Lynwood Park Public School Cyclical Review Report Date: 9-13 March 2012

 Lynwood Park Public School (LPPS) is located in Blacktown. It was established in 1960 and has had a fluctuating population.  In recent years it has seen a steady rise in student population from 185 in 2005 to the current enrolment of 355.  At LPPS, each child is encouraged to succeed, guided by professional and caring teachers, excellent learning programs and a highly supportive parent community. 

 LPPS has a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, catering for the needs of all students  The school provides a variety of extra- curricula opportunities  This year the students have been formed into 14 staged parallel classes  School staff members including five new scheme teachers have a broad range of experience and expertise  LPPS fosters a safe and secure environment

 Doug Meaney, Principal, Glendenning Public School - Team Leader  Mick Kelly, Principal, Mount Druitt Public School  Sharon Buckham, AP, Darcy Rd Public School  Tracy Stewart, Teacher, Lynwood Park Public School  Dorothy Dunlop, AP, Lynwood Park Public School  Cheryl Farkas, Literacy K-6 Consultant, Western Sydney Region  Debbie Robinson, Student Services Consultant, Western Sydney Region  Kerry Weston, School Development Officer - Coach

 Interviews with o Staff (15) o Parents (9) o Students groups (14)  7 Observations of oClasses across all Stages oClassrooms and other teaching spaces oSpecial programs such as  Survey o237 survey responses from students, parents and staff  Documentation oAnalysis of documentation including whole school policies, plans, teaching and learning programs, assessment data and reports to parents

Achievements  LPPS has a sense of collaboration, with teachers working together for the benefit of children.  The principal is seen in a very positive light by all and the community is confident to approach staff. Future Directions  Consolidate, through shared dialogue, a K-6 philosophy, shared vision and practices at all levels.  Executive review for consistency of leadership practices, expectations, roles and responsibilities.

Achievements  The school is highly valued by the community and children love being at school.  The majority of students are engaged in their learning  The school is meeting community expectations.  Student achievements are rewarded and celebrated Future Directions  Revision, rationalisation and consolidation of school policies in line with PARs process and school needs  Encourage a culture of shared leadership and responsibility, ownership and capacity building, within the school K-6.  Revisit the current merit award structure.

Summary  Staff, students and parents are extremely proud of their school, its achievements and its place within the wider community. Many teachers take the time to relate to the students and take an active interest which builds mutual respect - Teacher

Achievements  NAPLAN data indicates significant growth of students in the lower bands.  Wide variety of learning activities.  Evidence of systems in place K-2 to monitor learning performance and progress of each student in literacy and numeracy. Future Directions  Emphasis on Professional Learning of the literacy continuum and the numeracy continuum within the school K-6.  School plan to address the regional focus of ‘moving the middle’.  Teachers plan, develop and implement teaching programs informed by assessment data and other information collected from students and parents.

Achievements  Evidence of student feedback for behaviours and actions.  Learning experiences are constructed for majority of students showing they are engaged, learning and achieving outcomes. Future Directions  Utilise all of the Best Start resources, including the Early Learning Plans (ELP) K-2 to inform teaching practice.  Investigate ways to include and promote student and teacher feedback in their own learning within the QT Framework.

Summary  Students and parents have a high degree of trust in the teaching and learning that occurs at LPPS.  Students are positive about their learning. I get smarter and smarter – Student We learn simple things and then harder things - Student

Achievements  Evidence of a strong caring culture within the staff, students and community.  Professional learning centred around the school plan, goals and daily practices. Future Directions  Development of whole school knowledge, understanding and role in the evaluation processes and development of the school plan, including analysis of school data.  Consider greater differentiation and balance of professional learning needs.

Achievements  Staff are dedicated to providing a wide range of experiences for all students.  Overall satisfaction of staff, parents and students is extremely high. Future Directions  Richer and varied sharing of professional learning that is evident within classroom practices and teaching programs K-6.  Develop effective collaboration at a stage and whole school level to strengthen a K-6 approach.  Utilise the Quality Teaching Framework to reflect on current teaching programs.  Consider ways for staff to experience K-6 teaching environments. Professional Practice and Learning

Summary  The school demonstrates a learning community which is valued, planned for and supported as it provides relevant and effective opportunities for its ongoing development.  Students are provided with opportunities to participate in a wide range of diverse activities that cater for all students. Like the small community school approach in the school where staff and students are friendly towards each - Parent

 School Plan to incorporate a whole school focus on developing teachers’ deep knowledge and deep understanding of the literacy continuum K-6 and numeracy continuum K-6 by mapping and tracking students along the continuum.  School unify the leadership structure for the benefit of staff and students.  Unify staff and school effort around the school’s reviewed statement of purpose and vision.

 Alignment and communication of professional learning within the School Plan priority areas, to build leadership capacity within the school.  School Plan incorporates revision of all school policies to ensure mandatory set of policies are aligned with current DEC policies.  Build upon the strengths of the positive learning culture and the current partnerships that exist between parents, students and staff at LPPS.