St Joseph's School (Balclutha)

Education institution number:
3826
School type:
Full Primary
School gender:
Co-Educational
Definition:
Not Applicable
Total roll:
57
Telephone:
Address:

18 Stewart Street, Balclutha

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St Joseph's School (Balclutha)

Te Ara Huarau | School Profile Report

Background

This Profile Report was written within 15 months of the Education Review Office and St Joseph’s School (Balclutha) working in Te Ara Huarau, an improvement evaluation approach used in most English Medium State and State Integrated Schools. For more information about Te Ara Huarau see ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz

Context 

St Joseph’s School in Balclutha is a small, special-character Catholic school providing education for students from Years 1 to 8. Students come from diverse cultural backgrounds, and several are English language learners.

St Joseph’s School (Balclutha)’s strategic priorities for improving outcomes for learners are to:

  • build teachers’ knowledge and understandings of current assessment practices and how to best use the results, particularly in reading

  • lift the achievement of some students in reading, writing and mathematics so that all children are working within their appropriate curriculum level.

You can find a copy of the school’s strategic and annual plan on St Joseph’s School (Balclutha)’s website.

ERO and the school are working together to evaluate how effectively the reading programme is taught and assessed. ERO is also supporting the staff to build their understanding and implementation of effective evaluation.

The rationale for selecting this evaluation is:

  • the school already had a focus on building consistency in assessment so that teachers could better identify students’ specific needs in reading and how best to address them

  • currently there are several students who are learning English as a second language and who need extra support to succeed in literacy

  • teachers, leaders and trustees acknowledge they need to better understand and implement effective internal evaluation. 

The school expects to see:

  • students and teachers having a positive attitude towards assessment and understanding it is fundamental to learning

  • students who need to, making accelerated progress in reading

  • teachers confidently evaluating their teaching practice and the impact on students’ learning

  • teachers using valid information to make informed decisions for improving students’ outcomes.

Strengths

The school can draw from the following strengths to support it in its goal for students to succeed in literacy and for teachers to effectively use assessment information:

  • a strong culture of care and respect in a family-like environment which supports learning-centred partnerships

  • positive relationships amongst staff who work collaboratively for the benefit of all students and where strengths of staff are well used to build teachers’ practice

  • staff who are open to new learning and who are prepared to trial new approaches to help students succeed.

Where to next?

Moving forward, the school will prioritise:

  • embedding consistent assessment practice that supports students to learn at an appropriate level

  • embedding and implementing consistent internal evaluation across the school and in all learning areas so teachers know and can respond to the impact of teaching and programmes on students’ learning.

ERO’s role will be to support the school in its evaluation for improvement cycle to improve outcomes for all learners. ERO will support the school in reporting their progress to the community. The next public report on ERO’s website will be a Te Ara Huarau | School Evaluation Report and is due within three years.

Dr Lesley Patterson
Director Review and Improvement Services (Southern)
Southern Region | Te Tai Tini

14 December 2022 

About the School

The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement.  educationcounts.govt.nz/home

St Joseph's School (Balclutha)

Board Assurance with Regulatory and Legislative Requirements Report 2022 to 2025

As of August 2022, the St Joseph’s School (Balclutha) Board of Trustees has attested to the following regulatory and legislative requirements:

Board Administration

Yes

Curriculum

Yes

Management of Health, Safety and Welfare

Yes

Personnel Management

Yes

Finance

Yes

Assets

Yes

Further Information

For further information please contact St Joseph’s School (Balclutha) Board of Trustees.

The next Board of Trustees assurance that it is meeting regulatory and legislative requirements will be reported, along with the Te Ara Huarau | School Evaluation Report, within three years.

Information on ERO’s role and process in this review can be found on the Education Review Office website.

Dr Lesley Patterson
Director Review and Improvement Services (Southern)
Southern Region | Te Tai Tini

14 December 2022 

About the School

The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement. educationcounts.govt.nz/home

St Joseph's School (Balclutha) - 24/08/2015

Findings

Students are very well supported in their learning at St Joseph’s School. They learn in a family-like environment which promotes their wellbeing and holistic development.

The special Catholic character is well integrated into learning programmes. The board and principal are effectively governing and managing the school.

ERO is likely to carry out the next review in four-to-five years.

1. Context

What are the important features of this school that have an impact on student learning?

St Joseph’s is a small integrated Catholic school in Balclutha. There have been changes in the teaching team, including the appointment of a new principal since the last ERO review in 2012. The board, principal and teachers have built a strong collegial team that works purposefully together for the benefit of all children. Students learn in a family-like atmosphere. The school is well supported by its community. At the time of this review the administration area and some teaching spaces were being refurbished.

The school values are based on the teaching of St Mary MacKillop. These are:

  • make room for all
  • listen to God’s call
  • do your bit
  • model an attitude of gratitude.

The values are highly evident in the daily life of the school. For example in the caring, respectful relationships students have with their teachers and with each other.

The school has maintained and continued to grow the good practices for students identified in the 2012 report. The board, principal and teachers have high expectations for all students to achieve success in their learning.

2. Learning

How well does this school use achievement information to make positive changes to learners’ engagement, progress and achievement?

The school makes effective use of achievement information to improve outcomes for students. Achievement information for 2014 shows that most students achieved at or above the National Standards in reading, writing and mathematics. Some students show accelerated progress in their learning.

Students are increasingly using learning information to set goals and next steps for learning with their teachers. They know where they are at with their learning and what they need to do to be successful. Older students benefit from being able to peer and self assess their own work. The principal has acknowledged that this practice could be extended throughout the school.

Teachers are making effective use of learning information. Teachers told ERO that targeted professional learning and development (PLD) has helped them develop a greater awareness and understanding of how to improve the learning for students at risk. This is evident in the way teachers:

  • plan deliberate strategies to improve the learning for students at risk of not achieving
  • regularly monitor the progress of these students
  • critically reflect on the quality of their teaching with a view to improving what they do.

The principal and trustees use achievement information well to make informed decisions about resourcing and staffing. The principal acknowledges that reports to the board could be more detailed and better show:

  • the impact of strategies and programmes on students’ learning
  • next steps for continued improvement to teaching and learning.

3. Curriculum

How effectively does this school’s curriculum promote and support student learning?

The curriculum very effectively supports student engagement and learning. A strong emphasis is placed on the holistic development of the child. The curriculum is very responsive to the needs, interests and abilities of the students and the wishes of the community. Students’ opinions about what and how they want to learn are sought and responded to. Students enjoy a wide range of opportunities to learn within an authentic and broad curriculum. The special Catholic character is well integrated into learning programmes.

The teachers, principal, trustees and community have developed a detailed vision for a 'St Joseph's student'. This vision indentifies the necessary skills and attitudes for students to be life-long learners. The next step is for leaders to evaluate the impact of teaching practices and programmes against the student profile to ensure that students achieve the desired outcomes expressed in the vision.

The principal and teachers have undertaken extensive PLD that has led to focused and meaningful curriculum review. The newly revised guidelines for writing, provide a very good model for reviewing other curriculum areas.

How effectively does the school promote educational success for Māori, as Māori?

The school promotes educational success for Māori students well. Most students are achieving at or above the National Standards in reading, writing and mathematics. The trustees, principal and teachers are strongly committed to ensuring that Māori students experience success and a sense of belonging in the school.

The special character of the school includes Māori concepts such as manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and nurturing the child’s wairua. Te reo Māori and waiata are valued and included in religious instruction and classroom programmes. The board recognises that responding to the language, culture and identity of Māori students is ongoing work.

4. Sustainable Performance

How well placed is the school to sustain and improve its performance?

The school is very well placed to sustain and improve its performance. The board and principal are effectively governing and managing the school. Trustees have developed a useful and manageable strategic plan that focuses on what matters most.

Trustees ensure their efforts are devoted to improving student achievement. The principal and trustees are diligent in their roles and responsibilities. They foster a collaborative culture that promotes the school’s vision and values.

The principal makes very good use of the strengths and interests of teachers. She has been strategic in aligning students' learning needs to relevant PLD and teacher appraisal. These actions, combined with ongoing evaluation, have led to a cohesive approach to improving teaching and learning.

Trustees and the principal have identified, and ERO agrees, that the next steps for further developing the school are to continue to:

  • build on the success they have had in improving student achievement in writing and extend this to other aspects of learning
  • review the curriculum statements to reflect current good practice
  • improve the learning environment for students.
Board assurance on legal requirements

Before the review, the board of trustees and principal of the school completed the ERO Board Assurance Statement and Self-Audit Checklists. In these documents they attested that they had taken all reasonable steps to meet their legislative obligations related to:

  • board administration
  • curriculum
  • management of health, safety and welfare
  • personnel management
  • financial management
  • asset management.

During the review, ERO checked the following items because they have a potentially high impact on student achievement:

  • emotional safety of students (including prevention of bullying and sexual harassment)
  • physical safety of students
  • teacher registration
  • processes for appointing staff
  • stand-downs, suspensions, expulsions and exclusions
  • attendance.

Conclusion

Students are very well supported in their learning at St Joseph’s School. They learn in a family-like environment which promotes their wellbeing and holistic development.

The special Catholic character is well integrated into learning programmes. The board and principal are effectively governing and managing the school.

ERO is likely to carry out the next review in four-to-five years.

Chris Rowe

Deputy Chief Review Officer Southern (Acting)

24 August 2015

About the School

Location

Balclutha

Ministry of Education profile number

3826

School type

Full Primary (Years 1 to 8)

School roll

60

Gender composition

Boys: 32

Girls: 28

Ethnic composition

Pākehā, NZ European

Māori

Other

42

6

12

Review team on site

June 2015

Date of this report

24 August 2015

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review

Education Review

Education Review

May 2012

August 2011

May 2008

St Joseph's School (Balclutha) - 29/05/2012

1. Background and Context

What is the background and context for this school’s Arotake Paetawhiti review?

St Joseph’s School (Balclutha) was reviewed by ERO in June 2011. The review identified aspects of strategic and annual planning; self review; curriculum development; and the collection and recording of assessment information that needed to be improved. This report shows the school’s progress in addressing these areas.

At the time of the 2011 review the school had been through a period of unsettled staffing. The board, principal and teachers have now built a strong team and have developed shared understandings and consistent practices across the school.

This 2012 review found that students learn in an environment where relationships and interactions are caring and respectful. The special character of the school is evident in programmes and the way people treat each other. The importance placed on students’ physical, emotional, academic and spiritual growth and development has influenced the design of the curriculum.

The school, under the able leadership of the principal, has successfully addressed all areas that were of concern in June 2011.

2. Review and Development

How effectively is the school addressing its priorities for review and development?

Priorities identified for review and development

At the time of the 2011 ERO review:

  • the school did not have a reliable system for the collection and collation of assessment information
  • the curriculum was not fully developed
  • there was no framework to guide rigorous self review
  • the strategic and annual plans needed to better reflect the direction the board, principal and teachers expected to take to improve outcomes for students.

Progress The school has developed a school-wide approach to gathering and recording student achievement information. The school’s data shows that the majority of students achieved at or above the National Standards in reading, writing and mathematics in 2011. Comparative data shows that this is higher than in 2010.

Students’ learning. Students are becoming increasingly aware of the strategies that help them to learn. They learn in a settled environment. Their learning needs are identified and planned for in an ongoing way, and next learning steps are noted and incorporated into future lessons. Students are focused and understand the purpose of the lessons. They are provided with strong foundations on which to build their learning. The board has employed teacher aides to assist the progress and achievement of those students who have not reached the national standards.

Assessment practices. The principal and teachers have collected and collated assessment information that gives them base-line data for future comparisons about student achievement. Teachers use a range of assessments to make well-informed judgements about students’ progress and achievement. There is a school-wide approach to tracking students’ progress and achievement. Reporting to parents on student achievement is in relation to the National Standards.Curriculum. The school’s curriculum effectively promotes and supports student learning. All curriculum areas have been fully developed in line with the New Zealand Curriculum. The values, principles and key competencies form an integral part of the curriculum and are clearly evident in planning documentation. The school’s goals and priorities were developed in consultation with the parent community and students. Curriculum areas are developed through the lens of the Christian values.

3. Sustainable Performance and Self Review

The school has made significant progress in addressing those aspects relating to its sustainability and is well placed to sustain and improve its performance.Self review. The school has developed a structure to support rigorous self review.

Over the past year the board, principal and teachers have overhauled all supporting documents for the learning areas, curriculum delivery, planning, and assessing to ensure the best outcomes for students.

Teachers regularly reflect on and review their teaching practices to improve the effectiveness of their programmes and to lift student achievement.

Trustees, the principal and the teachers have also looked at all their policies and procedures to make sure that the policies and school practices match.

A meaningful and robust appraisal process is now implemented and has led to a focus on up skilling teachers and improving outcomes for students.

Succession planning. The board considers stability and continuity of major importance in the wellbeing of the school. Trustees have demonstrated their commitment to the school and its students by:

  • committing themselves to ongoing service on the board
  • developing clearly defined roles and responsibilities
  • up skilling and training new trustees in their responsibilities.

Strategic priorities. St Joseph’s School priorities were developed in consultation with the staff, the board, parent community and students. The curriculum documentation shows that these priorities have been incorporated into learning programmes.

Board assurance on legal requirements

Before the review, the board of trustees and principal of the school completed the ERO Board Assurance Statement and Self-Audit Checklists. In these documents they attested that they had taken all reasonable steps to meet their legislative obligations related to:

  • board administration
  • curriculum
  • management of health, safety and welfare
  • personnel management
  • financial management
  • asset management.

During the review, ERO checked the following items because they have a potentially high impact on student achievement:

  • emotional safety of students (including prevention of bullying and sexual harassment)
  • physical safety of students
  • teacher registration
  • stand-downs, suspensions, expulsions and exclusions
  • attendance.

At the time of the 2011 review, there were a number of legal requirements that needed to be attended to. The school quickly and successfully addressed all issues.

When is ERO likely to review the school again?

ERO is likely to carry out the next review in three years.

 

Graham Randell

National Manager Review Services Southern Region

29 May 2012

 

About the School

Location

Balclutha

Ministry of Education profile number

3826

School type

Full Primary (Years 1 to 8)

School roll

66

Gender composition

Girls 34

Boys 32

Ethnic composition

NZ European/Pākehā

Māori

Samoan

Others

58

3

1

4

Review team on site

March 2012

Date of this report

29 May 2012

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review

Education Review

Education Review

August 2011

May 2008

May 2005