15 January 2010
To the Parents and Community of St Therese School
These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on St Therese School.
St Therese School provides students with a very good education. The school’s Catholic character clearly underpins the school culture and is reflected in the environment, practice and the strong sense of family that is shared by children, parents, staff and the community. A strong sense of pride, and positive acknowledgement of the school’s rich cultural diversity, is evident throughout the school community.
Students take an active role in running their school, are affirmed in who they are, and have a strong sense of belonging in their learning environment. They appreciate the broad opportunities they are given to learn, and have a clear understanding of their achievement and their next learning steps.
Student achievement is the core focus of the board and staff. The board and principal have responded positively to the recommendations of the 2007 ERO report and have developed a shared approach to raising student achievement. The strategic focus of the board, combined with very good leadership and relevant professional learning, is proving motivating for staff. Progress since the 2007 ERO review is evident in the school’s growing roll. The board and staff now have a more inclusive and transparent approach towards creating partnerships with parents, with a focus on student learning.
The school has good systems in place for monitoring student progress and achievement in literacy and numeracy. Achievement data show that most students are making very good progress over their time at the school. School data show that Māori students achieve well. A number of initiatives and strategies are in place to further increase Māori student engagement and achievement.
The principal has carefully considered strategies for a shared approach to raising student achievement. She provides strong support for a whole-school culture in which the contributions of students, teachers, parents and trustees to raising student achievement are genuinely valued. The principal leads the staff in evaluation and critical reflection, using robust systems and processes for self review. The board and principal have high expectations that students will achieve to their potential and that teachers will support them to do so.
Staff are a collegial team who know their students and families well. They celebrate children’s achievements and support them to develop as independent learners. Teachers are reflective practitioners. They are well supported by school systems and have clear guidelines for teaching. The board’s long-term planning indicates a focus on continuing to develop teachers’ competence and their skills in providing a student-centred curriculum. Teachers make good use of community resources to provide students with a variety of rich experiences.
The board has ensured that school facilities are well maintained so that they support teaching and learning. Over the last three years, significant property development to provide attractive and well-resourced school facilities has included the library, administration block, extra learning spaces, upgraded classrooms, and increased provision of information and communication technologies (ICT).
ERO and the board agree that the staff should continue to promote effective teaching and should consult with parents about strategies to enhance student-directed learning.
Future Action
ERO is very confident that the board of trustees can govern the school in the interest of the students and the Crown and bring about the improvements outlined in this report. ERO is likely to carry out the next review in four to five years.
Review Coverage
ERO reviews do not cover every aspect of school performance and each ERO report may cover different issues. The aim is to provide information on aspects that are central to student achievement and useful to this school.
If you would like a copy of the full report, please contact the school or see the ERO website http://www.ero.govt.nz.
Dianne Moffitt
Area Manager (Acting)
for Chief Review Officer
