The Applecross Primary School Board has an official role, as defined by the Department of Education, which includes reviewing school performance; developing and reviewing the school Business Plan; reviewing and approving school budgets and charges; and establishing and reviewing the school’s objectives, priorities and general policy directions. In addition to this official role, we agree to be ambassadors and advocates for the school; develop a culture of service; support our staff, and be available to other parents.
Summary of our last School Board Meeting
The School Board held its Term 4 meeting on Tuesday 8 November. The Term 4 meeting is our final meeting for the year so always brings some interesting topics forward to either close out the year or get prepared for the next school year.
Key matters that were discussed at the meeting were:
- A review of NAPLAN from this year's assessment that continued to show high levels of achievement for Applecross Primary but with insights into the range of data that assist our staff to refine approaches and focus on areas for improvement;
- An overview of Best Performance Ed Companion;
- An outline of what will be the Business Plan Focus Areas in 2023;
- An update on staffing and potential class structures for 2023;
- Review of the School Dress Code that highlighted a need to update the Policy overall, including clarification on the prescribed uniform and any areas for flexibility;
- Approval of an updated Developing Positive Student Behaviour Policy;
- Approval of the School Professional Development Days (Pupil Free Days) for 2023;
- A review of the School Board Terms of Reference including confirmation to the Board composition heading into nominations for vacant parent representative positions at the start of the next school year;
- Positive outcomes from the annual School Board Effectiveness Survey;
- Noting the current and ongoing strong financial position of the school; and
- An update on the activities of the P&C.
Ryan Keys
Annual School Board Chair Report
Applecross Primary School has been operating as an Independent Public School for 10 years with 2021, therefore, being the 10th year of the School Board. The start of 2021 began with a delay to the return to school and gave an indication of the fluid environment that would persist throughout the year. The Board recognised its role in advising and supporting the School to provide a stable environment for our community and for the children to continue their learning journey.
The Board saw its own changes with three parent representatives completing their term, a new parent representative commencing, a change of Chair, and a change of Principal. However, the work of previous years to ensure a robust and resilient structure meant the agendas remained full and discussions robust.
Together with the regular receipt of the Annual Report 2020 and Annual Budget 2021, the Board also approved the final Business Plan 2021-2023 at the beginning of the year. This establishes the strategic framework for the School to operate and reflects the values and goals to not only continue to be a high performing school in key academic areas but ensuring a holistic experience with an emphasis on the wellbeing of the students and staff. The Board also noted the Statement of Expectation 2021-24 that documents the agreement between the Department of Education, the School and the Community to work together in achieving joint goals.
The year was also dominated by the School Review with the administration working collaboratively and tirelessly to collate the volumes of information that demonstrates the School’s approach to delivering its outcomes. Updates were received throughout the year and the collective effort resulted in another positive review outcome with the many quality elements of Applecross Primary School being recognised.
Amongst these significant pieces of work, the Board received regular updates from the Principal on school operations and also reviewed a suite of policy documents, including those relating to the Use of Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices, Behaviour: Developing Positive Student Behaviour, and Use of School Facilities. The ongoing review of the Policy suite ensures school operations remain contemporary and fit for purpose.
To close out the year the Board acknowledges the leadership that Sanchia Dashlooty provided during the previous four years as Chairperson of the Board, being the longest standing Chairperson for the School. Also to Mr Kim Guelfi for his leadership of the School as Principal that included in no small part the astute administration that was clearly visible in his time on the Board to provide a strong foundation for the School to grow forward.
We look forward to the challenges that will be presented in 2022 and the opportunities these will provide.
Ryan Keys
Board Chairperson