One of the keynote speakers, Lisa Rodger who is the CEO of the Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, highlighted research that identified the top 5 things that contribute significantly to improved learning outcomes for children. Her list consisted of the usual suspects such as better educational resources, positive teacher student relationships, student motivation, quality teaching etc. However the factor that has the biggest impact on improved learning outcomes for children is being at school on time, all the time. This she said had the highest effect size of any other school component. This is something I have always known but it was good to hear it ratified in current research.
DISA Survey
In 2012, Star of the Sea School was involved in a National Partnerships Project that set in motion the school's involvement with the University of Southern Queensland. From this project emerged our school motto, Open Hearts and Open Minds. Our school values of Respect, Compassion, and Collaboration, Inclusivity and Honesty and our vision for learning were all developed as a result of our involvement in the project.
Six years on, the University of Southern Queensland have asked to resurvey the school community to compare data and to see if the work that has taken place over the last 5 years with staff professional learning has brought about closer alignment.
The Diagnostic Inventory of School Alignment (DISA) has been developed through the University of Southern Queensland and is designed to gather data from key stakeholders within a school community (students, staff and parents).
After the survey is completed, the collated data will be presented back to us in a report that will help the School Board form strategic directions for the future.
The entire school staff have been asked to complete the survey and the Year 6 and 7 students will also be given the opportunity to take part and provide their voice in the data.
I cannot stress enough the importance of getting as many parents as possible to complete the survey. The more information we have from you, the more accurate the information will be in seeing how well aligned our school is in areas such as school successes and achievements; strategic foundations, community cohesiveness, professional learning, resource management and quality teaching and learning. In order to have an accurate picture we need one third of our parents to take part in the survey. You can access the survey here
To start the survey, select the appropriate survey type from the drop-down box and select the START button. The system will take you to the question page and take approximately 15mins -20mins to complete. After you have finished answering the questions press the SUBMIT button on the last page.
Your participation in the survey is essential in order to gather data so we can plan effectively for the future, and to compare current data with 2012 to see how far we have developed and if our alignment has improved. Ultimately your participation will form the basis for a data driven planning process to improve school cohesion and learning outcomes.
Feast of the Assumption Mass
On Wednesday we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption with a whole school Mass. Thank you to the many parents and friends who celebrated Mass with us. As usual the Mass was a joyous occasion with great singing and music. After Mass I was talking to visitors from NSW who spoke highly of the children, their singing, their reading and their behaviour. Thank you to Fr John, and Fr Krish for making Mass so special.
Book Week
Next week is the official Book Week - "Finding Your Treasure". However at Star of the Sea we celebrate Book Week the following week when the rush is over.
This year there will be the traditional Book Week Parade on Wednesday 29th August. I encourage all children to take part in the parade and to start preparing their costumes.
Also during Book Week the Library will hosting the bi-annual Book Fair, an opportunity to purchase new and interesting books for home. The Library will be open before and after school for parents and family members to come in and shop.
Enjoy the weekend ahead.
Joe De Tullio