LEADERSHIP

At the end of each year a number of surveys are conducted by the parents and carers. The surveys are designed specifically to cater for the needs of IPS students. Similarly, a survey at the end of Term 3 was sent out  to parents, students and staff as part of the 2016 Tell Them From Me Survey. Parents and community members have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of school-related activities and share the school’s vision. Parental consultation assisted the school to set priorities in the 2015-2017 School Plan. To enhance and strengthen the productive relationship between the community and the school, the school holds a range of activities which involve the community. Open Day celebrates Education Week and  brought approximately 60 families, (two thirds of the school population) or 250 people to the school. In 2015-6, a stronger relationship between the Iluka preschool and IPS has been forged. A longer and smoother transition from home to school program was redesigned. Preschool students now attend six sessions at the school. The school held a Parents ‘expo information night’ and the focus of the night was to network with the parents and share the school’s strategic direction, vision, curriculum and routines. Local businesses, industry and community organisations were invited to participate in the evening.  As well, the Year 6 students of 2017 will visit their new buddies at the preschool during Term 4. The kindergarten teacher and principal will be able to assess student needs and help alleviate any anxiety about coming to school. IPS also has a strong link and association with the Maclean High School (MHS) whereby an active and successful MHS transition program is consistent across the four terms of the year. Community partnerships are many and varied, providing varied resources and opportunities to support student outcomes. The Sub-branch of the Chatswood Island and Iluka RSL, sees students actively participating on ANZAC and Remembrance Day ceremonies. The St Vincent de Paul Society has invited IPS to participate in a new program called, ‘Breaking the Barriers’. The organisation will provide financial resources and opportunities to support homework classes in 2017. Other partnerships include the Iluka CWA, Lower Clarence River of Learning, Iluka Emporium Artists, N.P.W.S, QUOTA, Iluka Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and the Iluka Golf and Bowling Clubs. The school has a strong connection with and supports the Clarence Valley Community of Small Schools with active meetings and principal presentations held once a term. As well, the school prefects are a voice to help inform decision making. Year 6 travel to Brisbane each year as part of IPS developing leadership skills as part of the peer tutoring program. Importantly, all staff will continue to have purposeful leadership roles based on experience and expertise. Staff members will continue to contribute as a cohesive whole-school team. Role statements and areas of responsibility are willingly embraced to achieve the school’s strategic direction and vision. Professional development programs will support the development of leadership capacity. The NSW Teachers Federation has established the Centre for Professional Learning (CPL) to provide high quality training and support for Federation members in a range of educational areas. Our staff have taken these courses. IPS believe that all professional learning should contribute, either directly or indirectly, to improved student learning outcomes, tie in with the School Plan and teachers PDP’s.The executive have offered staff to pursue highly accomplished accreditation opportunities. The same opportunity will be addressed in 2017.