Annual Report 2012

 EDUCATIONAL AND FINANCIAL REPORT FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2012

SCHOOL OVERVIEW INFORMATION

CONTEXTUAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Description of School Context

Nambucca Valley Christian Community School commenced as a K-6 Primary School in 1991 and in 2012 received initial registration to extend to Year 7 in 2013. The school is a registered and co-educational K-7 school.

The school is seeking to expand into Year 8 in 2014, Year 9 2015, Year 10 2016. The desire of the Board is to have a K-12 school where students can be educated on the same campus for their entire school life. 

Nambucca Valley Christian Community School is a ministry of the Nambucca River Presbyterian Church to the wider Christian community in the Nambucca Valley and district. It is a member of Christian Schools Australia (CSA). The school has formally indicated its intention to CSA to expand to Year 8 in 2014.

The last full school inspection by a Christian Schools Australia panel (for the NSW Board of Studies) occurred in 2010. At this time the school was recommended for ongoing registration and accreditation with the NSW Board of Studies for a further five years until 2013 inclusive.

In addition to the general education programmes the school provides further enrichment through sports, camps, music tuition and special needs programmes.

The school’s motto “GROW UP INTO CHRIST” underpins the desired ethos of the school whereby students are encouraged to live an authentic Christian lifestyle.

The core values of the school are taught in an atmosphere where the moral and ethical standards of the Christian Bible are accepted. The school achieves its mission by providing an education of high academic standards integrating a Biblical Christian perspective.

Individuality of the learner, skills in collaborative tasks, developing creative and critical abilities are important learning strategies. Opportunities for personal spiritual, cultural and sporting development are given plus Specialist Programs in Minilit, Multilit, Dibels Next, Early Intervention, Music, Science, Computers and Health. Some unique features of the school include a diversity of cultures and breadth of the Valleys Christian Church. The school also supports three overseas children.

Social events include a Bushdance, Billycart-athon, Auction and a School Fete. The school plays an important role in the community by providing a centre of Christian education based on choice where home, church and school work together for excellence in education and in the nurture of children.

The school’s vision statement further encapsulates this:

The school seeks to create an environment where parents, church and school work together to provide an educational centre of teaching and learning excellence founded on a heartfelt acceptance of:

1.      The Lordship of Jesus Christ

2.      The Bible as the revealed Word of God

Messages from Key People and Bodies

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT ON 2012

Welcome to our school. We’re prayerfully excited about what the Lord has in store for our school in the coming years. We provide an education with a difference. The school provides quality Christian education to students in the Nambucca Valley in a safe environment. We also have a well-combined mix of staff and a range of Primary and High School teachers who have a passion for helping students learn.

The Principal for 2012 was Mr Stephen Schofield. He helped plan and assist the School Board to have year 7 in 2013 registered by Christian Schools Australia in the latter part of 2012. This enabled the school to realise a dream of expanding into High School which had first been discussed in 1994, 3 years after the school’s inception. Planning for new facilities also commenced.

In 2012 the Association of Independent Schools also identified Nambucca Valley Christian Community School as a school that would be well placed to deliver a pilot course on Principal’s as Literacy Leaders (PALL). National Partnerships funding was committed to the school in 2012 and for 2013 to provide additional resources and a sustainable model for improving student achievement in Literacy and Numeracy.

The school maintained 3 fulltime classes in 2012, despite a small enrolment base. This helped the school achieve pleasing results in exams such as NAPLAN, when compared with similar schools across Australia. Small class sizes also helped lay a platform for attracting a number of new families to the school in the latter part of 2012 and early 2013.

As our numbers continue to increase we want to see each student developing in every area of the curriculum through the different programs that we operate within the school. Our desire is to see each child use their gifts and abilities for the Glory of God.

Mr Jeff Allen

Principal

SCHOOL BOARD REPORT ON 2012

The Board of Nambucca Valley Christian Community School is pleased to endorse the annual report on the activities of the school for 2012.

We commenced 2012 with a new Principal, Mr Stephen Schofield, who led us into seriously considering growing the school to Year 7 in 2013. By the end of the 2012, permission had been granted from Christian Schools Australia to proceed to Year 7.

At the end of 2012 a new Principal, Mr Jeff Allen, was appointed to lead the school into the future and additional staff were employed to provide appropriately qualified and trained high school teachers.

The school also celebrated 21 years of Christian Education in the Valley (September 2012).

The end of 2012 saw many families in the Nambucca Valley considering the future education of their children and indicating their intention to support the school by enrolling their students in advance for 2013.

The Board wishes to acknowledge the dedication of the staff during a period of change. It is also grateful for the support of parents and other volunteers.

Sincerely

Mr Ian Watson

Board Chairman

P & F Annual Report for 2012

The Parent & Friends Association meet once a term to discuss business and organise social events to encourage the school community. 2012 was a great year. Funds were raised to support our sponsor children, SRE in the local Primary schools, and also support children going to Zone and State carnivals. On top of this we also subsidised the bi-annual Canberra Excursion for 5/6. In preparation for 2013 the P&F also allocated funding towards science equipment for the up and coming High School.

Our major fundraiser of the year was the School’s 21’s Birthday celebration which was run in combination with the bi-annual Billy-cart-a-thon. This was the highlight of the year! Our other very helpful fundraisers were a Chocolate drive and Woolies B.B.Q’s. These have been a great way of raising awareness of our school in our local community. The Social events of the year included our annual ‘Meet, Eat and Greet’, Bush dance and Billy-cart-a-thon, and Presentation evening. Extra activities that were held for the enjoyment of the children included athletics carnival canteen, treat days such as cake days and sausage sizzle days as well as providing Mother’s day and Father’s day stalls to allow the children to enjoy shopping for their parents at a low cost. These extra activities were run at a minimal cost and so were not major fund raisers - but every bit helps.

In 2013, the P&F desire to continue to support the school in their exciting venture of going into High School. We will do this by concentrating on buying high school resources as the school grows. We look forward to our major fundraiser for 2013. This will be a school Fete day incorporating the bi-annual trash & treasure/auction. The P&F are thankful for all the dedicated parents that make these events possible and thank God for our school fellowship that continues to grow. We look forward to your continued support and fellowship in 2013.

Kath Spriggs

P&F Secretary/Treasurer (2012)

Parent, Student and Staff Satisfaction - 2012

We continued working together and enjoying one another on various projects within our school community through fundraising events and student programmes. The school has continued communication with parents, students and staff alike, in school based activities.

Fundraising: The Parents and Friends Group co-ordinated fund raising activities within the

school community to raise funds for the school, which they have detailed in their report. The amount of work that they contribute is phenomenal given that the school is classified as a small growing Christian school.

Overseas Orphan Sponsorship: The school continues to look past itself to help others. Students are keen to be involved in sponsorship, written communication and prayer. Our P&F body are committed to retain the same support in this area.

Gold Principal’s Award: In 2012 this award was earned by students who gained a Bronze and Silver Award in any area of academic, artistic, sporting or community spirit achievement. The Gold Award allows children to participate in a community-based service, which is age-appropriate. The award can only be truly achieved by the active working together of staff, students and teachers. There were students who were presented with their Gold Awards at the 2012 Presentation Evening in December.

Teachers: All teachers were active participants in our week-long in-service course prior to the start of the academic year in 2012. Teacher willingness to implement changes in the school programme and be involved in extra-curricular activity (especially camping ministry over weekends) reflect a high level of satisfaction at school level. The staff participated in the 2012 Mid-year North Coast Christian Schools Conference held at Coffs Harbour.

Presentation Night: This event, as all our social events was well-attended.

School Strategies

Pre-determined 2012 Targets

1. Turf large areas of playground around building extensions

2. Awning / walkway erected for student reception area

3. Installation of Interwrite Whiteboard in Library extension

4. Establishing fourth classroom as an extra learning centre for stage learning and for

reading groups

5. Review of School Spelling Program

6. Awning built for sandpit

7. Completion of sandpit

8. Removal of original maintenance shed and garden shed

9. Employment of part-time Maintenance man

10. Upgrade of security system with additional cameras and security zones

11 Upgrade and refurbishment of school gardens

2012 Achievements

During 2012 all of these targets were achieved with the exception of numbers 7, 9 and 10.

Pre-determined 2013 Targets

1. The development of further literacy and numeracy programs to enhance the learning of the students by the use of existing resources and PALL funding.

2. To continue the development of the High School by applying to CSA for Year 8 registration(2014) and confirming Year 7 registration.

3. To participate in and develop different school promotional activities.

4. Updating of the Parent Handbook.

5. Updating of the Staff Handbook.

6. Overview of curriculum with the commencement of Australian Curriculum work.

7. Continued staff Development for each member of staff.

8. Review the incentives and rewards based programmes.

9.  For the sand pit to be fully completed and operational for our younger students.

10. Upgrade of security system with additional cameras and security zones

11. Develop a capital expansion plan for the school

12. Continue to attract suitable qualified teachers and staff for the growing needs of the school community.

PROMOTING RESPECT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Student Development in 2012 in Respect and Responsibility

Actions taken to promote respect and responsibility –

Respectful Behaviour

•Ensure students continue to address all adults by their correct title

•Appreciate the culture and individual differences of others

•Continue co-operative skills in learning and play

•Assisting students to take responsibility for affirmative action in the playground

•Provide opportunities for students to host visitors around the school

•Respecting school & personal property

•Learning about personal boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others

•Participation in Remembrance Day Service

Community Service Activities

•Participation in Community Events eg. Sports’ coaching clinics

•Working towards Gold Principal’s Award for Community Service

•Participating in Anzac Day Parade in Nambucca Heads

•Active participation of Student Leadership in care and organisation of sporting equipment

•Fundraising for our three overseas students

Class – Based Activities

•Respecting own and school property by using equipment properly, maintaining and stowing correctly

•Individual ‘monitor’ service in each class

•Being prepared for each day

•Working co-operatively with others

•Appreciating individual differences

STAFF INFORMATION

SUMMARY OF WORKFORCE COMPOSITION

The Executive consists of the Principal, an experienced teacher and the Bursar.

Teachers: Principal, 4 x Primary teachers. There are no indigenous teachers.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Nambucca Valley Christian Community School is committed to ongoing professional development of all staff through participation at in-school courses, regular staff meetings, external courses and conferences.

Professional Learning:

Teaching staff (all or a staff representative)

•Staff Development week to start of new academic year in January 2012.

•Review Child Protection procedures

•Mid-Year Conference & Professional Development at Coffs Harbour – July 2012

Principal. This included sessions on the New Australian Curriculum.

 There was also an “In Service” at the school on “Excellence in Writing Programme” for all staff.

•North Coast Area Principals’ meetings held once each term.

Ancillary and other staff 

An administrative assistant received Professional Development for up skilling.

TEACHING STANDARDS

All teaching staff are committed Christians and subscribe to the school’s Statement of Faith.

All teaching staff has teaching qualifications from a Higher Educational Institution within

Australia as defined by the Institute of Teachers Act 2004 (category 1)

The standard of teaching at the school is high, as evidenced by the maintenance and/or improvement in student achievement.

Teachers Attendance and Retention 2012

From 2011 to 2012 the only change that occurred was a change in Principal.

School Policies

Attendance

Non-Attendance: Parents of children who are absent for more than 3 days will be contacted as to the reason for the absenteeism if unknown to the school. Unsatisfactory response / or if parents are not contactable over a week period, will be forwarded to the Regional BOS office. Students who are absent for more than 3 days / known long periods of time are given school work /offered after-school tutorials on return, depending on the nature of individual circumstances.

Enrolment Policy / Enrolment Criteria

Children who are enrolled in the school are primarily from Christian homes or from homes where Christian values are practised. Parents seeking to enrol a child in the school must satisfy the Board that:

a) Their home is a Christian home or are practising Christian values.

b) They will support the school in the ways outlined on the enrolment application form

which both parents must sign.

c) Families not in regular church attendance are offered to undertake the course

Christianity Explained with one of the school families and are encouraged to attend a

Church / bible study group of their choice.

d) Non-church attending parents will be invited to:

1. Commence regular church attendance or

2. Commence regular attendance at a Bible Study or

3. Undertake Christianity Explained

4. Acknowledge the basis and on-going Biblical basis and Christ-focus of the

School.

5. Undergo a review at the end of two terms.

Anti- Bullying Policy

Nambucca Valley Christian Community School's mission statement is for students to 'Grow Up Into Christ". To achieve this goal the School must create a learning community that demonstrates quality relationships. As a Christian school, we must stand by the calling of the Lord Jesus to love one another.

Our multi-denominational population also requires us to work harmoniously to build a caring, friendly environment where the diversity of people and sometimes cultural differences are appreciated and valued. Each of individual in our school community is recognised as a unique individual, created by the living God, bringing special qualities and gifts to share. Therefore, we all have a right to be respected and a responsibility to respect each other.

Therefore, Nambucca Valley Christian Community School does not tolerate bullying in any form. All members of the school community are committed to ensuring a safe and caring environment which promotes personal growth, fosters positive self acceptance for all and recognises our goals as a just and learning community.

What is bullying?

Bullying is an act of aggression causing hurt, embarrassment, pain or discomfort causing others to feel uncomfortable in the school's shared environment:

*it can take a number of forms ‑‑ physical, psychological, verbal, gesture, extortion, exclusion and may involve the use of technology (it is an abuse of power ); it may be planned and organised or it may be unintentional

Some examples of bullying include:

·         any form of physical violence such as hitting, pushing or spitting on others

·         interfering with another person's property by stealing, hiding, damaging or destroying it

·         using offensive names, teasing or spreading rumours about others or their families

·         using 'put‑downs', belittling other's abilities and achievements

·         writing offensive notes or graffiti about others

·         making degrading comments about another's culture, religion or social background

·         hurtfully excluding others from a group

·         making suggestive comments or other forms of sexual abuse

·         ridiculing another person's appearance.

·         forcing others to act against their will, e.g., demanding money or possessions, making inappropriate gestures at another person.

·         in some contexts the obvious and deliberate ignoring of someone, as if they do not exist, can be a form of psychological bullying.

If we are bullied:

·         we may feel frightened, unsafe, embarrassed, angry or unfairly treated.

·         our work, sleep and ability to concentrate may suffer.

·         our relationships with our family, teachers, friends and God may deteriorate awe may feel confused and not know what to do about the problem.

What do we do to prevent bullying at NVCCS?

As a learning community, we will not allow cases of bullying to go unreported. We will speak up, even at risk to ourselves.

This requires staff to:

·         be role models at all times

·         dispel the myths of bullying eg 'Bullying is just a joke'; 'You are letting your friends down when you report bullying'; 'Bullying is just a part of growing up' and 'The school is not really committed to dealing with issues of bullying'.

·         be observant for signs of distress or suspected incidents of bullying and remove occasions for bullying by active supervision during playground duty

·         arrive at class on time

·         take steps to help victims and remove sources of distress without placing the victim at further risk a investigate and follow up all reported cases of bullying and/or report serious suspected incidents to the appropriate staff such as Co-ordinator or Principal

·         inform parents and liaise with them to support the child

·         follow up affected students in the weeks and months to check that the bullying has stopped

This requires students to:

·         refuse to be involved in any bullying situation

·         support students who are being bullied

·         actively discourage the bully from continuing the behaviours

·         report, as soon as possible, incidents of bullying to staff, trusted school friend and especially parents, in order to seek help. If students who are bullied have the courage to speak out, they may help reduce pain for themselves and prevent others becoming potential victims. Students who remain as observers while bullying takes place become part of the process of bullying by their presence and should be held responsible for that action.

NVCCS recommends that parents:

·         watch for signs of distress in their child, e.g. unwillingness to attend school, a pattern of illness, missing equipment, requests for extra money, damaged clothing or bruising

·         take an active interest in their child's social life and acquaintances

·         advise their child to tell a staff member about any incidence of bullying. If possible, allow their child to report and deal with the situation. A child can gain respect and confidence through taking the initiative and dealing with the problem without direct parental involvement.

·         Keep a written record (who, what, where, when and how)

·         Encourage their child not to retaliate but to seek an alternative solution to the problem

·         Be willing to attend interviews if their child is involved in an incident of bullying and work cooperatively with the School

·         Be willing to inform the School of any cases of suspected bullying even if their child is not directly involved or affected

·         Do not try to deal directly with the other children or their parents but work through and with the School

Three Stage Procedure to Deal with Bullying

The various stages take into account the range of bullying in the school. The stages escalate to deal with a situation where a student has become habitual in their bullying behaviour

First evidence of bullying behaviour

At the first stage any teacher may deal directly with an incident of suspected bullying through simple admonishment if the bullying is deemed relatively minor and a one‑off occurrence. Staff is required to inform the Principal of both the bully and the victim.

If an incident is more serious, the Principal will investigate the incident, interview the respective students and decide on an appropriate course of action. If the incident involves students from more than one year, the class teachers will consult and come to an agreement on a course of action. At this initial stage, the school goal is to counsel and proceed, if at all possible, without recourse to punishments. Parents of both the bully and the victim will be advised by telephone or letter by the Principal. After a short period of time, the Principal and class teacher will check with the victim to ensure that further incidents have not taken place.

Repeated evidence of bullying behaviour

At the second stage, after investigations by the Principal parents will be contacted. Once the facts of the bullying have been confirmed the re‑offending student will be counselled by staff and receive any of the following: ‑ exclusion, for a period of time, from a specific activities, in‑school or out‑of‑school suspensions, and / or compulsory counselling outside the school, the costs borne by the parents.

The parents of the offending student will be notified by letter and put on notice that their child's behaviour must change if he l she is to stay at the school.

Continued evidence of bullying behaviour

At the third stage, after investigations have concluded that the student responsible for the bullying has not responded to counselling and / or discipline, the Principal will interview the student and their parents, and may decide that the student will be withdrawn from the school (and after consultation with the School Board).

At Nambucca Valley Christian Community School we are serious in developing a loving, caring and supportive Christian Community where individuals are seen to be people created in the image of God, beloved and accepted by Him and who chose to respond in like mind as well as in deed to one another.

Priority of Enrolments

Every effort will be made to place all children God sends to us.

If insufficient vacancies exist for the number of children from whom enrolment is sought, then the following should be the order in which enrolments are accepted:

a) Siblings of existing students.

b) Transfers from other Christian Community Schools.

c) Other students - to be accepted according to the chronological order of the completion of

their enrolment applications.

*All eligible children within a family are to be enrolled.

Minimum Age Requirement

a) New children in Kindergarten must have reached the age of at least 4 years and 9 months

by the beginning of January of the year in which they commence school.

b) The Board reserves the right to refuse the enrolment of a child who may have reached

the age of 4 years and 9 months, if it is felt that the child is not ready for school.

c) There will normally only be one intake of new Kindergarten students in a given year, i.e.

enrolments later than the commencement of the school year will consist of transfers from

other schools rather than children who have not previously attended school.

Pre-Kindergarten Testing

All kindergarten children will complete a preschool test as part of the Enrolment / Acceptance procedure during Kinder Prep days or thereafter for later enrolments.

Children with Special Needs

Parents seeking enrolment for their child with special needs are to:

a) meet normal enrolment criteria

b. be in accordance with Disability Discrimination Act, 1992

Enrolment Procedure

The Principal will normally represent the Board in the enrolment of new students.

Both parents of the enrolling student are expected to attend the enrolment interview with their child/ren.

CONDITIONS OF ENROLMENT

Enrolment at the school is subject to the following terms and conditions:

1. That the parents will agree to allow the child to share fully in the life and programme of

the school, including the devotional activities and doctrinal lessons.

2. That the parents will support the aims of the school and order their own lives and home

so that the child will be given every opportunity to “Grow up into Christ”.

3. The parents undertake to provide the child with all necessary textbooks and other

equipment of a personal nature that may be required to enable the child to benefit from

the education offered.

4. The parents undertake to provide the child with the correct uniform approved by the

school, and to ensure that the child is always sent to the school in a neat, clean manner

and modestly dressed in the required uniform.

5. The parents accept the right of the school to employ such discipline as it deems wise and

expedient for the child, and agree to uphold in every way possible the school’s authority

and right to administer appropriate discipline in accordance with the policies of the

school.

6. That the parents/guardians maintain a positive attitude to the school in the hearing of

their children. If there are any issues which need to be discussed with the school, parents

undertake to deal with the issues according to Biblical principles outlined in Matthew

18:15-17.

7. That while enrolled at the school, the student will behave in a way that does not bring

dishonour to the name of Christ or bring disgrace to themselves, their family or the

school. (And undertake not to use alcohol, tobacco or other harmful substances).

8. The student will obey the rules of the school and conditions of enrolment, as applicable.

9. Fees are to be paid in advance for each term within 14 days of receipt of account of fees.

Parents are encouraged to place an EFTPOS account in place for the regular transfer of

funds. A charge may be made for late payment.

10. The parents will give at least 1 term’s prior notice of termination of enrolment in writing

to the Principal, and failure to do so may render them liable for 1 term’s fees. This

includes the end of year except for Year 6 students.

*All fees are expected to be paid by the termination date of said student.

11. That the school may suspend or terminate enrolment at it’s discretion for failure to

comply with these conditions or other serious breaches of the school’s rules and

regulations.

12. The continuing enrolment of each child will be reviewed by the School Board initially

after 2 terms and thereafter periodically.

Fee Payment Are paid per term plus relevant text book charges. School excursions are extra. The School Board encourages families to establish and EFTPOS account at the Banana Coast Credit Union for weekly or fortnightly payments. This should be in place and operating within 14 days from the date of the Letter of Acceptance, unless alternate arrangements have been discussed with the School Bursar. School fees are spread over a 52 week period and begin from the first week in January in the school year. Rebates are available

upon application to the Bursar and after approval by the School Board.

Further Expectations of parents not contained in the conditions of enrolment are as follows:

a. That parents agree to be involved in School Working Bees, to assist with school

development projects and regular maintenance.

b. That one parent at least attends P&F meeting/event per term.

c. That at least one parent/guardian attends a church fellowship of your choice regularly

with the child* (unless alternate arrangements have been discussed with the Principal).

d. That communication between home and school be encouraged for the benefit of all.

*Parents are requested to sign two copies, retaining one copy for themselves and returning the other the school office.

CONDITIONS OF CONTINUING ENROLMENT

1) Conditions of Continuing Enrolment include all areas of the original ‘Conditions of

Enrolment’ at Nambucca Valley Christian Community School, except point No.9 (see

below)

2) For Continued Enrolment: ‘Fees are to be paid in advance for each term within 14 days

of receipt of account of fees. Parents are encouraged to place an EFTPOS account in

place for the regular transfer of funds. A charge may be made for late payment. In the

case of financial difficulty:

i) Alternate agreed arrangements need to be made with the Principal/Bursar.

ii) Regular payments towards reduction of debt consistent with the agreed

arrangements are being met,

iii) Open & continued communication with the school continues in order to monitor

the situation.

STUDENT WELFARE POLICIES

Health and welfare, encompassing the mental, physical and emotional well-being of the student, is given the highest priority. Policies are summarised below:

•Balanced teaching programme in all Key Learning Areas. Personal Development, Health

and a school Devotional Programme have been developed from K-Yr 6. Anti-bullying

strategies and child’s self-worth reinforced throughout.

•Balanced whole school Health Hop Programme as well as a comprehensive Sports

Programme, including carnivals are provided

•Regular Evacuation and Lock Down Procedure drills

•Regular school socials provide interaction with families and students

•Openness of staff for regular interviews concerning student learning or welfare

•Leadership Training Programme provided for School Leadership Team

•Opportunities to lead and serve others both at school and in the broader community

•School success and service rewarded through weekly assemblies and Principal’s Award

Programme

•Discipline levels are provided as well as strategies for personal growth

•Anti-Bullying Policy

•Regular assessment for all students. Individual Home/school programmes provided

•Screening of all staff, parents and volunteer workers

Special Needs

The school provides individual home – school learning assist programmes where learning

difficulties have been identified or delayed due to continued illness or other factors which affect the learning process. An Early Intervention Programme is available for parents to work with the Classroom teacher / Resource teacher.

*The full text of the Student Welfare Policies may be found in the Parents Handbook, Staff

Handbook and School Manual and can be requested by members of the general public.

Discipline Policy

Nambucca Valley Christian Community School provides discipline which encourages the

student’s individual growth to Christian maturity. The policy is based on principles of procedural fairness in all areas of discipline including suspension and / expulsion from the school.

In all matters of discipline students are invited to state their version of events (the right to be heard). Discipline will be administered fairly and according to the seriousness of the

misdemeanour.

The school encourages and uses positive forms of good and co-operative behaviour. Other forms of discipline include loss of play / privileges, school community service, and lunchtime

detentions.

To satisfy government legislation the school does not employ the use of corporal punishment. The school does not sanction the administration of corporal discipline by non-school persons, including parents, to enforce discipline at the school.

The full text which was amended in April, 2010 may be found in the Parents Handbook, Staff

Handbook and School Manual and can be requested by members of the general public.

Complaints and Grievance Policy

The grievance and conflict resolution policy is concerned with implementing solutions to

situations where there is conflict and disharmony within the school community. It includes

situations where students, staff or member of the wider school community are in conflict with the school. The school is committed to maintaining a strong sense of biblical community. Conflict within the school community is to be worked through employing biblical principles and due legal process and procedural fairness.

Principles in dealing with conflict in the school community:

Grievances must always be dealt with under the principles of Procedural Fairness which means that the complaint has a right to be heard and a right to receive an impartial decision.

The following principles will be employed when dealing with more serious conflict:

1. Presumption of innocence until guilty.

2. Confidentiality

3. Allegations stated clearly in writing

4. Affected parties made aware of allegations

5. Chairman of the board made aware of the grievance. Other agencies eg. CSA, AIS,

Community Services, Police, Ombudsman, Work Cover, may be informed if

appropriate. The school administration will co-operate fully with government

departments and other agencies in the resolution of grievances.

6. Opportunity for response by the affected parties.

7. Evidence collected impartially.

8. Processes will take into consideration school policies and appropriate government

legislation.

9. Witnesses present at formal meetings.

10. Minutes kept of all formal meetings.

11. Conclusions made as quickly as possible after weighing up evidence.

12. Affected parties will be made aware of the result of the investigation as soon as possible.

STUDENT INFORMATION

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STUDENT BODY

Nambucca Valley Christian School is a small coastal NSW school, (K-6) comprised of 46 Students (2012).

The school is comprised of families:

•Variety of church and non- church backgrounds

•Varying socio-economic levels

•Varying educational backgrounds

•Differing ethnic backgrounds eg. Indigenous, Fijian, Lebanese and Australian

Roughly half of our students are from white middle class families who attend local churches. Our students are generally hardworking and respond well to education and teaching. The range of academic ability and gifts are usually present within each class.

Student Attendance 2012

Census for 2011 = 47 children and Census for 2012 = 46

STUDENT OUTCOMES AND PERFORMANCE

Although the school can only publish NAPLAN results, there are many other areas where our students achieve excellent results. These are not as easy to quantify and measure, and therefore very difficult to report on accurately.

NAPLAN only reports on a small part of student achievement.

NAPLAN RESULTS IN 2012 FOR YEAR 5 ARE LISTED BELOW

YEAR 3 WAS BELOW THE REPORTING THRESHOLD

KEY                 

SA = Substantially above

A = ABOVE     

E = EQUAL WITH        

B = BELOW

SB = substantially below

NAMBUCCA VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL COMPARED TO All SCHOOLS

NAMBUCCA VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL COMPARED WITH SIMILAR SCHOOLS

For NAPLAN results for 2008 to 2012 inclusive, please click on this link to the “Myschool” webpage:

 www.myschool.edu.au

FINANCIAL DATA FOR 2012

ADDRESS: Centenary Parade (PO Box 152)

Nambucca Heads NSW 2448

Phone (02) 65689311

Fax: 6568 9305

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Nambucca Valley Christian Community School Annual Financial and Educational Report is available on the school website and also by contacting the school office on 6568 9311. This report is compiled in accordance with the requirements of the Education Act (as amended 2004). Contact the Principal, Jeff Allen, in relation to this report or other school matters. 

GRIEVANCE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY

POLICY

The grievance and conflict resolution policy is concerned with implementing solutions to situations where there is conflict and disharmony within the school community. It includes situations where students, staff or member of the wider school community are in conflict with the school.

The school is committed to maintaining a strong sense of biblical community. Conflict within the school community is to be worked through employing biblical principles and due legal process and procedural fairness.

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THIS POLICY

The Bible places great stress on the importance of ‘community’. In the Old Testament God’s chosen people, the Israelites were His covenant community and in the New Testament the church was expected to display the same characteristics.

The Bible does not assume that our earthly community will be perfect although that is the goal. In Ephesians 4:13 Paul encouraged the church to speak the truth in love, meaning that when there are problems they must be worked out without destroying the  love (agape) relationship between members of the body.

Matthew 18:15-18 sets out principles for conflict resolution but it must be understood that its injunctions are directed to the church context (where there is equality between members) and not to a school.

Conflicts Between Staff Members

These situations are closest to the Matthew 18 model. An example of this type of discord in a school situation might involve two teachers who are in conflict over a particular issue. Even here, however, there may not be equality since one teacher may be more senior than the other. The following principles from Matthew 18 need to be considered in the resolution of this type of conflict:

1. Members of the school community are encouraged to resolve the issue between each other.

1. If this does not bring about a resolution then those in conflict should invite one or two of their peers to assist with resolution.

1. Should the conflict not be resolved at this level then the services of the school counsellor should be involved.

1. If the conflict continues then an executive member of the school may need to be involved.

1. If the conflict cannot be resolved then the Principal may need to arbitrate on the situation.

1. Should the conflict still not be resolved and the situation reach the point where the ministry of the school is affected the Principal may refer the matter to the school board for final decision.

Conflicts between Parents and the School

From time to time there will be occasions when parents have concerns with a particular member of staff or the school as a whole. The following procedures are important when issues arise:

1. Issues should be dealt with in context of Matthew 18:15f.

1. Matters of a relatively minor concern should, in the first instance, be directed to the classroom teacher through the office. Matters, which parents consider more serious, should be referred to the Principal. The Principal will thoroughly inquire into the matter and make the parents aware of the final determination.

1. If the matter cannot be resolved at the Principal level the school board will become the final arbitrator.

1. Counselling may be involved at any of these levels.

1. On occasions other parties may become involved e.g. Board of Studies. Their involvement will always be through the Principal.

Conflicts between Parents and Parents

Occasionally issues will arise between two or more families as the result of issues which have arisen in the school but have spilled into the parent community.

1. Where there are perceived issues arising between one parent and another the matter should be left to the school to deal with. Phone calls between parents generally only exacerbate the issue.

1. Issues of concern relating to parents and the school should not be discussed publicly until, at least, the school has had an opportunity to deal with the issue.

Conflicts between Students and School

1. Students should be encouraged to discuss the issue with the staff member concerned.

1. If the matter cannot be resolved the student should invite another staff member to assist with resolution.

1. Should conflict remain the Principal may be called upon to arbitrate.

1. If parents become involved the section, ‘Conflicts between Parents and School’ should be followed.