IPS is committed to the capacity building of all staff. Teachers have been given the opportunity to explore higher levels of accreditation tied with the School Plan and staff PDP’s. Expertise that other schools may have, was recognised and valued with several staff members attending classrooms outside the local area seeking further knowledge as well as better teaching practice concerned with the literacy and numeracy continuums. Similarly, IPS has been very generous in sharing its expertise to help build the knowledge and skills for the External Validation process across many north coast schools. The work of the school team has been highly valued and appreciated by other bigger schools. Physical resources have not been purchased this year. Rather, the emphasis at IPS has been to fund teacher time in order to collaborate and reflect on teaching. Our School Excellence Framework  self-assessment survey  and the External Validation process has assisted the school to refine strategic priorities in our school plan, leading to further improvements in the delivery of education to our students. IPS teachers have a stake in their school. They help make the decisions and set the goals, thus  participating in the ownership of their school. This type of commitment makes IPS teachers valuable employees, and it instills a sense of being a part of something bigger. Teachers at IPS are role models for their students. It’s important for our students to see the amazing contributions our teachers make at all levels. There are children in our town who have never been exposed to the concept of giving voluntarily. When IPS teachers demonstrate leadership in their school, they give young people the courage to think “I can do this too.” Seeing teachers who readily give of themselves provides students with the courage to make a difference as well. IPS teachers lead by example. The entire school becomes better because of its positive attitude towards unconditional support.