Annual Report 2024
West Moreton Anglican College, or WestMAC as it is affectionately known, is a dynamic Prep to Year 12 co-educational Independent School that promotes a balanced schooling experience. Our innovative teachers challenge students to actively engage in their own learning; become critical, creative and entrepreneurial thinkers; and to develop emotionally, socially and spiritually. We strive to instil a love of learning in our students so they can uncover their full potential.
Students also have access to and are encouraged to participate in an extensive range of enriching learning activities, both within and beyond the classroom.
The unique location of the College offers many advantages. WestMAC is set on a naturally beautiful 38-hectare semi-rural campus less than 10 minutes from Ipswich’s CBD. This provides students with a peaceful and safe learning environment, as well as convenient access to the amenities of this increasingly dynamic, growing regional centre.
Our dedicated bus services make the College easily accessible to Brisbane’s western suburbs with enrolment trends indicating that WestMAC is increasingly attractive to families in this corridor.
The College campus includes three sub-schools: Junior (Prep to Year 6); Middle (Years 7 to 9); and Senior (Years 10 to 12). A community C&K Kindergarten is also located on campus.
At the heart of the College community is faith and service – both based on Anglican beliefs. Students are encouraged to value themselves and to be proud of their own and each other’s achievements.
Please take some time to read through this Annual Report and discover how WestMAC guides students to reach their potential so they can flourish as 21st Century Leaders.
Andrew Peach Principal
School sector: Independent
School’s address:
8 Keswick Road, Karrabin QLD 4306
Locked Bag 8004, Ipswich QLD 4305
Total enrolments: 1453 in 2024 (1469 in 2023, 1436 in 2022, 1407 in 2021, 1404 in 2020, 1406 in 2019, 1409 in 2018)
Year levels offered: Prep to Year 12
Co-educational or Single Sex: Co-educational
More information
For further information on the College and its policies, contact Deputy Principal, Mrs Janelle Lecinski on T: 07 3813 4555.
Characteristics of the Student Body:
In 2024 of the 1453 enrolments recorded in December 2024, 803 (55.25%) were female and 650 (44.79%) were male. The College community is drawn from a 45km radius around the campus.
Given our proximity to RAAF Base Amberley, the College nurtures its strong links with the Defence Service and supported approximately 100 Defence family students through the Defence Transition Mentor Program In 2024. There were 37 (2.54%) First Nations students.
In 2024, international students made up 1.27% of our enrolment, with 21 students (14 male and 7 female) enrolled in Years 9 to 12 for part or all of the year. These students came from countries including Hong Kong, China, Japan and Korea.
Distinctive curriculum offerings:
The College provides a wide variety of opportunities, some of which are unavailable to many students in Queensland schools, including:
Broad Academic Curriculum that complies with documentation from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) and the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), delivered in three programs:
• Junior School for Preparatory (Prep) to Year 6
• Middle School for Years 7 to 9
• Senior School for Years 10 to 12.
The College implemented the New Art and Science of Teaching as an overarching pedagogical framework. This is an evolution in our pedagogy as previously the College used other Marzano frameworks including Dimensions of Learning and Classroom Instruction That Works
The College has over 30 years of experience operating a Prep program. This program emphasises literacy and numeracy skills, as well as offering specialist lessons in Mandarin Chinese, Music and Physical Education. Students enjoy the unique opportunity to work with animals at the College Farm.
Extension programs in English and Literature Extension (Year 12), and Music Extension (Year 12).
The College is CRICOS registered to educate International students.
The College offers extension opportunities in the Junior School and Middle School. In addition, students are invited to participate in enrichment experiences outside of school time.
The Athlete Development Program in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 provides skill development and support to students pursuing representative, club and school sporting pathways.
The College’s swimming program is affiliated with Swimming Queensland and provides learn to swim classes through to squad training with Western Aquatics Swim Centre. Western Aquatics Swim Centre operates all year round from the College’s heated pool, offering swim programs for all ages and abilities. Learn to Swim classes incorporate teaching principles from both the Royal Life Saving Society and Swim Australia programs.
The College Farm is a well-equipped and exciting educational centre for students from Prep to Year 12. The College Farm hosts a mixed range of livestock, offering student involvement in vegetable cultivation, pasture conservation and modern farming practices.
An all-inclusive sequential Outdoor Education program from Prep to Year 11 allows for real-world exploration of the Australian Curriculum’s Personal and Social capabilities and the cross-curricular Sustainability priority, whilst building range of outdoor and life skills. The Outdoor Education program is focused on developing leadership skills and positive relationships, through experiences that encourage students to be creative, confident and resilient.
Program examples include:
• Junior School students begin their Outdoor Education experiences with a Prep day camp.
• The program builds through to a Year 1 late-night, followed by a Year 2 overnight camp on campus.
• The Years 3-5 programs provide overnight cabin and camping experiences at various South East Queensland locations.
• Through the three-day programs (Years 6-11), students develop a range of camping skills as well as skills required for more challenging activities like rock climbing, canoeing, abseiling, mountain bike riding and initiative courses.
• The Year 9 camp is focused on skills being developed through the Rite Journey. During this camp, students are challenged to complete the Rite Journey Solo (The Abys and Return).
• Year 10 and 11 programs engage students in a range of activities designed to enhance leadership, teamwork and self-reliance.
Vocational Education and Training offerings:
• Certificate Courses: Certificate I in Construction, Certificate II in Hospitality, Certificate III in Rural Operations, Certificate II in Manufacturing Pathways, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Certificate III in Information Technology, Certificate III in Fitness, Certificate II in Engineering Pathways, Certificate III in Aviation (Remote pilot-visual line of sight) and Diploma of Business (delivered onsite).
• In 2024, 141 VET qualifications were awarded. 56 of these were Certificate III courses, 4 students achieved a Certificate IV and 28 students completed Diploma studies.
Staffing Information
Staff Composition:
266 staff in total, 2 of whom identified as First Nations:
Of the 266 staff:
• 147 Teaching Staff (55.2%)
• 119 Non-Teaching Staff (44.73%)
Of the 147 Teaching Staff:
• 110 Full Time (74.8%)
• 13 Part Time (8.8%)
• 24 Casual (16.32%)
Of the 119 Non-Teaching Staff:
• 48 Full Time (43.6%)
• 49 Part Time (41.1%)
• 22 Casual (18.4%)
Professional Development Programs
The proportion of the teaching staff involved in professional 100% development activities during 2024
The major professional development initiatives were as follows: Professional Engagement Program (PEP), which includes Professional Learning Communities, Teach Meets, mentoring and peer learning.
Proportion of Teaching staff retained from the previous year
Number
Proportion of Non-Teaching staff retained from the previous year
Proportion of Teaching and Non-Teaching staff retained from the previous year
Highly Accomplished or Lead Teaching Staff
Classification Position and Teaching area(s)
Lead Teacher Year 4
Highly Accomplished Leader of Learning - Visual Art
School Income Broken Down by Funding Source
Please refer to the My School website http://www. myschool.edu.au/ for detailed information about the College’s income by funding source.
Staff Retention and Turnover
At the conclusion of 2024, the College’s staff retention rate was 91.9% (teaching staff) and 91.2% (non-teaching staff). Exit Surveys conducted with these staff identify the key reasons for leaving the College as;
1 Termination (4.1%)
2 Retirement (8.3%)
4 End of contracts, not renewed (16.6%)
14 Resignation (58.3%)
Of the 14 resignations:
1 Health reasons (7.1%)
6 Career opportunity (42.8%)
2 Family reasons (14.2%)
5 Personal reasons (35.7%)
Social Climate
West Moreton Anglican College is an Anglican community in the Ipswich region where a positive school climate contributes to successful teaching and learning across all year levels. The College actively cultivates respect and trust between all stakeholders; this contributes to the health and wellbeing of our students and staff.
The College has a comprehensive pastoral care program designed to meet the developmental needs of the students. All stakeholders are encouraged to show respect for each other, and students are expected to take responsibility for their actions within a domain of clear expectations. A multi-dimensional, proactive pastoral care program in each sub-school enables students to make choices in a safe, caring and supportive environment. The College has clear anti-bullying policies that are enacted daily through a bespoke program, The WestMAC Way, that establishes three ways of being (be prepared and engaged, be kind to yourself and others, and be courageous). These ways of being are well known to all members of the College community and seek to nurture each student into resilient, respectful and responsible individuals. Across all year levels, bullying is addressed both in the classroom and at assemblies. All reports of bullying are investigated and dealt with according to the findings of the investigation. The College conducts annual student surveys on bullying.
West Moreton Anglican College is committed to the protection of all students in its care. The College adheres to all legislative requirements in relation to child protection. The Student Protection Officers have received professional development specific to their role. All College staff have undergone professional development with regards to their professional obligations in the domain of child protection.
The WestMAC Way, while ensuring accountability, also affords the opportunity to correct behaviour and ensure that all students feel respected, safe and happy. In addition to this, students have access to an online notification portal that allows students to report inappropriate behaviour outside of school hours. Child protection is front and centre with students regularly educated through specific progress as well as reminded of the clear access to Student Protection Officers and continual access to Counsellors, Chaplain and the Defence Liaison Officer in the Wellbeing Centre. The College also provides support to students, staff and their families who are in crisis and are being challenged by society’s pressures. Our Chaplain and counselling staff provide ongoing support for students, staff and their families. Similarly, there is a strong sense of school community and connectedness between people. Parents and families in the College community are supported by the College and in turn, contribute to supporting others.
Parental Involvement in the College
The P&F Association meets monthly and encourages all parents to attend and become involved as committee members. Volunteers assist with catering, fundraising and friend-raising events and activities. With sub-committee structures such as the Friends of the Arts (FOTA) Group, the P&F Association offers multiple opportunities for parents and families to participate directly or indirectly in the life of the College. Parents are involved in the support of student learning through literacy groups, reading in classrooms, Art activities and assistance with incursions and excursions.
Satisfaction Data
Parents also provide support for the Student Experiences programs through sport coaching and management. Parents are also involved with the College’s broader program providing volunteer assistance with administrative tasks in student services, the library and other areas that directly support students.
Parent representatives contribute to the College’s governance through membership on the College Council. Parent participation is also sought through the Annual Parent Satisfaction Survey instrument.
West Moreton Anglican College is committed to listening to the views and expectations of key stakeholders and commissions independent surveys to provide performance feedback on a wide range of related education topics.
The feedback from these surveys greatly assists the College with both its operational and strategic planning and its determination to continually improve the educational experience offered to students.
In 2024, 153 parents and 242 students from Years 6, 9 and 12 participated in surveys and provided views on areas such as academic performance, pastoral care, Religious and Values Education, extracurricular, sport, communications, reputation and facilities.
Parent satisfaction
A selection of the parents’ top level findings are detailed below, ranked in order of the importance the parents placed on reasons for choosing a school for their children.
The top 5 areas are noted below:
99% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceed in relation to the size of the College.
96% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceed in relation to the Student Experiences music program.
96% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceed in relation to the College’s traditions.
93% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceed in relation to the College’s reputation.
91% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceed in relation to the range of subject choices.
Student satisfaction
A selection of Year 9 and 12 students’ top-level findings are detailed below, ranked in order of their expectations being met or exceeded.
The top five areas are noted below:
92% of students noted their expectations were met or exceed in relation to the size of the College.
92% of students noted their expectations were met or exceed in relation to College’s class sizes.
90% of students noted their expectations were met or exceed in relation to the College’s academic standards.
89% of students noted their expectations were met or exceed in relation to the College’s reputation and values.
88% of students noted their expectations were met or exceed in relation to the College’s ATAR results.
2024 WestMAC Parents - Expectations Met/Exceeded - First 11 (n=119)
Percent Expectations Met/Exceeded
2024 WestMAC Years 9-12 Students - Expectations Met/Exceeded - First 9 (n=182)
Percent Expectations Met/Exceeded
2024 WestMAC Parents and Students - Most Valued Aspects of the College
Parents and students were asked to provide open responses to the most valued aspects of West Moreton Anglican College. The most frequently nominated aspects were:
2024 West Moreton Anglican College ParentsWhat do you value most about your association with the College?
Top 5
Safe, caring and supportive environment
Quality of teachers and staff
The College community
Child’s friendships/connections with other parents
Academic curriculum and standards
2024 West Moreton Anglican College StudentsWhat do you value most about your association with the College?
Top 5
My friends
Sports Program
Academic curriculum and standards
The College community
Safe, caring and supportive environment
Parent
quotes on what they value about West Moreton Anglican College:
Amazing specialist teachers who know your children so well.
My children’s excitement and happiness to attend school every day, and how proudly they are to represent the College.
Wonderful, caring staff that have helped my sons become the kind, caring, empathetic and respectful young men they have become.
My son has formed strong friendships with likeminded students whom I feel he will be friends with in years to come.
The way WestMAC has always cared for my child, addressed any of my concerns promptly, and consistently shown a high level of dedication and professionalism is truly commendable.
My children’s academic progress, values and personal satisfaction with their school experience. They are growing up to become responsible and respectful young women and their positive experience at WestMAC has contributed to that.
My child absolutely loves his WestMAC community. He has been offered opportunities to thrive in leadership and music. He feels valued and has made meaningful connections.
Overall WestMAC offers a high quality holistic educational experience. The families that attend WestMAC are from a wide range of backgrounds, economic and demographic situations, this is a great positive to preparing students for life.
The way they have always cared for my child, addressed any of my concerns promptly, and consistently shown a high level of dedication and professionalism is truly commendable.
Student quotes on what they value about West Moreton Anglican College:
The education aspect is outstanding; there are many subjects to choose from, and teachers are often willing to help and explain things.
I value my education and the assistance I have gotten from most of my teachers. Some of them have really helped to transform me into the person I am today and I could not be more grateful for that.
I value the Music program greatly as I am in Concert Band, Stage Band, Performance Band and Bella voce. I really love the instrument they gave me and the support from all my conductors.
The Dance, Music and Drama program, it helps me to express myself in the subjects I like while also having a fun time with my friends.
The opportunities and the pathways into different careers that the College offers.
I value the friendships that everyone has at the college and I value that everyone must feel safe and comfortable with how their friends are treating them. I value the counsellors and how much they have helped the community.
Key Student Outcomes
Average student attendance rate for the whole school
The average attendance rate for the whole school as a percentage in 2024 was 88.91%*.
Average student attendance rate for each year level
*Disclaimer - A number of Year 11 and Year 12 students are involved in off-campus educational activities.
How non-attendance is managed by the College
At WestMAC the non-attendance of students is managed in a variety of ways:
Under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, parents have a legislated responsibility to ensure that any child under the age of 16 years attends school regularly.
At WestMAC we are committed to providing an environment where children and young people receive the highest standard of care, and we believe that child safety and wellbeing needs to be embedded in practice and that it is the responsibility of all staff. We strive daily to create conditions that reduce the likelihood of harm to children and young people and that increase the likelihood of identifying harm. Acting in the best interests of children and young people is at the heart of what we do.
Consequently, WestMAC has developed a suite of comprehensive Work Instructions that detail the procedures for managing student attendance. Rolls are marked every lesson and an audit of staff compliance and student attendance is conducted regularly by our Child and Youth Risk Management Officer.
Specifically, non-attendance is managed in a variety of ways:
Late arrivals
Any student who arrives late during the school day is required to report to the relevant sub-school reception to sign in on the register through software called Passtab. Students are issued with a late pass for the class teacher. A parent note in the Student Diary explains the reason for the late arrival. If the reason is unacceptable or no note is provided, the sub-school receptionist contacts the parent or guardian. Parents are required to accompany Prep to Year 6 students into Junior School reception and sign them in with the Junior School receptionist.
Early departures
Any student who leaves the College during the school day is required to report to the relevant sub-school reception with a note of permission written by a parent in the Student Diary. Alternatively, parents may contact reception via telephone or SMS to provide the reason and arrange time of student departure.
The parent must sign the student out via the Early Departure Register through Passtab software. Any student leaving during the College day for an appointment and then returning to school will need to be signed out and signed in at the relevant sub-school reception.
If a student becomes ill in the course of the day, they are to be directed to the Health Centre where a College Nurse will contact a parent or guardian to collect them if necessary. In such a case the student will be signed out in the Early Departure Register (Passtab software) in the Health Centre. The Nurse notifies the appropriate sub-school reception about the student’s departure.
Reporting Student Absence
If a child is absent from school, parents are expected to phone the Absentee Line prior to 8.15am on the day of absence. The parents or guardians of students who are not in attendance at school and/or in cases where no reason for absence has been provided, will receive an SMS from the College. If a parent response to the initial SMS is not received in a timely manner, the sub-school Receptionist will contact the parent directly via a phone call.
Reporting Extended Student Absence
Should parents absent their child from the College for an extended period of time during the academic year, a letter providing details (reasons and dates) must be forwarded to the Head of School for approval prior to such absences.
Should a student fail to attend school for an extended period (approximately 2 weeks) without explanation, the College will contact parents. Additionally, an official letter from the College Principal or authorised delegate will be sent to the parent reminding them of their legislated obligation to ensure the student attends school regularly. If required, the Principal or delegate will notify the relevant authorities in the case of an extended unexplained absence.
The College requires a term’s notice for withdrawal of a child’s enrolment and follow-up occurs as above if anecdotal advice is received about a student leaving the College without official notification from the parent or guardian.
NAPLAN results for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in 2024
Reading
Writing
Spelling
Grammar and Punctuation
Numeracy
Apparent retention rate for Years 10 to 12
The Year 12 student enrolment as a percentage of the Year 10 cohort is
Year 12 Outcomes
Outcomes
of students who are completing or completed a School-based Apprenticeship
or Traineeship (SAT)
Number of students awarded one or more Vocational Education and Training
(VET) qualifications
Number of students awarded a Queensland Certificate of Education at the end of Year 12
of Year 12 students who are completing or completed a SAT or were
awarded one or more of the following: QCE, IBD, VET qualification Percentage of Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) applicants receiving
a tertiary offer
2024 Leavers Survey Results
