2023 Unity College School Performance Report

School Performance Report

2023 #YOUbelong

INTRODUCTION Unity College where YOU belong

Unity College is a coeducational Christian school of the Lutheran Church of Australia located in the heart of the Murraylands in the rural city of Murray Bridge, South Australia, the traditional lands of the Ngarrindjeri people. The College is structured in three distinct sub schools of Junior (Reception – Year 5), Middle (Years 6 – 9) and Senior (Years 10 – 12), providing a seamless pathway for each child’s educational journey. Unity offers modern facilities and innovative approaches to learning, encouraging students to strive for their personal best and high academic achievement, with the Junior School an accredited International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme school, and the Middle School an accredited (IB) Middle Years Programme school.

Through the comprehensive range of subjects students prepare for a variety of tertiary and vocational pathways equipping them to make positive contributions to the community. Year 12 students historically have achieved excellent ATAR scores (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) with the majority gaining their first choice preference for further education. Unity College offers a wide variety of specialist programs. The Trade Skills Centre provides Metal and Engineering training to students

and community members in a modern, purpose built workshop. From 2024 the Trade Skills Centre will also provide individual support, training students and community members to work in the aged care and disability sectors. The Specialist Sports Program assists talented student athletes achieve at the highest levels of performance in their chosen sport. The thriving Agriculture Department allows students to study a variety of topics R-12 and in Years 10 & 11 they have the opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Rural Operations. Many other external VET courses are supported allowing students to transition into schoolbased apprenticeships and traineeships. Unity College provides a broad range of extra-curricular activities which include drama, music, art, interschool sports, leadership courses, Pedal Prix, outdoor education, cultural tours with opportunities to travel interstate and internationally. School camps are focussed on curriculum requirements and are held regularly, extending students beyond the classroom and offering them personal challenges and experiences.

The main entry points for enrolment at Unity College are Reception, Year 6, Year 7 and Year 8. However, enrolment can be offered at any year level depending on availability.

MISSION & PHILOSOPHY Unity College where YOU belong

MISSION STATEMENT

Unity College: In the heart of the Murraylands, striving for excellence in education and spiritual growth in a safe, caring, forgiving Christian environment.

PHILOSOPHY

Students come first in an exceptionally caring Christian environment where opportunities and cultural diversity result in inspired life-long learning and development as active global citizens.

HOW

+ We Learn: Unity helps each student reach their full potential and encourages them to be the best they can be.

+ We Care: Unity cares for students and provides a safe and nurturing environment because ‘happy children learn best’.

+ We Engage: Unity provides modern, spacious and functional facilities that engage students who enjoy and have a desire to learn.

+ We Involve: Unity involves parents and the wider community in student learning because ‘it takes a village to raise a child’.

+ We Inspire: Unity inspires students through innovative educators who encourage individuality and diversity because each students learns in a different way.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

QUALITY OF A CHILD’S EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY

Our educational philosophy at Unity College is intricately woven into our mission statement, which emphasises the cultivation of kindness and empathy in every interaction, with a primary focus on prioritising wellbeing. We are committed to fostering both personal and collective excellence, nurturing an environment where students are encouraged to explore, challenge themselves, and support one another to reach their fullest potential.

Our principle of 'students first' underscores the active involvement of students in their own learning journey. We facilitate collaboration between students, dedicated staff, and the broader community, fostering a spirit of leadership, mentorship, and support among students themselves. Our teaching and support staff are deeply engaged with each student, providing tailored learning opportunities and experiences that ignite curiosity and inspiration.

Recognising the multifaceted nature of each child, we are deeply committed to addressing their social, emotional, physical, and academic needs. We understand that the quality of a child's educational journey profoundly impacts their future trajectory, which is why our staff are unwavering in their dedication to providing quality educational programs.

Our College community exists to embody the principles of We Learn, We Care, We Engage, We Involve, and We Inspire, which are deeply embedded in our College culture. These values encompass love, justice, compassion, forgiveness, service, humility, courage, hope, quality, and appreciation. We firmly believe that fostering a culture of respect and understanding, grounded in Christian principles, is crucial for the holistic development of our students. This not only enhances engagement and fosters positive learning outcomes but also nurtures their wellbeing and resilience. Cultivating positive and respectful relationships instils feelings of security, confidence, and empowerment in our students, providing them with a firm foundation upon which to build their lives.

Our goal is to empower each student to explore and develop their unique talents and gifts through a balanced curriculum enriched by Christian values. We view learning as a divine gift, fostering wonder, growth, and inspiration in our students. As a Lutheran school community, we value learning as God’s gift to people, providing a safe and caring environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

In conclusion, our Annual Report not only fulfills the requirements set by the Commonwealth Government but also provides a window into the vibrant life and educational ethos of Unity College in 2023, showcasing our commitment to providing high-quality education while nurturing the holistic development of each student.

Francois Pienaar

Unity College Murraylands Principal 2024

ABOUT THE COLLEGE At Unity YOU come first

Our Priority Actions for the College from our Strategic Plan are:

LEARNING AND GROWTH

+ Build a strong wellbeing program

+ Increase capacity in contemporary teaching and learning

+ Improve student learning outcomes-Literacy and Numeracy

+ Develop educational points of difference

COMMUNITY AND CULTURE

+ Communicate Worldview and context of our College effectively

+ Establish a ‘Unity Way’ philosophy that clearly articulates the values and guidelines of our commuity

+ Engage with and include diverse cultures

+ Develop strong relationships with parents

+ Build strong relationships between staff and students

+ Promote strong, positive community engagement in the Murraylands

MARKET PRESENCE AND BRANDING

+ Protect the Unity brand and image

+ Develop a strong digital presence

+ Develop a strong physical presence

+ Develop a strong community presence

+ Promote Unity extra-curricular programs, events and functions

+ Ensure Unity is customer friendly at every level

RESOURCES AND FACILITIES

+ Investigate the feasibility of establishing a long day care ELC on campus

+ Create a new site master plan

+ Establish an ongoing program of minor works and refurbishment

+ Improve facilities and resources to support wellbeing

+ Update Junior and Senior campus indoor and outdoor learning spaces that support flexible approaches to learning

+ Improve teaching resources, with an emphasis on contemporary technologies

+ Enact Unity College ‘points of difference’ modifications

GOVERNANCE REPORT

As the governing body of Unity College, the College Board is responsible for the stewardship of the College and is accountable for its on-going success.

Strategic Vision: A key function of the Board is to set the strategic direction of the College by formulating policy and developing a strategic plan that guides the College’s education philosophy, aspirations for student achievement, operational focus and fiscal decisionmaking.

Appointment, appraisal and support of the Principal:

The Board employs the Principal who assumes responsibility for the overall management of the College (including curriculum, discipline, learning, teaching and staffing). While the governing body establishes the policies under which the Principal will manage the College it has no authority concerning the internal operations of the school.

Organisational control and accountability: The Board is accountable for effective and proper management of financial resources as well as compliance with legal obligations that apply to the school and its operation.

The Board is also responsible for monitoring the management of corporate risks and organisational performance.

IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEW STRATEGIC PLAN IN 2023-2025

In 2023, the College Board implemented its new strategic plan to begin to realise the goals over the coming three years.

Our vision is encapsulated in the following words:

+ We Learn: Our strong learning culture inspires us to achieve, while encouraging and supporting others. Student learning and growth is fostered through contemporary thinking and the best teaching practices.

+ We Care: Shaped by the Christian values we embrace, we are a diverse community working together and with a strong sense of belonging.

+ We Inspire: We reach out to have a positive impact within the College and wider community.

+ We Involve and Engage: Our indoor and outdoor spaces inspire learning and physical, social and spiritual development.

MEMBERSHIP

The Unity College Board comprises of five members from the local Lutheran congregations and two non-Lutheran members. Ex Officio members of the Board include the Principal, Business Manager, Senior Chaplain and Principal’s PA (minute secretary). The Board is also represented by a Pastor within the Lutheran congregations. Other Executive Staff attend as required. The Board held ten meetings throughout 2023.

Board Members are as follows:

James Bormann Chair, Matthew Kruschel Vice Chair, Tracey Woidt, Karl Doecke, Nathan Wegener Church Members, Julie Bates, Nadina Thomas Community Members, Pastor Peter Heintze Congregation Pastor Kaye Mathwin-Cox Principal – Ex Officio, Michael Obst Business Manager – Ex Officio Adam Yeager Senior Chaplain – Ex Officio

ENROLMENTS

Attendance Report

The College enrolment at the August Census was 720.8 FTE. 10% of these were ELS students, with 9% identifying as Indigenous.

sent to parent/caregivers for unexplained absences. These are then followed up with phone calls by the home group teacher if no response is received.

ATTENDANCE REPORT

Since 2015 the Commonwealth Government has required schools to provide snapshots of attendance recorded at regular periods. These were taken at regular intervals throughout Semester 1 (roughly the first 2 terms) and again in Term 3. Results were reported online to DEEWR (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations) and are available through the My School website.

We are also required to advise and report on Indigenous attendance separate to our overall attendance figure and that data is included in the tables. Please note that these reports are only required to be based on students in Years 1-10.

Indigenous attendance data is not a particularly accurate analysis of attendance as the students in our CASLAU program attend for fewer weeks each term. This is in recognition of their distance from home and we ensure they have extended breaks when they return to their community in Areyonga. While living in Murray Bridge, the NT students have virtually 100% attendance with very few days missed.

Student attendances at Unity are recorded electronically during Home Group and for each lesson, providing a clearer picture of student attendance, taking into account part days where students may attend medical appointments etc. Text messages are

NAPLAN 2023 School Summary Report

The Australian Government My School Website uses a number of varying criteria particularly with NAPLAN. These take into consideration a number of factors and includes socio-economic background, school size, ethnic diversity, rural vs urban location etc. While virtually impossible to compare one school to another it does provide some indicators that may be of use when assessing our curriculum effectiveness.

Below is a table that provides a snapshot across the areas that are tested in the NAPLAN – Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar and Numeracy. It is always the aim of teaching staff to improve the outcomes for our students, and tools such as this NAPLAN data is just one that can be utilized to analyse and improve our pedagogy.

INTERVENTION PROGRAMS

Unity has many intervention programs to help improve student learning including:

+ Little Bartoes

+ Min-Lit

+ Toe by Toe

+ What’s the Buzz

+ Reading our Way

+ Homework Club

+ Modified SACE

+ Decodables and Epic

+ Multimodal Assessment

EXTERNAL ALLIED HEALTH PROVIDERS

In addition, we have external allied health providers come onsite to provide different interventions either privately funded or NDIS funded:

+ Speech and Language intervention

+ Counselling services

+ OT services

3

Sienna Daniell Baxter Gierus-Heintze

END OF YEAR AWARDS

A variety of awards are presented to students at Unity College to acknowledge and encourage their learning. We are proud of all students and their achievements and we acknowledge those who have served their school and have achieved in their academic and community pursuits. The following were major Senior School award winners for 2023:

2023 SENIOR AWARDS

+ UCOS Christian Leadership Award: Alicia Koop

+ Unity Way Service Award: Max Loller

+ Tracey Venning Memorial Award: Taleah Bailey

+ ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership Award: Briannah Griffiths (Year 12) Sophie Frahn (Year 10)

+ ADF Long Tan Future Innovators Award: Emelia Morgan (Year 12) Keeley Smith (Year 10)

+ Order of Australia Merit Award: Bella Schubert

+ Olympic Change-Maker Award: Piper Wegener (Year 12) Bridie Loller (Year 11)

+ Ampol Best All Rounder: Sienna Daniell

+ Lutheran Women’s Award: Emily Willis (Year 10)

+ Neville Grieger Award: Baxter Gierus-Heintze

+ The Journey Award: Olivia Eldridge

+ Muriel Matters Award: Jessica Kerr (Year 10)

+ Geography Explorer’s Award: Emily Kerr

STUDENT PATHWAYS

+ 93% of eligible students received university offers in South Australia

+ Eligible students received offers for university entrance in the following areas:

+ Education (2)

+ Allied Health / Health (5)

+ Engineering (4)

+ Science (3)

+ Business (1)

+ Creative Industries (1)

+ Psychology / Criminology (7)

+ Sport / Human Movement (3)

SACE COURSES OFFERED IN 2023

+ Agricultural Production

+ Biology

+ Business Innovation

+ Chemistry

+ Child Studies

+ English Literary Studies

+ English

+ Essential English

+ Geography

+ Industry Connections

+ Integrated Learning

+ Essential Mathematics

+ General Mathematics

+ Mathematical Methods

+ Specialist Mathematics

+ Modern History

+ Material Solutions

+ Music Studies

+ Music Solo & Ensemble Performance

+ Nutrition

+ Physical Education

+ Psychology

+ Physics

+ Robotic & Electronic Systems

+ Research Project

+ Society & Culture

+ STEM Connections

+ Visual Arts

VET IN SACE

Unity College will inspire YOU

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING 2023

Once again Vocational Education and Training (VET) was an integral part of the education of many of our Senior School Students. There was a total of 34 students who completed a VET qualification. There were a further 53 qualifications commenced in 2023 – some completed after resulting in 2023 and others to be completed in 2024.

TABLE 2: TABLE OF COMPLETED CERTIFICATES BY LEVEL AS RECORDED BY SACE IN 2023

TABLE 3: QUALIFICATIONS COMMENCED BUT NOT COMPLETED IN 2023

YOU get more at Unity College EXTRA CURRICULAR

Unity College is delighted to offer a range of Extra and Co-curricular activities and programs to enrich the lives of our students. In explanation, ‘Extra Curricular’ activities are usually optional ‘add-ons’ to education, whereas ‘Co-Curricular’ are events and activities directly linked to the study of subjects and courses. Co-Curricular activities include school camps and excursions.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Some of the 2023 Extra Curricular Activities to which students are invited to be involved include:

+ Year 11/12 Student Leadership

+ Year 9 Student Ambassadors

+ SRC – Junior, Middle and Senior Schools

+ Various competitions (eg Maths, Writing)

+ Instrumental lessons

+ Concert and Drama productions

+ SAPSASSA sports

+ Knock Out sports

+ Music Ensembles

+ Peer Support

+ Hospitality Catering

+ Easter Devotions

+ Sporting activities

+ AG Show Teams

+ Pedal Prix

+ Musical

+ Devotions/Assemblies

+ Buddy classes on Junior School

+ First Aid Training

+ ANZAC services

+ Elephant Ed

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

As part of our commitment to providing an education to all our students, there are a wide range of additional programs to support student learning across the College. These include:

+ Languages – Japanese and German

+ Road Awareness Program (RAP)

+ In Class Learning Support / Senior School Tutoring

+ Drug Education

+ Homework Club

+ Elevate Education sessions

+ Individualised Learning Programs

STAFFING REPORT

We offer Professional Development opportunities for staff with a good portion of the Professional Development program occurring during what is known as ‘Retreat Week’. While this provides an additional week of holidays for students in the middle of the year, it is a week with a high focus on professional and spiritual development for all staff.

Our staff continue to be highly trained professionals, with our teaching staff possessing strong qualifications that meet the stringent professional standards as required by the Teachers Registration Board (TRB) of South Australia. Below is a snapshot of our teaching staff qualifications as at August Census:

STAFF STATISTICS STAFF

In 2023 staff undertook Professional Development Training that included:

+ VET & Workplace Learning PD

+ Mental Health First Aid

+ English Stage 1 & 2 Refresher Course

+ EIF Educator Implementation Workshop

+ IB Global Conference

+ Humanities PD

+ Godly Play

+ Conflict to Collaboration

+ Emotional Regulation Program

+ Responding to Self Harm in Primary School

+ Recognition of Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge

+ ACHPER Conference

+ Behaviour Management

+ Aust Curriculum ‘The Arts’ F-Yr6

+ RLDP Leadership Skills

SAFETY AND CHILD SAFE FOCUS

+ History Teachers PD

+ Daymap Reports Training

+ Medication Safety for Health Support Workers

+ Cyberhound to Cyber Edge Migration Training

+ HIP Information Sessions with Yong Zhao

+ Edutech 2023

+ SACE Adelaide 36ers Academy Program

+ Austism Spectrum Disorders

+ Lunination VIVE VR Headsets

+ SACE Stage 1-2 Chem Training at SASTA

+ Ag Teachers ATASA Workshop

+ English Stage 1 & 2 Refresher Course

+ NAPLAN Preparation & Protocols Training

+ PYP Training PAC

+ LMASA Work, Health & Safety Lab Managers

Staff both teaching and non-teaching, are provided with the opportunity to gain their Provide First Aid certificates. These are refreshed every three years. Along with first aid all staff undertake courses in Mandatory Reporting and Child Safe Practices.

WELLBEING OF STAFF

Staff wellbeing is a high priority at Unity College. During the year wellbeing activities are undertaken at the start of the year and in our Staff Professional Development Week in the middle of the year.

SPECIALIST STAFF

Unity College employs a number of specialist staff to complement the roles of our teaching staff. These include:

+ Senior Chaplain

+ Indigenous Coordinator

+ Student Pathways Coordinator

+ Student Counsellor

+ Information Technology Support Staff

+ Learning Support Staff

+ Librarian

+ Laboratory Technical Assistant

+ Specialist PE, Art, Drama, Music and LOTE teachers

+ Specialist Music Tutors

+ Indigenous Coordinator

+ Instrumental Music Teachers.

PARENT SATISFACTION

Learn, Care, Engage, Involve, Inspire

Unity helps each student reach their full potential and encourages them to be the best they can be.

Unity College continues to work in partnership with families to prepare the young people in our care for the future. Each year a number of opportunities are provided for feedback including parent surveys which assist in forming plans and reviewing progress each year. Of the parents who completed the Year 12 Parent Exit Survey, most were either ‘completely satisfied’ or ‘mostly satisfied’ with the overall education experience their child had received at Unity College.

Comments and feedback included in the Year 12 Parent Exit survey included:

+ Wonderful teachers who support and nurture all students from day one to their last day.

+ Excellent, very supportive of students, caring, nurturing amazing teachers and support staff very happy with the school. Great facilities.

+ A caring supportive community, where the staff go further than 'doing a day to day' job, they treat each child as an individual. I have loved the belief, that each child has their own unique gifts and they go to lengths to ensure the child believes and knows this. I think this builds the confidence and courage for individuals to find their difference and bring to the world what they uniquely can. The communication and team work between leadership, teachers and staff is

great, and whatever strategies they work with behind the scenes would be interesting to know of, because you can see the connection of the staff through the communication I receive as a parent. This is hugely reassuring and valuing as a parent. I feel valued and respected as a parent of Unity. Although we don't identify with a particular religion, we hold values and beliefs that closely align in numerous ways with the College. Never have we felt 'on the outer' because we are not baptised Lutheran. Mutual respect, being included non-judgmentally is lovely. I think Unity offers a great range of subject choices and course options, as well as great effort in course counselling and the careers expo. However, I also think the SATAC system lacks here, hence my 'mostly' tick. So although not an accurate reflection of the school effort, my opinion is affected by the SATAC process/system.

+ I am happy with it. I don't think any school is perfect but Unity has met the needs of my children.

+ I always highly recommend Unity to friends and anybody who is looking for schooling for their children in the Murraylands. Unity is supportive to students and families. The teachers truly respect and care about their students and go above and beyond to support students in their learning

+ Teachers communicate very well

+ Teachers have always been extremely approachable and would answer any queries very promptly

+ Thank you, we are overall very happy with Unity

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

2023 priorities have included the implementation of the strategies contained in the College’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025. Financial resources have been invested and committed to ensuring the ongoing development and growth of contemporary student learning programs supported by an enhanced wellbeing program to assist in building and maintaining the engagement of students in their learning journey.

2023 has also seen further investment in our extensive facilities and grounds including the renovation of our early learning classrooms and the completion of a bush play area on the Junior School campus. Work also commenced on the Unity College Early Learning Centre which will provide both educational and long day care programs for children before they enter reception classes in Junior Primary.

The Finance team continue to focus on ensuring that fee structures deliver comparatively low fee outcomes for families, with changes in fees continuing to be below ‘Cost of Living’ (CPI) measures.

Unity College continues to work hard to build and maintain strong relationships throughout the broader Murraylands community, particularly with many regional businesses, professional, community and sporting organisations. These relationships provide not only educational opportunities for our students but a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences that are mutually beneficial for both the students and their community.

The College also welcomes many regional community groups to use its facilities for sporting competitions, functions, training sessions and events thereby ensuring that facilities and assets are actively utilised and generating a source of additional income.

We again acknowledge the important partnership and support received from LESNW (Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA) and we look forward to their continued support as we continue to build Unity College and our financial position into the future.

RECURRENT & CAPITAL INCOME SUMMARY FOR 2023.

2023 INCOME

$17,865,100