Annual Report 2023 by woodfordinternationalschool

Vision

Globally ready learners, daring to dream, confident to act, empowered to achieve.

Mission

WIS is a community of learners that builds on each child's strengths, drawing from our diverse local context and a rich international curriculum, to develop globally ready learners equipped to shape their future and achieve their dreams.

we e

Courage and resilience in embracing challenges.

Our compassionate, respectful, and collaborative community.

Commitment to excellence and quality education as life-long learners. Embracing diversity, culture, and international mindedness. Our unique history. COURAGE

Board

Report

Knowing the sense of purpose at WIS, there is confidence the school will continue to set itself ambitious goals

Message from Katie Pyle

Reflecting on 2023, I’m immensely proud of the Board’s achievements over the last 12 months. We have well and truly come out of the COVID days (and lockdowns) to fulfill a strong year of schooling, and we had the bonus of experiencing the excitement of the Pacific Games towards the end of 2023. Our enrolment numbers remain strong and increasing, continuing to build a stable financial position for the school to invest in crucial needs.

The 2023 school board was made up of individuals with a broad range of backgrounds and skills who were brought together with the objective of continual improvement for our school, and I truly appreciate their efforts. The strategic plan continually guides the board’s decisions in allocating resources to

achieve the set outcomes for our school, and as stewards, we challenged ourselves on what could be achieved last year. I am pleased to say that our progress has been above expectation, with some areas of the strategic plan being delivered ahead of schedule.

There are various sub-committees within the school board that have produced some excellent outcomes over the last twelve months. Our Infrastructure sub-committee developed a risk matrix and applied this to our school maintenance program leading to the development of a proactive maintenance schedule to ensure longevity of the school’s assets. The replacement of

Ten teaching staff attended the first Association of International Schools in the South Pacific (AISSP) Conference in Fiji to enhance professional development opportunities and regional networking. The school has continued to see them sharing their learning with other... our old vehicles provides more opportunities for our students and staff to take their learning beyond the school site and our new fencing/CCTV project, currently under construction, further complements existing security measures. As we move into 2024, the Infrastructure Master Plan will allocate available funds to prioritised capital improvement projects. The Governance sub-committee completed a review of our frameworks for the school and undertook measures to ensure they not only serve us now, but well into the future.

I wish to thank our finance team, lead by Ellaine Oblefias, for their great progress to update systems and provide thorough reporting to the board. This critical work has given the board a wholesome picture of how our funds can be best utilised within the continued development of the school. Through careful management of our finances, we have been able to add the position of Deputy Head of School into our staffing structure and we are very pleased that a suitable appointee will commence from July 2024. The new position of Instructional Coach also commenced mid-2023 along with the addition of a full-time Mandarin teacher, extending our languages curriculum through middle school.

Message from Katie Pyle

...staff members and implementing new practices to their teaching. The board looks forward to continuing support of this successful conference in 2024.

The school board was immensely proud of IT Coordinator, Mr Lerric Tito and our five students who proudly represented the whole nation with distinction, compassion and pride, and displayed our culture to 190 nations at the First Global Robotics Challenge in Singapore. This event had the whole community talking, within and outside of the school grounds, and has led to the commencement of a formal robotics program at Woodford in 2024. I look forward to seeing our students develop in this field and where these skills may lead them beyond their school years.

A formal collaboration with University of Melbourne Graduate School of Education lead to four Master’s degree students spending two weeks in our classrooms in August to exchange skills and teaching practices with Woodford staff. We anticipate further cohorts in this mutually beneficial professional experience.

From an international perspective, we continue to showcase our school to the world in an effort to open up opportunities for our students to collaborate across different cultures. Our Year 5 class set a new record with their International Day dance, attracting over 200,000 views on social media.

On behalf of our board members, I would particularly like to thank our Head of School, Daniel Corrigan, for his continued efforts in leading Woodford to its fullest potential. Though there have been many challenges and setbacks, the progress made under your leadership continues to enhance Woodford’s offerings to all of its students and to the future benefit of the Solomon Islands.

Katie Pyle | Board Chair

Board Report 2023

Supporting Woodford students travelling to Singapore for the First Global Robotics Challenge to represent Solomon Islands

Continued engagement and support from government and community agencies to increase Woodford’s capabilities.

Funding additional staffing - including Instructional Coach, Mandarin Teacher, Deputy Head of School and School Nurse School governance and policies reviewed and updated

Installation of IT/Finance systems provide better visibility of the school’s position.

Replacement of old vehicles and new fencing/CCTV project

Infrastructure Master Plan

Financial

Report

Our school has recorded a strong financial position as we continue to progress towards our strategic plans

Message from Ron Prasad

As we reflect on the financial performance of Woodford International School for the fiscal year 2023 , it is with great satisfaction that we present a comprehensive overview of our achievements, particularly focusing on the improvement in financial compliance and the upgrade in financial systems.

Woodford International School has consistently prioritized financial compliance to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to regulatory standards. Enhanced Internal Controls were implemented to safeguard financial transactions and assets. Recognizing the importance of modern, efficient financial systems, Woodford International School has made significant strides in upgrading our financial infrastructure: We focused on seamless integration between various financial systems, promoting data consistency and reducing the risk of errors. This integration has improved overall efficiency and responsiveness to financial challenges.

The achievements outlined in this annual finance report signify Woodford International School's commitment to financial excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement. These efforts not only fortify the school's financial foundation but also contribute to the overall success and sustainability of our institution. We extend our gratitude to the dedicated finance team, faculty, and staff whose hard work and commitment have made these achievements possible.

Ron Prasad | Treasurer

Financial

The school has returned a surplus of $3.5M SBD for the 12 months ending 31 December 2023

This year we successfully implemented an emergency alert system, online subscriptions, acquired new vehicles, Chromebooks, laptops, generators, and classroom supplies for the next school year.

Report

Parent Teacher and Friends Association, an organisation with a mission to make the school a better place for children to learn.

Message from Glennis Masaea

and Rob Corrigan

The last year has seen a lot of positive growth for the school, improvements to facilities and unique opportunities for staff and happy students. This is largely due to passionate leadership and dedication from the staff, with whom PTFA is always working closely to provide support. Supporting things such as special days, ECA activities, teacher professional development, upgrades to classrooms or new equipment for the betterment of the students and the school community.

Our PTFA is fortunate to be able to provide direct supplement to curriculum, activities and the facilities of the school that enhance the learning experience. Following on the dedicated work of past PTFA members, EVERYONE who becomes involved with PTFA is directly shaping decisions for a positive impact on the school as a whole.

Challenges:

That said, a lack of numbers is the biggest ongoing concern for your PTFA. Being part of the PTFA is a unique opportunity to help shape the school for the better - all it takes is meeting for an hour or so once a month and maybe answering the odd email. The few people who regularly turn up to PTFA would greatly appreciate more parents becoming involved, as making decisions that directly affect the entire school is best done with more input.

What's ahead:

Much of the support PTFA is providing this year is similar to previous years, in some areas more funding has been allocated to support teacher development or increase ECAs, we also want to ensure teachers don't go out of pocket on event days. The school leadership is doing a lot of work to improve school facilities, but one area identified by PTFA as needing some attention is the main playground in the Northeast corner. PTFA is working with the school facilities team and local contractors to upgrade some existing equipment and ensure a playground that is as safe as possible and also a bright and cheery place for students to be active. We don't have a timeframe yet, but hoping to complete all works before Term 4. If there is ANYTHING about the school on which you have an opinion and you'd like to see improve, please come along and be part of the PTFA - many hands makes light work!

Glennis Masaea | PTFA Chair

International

support PTFA additional

2023 Highlights

A year that included an increase in enrolment and overall programme enahncements for teaching and learning

Message from Daniel Corrigan

When we opened our doors for the start of the 2023 academic year to a strong number of returning students, as well as dozens of new families and friends joining the WIS community, it was refreshing to have the pandemic woes of 2022 behind us. With much excitement in the air for the upcoming South Pacific Games and student enrollment increasing quickly, we celebrated a year with renewed purpose, energy, and determination for the future, while championing new strategic intentions outlined and introduced.

From the start, it was clear that 2023 was going to be a year of emergence and growth as we increased to just over 375 students from 22 nationalities around the globe. We began looking to implement expanded course offerings, as well as action world-class professional development opportunities for staff. The heightened desire to improve our craft and implement more 21st century learning modalities and offerings that support our community was palatable.

We actively worked on the ambitious initiatives set out in our strategic plan, after a long process at the end of 2022 for mapping out where WIS will head into the future. 2023 was the time to start rolling up our sleeves and get to work. We have been pleased with the progress thus far being ahead of schedule on many items, as well as excited for the challenges and enhancements yet to come.

With a mission to develop future-ready global learners that impact the world wherever their next steps may be beyond WIS, our work towards continual improvement is never done. As you read through this report, the initiatives, progress, enhancements, and achievements of 2023 are something to be proud of for all stakeholders, while we also strive to continue with progression inside and outside the classroom across a wide array of student-centered approaches to fill the WIS learning experience to its full potential.

As a community working together and actively supporting our mission and vision, we are grateful to our parents, staff, PTFA, board members, and friends who come alongside to partner with us in bringing up the next generation. Your participation amongst our WIS family makes a significant impact in the lives of our students and the future of Woodford International School. You are what makes WIS a wonderful place to learn and work!

Daniel Corrigan | Head of School

What we have achieved

Implemented robotics within our curricula offering and technology programme. Represented the nation at the First Global robotics competition in Singapore.

60 additional Chromebooks for students.

Enhanced our overall profile within the region and amongst like-minded schools.

Cosmetic updates to the hall and other maintenance upgrades around campus. Created an additional position for Mandarin, expanding it into secondary school.

Completed various safety measures on campus.

Implementation of the new internationally hired position, Secondary Instructional Coach for continual onsite PD for teachers.

Updated emergency procedures, protocols, and system.

Updated child protection framework & staff training.

Successful first PD conference of the Association of International Schools in the South Pacific (AISSP) for enhancing teacher growth and regional networking. Strong progress on our five-year strategic plan.

UP S 2028 STRATEGIC ur TOWARDS PLAN

1.1.1

Received government approval for Cambridge IGCSE and ALevls to satisfy Solomon Island university scholarship, which allows our senior school to phase out forms 6 and 7 and allow secondary teachers to not be inundated with teaching two curricula.

1.2.1

Developed and implemented a new evaluation and observation process for teachers and leadership that includes specific look fors, self-assessment, reflection process, and debrief with respective supervisor on progress.

1.4.1

Began to increase our internationally hired staff with the addition of a secondary instructional coach in 2023 and two newly accepted international hires to start in 2024 as a Deputy Head of School and a Primary Teacher.

1.4.3

Approved a 5% cost of living adjustment in 2023 for all contracts that begin in 2024 in an effort to recognise higher personal costs of staff and a necessary wage increase to maintain the same standard of living.

1.4.2

Gained approval from the Ministry of Finance and IRD to reduce the income tax burden on a limited number of internationally hired staff to better allow us to be more competitive on the international school recruitment platforms.

1.5.1

LEAD IN ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Improve educational results and better reflect our vision of producing globally ready learners through a programme that embodies excellence and international-mindedness

1.5.2

STRENGTHEN PROCEDURES

Develop central policies and frameworks for faculty, students, and families, with clear/concise expectations and procedures that promote a safe and supportive learning environment.

2.1.1

The parent, and employee handbooks were updated with input from the leadership team and a new overall design. Updates to overall guidelines, expectations, chain of command, family partnership, etc. were done. This was published electronically on our website, in several weekly communications, as well as in print form available within the main office.

2.1.3

In coordination with increased technology use and infrastructure, a new technology use handbook was adopted in January 2023 outlining procedures for all stakeholders (students, staff, parents, and guests) using WIS owned devices or personal devices on our network. This was published electronically on our website, in several weekly communications, as well as in print form available within the main office.

2.1.2

A student handbook was created in January 2023 (as there has not been one before), following the same design flow as the other handbooks. This was published electronically on our website, in several weekly communications, as well as in print form available within the main office.

2.2.1

A detailed behaviour management plan has been rolled out and adopted within the newly created student handbook. It outlines specific details on behaviour expectations, a tiered consequence system for offenders, codes of conduct, its process of implementation through interventions, restorative approaches, and definitions for clarity.

2.2.2

Established a positive reinforcement approach within our secondary school that allows students to obtain “Gotcha Cards” and redeem them for rewards. These build upon our behaviour management plan and encourage/reinforce positive behaviour amongst our students.

2.3.3

Implemented a new purchase request system and procedure through ProSpend that allows staff to electronically submit a purchase request, have it approved by the respective supervisor, and sent to finance for raising the purchase. This all syncs directly to MYOB and limits over expenditure on any one budget line, as well as more accurately aligns purchases.

2.3.1

Built and began utilising a student information system for demographic data, contact info, and attendance. This allows for one central system within our workflow.

2.3.2

Upgraded our finance system from MYOB Lite to MYOB AccountRight for better streamlining of invoicing and receipts, as well switched to their webbased server for anytime access.

2.3.4

Developed a backend staff portal to the WIS website that allows for the housing of various staff related documents and submission requests such as leave forms, medical forms, etc.

STRENGTHEN PROCEDURES

Develop central policies and frameworks for faculty, students, and families, with clear/concise expectations and procedures that promote a safe and supportive learning environment.

2.4.1

Emergency procedures have been updated at the start of 2023 with input from the Australian Federal Police. This has included fire, tsunami, earthquake, and civil unrest procedures, along with traffic flow and parent pick-up protocols. Procedures have been published and communicated with staff and families.

2.4.3

Implemented an emergency mass texting platform to notify parents in the event of an emergency with immediate notice.

2.4.4

Created, printed, and implemented staff ID badges to quickly recognise the adults on staff at WIS, as well as a visitor sign-in process that includes showing ID, a visitor pass, and keeping gates locked throughout the instructional times of the day.

2.5.2

The Student Council has proposed and led the way for specific changes within our Tuck Shop that has brought in a new vendor, Lokol Fusion Cafe, after a student taste testing and formal agreement.

2.4.2

An emergency alert system has been approved and installed on campus that can be heard within all classrooms and across the entire area of the property for fire, tsunami, duck-and-cover, and all emergencies necessary.

2.6.2

All new hires and volunteers are now mandated to submit a police clearance prior to working at WIS and with our students.

2.5.1

Established a new student-led publication, The Drum, that allows for students to channel ideas for reform within their realm, as well as publish happenings around campus from their point of view.

2.6.1

The child protection framework has been updated near the end of 2022 with the suggested protocols from the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Publication on our website and notification to staff occurred near the end of 2022.

2.6.3

Created and began utilising a child protection report form that allows staff to submit a notice of concern in regards to child maltreatment, and follow up appropriately within our child protection framework.

3.1.1

Developed and formed the Association of International School in the South Pacific (AISSP) - which hosted its first annual conference in Suva. The schools that are pooling resources together to bring annual PD to the region include Port Moresby International School, International School of Suva, International School of Nadi, Port ...

3.1.1 (continued)

...Vila International School, Woodford International School, and James Cook International School. The first annual PD conference revolved around international mindedness, technology integration, child protection, and inclusion. AISSP will continue to broaden its scope annually, as well as have formal communication channels for teachers in the region to share successes.

3.1.2

We have tapped into utilising the expertise of parent volunteers, most recently specialists with training in psychology to offer on-camus multipart PD workshops for all staff on emotional and behavioural support of students to better implement tiered approaches to intervention.

3.1.3

Our secondary school welcomed a new position of an Instructional Coach mid 2023, working alongside teachers across the MS and HS on providing inhouse PD and daily implementations for planning and pedagogical delivery practices.

FUTURE-READY LEARNING

CAPABILITIES

Establish and modernise a learning environment that allows for better implementation of 21st century learning tools, resources, and pedagogy.

3.1.4

We have formed an official partnership with the University of Melbourne Graduate School of Education to host a rotation of Master's degree professionals at WIS for a mutually beneficial professional experience. Each cohort will work alongside Woodford teachers in line with their specific content that will allow them to both obtain and provide skills in their teaching practices.

3.2.2

3.2.1

Installed reliable and fast WiFi across campus that has the most users on a WiFi network on any given day than any other business or institution in the country. The system allows for guest logins and better firewall protection for our network.

Purchased new Lenovo laptops for all staff that allows for seamless workflow and collaboration when attending meetings and/or common planning times with teams. Teachers previously had a stationary desktop in their classroom.

3.2.3

Purchased TVs for every classroom and meeting room to be used for projection purposes while implementing technology into units and lessons. WIS only had two projectors PreK-12 to be signed out prior to this.

3.2.5

Implemented a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy within the middle and high schools that allow students to use the device of their choice on our network.

3.2.4

Installed refurbished laptops throughout the primary computer lab to upgrade the previous system of NComputing, as well as the addition of multiple Chromebooks within each primary classroom.

4.4.1

Implementation of conducting a twice annual 360 degree feedback survey for all staff to provide insight across the school in facilities, finance, HOS, supervisors, Board of Directors, etc.

4.3.1

Established a new student-led publication, The Drum, that allows for students to channel ideas for reform within their realm, as well as publish happenings around campus from their point of view.

4.4.2

Developed a formal induction and welcome week for new international arrivals to integrate to life in Honiara and at WIS.

FUTURE-READY LEARNING

CAPABILITIES

Establish and modernise a learning environment that allows for better implementation of 21st century learning tools, resources, and pedagogy.

Strengthen and embody a school culture that values people and fosters caring, positive, and respectful relationships between students, staff and our community.

5.2.1

5.3.1

5.2.2

We have partnered with Dreamcast Theatre to support our drama classes and allow students to participate in community productions that Dreamcast is involved in.

5.2.3

Australian Federal Police have partnered with WIS on projects that are mutually beneficial for their training of local police, as well as for our students to be better informed with their work and possible career paths.

5.2.4

New and continued partnerships with government ministries and local businesses such as Grace Boutique, Solomon Airlines, BSP, local farms, Fisheries, etc. for field trips and hands-on learning experiences.

5.3.2

5.4.1

Developed a space within the WIS website that allows for alumni to share stories of where they are now, and read those of their peers.

5.4.2

Designed WIS alumni gear that is available for purchase worldwide for previous WIS students.

5.5.1

The secondary school has drived a green project initiative where houses across the school work on changing the culture around waste in our surrounding community. This will undertake creating tangible change within communities that will help our students understand why people do not properly dispose of waste, while also creating long-term solutions.

CONNECT COMMUNITY

Establish and foster positive relationships and partnerships that build a vibrant, connected community.

SECURE OUR FUTURE

Create, improve, and communicate clear financially sustainable conditions to secure the long term future of the school and to maintain WIS’ position as the leading school in the Solomons

6.1.1.

Preliminary discussions already underway and how current tuition rates and expenditure will allow for a proper division for capital projects.

6.2.2

Implemented an asset registry across the school for facilities, technology, etc.

6.2.1

Each department and division has been allocated a specific budget based on overall expenditure and need, versus previously only having one lump sum that did not distribute allocated amounts amongst departments or divisions. These have been done alongside the finance team in accordance with future projects and operational needs. 6.3.1