2023 | ISSUE 16 | SJC Newsletter

Principal's Report

Dear Parents / Carers

Most students dislike tests and examinations, most staff and parents feel similarly about surveys. Both tests and surveys are an important tool in individual and school improvement. At St Joseph’s we test students each year from grade 6 to year 10. This data allows us to identify and meet individual and collective student needs and NAPLAN tests in years 7 and 9 allow comparison with state and national results. In this newsletter I would like to focus on the results of some recent testing and surveying.

NAPLAN and AAS Testing

We recently received NAPLAN results from our 2023 year 7 and year 9 students. I am delighted to report that the year 9 results are excellent. They show that in reading, writing and numeracy our students are performing better (compared to state and national averages) than they did in year 7. This tells us that our students are improving in these areas at a faster rate than students at other schools which suggests that our teaching strategies and interventions are being effective. One of the Highlights was Year 9 numeracy which was 20 points higher than the state median. These results are particularly affirming of our Waterford and Westcourt teachers and program. It is worth noting that we have not seen similar growth or achievement in spelling grammar and punctuation, which remain a work in progress.

The NAPLAN results for our current Year 7’s are similar to those of our current year 9 cohort when they were in year seven. Their reading levels are equal to the state and national average for boys and slightly lower than the average for girls. Their writing is lower than the state average as is spelling, grammar and punctuation. Their Numeracy is lower than state average for boys. The progress made by our current year 9 group gives us every confidence that we can produce similar performance improvements over the next two years.

These results are a testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated teaching staff, the supportive environment we have cultivated and the efficacy of interventions and programs that these year levels.

MACCSIS Surveys

We also recently received the results of the MACCSIS annual survey conducted by MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic schools). This survey reports on a range of important measures and allows comparison of any that have changed over the last three years. College staff and leadership will be reviewing this data in coming months to help us improve student outcomes.

The MACCSIS data set is huge but some things really stood out. These included that: St Joseph’s results are above the average of MACS schools in every domain and that almost 60% of students feel that their teachers have rigorous expectations of them. At the same time students report that they have strong relationships with teachers that reaches its highest point in year 12.

PIVOT Surveys

We also use survey data to improve our performance as teachers and leaders with each teacher surveying students in their classes during terms 1 and 3. The results provide student perception of teacher performance and these are currently being used in Annual Review Meetings between teachers and members of the College leadership.

EREA Renewal Surveys and Interviews

Earlier this year EREA conducted our five yearly renewal process. As part of this process students, parents and staff were surveyed or interviewed with the renewal panel spending three days in the College. The final report of this renewal was presented to the College Advisory Council at the October meeting held last week. It has also been placed on the College website.

The renewal report includes acknowledgement of strategic achievements since the previous School renewal, the range of commendations and some recommendations for the next five years. I am pleased to report all that the commendations strongly affirmed the quality of education being offered at St Joseph’s. In addition to affirming excellence in learning outcomes, the report emphasises the welcoming safe and inclusive environment and the pre-eminence of gospel values and social justice in the day-to-day operation of the school.

The recommendations include the challenge to us to strengthen our current learning framework, further develop relationships with education and community organisations, further enhance our contemporary learning environment (including IT provision) maintain and improve our inclusive safe and diverse culture, and enhance our current strong connection with our Catholic and Edmund Rice traditions.

The renewal is enormously affirming document and I am very grateful to everybody who contributed to the process.

The City of Greater Geelong is seeking input regarding safety upgrades around the Minerva Road Church Street intersection close to our Westcourt campus. The safety of our students is paramount and we welcome the commitment to improvements in safety infrastructure in this area. As part of the consultation process COGG are seeking feedback.

I encourage you to provide your feedback using the QR code (below) or the adjacent link.

You can access via the QR code:

Or via this link: https://yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/MinervaChurchsafetyupgrades

God Bless

Tony Paatsch
Principal