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Charter CHARTER REVIEW October 2008
Question 1 Vision/Values. What are our key beliefs? Currently the Charter states “At SWIS we believe in: Taking responsibility Striving for excellence The right to learn All students learning successfully Celebrating success Having fun Multiculturalism Teamwork Pride in our school Open and frank communication”
Parents Respect for others (3) make most of opportunities not sure of meaning ‘right to learn’ in context Does ‘all students learning successfully’ encompass individual needs? Strong grounding in Literacy and Numeracy try new experiences Face challenges Consideration, cooperation, peacemakers extend themselves pride, self belief Like them all and feel they cover a good range Great values, vision (3) Staff They are all very good (4) Key competencies Managing Self Students These are good
Question 2 Curriculum Our current homework policy is …. The main purpose of homework is for the student to develop a routine of independent study. 1. Students are expected to complete at least 20 minutes recreational reading each night and keep a reading log. 2. Class work not completed in class time will be completed at home. This ‘finishing off’ work has the advantage of being directly related to work done in class. This may include spelling and basic maths facts. 3. All students are expected to complete a Science Fair project and a speech for the Oratory contest as part of their independent studies. 4. Students may undertake Mathematics revision using the “Start Right Workbooks“ which may be purchased from school. Responses Parents Happy with current policy (4). Science Fair does need a lot of parent support and encouragement. Difficult to develop routine of independent study when what is given is so erratic. Not smooth transition from primary school to college 20 minutes reading excellent – perhaps Year 8s have more? Like school books brought home more often Worked well for our daughter Science every two years Like to see more formal assignments Staff Teachers issue worksheets for students with extra needs Homework should include some extra English related tasks as well as reading Keep this More written work for Year 8s – esp. Mathematics – prepare for secondary school.(2) Perfect as it is Students Teachers aren’t sticking to this. Some giving worksheets, Some give schoolwork to finish when there is no chance to complete it in class More Homework for Year 8 Many make up reading log entries Too much causes problems for busy students Most happy – some prefer the Science Fair project to be not compulsory
Question 3 Communication 1. Does SWIS communicate to you effectively about your child’s progress? Responses Parents Don’t find report format very enlightening but feel confident I can convey concerns to teachers Room for improvement. Find current rating system used in reports confusing Would like more contact with teacher (Whenever I’ve contacted teacher I’ve been welcomed) (2) Good communication (5) – comfortable ringing and/or emailing Happy with current reporting (4) Parent interviews great Happy but less emphasis on formalised reports and more on concerns as they arise Staff Teachers get list of parent contacts beginning of year – no need to rifle through enrolment forms Develop e conferences with parents More notes in Home diaries – teacher comment weekly Any change shouldn’t create more work or duplication Students No comment
2. Does SWIS communicate to you effectively about school events? Parents Not always. Like more notice of events (3) Usually. If child misses Wednesday, no newsletter. Website usually, but not always, current. Yes, except for Science Fair. Improved by regular updates and tips. Support for struggling students/parents Email newsletter would be helpful Yes(4) – enjoy weekly newsletter Staff Newsletter does this well (2) Bulk emails of newsletters (2) Website, email lists Notices need to be more informative and sent home in advance. Students No comment
Question 4 Property: Buildings/Grounds Where should we focus our resources to improve our school environment? Responses Parents Zero tolerance vandalism and tagging, upgrade toilets More resources for environment group to beautify grounds Hall Trees, shade Grounds generally look good. More Kowhai for Tui perhaps. More seats on top outdoor play area Additional pedestrian crossing Expand the environment group Lovely mosaic Enhance gardens Confidence course, rock climbing wall – involve local businesses – need to employ someone to manage it Drinking fountains Commitment to rubbish collection. Internal painting and carpets Art & Music rooms cold and draughty Drama room damp Staff Plant trees, sun shade (3) Recycling New fences around top courts Upgrade tech block, esp. upstairs Curtains Couple of strategically placed cameras in corridors, stairwells would ease several issues eg graffiti Move ICT room to Room 6. Convert Room 5 to Theatrette. Provide ability to open up Library and 5/6. (See Naenae Int. for prototype) Students Movable soccer goals Smartboards every class (2) Grind rail (skating) (2) More grass More computers in homerooms Improve girls toilets More rubbish bins (2) More food choices Drama room small and smelly Curtains for Art room – too hot in summer, too cold in winter (2) Flag on flagpole Update ICT room Fix fences More lunchtime equipment
Question 5 What would you say are the main strengths of our school? Responses Parents Empathy and understanding of students this age group (4) Variety of curriculum offered (2) Positive environment – safe and friendly (2) Visibility of principal Range of activities offered (5) Students have fun Languages Developing independent thought.- Confidence building Good management of bullying – not much at school Students learn to get along with others of different backgrounds, multicultural (5) Great teaching staff (4) Strong sense of belonging and community Celebrating success Excellent principal Excellent puberty unit Staff Multi-cultural staff and student background (2) Collegiality Unique vision Bullying policy (3) Languages classes (3) Cultural exchanges eg Koreans Acknowledgement of students that do well Positive student/teacher relationships A holistic approach to education Appreciation of diversity Meeting individual needs – eg. ESOL well catered for. Inclusiveness friendliness Semi-specialist programme Many extra opportunities for students (2) Great students Students Many sports (3) Languages (2) Good options/extra-curricular activities (3) Cultural fusion FPS Food Technology Great Tech rooms People are allowed to skate Being taught by several teachers
Question 6 Could you suggest ways our school can improve? Any concerns? Responses Parents No concerns – very happy (3) Uniform hideous, particularly shorts – give girls skirt option Room 12 counselling after losing great teacher Theft – several instances Improve uniform Science & computer facilities Chance for parents and teachers to meet informally weekly Involve older members of community in supporting teachers in classrooms Winter uniform encouraged Swimming programme introduced Consider identifying and providing for gifted – FPS doesn’t provide for all gifted students – no policy on this Staff Rubbish in ground very poor. Canteen should be closed as a punishment More focus on English Less interruptions to main programme Playground duty unclear generally and especially if someone away Recycling Better communication office – teachers re. money taking in etc. Teachers enforcing out of class passes (3) PD Literacy Better enforcing of uniform. (2) Better communication re. students going out on school activities. Students Keep balls pumped up. Students who damage sports equipment should be banned 1-2 weeks. More training for sports events No uniform Better toilets More muftis, discos Curtains Netball courts Playground Security guards in weekends More cameras Lockers/new desks Another ICT room Longer intervals Better canteen More homework Year 8s
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