Principal reflects on past year
Woy Woy Public School principal Ms Ona Buckley reflected on the past year in a speech during Woy Woy Public School's 2016 Presentation Night.
Ms Buckley said that, as a principal, she had a dream and a vision for the school as a place where children, parents and staff worked together to promote educational success, social wellbeing, and global responsibility.
"I want this school to be a place that inspires creativity, teamwork and confidence.
"I want it to be a school that everyone can be proud of," Ms Buckley said.
"I believe my dream is a reality.
"I am proud to be the principal of a school that challenges and supports all students to do their personal best.
"I say with certainty that it is our students, staff and parents focusing on our targets for improvement and working together that makes the difference, and it is what makes Woy Woy Public School a hub of learning success," she continued.
"This has been a year of immense change, with changing school operations over to conform with a new operational system for finances, student management and student wellbeing, implementing the new Australian curriculum in all classrooms by providing teacher support through professional learning opportunities, and being abreast of changes in school planning, reporting and twenty-first century learning styles, and by moving away from traditional classroom settings towards flexible learning spaces.
"Our world and the demands in the work force platform are in constant evolution.
"Children of the future will hold careers not even thought of as necessary today.
"It is our job to prepare them as best we can for the future.
"On the school level, learning is at the centre of what we do every day.
"Evidence of success gives us gratification and information about student progress, achievement and what needs to happen in the future.
"We do this together not as a school but as a learning community," Ms Buckley said.
Ms Buckley also spoke of the highlights of 2016 for the school including solid growth in literacy and numeracy between Years 3 to 5 as evidenced by NAPLAN.
The majority of Stage 1 students reaching reading benchmarks levels for their grade.
The success of the Reading Recovery program.
The success of the 2016 girls' soccer team placing fourth in the state Knockout Competition.
Champions in the Gosford District Chess Tournament.
The successful school fete.
The success of the Take 3 program; and assessment task tracking data indicating that all students learning was progressing at a positive rate.
"These are some of the big ticket items our learning community was involved in as well as some of our major achievements this year.
"However, it is the day to day happenings that mark a moment in time where pride is at its highest.
"To see an individual child succeed by reaching for the sky and moving from a Level 5 to a Level 26 in reading in a year is really something to celebrate and be proud of.
"The goose bump moments when we see our disabilities classes perform and are amazed in their ability to rise above their disabilities.
"It makes us so proud of our inclusiveness for all.
"To witness our multicultural student population intertwined as one with respect and dignity as our learning community emulates the slogan, 'Everyone belongs'.
"To stand in our Preschool and be totally absorbed in a world of early childhood exploration and discovery play.
"To behold the delight on a child's face as they solve a problem, make a connection, get praised or receive a reward is so, so special.
"To see the care, dedication and commitment of the Woy Woy Public School staff bring out the absolute best in all children as they enthuse and guide children's learning.
"This is what makes a difference.
"This is what we are proud of at Woy Woy Public school," Ms Buckley said.
Ms Buckley concluded her address by thanking staff, students and parents and by wishing the leaving Year 6 the best and the school body a safe and relaxing holiday.
Newsletter, 14 Dec 2016
Ona Buckley, Woy Woy Public School