achievement were identified and clearly outlined in individual operational plans.

A strong performance management process that includes all staff continues to drive specific and targeted professional development, both individual and whole school.

For 2007, performance management was linked to the Teacher's Competency Framework.

Overall, staff are to be once again thoroughly commended in this area for their outstanding efforts. It is only with their support that the school plan, operational plans and review documents continue to be the cornerstones to the cycle of planning, reflection and review.

Community Links

As ever, the whole community across both islands continues to provide the very strongest support. The school P&C Association, once again under the leadership of Mak Yazid, raised over $35 000 at its annual Fete and Auction day. A remarkable achievement in not only raising funds to maintain crucial educational initiatives, but a testament to the togetherness of the community and the support individuals and organisations offer the school.

Once again my sincere thanks to all individuals, community groups and organisations that have contributed to the success of our student learning both face-to-face and behind the scenes. The strength and depth of this wide-ranging support continues to immeasurable.

Financial Report

Total funds 2007 $762 143.93

Total Expenditure 2007 $667 164.90

Balance $94 979.03

Transfer to reserves $50 000

Carry over 2008 $44 979.03

Summary

In concluding I would like to once again make special mention of, and recognise the tremendous contribution from school staff. The school continues to be characterised by highly talented, professional and dedicated individuals, reflective, dynamic and innovative, collectively making a significant difference to, and enriching the lives of students. Any and all success achieved by the school is due to this outstanding group of people and my sincerest thanks to each and every one of them.

Finally, the end of 2007 saw four staff and their respective families leave the school and the islands. Our thanks to them for their wonderful contribution to the school and community and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.