Mater Christi College - 2016 Anual Report

2016

ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL

COMMUNITY

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE, BELGRAVE

REGISTERED SCHOOL NUMBER: 1644

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Contents Contact Details ........................................................................................................................................... 2 Minimum Standards Attestation ............................................................................................................... 2 College Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 3 Principal’s Report ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Education in Faith ...................................................................................................................................... 6 Learning & Teaching .................................................................................................................................. 8 Student Wellbeing .................................................................................................................................... 13 Leadership & Management ...................................................................................................................... 16 College Community .................................................................................................................................. 19 VRQA Compliance Data ........................................................................................................................... 21

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

1

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Contact Details ADDRESS

28 Bayview Road, Belgrave Vic 3160

PRINCIPAL

Mary Fitz-Gerald

CANONICAL AUTHORITY

Good Samaritan Education

SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR

Fiona Purcell

TELEPHONE

(03) 9754 6611

EMAIL

principal@materchristi.edu.au

WEBSITE

www.materchristi.edu.au

Minimum Standards Attestation I, Mary Fitz-Gerald, attest that Mater Christi College is compliant with: •

•

All of the requirements for the minimum standards and other requirements for the registration of schools as specified in the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) and the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2007 (Vic), except where the school has been granted an exemption from any of these requirements by the VRQA Australian Government accountability requirements related to the 2016 school year under the Australian Education Act 2013 (Cth) and the Australian Education Regulations 2013 (Cth)

19 May 2017

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

2

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

College Overview Vision Our goal at Mater Christi College is to provide an educational environment where challenging learning experiences empower students, staff and families to act justly and live wisely, creatively and compassionately.

Mission Statement Mater Christi College is a Catholic Secondary School for Girls which takes its direction from the person and message of Christ, as proclaimed in the Gospels. In an atmosphere of Christian love, caring and understanding, the College provides educational programs relevant to the individual needs of students. It encourages excellence in all things. The College respects the traditions and spirit of its founders, the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, and strives to be organisationally and educationally innovative, to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing society. Through balanced growth of the whole person, we aim to develop informed and compassionate women of faith who will contribute freely and creatively in the affairs of society.

Guiding Benedictine Values Love of Christ & Neighbour ~ Community ~ Justice & Peace ~ Learning ~ Excellence ~ Prayer Hospitality ~ Stewardship ~ Humility ~ Discipline ~ Obedience ~ Stability Mater Christi College is a single campus Catholic Secondary School for Girls, located in the outer eastern region of Belgrave, Melbourne. It was established in 1963 by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and is now governed under Good Samaritan Education. It is systemically funded through the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria.

The majority of students are Catholic and from Catholic families; however, all students embrace the opportunity to participate in an active faith community and are challenged to learn in an environment imbued with the values of inclusivity, compassion and justice so that students will develop a love of learning, embrace leadership experiences and participate in community service.

The College has excelled in providing unique opportunities for students to develop their potential - academically, spiritually, physically and emotionally. As a community dedicated to the education of girls, the College has committed to ensuring opportunities for future leadership, cultural experiences, community service, sporting activities and creative achievements.

Governance Mater Christi College is a public company limited by guarantee. It is governed according to the Constitution of Good Samaritan Education.

The Directors, appointed by the Members of the Company in accordance with the Constitution, form the College Board which provides the governance of the College and sets the strategic direction. All operational matters and internal administration are delegated to the Principal as Chief Executive Officer.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

3

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

The Members of the Company and College Board for 2016 consisted of: Members of the Company

Board Directors

Peter Nicholson (Chair)

Fiona Purcell (Chair)

Veronica Hoey SGS (Deputy Chair)

Paula Hall (Deputy Chair)

Lucy Molony

Bernadette Feeney

Maria Kirkwood (to May)

Philip Thomas Philip King Steven Langford Paul Kremer (from May) Tony Lancaster (from May) Rick Westerhoff (from July) Terry Stephens (to May)

Good Samaritan Education Governance Structure Detailed information regarding the Mission & Values, Governance, History, People and Programs of Good Samaritan Education can be found on their website at: goodsameducation.org.au

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

4

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Principal’s Message Our College community responded positively to our commitment to be ‘informed, compassionate, creative’ (College motto), particularly inspired by our 2016 theme, ‘In all things my God be glorified’.

Our Vision was to provide an educational environment where challenging learning experiences empower students, staff and families to act justly and live wisely, creatively and compassionately.

Our commitment to the mission of our College required a strategic focus on effective teaching practices and learning experiences aligned closely with our revised pastoral care program, all firmly grounded in the context of a Catholic faith community which takes “its direction from the person and message of Christ, as proclaimed in the Gospels” (College Mission Statement).

As we seek to develop “compassionate and informed women of faith who will take part actively and creatively in the affairs of society” (ibid), we sought to respond to students’ learning needs as aligned with our purpose as Catholic school, rather than to the demands of competitive marketing or compliance requirements.

Our commitment to the provision of quality learning outcomes within the context of positive wellbeing strategies was the basis for the development of a Strategic Improvement Plan 2017 – 2020. Its goals and intentions reflected the recommendations following the College Review, conducted by Australian Council of Education Research and those from the Enhancing Catholic Identity survey conducted concurrently.

The ongoing refurbishment of several ‘tired’ classrooms created vibrant new learning spaces.

Mobile devices continued to broaden opportunities for collaboration, research and communication for all, students, staff and parents, supported by online resources platforms Learning Field and Edrolo.

I wish to acknowledge the exceptional and generous commitment of College leaders, teachers and staff of the College along with the wisdom and insightful support of the Board Chair, the Chair of Members, and all Board Members, Directors and Committee Members.

I give thanks for the service and inspiration offered to our College by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, Good Samaritan Education and the Mission Team, and also the many members of our College community who supported our endeavours over this past year.

May we respond as Christians to ‘who is my neighbour’ so that through the provision of an educational environment and challenging learning experiences, students, staff and families are empowered to act justly and live wisely, creatively and compassionately.

Mary Fitz-Gerald Principal

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

5

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Education in Faith Goal To use Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) data to continue to create opportunities to engage and develop post-critical belief and to express belief in Christ through action.

Intended Outcome That students, staff and parents will appreciate more deeply what it means to belong to a Catholic community, inspired by the Good Samaritan ethos

Achievements This year’s theme of ‘In all things my God be glorified’ was the perfect setting for students to engage as active members of our catholic faith community. Through religious education classes, prayers, liturgies and reflections, students became more aware God’s presence in their lives and explored their responses to the needs of others, in communities near and far. A range of presentations, resources and speakers were provided at College assemblies, reflections, retreat days and social justice fundraising and advocacy events to raise their awareness of the call to good works and justice, as highlighted in the gospel story of the Good Samaritan, and our commitment as followers of Jesus, to ‘go and do likewise’.

Value Added The ‘Horizontal’ Pastoral Program provided new opportunities for prayer and reflection.

Senior and Middle School Faith and Liturgy Captains and Social Justice and Stewardship Captains demonstrated strong leadership in presenting prayer and action, providing reflections and promoting social justice messages at assemblies, and year level and house meetings throughout the year.

Students continued to respond to a variety of opportunities for prayer, reflection, meditation and community service as part of their spiritual development. Through retreats and reflection days and Seed days, guest speakers inspired and informed students about good relationship and areas of need in our community, locally, nationally and globally.

Through the formal Leadership Certificate Program, and Good Samaritan Student Leadership Training, students developed their commitment to community service through leading liturgies, preparing prayers and reflections at assemblies, writing for school publications, through School Representative Council discussions, debating competitions and numerous fundraising initiatives.

Students enhanced their leadership skills through actively engaging and involving other students in fund and awareness-raising activities such as a Refugee Convention. Students continued their support for Project Compassion, Tinnies for Vinnies, the Good Samaritan Inn for women escaping domestic violence and Interchange, as well as other specific projects in areas of need.

Catholic Action classes based community service on Catholic Social teaching principles. Social justice community service activities included supporting the St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleep-Out, a mental health awareness campaign, assisting staff providing food to those in need at the Tin Shed in Belgrave and through organizing a fundraising concert.

The Personal Project, in the Middle Years Program (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate, provided students with opportunities to develop projects targeting social justice and stewardship.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

6

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Student leaders also participated in the St Vincent de Paul Social Justice Student Conference, the Good Samaritan Student Leadership Formation and Good Samaritan Immersion Trip to the Philippines.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

7

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Learning & Teaching Goal To ensure a contemporary learning environment which incorporates a positive wellbeing focus and a culture of rigour and excellence in learning and teaching

Intended Outcomes To ensure high expectations for learning and success for all students are key drivers of teaching practice To ensure that all teachers participate and collaborate in effective curriculum pastoral and mentoring programs To articulate and embed a consistent pedagogical framework for effective curriculum delivery To establish a school wide Data plan and build data literacy skills of teachers and leaders

Achievements The College provides academic curriculum programs through the Middle Years Program of the International Baccalaureate (MYP) which align fully with the requirements of both the Australian (National) and Victorian Curriculum. Students graduate from their final year with either the Victorian Certificate of Education or the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning.

Over 2016, teachers of Years 7 to 10 consolidated curriculum changes following the Next Chapter review of MYP. The major focus here was a greater emphasis on improving student engagement in their Personal Project and accurately documenting the taught curriculum. Teachers also continued to use of online rubrics for assessment and reporting. Overall teachers appreciated a simpler but more directed assessment framework.

Further professional learning workshops were provided for teachers to collaborate on uploading revised program documentation onto the learning management program ATLAS, especially in order to activate its data analytics capacity. Staff used Student Performance Analyzer (SPA) data to inform learning and teaching practices for improved student outcomes. In addition to NAPLAN data, this enabled teachers to better understand the differentiation requirements of individual students in their classes.

Students were provided with online textbooks via LearningField platform which enabled access to a broader range of resources.

The Pastoral continued to emphasis study skills and learning support strategies appropriate to students’ year level learning needs in line with its focus on wellbeing for learning. Students in early years focused on digital citizenship and cyber safety, while those in the middle years focused on subject selections and careers education. Students in the final years focused on study skills and post-school options/tertiary student selection processes.

As required, teachers of VCE subjects attended subject workshops in readiness for introducing revised VCE Study Designs.

Many teachers provided mentoring and support to pre-service teachers (25) from tertiary institutions throughout the year. In addition to training opportunities for these tertiary students,

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

8

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

established teachers consistently enjoyed significant professional development through this experience.

Student Learning Outcomes Mater Christi College students participated in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests conducted by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), in Years 7 and 9.

The data for the Year 7 cohort is used as a snapshot of the diverse learning outcomes from primary school and informs future teaching needs especially in the Maths and English programs.

Year 9 test results in 2016 identified high achievement standards with little significant change overall. The results over the last three years clearly demonstrate achievement standards equal to and mostly above the national and state average.

Looking at the relative growth data from 2013-2016 Year 9 students, the lowest area of growth was in Spelling. Numeracy showed growth which aligned with state averages whilst Reading showed a slight increase in growth. Grammar and Punctuation showed significant growth and the biggest area of growth was shown in Writing.

Median standardised results for Year 9 The average NAPLAN standardised results in 2016 were: Year 9 Reading

597.90

Year 9 Writing

585.40

Year 9 Spelling

575.60

Year 9 Grammar & Punctuation

589.90

Year 9 Numeracy

582.30

Looking at the trend data for the past 3 years, students in Year 9 achieved strong average gains in reading, and persuasive writing results when compared with similar schools. Numeracy gains remain consistent with schools across the state.

Teaching staff referenced student data to plan for and implement effective student learning.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

9

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Years 9-12 student retention rate Of the cohort of students who were in Year 9 in 2013, 82.83% of those students remained with the College through to completion of Year 12.

Senior Secondary School Outcomes VCE results demonstrated a median study score of 31 with a significant percentage of students achieving 40+ scores. All VCE teachers attended a data discussion about best practice in the use of reports from the VCE Data Service. To support this, personal interviews occurred with VCE teachers and the Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School, Director of Curriculum and the VCAA Coordinator. 100% of all VCE and VCAL students successfully completed their studies in 2016, with 70% of students gaining their first or second preference for tertiary studies.

VCE Median Score

31

VCE Completion Rate

100%

VCAL Completion Rate

100%

At the conclusion of 2016 the College celebrated the achievements of one hundred and sixtythree students with many having achieved excellent results across the full range of VCE studies, including 21 students who achieved an ATAR equal to or greater than 90. Ten students successfully completed the VCAL. The cohort consisted of local students and international students.

Highlights include: ú College Dux achieved an ATAR score of 99.8 ú 4 students achieve an ATAR score greater than 95 ú 15% achieved an ATAR score of 90 or higher ú 28% achieved an ATAR score of equal to or higher than 80 ú 53% achieved an ATAR score of equal to or higher than 70 ú 4 students successfully achieved a VCE Baccalaureate The 2016 50th Percentile Study Score (middle ranked score) illustrates the distribution of scores across all studies. The 50th Percentile Study Score for Mater Christi students was 31.0 compared with 30.1 for All Schools and 30.4 for This School Sector (All Catholic Schools). In 2016, there were 60 individual study scores of 40 or above.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

10

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Below is a comparison of the percentage of study scores of 40 and above of Mater Christi College students to other schools. (The variations in performances over time may reflect variations in the abilities of the cohorts rather than changes in other factors.)

% of Study Scores >40 (2012 – 2016)

The figure below shows the frequency of high achievement as indicated by the percentage of Study Scores of B or higher. Mater Christi students have consistently attained these higher scores in VCE studies.

% of Study Score Grades of B or Higher (2010 – 2016)

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

11

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Post-School Destinations Mater Christi College provided pathways to tertiary study at Universities and TAFE Colleges, and pathways to traineeships and apprenticeships or employment.

Most Year 12 of 2016 students applied for further study with 134 of the 163 students making application through Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Ninety two percent of students attained a Round 1 offer.

Seventy percent of students achieved their first or second preference for subsequent study programs.

Four out of the 7 international students were offered places at Australian universities or colleges.

The On Track Survey Data relates to the exit students at the end of 2015 (end of 2016 data available Semester 2, 2017). The information demonstrated that students are moving forward from the College to opportunities of further learning, employment or “GAP� year experiences.

On Track Survey Data In Education and Training

as known at March 2017

University enrolled %

53%

TAFE/VET enrolled %

16%

Apprentice/Trainee %

4%

Not in Education and Training Employed %

9%

Deferred %

18%

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

12

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Student Wellbeing Goal To provide a learning environment where students feel safe and ready to learn, are connected, engaged, affirmed and able to flourish

Intended Outcomes Through increased resilience, engagement and positive relationships, students will reach full potential

Achievements The Pastoral Program provided opportunities for resilience building for learning and wellbeing for all students. Students participated in activities that targeted specific year-level needs such as Careers education at Year 10 and Study & Homework skills at Year 8.

The scope and sequence of activities were reviewed using the positive psychology model (PERMA) and updated accordingly by teams of year level teachers, College psychologists and nurses, Term 1 Welcome Evenings were organized for Years 7-12 families, with guest speakers including expert psychologists Dr Michael Carr-Greg and Andrew Fuller. These occasions provided an opportunity for parents and staff to meet and to receive information and feedback about supporting students’ learning. Students participated in after-school activities such as developing a growth mindset and positive relationship building.

As part of the Pastoral Program, specialist presentations were scheduled throughout the year, focusing on resilience building, positive mental health, developing emotional intelligence and appropriate management of study.

In 2016 the VCE Learning Panel was introduced as a measure to assist students in their learning.

The Panel consisting of the Head of Senior School and Year Learning Coordinators met with individual students to discuss appropriate supports and strategies. Parents were notified of meeting outcomes via email. In addition to this, Learning Conversations were conducted across all year levels to ensure students were supported in their learning.

Average Student Attendance Rate by Year Level Year 7

92.98%

Year 8

93.71%

Year 9

93.32%

Year 10

93.30%

Overall average attendance

93.33%

At the August 2016 Census there were 828 students enrolled at the College (including 26 international students).

College staff reported student attendance via the network enabling ‘real time’ roll marking. A Short Messaging Service (SMS) was sent to parents/guardians when an unexplained absence occurred. Student attendance was monitored and followed up with families as needed.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

13

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Value Added Student wellbeing at Mater Christi College builds connectedness to the community. We provide a safe, engaging and supportive environment for the development of students’ spiritual, physical, social and emotional learning.

A diverse range of leadership opportunities enhances the students’ sense of being valued, improves student communication and involvement and develops strong personal competencies.

Student led presentations at House, Middle School, Senior School and College assemblies showcase learning activities, cultural experiences, diverse opportunities and learning outcomes and achievements.

Continued monitoring of personal safety requirements, proactive social and personal development activities and an ongoing focus on the rights and responsibilities enlivens the College’s mission to develop ‘informed and compassionate women of faith who will contribute freely and creatively in the affairs of society’.

Student satisfaction The Resilient Youth Australia and Mission Australia Surveys indicated that most our students feel safe at school, have not been bullied at school, are eager to achieve and feel supported by their teachers.

Student satisfaction and engagement is qualitatively demonstrated through: §

Pride in school community

§

Positive school attendance data

§

High family attendance at Welcome Nights and Progress meetings

§

Strong student participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities

§

Regular use of Scholastica for after-school study

§

Support for, and high level of participation in, initiatives such as Student Leadership selection processes, Student Leadership Certificate, Outreach Ministry activities, Tinnies for Vinnies and Mater Day activities

§

Confidence to lead initiatives for fundraising, community service and raising broader school awareness of environmental and social justice concerns

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

14

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Child Safe Standards Mater Christi College believes that students have the right to a safe and non-threatening learning environment. In this environment, students are respected, treated with consideration always and their voices are heard. They have a right to feel safe and be safe. This commitment is drawn from the Benedictine tradition which is part of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan heritage of Mater Christi College. In his Rule, St Benedict urges us to move towards a better life, persevering through hardship, being open about our faults and placing the welfare of others above our own.

The Child Safe Program at the College was implemented in 2016. All Staff understand their duty of care and commitment to child safety. The program strategy is reviewed and updated regularly.

Achievements In 2016 Mater Christi College implemented a student safe programme which involved the following: •

A Student Protection Policy available on our website

•

A Code of Conduct signed by all staff, contractors, volunteers and Board members

•

A training programme for all staff and students

•

Updated sign-in system to incorporate the Code of Conduct

•

Appointment of Student Protection Leaders

•

New Human Resources process

•

Consultation with the whole school community

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

15

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Leadership & Management Goals To ensure a contemporary learning environment which incorporates a positive wellbeing focus and a culture of rigour and excellence in learning and teaching

Intended Outcomes To ensure high expectations for learning and success for all students are key drivers of teaching practice To ensure that all teachers participate and collaborate in effective curriculum pastoral and mentoring programs To articulate and embed a consistent pedagogical framework for effective curriculum delivery To establish a school wide Data plan and build data literacy skills of teachers and leaders

Achievements The College provides academic curriculum programs through the MYP which are fully in line with the Australian (National) and Victorian Curriculum. Students graduate from their final year with either the Victorian Certificate of Education or the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning.

Over 2016, teachers of Years 7 to 10 consolidated curriculum changes as part of the MYP. The major focus here was a greater emphasis on improving student engagement with the Personal Project and accurately documenting the taught curriculum. Teachers also continued to use of online rubrics for assessment and reporting. Overall teachers appreciated a simpler but more directed assessment framework.

Further professional learning workshops were provided for teachers to collaborate on uploading revised program documentation onto the learning management program ATLAS, especially to activate its data analytics capacity. Staff used the Student Performance Analyzer (SPA) data to inform learning and teaching practices for improved student outcomes. In addition to NAPLAN data, this enabled teachers to better understand the differentiation requirements of individual students in their classes.

Students were provided with online textbooks via LearningField platform which enabled access to a broader range of resources.

The Pastoral continued to emphasis study skills and learning support strategies appropriate to students’ year level learning needs in line with its focus on wellbeing for learning. Students in early years focused on digital citizenship and cyber safety, while those in the middle years focused on subject selections and careers education. Students in the final years focused on study skills and post-school options/tertiary student selection processes.

As required, teachers of VCE subjects attended subject workshops in readiness for introducing revised VCE Study Designs and participated in evaluation of VASS results data.

Many teachers provided mentoring and support to pre-service teachers (25) from tertiary institutions throughout the year. In addition to training opportunities for these tertiary students, established teachers consistently enjoyed significant professional development through this experience.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

16

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

Staff attendance and retention According to the August 2016 Census of Non-Government Schools, Mater Christi College had a total of 80 (70.8 full time equivalent) teaching staff.

The teacher attendance rate was 83.66% The proportion of teaching staff retained from the previous year was 82.93%.

Both staff attendance and retention rates take into account staff on extended leave, such as Long service leave, Long term sickness, Leave without pay, Maternity leave and study leave.

Replacement staff, many of whom are regularly employed at the College, are employed during periods of staff absence to ensure continuity of student learning outcomes.

Staff Composition (Based on August 2016 Census figures) Principal Class

3

Teaching Staff (Head Count)

80

Full Time Equivalent Teaching Staff

70.8

Non-teaching Staff (Head Count)

39

Full Time Equivalent Non-teaching Staff

29.5

Indigenous Teaching Staff

1

Teacher qualifications All Mater Christi College teaching staff are fully qualified and registered to teach with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). Teachers holding VIT registration have met professional practice standards and are required to renew their registration every five years.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

17

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

LEVEL

MATER CHRISTI

ALL SCHOOLS

Doctorate

1.37%

0.97%

Masters

31.51%

19.16%

Diploma - Graduate

43.84%

44.61%

Certificate - Graduate

12.33%

6.85%

Degree - Bachelor

94.51%

84.72%

Diploma - Advanced

12.33%

18.16%

No qualifications listed

0%

5.46%

More than half of the teaching staff at Mater Christi held specialist post graduate Diploma and Certificate qualifications, and almost one third of teaching staff held Masters and Doctorate Degrees.

Staff continued to study for further post graduate qualifications. The commitment of Mater Christi College staff to continued professional learning is reflected in the above-average number of teachers with higher qualifications.

Expenditure and teacher participation in professional learning All 122 (100.3 full time equivalent) staff participated in professional learning activities throughout the year, both internally and externally. Total expenditure for the 2016 year was $212,149.

For teaching staff there was a total expenditure of $166,206 with an average of $2,348 per teaching staff member. Professional learning involved whole staff sessions within the school and individual staff attendance at conferences, both local and overseas, seminars and workshops.

The focus for professional learning for 2016 was to develop a Strategic Improvement Plan which reflected the recommendations from the ACER College Review.

Teacher satisfaction Regular staff consultation workshops and surveys indicated that the morale of the majority of staff at Mater Christi remained positive. Participation in College Review and Strategic Planning consultation workshops demonstrated high levels of commitment to making a difference to students’ lives. The data also indicated that the majority of staff believes that student behaviour is very positive, allowing a strong focus on teaching and learning.

Teacher satisfaction is demonstrated through: §

Strong commitment to pastoral, co-curricular and staff support activities

§

Active engagement through teams working towards school improvement goals

§

Conscientious involvement in professional development, training and ongoing study opportunities

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

18

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

College Community Goals To nurture a positive relationship between students, parents, staff and the broader community To develop online and other marketing strategies To provide more opportunity for parent engagement so that the role of parents as partners in the education of their daughters will be enhanced.

Intended Outcomes Diverse opportunities for parent engagement with the College Higher profile of the College in the region and greater understanding of the value of allgirls education

Achievements Parents and students participated in year level welcome and Information meetings at the start of the year. Progress meetings were well attended and parents continued to enjoy opportunity to book their appointments online.

Expanded presence in social media increased the reach of our storytelling to our own families and the wider community.

Ten, twenty and thirty year reunion gatherings were successful occasions.

Grade 4 and 5 students from our Priority Parish Primary Schools and local Primary Schools enjoyed the Taster Day experiences with many realising the for first time the benefits and value of a girls’ education program.

Parents, students and staff joined invited guests and representatives from local schools for breakfast to celebrate International Women’s Day. This was a highly successful initiative and will become a regular event. A related video prepared by students gathered over 60,000 views through our social media channels.

Value Added Opportunities for parent engagement occurred through numerous events; celebrating achievements, gathering information, demonstrating new skills, exploring futures, or participating in activities such as: §

College Masses

§

Arts and Technology Festival

§

International Women’s Day Breakfast

§

Hospitality Class Dinners

§

Sports Awards

§

Showcase: Stage and Screen

§

Award Presentation Assemblies

§

DISCOVER Information Evening

§

VCAL Awards

§

Presentation Ball

§

Valedictory Dinner

§

RACV Hybrid Energy Challenge

§

Expo

§

National Basketball Competition

§

Parents as Careers Teachers

§

Personal Project Exhibition

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

19

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

§

Welcome events

§

Family Science Night

§

MYP Information

§

Music Ensembles

§

Guest Presenters

The College continued its participation in local events through musical performances at fetes and festivals. The Catholic Action classes and Social Justice group were active in their support of Caritas and initiatives relating to East Timor, Tinnies for Vinnies, Belgrave Tin Shed and other outreach experiences.

Students demonstrated connections with global communities such as World Vision and Caritas.

Year 11 student leaders organised a Climate Change Convention, inviting guest speakers and students from the local area.

The College enjoyed an ongoing partnership through its families and shared goals with St Joseph’s College in Ferntree Gully. The combined Annual Year 12 Social Justice Fundraising Concert was well supported by families from both Colleges.

The College continued to work as a member of the large network of local schools through the Mullum Schools Cluster, which ensured maximum access for students to a diverse range of vocational study programs.

Ongoing and supportive relationships were maintained with local authorities especially the Police, Country Fire Authority and Metro Trains.

Relationships with community groups were also expanded through increased engagement with Yarra Ranges Council, Belgrave Traders and local Festival organisers to investigate hosting or contributing to events.

Wider connections with the College have also been developed with community groups and organisations utilising College facilities including Knox Deanery, Belgrave Traders and OSHCare for Kids (holiday programs).

Parent satisfaction Parent survey feedback indicated that the majority of parents believe that the school provided challenging educational programs and clear communication between school and home. The data showed high levels of confidence in the quality of teaching and the management of student transition. Parents also valued highly the opportunity for their child’s religious education as provided at the school.

Parent satisfaction is qualitatively demonstrated through the following: §

Reports from enrolment interviews of high satisfaction

§

Strong levels of attendance for school functions, especially Progress, Information Meetings and College Assemblies

§

Regular volunteers who support camps, sporting, drama and music performances

§

Positive feedback to College leaders for management and support through critical incidents, discipline matters and emergency events

§

Positive perceptions generally from surveys, especially highlighting student safety and homework practices

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

20

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

VRQA Compliance Data (Source: CEM) E1240 Mater Christi College, Belgrave PROPORTION OF STUDENTS MEETING THE MININUM STANDARDS NAPLAN TESTS

2014

2015

2016

%

2014–2015 Changes %

%

2015–2016 Changes %

% YR 07

Reading

100.0

100.0

0.0

100.0

0.0

YR 07

Writing

99.3

100.0

0.7

98.9

-1.1

YR 07

Spelling

100.0

94.3

-5.7

96.8

2.5

YR 07

Grammar & Punctuation

97.1

99.2

2.1

100.0

0.8

YR 07

Numeracy

97.0

99.2

2.2

100.0

0.8

YR 09

Reading

99.3

95.9

-3.4

96.8

0.9

YR 09

Writing

98.0

93.9

-4.1

96.8

2.9

YR 09

Spelling

99.3

97.7

-1.6

95.2

-2.5

YR 09

Grammar & Punctuation

98.7

97.0

-1.7

96.0

-1.0

YR 09

Numeracy

98.7

100.0

1.3

98.4

-1.6

YEARS 9–12 STUDENT RETENTION RATE Years 9–12 Student Retention Rate

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

82.83%

21

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

AVERAGE STUDENT ATTENDANCE RATE BY YEAR LEVEL

%

Y09

93.32

Y08

93.71

Y07

92.98

Y10

93.30

Overall average attendance

93.33

TEACHING STAFF ATTENDANCE RATE Teaching Staff Attendance Rate

82.19%

STAFF RETENTION RATE Staff Retention Rate

81.93%

TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS Doctorate

1.25%

Masters

32.50%

Graduate

41.25%

Certificate Graduate

11.25%

Degree Bachelor

91.25%

Diploma Advanced

12.50%

No Qualifications Listed

1.25%

STAFF COMPOSITION Principal Class

2

Teaching Staff (Head Count)

75

FTE Teaching Staff Non-Teaching Staff (Head Count) FTE Non-Teaching Staff Indigenous Teaching Staff

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

64.423 41 30.314 1

22

MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE BELGRAVE

MEDIAN NAPLAN RESULTS FOR YEAR 9 Year 9 Reading

597.90

Year 9 Writing

585.40

Year 9 Spelling

575.60

Year 9 Grammar & Punctuation

589.90

Year 9 Numeracy

582.30

SENIOR SECONDARY OUTCOMES VCE Median Score

31

VCE Completion Rate

100%

VCAL Completion Rate

100%

POST-SCHOOL DESTINATIONS AT AS 2016 Tertiary Study

53.0%

TAFE / VET

16.0%

Apprenticeship / Traineeship

4.0%

Deferred

18.0%

Employment

9.0%

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

23