Principal’s Report

Eastside Lutheran College

2018

Annual Report

College Details

School Sector

Independent Co-educational

College Address

15 Acorn Drive, Warrane, Tas 7018

Total Enrolments as at 3rd August 2018 Census

243 students (16% increase)

Primary Dept – 148 students (19% increase)

Secondary Dept – 95 students (11% increase)

Year Levels Offered

Foundation (Prep) to Year 10

Student Body Characteristics

Male: 126

Female: 117

Indigenous: 32

SWD Primary: 76 (49% of Primary Department)

SWD Secondary: 26 (27% of Secondary Department)

PREAMBLE

Eastside Lutheran College, (ELC or the College) originally named St Peter’s Lutheran Primary School, was established in 1982 by St Peters Lutheran Church Hobart, as part of the Lutheran Church of Australia outreach program. Its original location was in the house next to the former Lutheran Church in Davey St, Hobart. In 1985, as enrolments increased, the school moved to its current site on the Eastern shore and was rebadged as Eastside Christian School. At the end of 2002 the school offered a secondary curriculum to Year 10 and in November 2004 changed its name once more to Eastside Lutheran College.

The College is a co-educational facility catering for students from Prep to Year 10. This family focused College attracts many highly capable students whilst at the same time lovingly includes students with additional needs. Small class sizes and the Christian philosophy provide a safe environment for students to excel.

ELC is characterised by: caring support for each individual; relationships of the highest quality; high quality educational programs and teaching practices; striving for personal, social and academic excellence; a caring, supportive and safe environment. The College aims to lovingly support a thriving, caring community of lifelong learners, each one a special child of God. Our underpinning values include: love, justice, compassion, forgiveness, courage, humility, hope, quality and appreciation.

Set on 7 hectares of bush land overlooking Hobart, the Derwent River and Mt Wellington, students enjoy abundant room to move, play, explore and learn in an idyllic setting. As one of the few independent schools located on the eastern shore, the College draws its student cohort from many areas of south eastern Tasmania.

During 2016 ELC acquired (through auction) a substantial building (24m x 24m) for development during 2017 (completed in September 2017). The building was formally dedicated and opened on Sunday 10th September 2017 in the presence of the National Director for Lutheran Education Australia (LEA), Mr Stephen Rudolph and the Assistant Director of Lutheran Education Vic, NSW and Tasmania (LEVNT) Mr Julian Denholm followed by a tour of the new facility and barbecue luncheon for all in attendance. The building comprises a new set of secondary and specialist classrooms, as well as storage areas, an office, staff area and kitchenette. This building will accommodate the ever-increasing number of students and staff of the College and add asset value to the College.

Carpark areas were also upgraded and extended in three areas to accommodate vehicles using the grounds for the growing population of the College.

Sunset view of College Grounds

7

In the summer holidays (2016/17) refurbishment projects were completed including internal painting ($8000 - selected areas), the development of a Learning Enrichment office, sick bay area and Wellbeing (Psychologist) office ($9000) and floor covering ($5600). This office and the employment of a full time Psychologist has been in the planning for a number of years to cater for the varied needs and wellbeing of students, families and staff.

Previous to the site being purchased (1985) as an educational facility, the grounds were used as the Eastern Shore Drive In for many years. The roof area of the main building was upgraded ($23 000) with a new roof as the old roof showed signs of wear and deterioration. Other works included the installation of new LED lights in selected classrooms ($3 500) with remaining rooms completed in 2017 as well as a new plumbing/filtering system installed throughout the classes ($1 600).

In terms of technology the College has upgraded and installed a new telephone system and public address system ($17 000) together with new data and fibre-optic cabling throughout the College. Additional lap tops and ipads have also being purchased ($110 000 including software) and installed to assist with student learning throughout the primary and secondary departments.

COLLEGE BOARD

Under the chairpersonship of Mrs Jodi Johnston~Glading (elected in 2018), the College Board has continued to oversee the development of the College. In the current economic climate, the College Board has demonstrated sound governance practice, prudent financial management and good strategic planning.

I would like to take this opportunity in acknowledging the outstanding service of Malcolm Harriss, our outgoing College Board Chairperson. Under Mr Harriss’ leadership and with the total support of the College Board, the College has undergone an amazing growth of student and staff numbers as well as wider community acknowledgement as a school of excellence. The College community congratulates Mr Harriss and sincerely thanks him for his commitment to the College for the past 7 years.

In 2018, there were ten serving Board members with diverse financial, legal, community and business backgrounds. Congregational Pastor, together with the College’s Principal also attend the monthly meetings as ex-officio consultants.

Board (College Directors)Mrs Jodi JOHNSTON~GLADING (Chairperson)

Mrs Kim BAUMELER

Mr John BUTTERY

Mr Juergen EVERS

Mr Mal HARRISS

Mrs Karen HAWES

Ms Amber MIGNOT

Ms Jodie SCHAFFERIUS

Mr Garry SEMMLER

Mrs Sonia WEIDENBACH

(Consultants)Rev Michael STEICKE

Mr Ralph ZAPART

The Board meets on a monthly basis to review administrative, curriculum and financial matters pertaining to the organization and efficient running of the College.

COMPLIANCE

In accordance with requirements from the Commonwealth Government for 2017 (reported in 2018) the College has

· Implemented the Australian Curriculum (Australian Education Act 2013);

· Collected and reported information on the gender, Indigenous status, socioeconomic background and language background of enrolled students;

· Provided families with readily understandable reports for each subject on students’ achievement and

· Implemented the Australian Teacher Performance and Development Framework and provided access to ongoing Professional development

COLLEGE REGISTRATION

All independent schools in Australia are required to undergo a registration review, conducted by the state educational authority every five years. This review process ensures the College’s ongoing governance policies, the operational curriculum content, the legislative and legal matters and the financial status of the College are sound and meet current legislative standards for its continued operation.

In June 2017 the College participated in an extensive re-registration process conducted by the Tasmanian Schools’ Registration Board to endorse the College’s ability to continue operating until the next registration review scheduled for 2021. The review also considered and approved an application placed by the College to conduct a formal Kindergarten program.

This was a very successful process and the College fully met all standards required. Quotes from the report demonstrate the panel’s impression of the College together with the professionalism and dedication of the staff.

“There is a clear commitment to the College from staff and great enthusiasm from parents. The College works hard to provide breadth and depth in its curriculum offerings….”

“It is clear the curriculum provided is appropriate to the needs of the students who attend the College and that it allows them to undertake a program of learning such that the individual potential of each student may be achieved.”

CURRICULUM

ELC fully implements the Australian Curriculum as set out by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). 2018 continued to be a consolidation year for the Australian Curriculum with an increased emphasis on assessment and reporting.

Strategies and programs introduced since 2015 were continued over the 2017/18 school year to provide for the best possible outcomes for students. These included:

· cross age groupings in small groups (approximately 18 students) for Literacy, Numeracy and other core subjects in Years 1-10.

· Zones of Regulation program to explicitly teach social skills.

· Multi-Sensory Learning with explicit teaching of “Phonics” and embedded Spelling Program.

· a gross motor programs for K – 2 and daily fitness programs for Grades 3 – 10

· an increase of extra curricula offerings of cheerleading, hockey and futsal.

· During lunch times a number of “club” activities was introduced including coding, chess, music, gardening, art, science, table tennis, maker and card playing.

· Implementation of two “Hub” classrooms, one primary and one secondary, enabling the integration of life skills, targeted Literacy and Numeracy and social skills.

The College was also part of an Independent Schools Tasmania (IST) project which looked at the best use of student data from standardized testing and how teachers can use the data to inform the teaching / learning process as well as a Visible Learning Project developed by Professor John Hattie.

EXTRA CURRICULA COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Regis Care Tasmania – As in past years a number of College Primary students continued in activities connected with Regis Care (Riverview Lodge). These activities included younger students sharing their reading and computer skills with the residents, a number of students providing musical entertainment on special days and two senior students engaged in work experience activities.

Work Experience opportunities have been expanded to provide Year 10 students with a greater range of vocational activities. Feedback received from employers has been very positive in terms of student attitude and skills. In 2018 students participated in work experience opportunities over the year to enhance their experiences.

Land Care and Environmental Studies

The College is blessed to be situated in a unique environment. The bush area of the College has an exceptional diversity of flora and fauna with over 200 varieties of native plants in a concentrated area. During 2018 a small group of dedicated students participated in weekly activities and the whole College was involved in two Land Care days

The College completed an environmental survey of native flora which found that 2 hectares of College land contained a threatened vegetation community of DAS – Eucalyptus Amygdalina (Black Peppermint) on Sandstone. As a result of this survey, the College will be in a position to provide unique educational programs and experience. A new management plan is planned to protect this threatened community in the future.

COLLEGE INCOME (Percentage by funding source)

Funding Source

% of Total Income

Commonwealth Recurrent Grant

71% (27% increase)

State Recurrent & Special Grants

19% (45% increase)

College Fees

8% (22% decrease)

Other Income

1% (21% decrease)

COLLEGE EXPENDITURE.

Schedule

% of Total Expenses

Tuition

57%

Administration

12%

Utilities

1%

Equipment

3%

Maintenance

10%

Capital Works (Refurbishment)

17%

PASTORAL CARE

The College is widely regarded as a friendly, safe and caring environment focused on family values. This environment is linked to its Christian ethos, behavioural expectations, positive parental support and a strong behaviour management program.

The program creates a firm basis for the establishment and maintenance of harmony throughout the College community to allow and encourage each student to achieve optimal educational and personal outcomes. With this in mind, the College aims to:

· Develop a secure, positive learning environment, certain in the knowledge of God’s love, mercy and forgiveness.

· Develop an environment in which individual needs, rights and responsibilities of students, staff and families are promoted and supported.

· Assist the students to experience the blessings and benefits associated with making positive choices and decisions.

· Assist students to understand that behaviour is a choice; to accept responsibility and consequences for both appropriate and inappropriate decisions regarding their behaviour.

CLARENCE YOUTH SERVICES CENTRE

College has formed a partnership with Clarence Youth Services for senior students to participate in a youth workshop program similar in concept and operation to Men’s Shed programs. The workshop allows students to work under supervision on negotiated manual arts projects. This valuable experience is aligned with the Australian Curriculum.

STAFFING INFORMATION

The positive and friendly atmosphere around the College continues as members of staff commit themselves to working for the very best educational opportunities for the students. The programs could not have been instigated or conducted if not for the dedicated and committed staff at the College.

The College's small size and outstanding student/teacher ratio allow secondary students to participate in a rich and vibrant short course and options program covering disciplines such as Music, Drama, Cooking, Woodwork, Visual Arts, Sport and more.

Primary

Only

Secondary

Only

Primary /

Secondary l

Primary

Only

Secondary

Only

Total

HC

HC

HC

FTE

FTE

HC

FTE

Teachers

10

11

5

9.1

8.4

26

12.4

Officers

8

2

0

7.7

2.0

10

9.7

Staff Composition

Teacher Retention During 2018 two staff members made the decision to resign their respective teaching roles; one secondary staff member relocating to Queensland while the other, a special needs teacher, has returned to a full-time role as a parent. During 2018 a restructure of the administration was conducted involving additional administrative staff including the appointment of an Operations Manager (Mrs Frances Williams) to replace the Business Manager role. Administration Officer, Special Education Aides and Bus Drivers were retained from the previous year.

Teacher Qualifications

All College teaching staff are fully qualified and registered with the Tasmanian Teacher Registration Board. Lutheran school teachers across Australia also undertake specific postgraduate studies to enhance their knowledge and pedagogy of Christian Studies thus providing accreditation to teach in a Lutheran College.

Qualifications

Number of Teachers

Diploma

 1

Bachelor

19

Masters

5

Doctor of Philosophy

2

Grad Diploma (Theological) Ed

5

Teacher AttendanceThe average attendance rate of teaching staff for 2018 was 98%.

Teacher Professional Development, participation and incurred expenditure

Staff at Eastside Lutheran College participated in professional development in the 2018 scholastic year with the focus being specifically on the following:

· Trauma training;

· Dyslexia workshop;

· Understanding Autism;

· Visible Learning workshop (3-year program)

· Using Data national testing to inform Practice

· Teaching reading through Fitzroy Readers

· Agile Learning

Total expenditure for the Professional Development above and other “in House” workshops for the year exceeded $35 625. Some professional development during the year was completed in the teachers’ own time at no additional expense to the College.

STUDENT INFORMATION

The College is recognised for its dedication to focusing on the individual needs of students. Academic programs are differentiated so that students are supported according to their specific needs and abilities. The College conducts standardised testing in key subject areas as well as ongoing diagnostic testing to ensure student needs are clearly identified.

Student Total Enrolments and Attendance

The total (FTE) enrolment for 2018 was 243 students (as at the Commonwealth August Census) compared to the 2017 Census figure of 209 students, an increase of 16.3%. This figure includes students leaving due to relocations and family employment transfers but does not include a cohort of Year 10 students (18) who transferred to a senior secondary educational facility.

Year Level Attendance Figures

Year Level

Found

Y1

Y2

Y 3

Y4

Y5

Y6

Y7

Y8

Y9

Y10

Ave

Attendance %

94.3

93.0

90.30

90.50

92.00

91.70

89.10

90.10

85.70

90.90

93.20

90.9

The annual average attendance rate was 91.55% (primary) & 89.98% (secondary).

Student attendance is carefully monitored twice daily with entries made for student illness, leave and late arrivals. Families are required to make phone contact or send a written note to explain an absence.

2018 Benchmarking Data

In 2008 the Federal Government introduced the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) with national minimum standards for literacy and numeracy national benchmarks for Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9.

NAPLAN assesses student achievement in Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, and Numeracy. NAPLAN reports show the result of each student’s performance compared to other similar sized schools (Tasmanian and Australian) and students in their year level and the average score on the NAPLAN tests for the year.

The College results for 2016, 2017 and 2018 (for comparison purposes) are listed below.

National Standards Data - Percentage of students at or exceeding National Minimum Standards (NMS)

Reading

Writing

Spelling

Grammar

Numeracy

2016 - 18

16

17

18

16

17

18

16

17

18

16

17

18

16

17

18

Yr 3

100

92

78

100

92

100

100

92

95

90

92

78

100

100

89

Yr 5

83

95

100

83

81

74

83

95

95

75

76

75

77

95

95

Yr 7

100

89

89

78

83

65

84

94

59

74

83

59

79

100

83

Yr 9

92

92

71

69

74

60

85

68

60

92

95

73

82

89

93

In 2018 ACARA again provided all schools with an analysis of NAPLAN data (Percentage of Relative Gain). This allowed for the comparison of results for students who participated in the 2016 NAPLAN tests (Years 5, 7 & 9) and 2018 NAPLAN tests (Years 5, 7 & 9) at the same school. This NAPLAN analysis indicated that continuing students (enrolled for a minimum of 3) years had made significant personal gains in Literacy and Numeracy.

While ELC celebrates with the students who achieved good results in this annual program, the College must emphasize that the result is only a snapshot of a test given on a particular day and does not take into account the myriad of variations that impact such results. The College has a comprehensive assessment regime which indicates and validates the excellent progress made by many of our students who have individual or special needs and which the NAPLAN results do not convey. The College utilizes the NAPLAN results in conjunction with internal testing and continual assessment to compile student’s individual semester reports.

COLLEGE WEBSITE and e COMMUNICATION

The College’s website is continually reviewed and redeveloped to reflect the ongoing growth and progress of the College with the inclusion of a parent Facebook page, e Newsletter and class dojo for families and interested community members to access up to date information. The website can be accessed at www.elc.tas.edu.au Any constructive comments which may assist the College in improving the content and navigation of the site are welcomed.

THE FUTURE:

In January 2019 a new four classroom block will be delivered to ELC to provide additional learning areas for the ever-growing student cohort. The innovative fully equipped block is currently being built off campus through the services of a local building company and will enhance the overall presentation and learning capacity of ELC. To state that the College is very excited with this development would be an absolute understatement.

ELC is continuing the process of developing a senior secondary college (Years 11 and 12) and it is planned that the Year 11 (and possibly Year 12) students will enroll in 2021; necessary approval must be granted from all involved authorities.

As we come to the end of the year there is a strong commitment by the College to keep the focus firmly on the students and families. We are committed to continuing the building on our strong foundations to become an even better educational facility providing the highest quality of academic, co-curricular and service learning opportunities for our students.

Everything that occurs in this College is for the students and dedicated to the glory of God. May God continue to bless Eastside Lutheran College.

Panoramic view of College grounds with Mt Wellington, the Derwent River and Hobart in the background.

For additional information please contact the College on (03) 6244 6885 or by emailing the Principal at wendy.ruback@elc.tas.edu.au