Focus Area Three Inclusive Learning Environment

WHAT WE WILL DO: Support students and families to ensure regular school attendance

What Occurred in 2022:

See Attendance summary earlier in the Annual Report for data on attendance for 2022. With overall school attendance falling in 2021 and 2022, to 88.6% from a previous 92%, the school Principal included in his messages through Newsletters and Seesaw the importance of families not taking time away from school for vacations during school terms. This is becoming more prevalent each year, and when combined with the influence of COVID, can explain for the decrease in attendance averages.

Recommendations for 2023

• EPS will continue to be proactive in promoting the message of regular attendance to maintain a student attendance percentage above the WA State Schools average through; regular parent/carer communication, newsletter inserts and individual case management of identified students in at-risk categories.

• MGM Outreach+, to continue to be resourced to assist with attendance follow up.

WHAT WE WILL DO: Ensure high level of student behaviour is maintained

What Occurred in 2022:

Continuation of EPS Whole School Expectations as part of our whole school strategies to reduce low level behaviours and promote a calm and orderly learning environment across the school. Staff modelling and explicitly teaching what these behaviours look and sound like.

• Transitions

• Greetings

• Before School

• Lining up

• Recess and lunchtimes

• Assemblies

• Junior and Senior Playgrounds

Review of the BMIS policy in mid-2021 saw the introduction of an in class visual chart (Junior and Senior) to reduce teacher variability and ensure consistency when managing student behaviour in the classroom. This was widely used by all staff in 2022 and feedback was very positive about its use and ability to keep students accountable for their choices in class.

Recommendations for 2023

• Whole School expectations continue to be embedded and become part of the Esperance Culture.

• Review of the BMiS policy by all staff – WWW and EBI in early 2023.