1. “ENHANCING OUR SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT” COMMUNITY SURVEY – AUGUST 2018
Our Lady Star of the Sea
COMMUNITY SURVEY – AUGUST 2018

2. objective
The school community has raised funds over a number of years with the intention of enriching the schooling experience for Star of the Sea children.
Four initiatives that would enhance the physical school environment have been identified.
This survey has been designed to gauge how appealing each initiative is in the eyes of our school families, their preferences and drivers.

3. Approach Ask participants: To RATE each initiative
Their PREFERENCE – to select one
Tell us WHY – to understand drivers
Year their children are in to check we have REPRESENTATIVE sample
To give FEEDBACK – an opportunity to be HEARD which leads to community ENGAGEMENT and a source of GREAT IDEAS!

4. Response Survey sent via School Links - 270 PEOPLE COMPLETED IT!
135 completed in first day – community is passionate about how this money is spent!
Good representation across junior, middle and senior school
“This is the money we have fundraised, should be spent on FUN aspects –
things that give our children the most pleasure.
Love of school and education will set them up for life”

5. Themes Rain or Shine - 74 comments (31%)
Children currently cooped up inside on wet days
Importance of fresh air, physical activity year round
Provides different benefits in Summer and Winter
Options for sport after school
Entire school will benefit comments (17%)
Everyone should enjoy
Fundraising for a long time
“It will immediately benefit all students. A number of families
have been raising money for years and would be nice for them to
experience benefit even in their last year at school”

6. Themes Protection / Wellbeing - 37 comments (15%)
Eliminating risk – particularly sun protection
Faith / Special character comments (12%)
Dedicated space
Inline with special character of school
“All weather outdoor play is excellent option and protection from the harsh NZ sun is essential – NZ has highest rate of melanoma per capita”
“Being a Catholic institution, children, particularly those who are not privileged enough to go to church often enough need to comprehend the religious aspects of our faith”

7. Themes Multipurpose- 26 comments (11%) Addressing more than one need
Nature - 17 comments (7%)
Green space, natural beauty,
Connection with environment
Future focused - 16 comments (7%)
Build for the future
Something that isn’t going to be changed in foreseeable future
“I’m excited the school is taking seriously the importance that environment has on learning”

8. Preference – Choosing just one…

9. Rating each option

10. Rating each option INITIATIVE AVERAGE RATING Chapel 3.3 Archgola 4.7
Integrated learning
2.8
Native setting
3.5
“I don’t support open learning areas at all…”
“If you have a true relationship with God you don’t need a chapel – he is with us always”
“Kids love nature and with the rise of the electronic age, nature in school is paramount”

11. Feedback / suggestions
Most frequently mentioned
Other suggestions
Drinking fountains
Swimming pool
Astroturf
Safe drop off bay
Seating outside
Concrete walls to bounce balls against
Gardens / garden to table
Painting games on concrete
Junior playground
Computer coding / robotics
Air conditioning in classrooms (& heat)
Improvements to school hall
New curtains
Covered walkways
Solar panels / rain collection off archgola
More outdoor play options
Bike obstacle track
Improved communication from school using social channels (eg. facebook)
Soccer goal posts on top field
Seating by top field
More frequent school productions (smaller)
Hire Archgola area to community groups

12. Next steps
As a board you’ll need to decide how to proceed with the Diocese. However, we mentioned in the survey that we’d share insight – this is SO important to as it
builds trust between Board and community
encourages Engagement with school and fundraising activities
demonstrates transparency (the school community will want to know how their thoughts compare with others)
assures our school community that they have been heard, this hasn’t been a box ticking exercise
“That a decision is made promptly as it becomes frustrating for parents to continually support fundraising initiatives but not see the funds being invested into the school”