At Mount Marrow State School our aim is to continually provide an effective learning environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential. This is achieved by:

• Providing a happy and safe educational setting
• Encouraging creative thinking
• Developing intellectual processes that facilitate independent learning
• Demonstrating fair and equitable practices
• Respect for self and others

Our main priority for all students learning is developing excellent Literacy and Numeracy skills, thereby enhancing student success not only in English and Maths, but across all Key Learning Areas.

In 2009, all school stakeholders have set the following goals:

Literacy and Numeracy

• implementing Literacy and Numeracy plans
• development of engaging and high interest lessons
• explicit classroom teaching
• implementing QCAR
• provision for students to extend their learning

ICTs

• Continue and further promote use of ICTs in daily practice
• Continue to upgrade skills

Raise School Profile

• Promoting the school and student learning

Mount Marrow State School is enrolment managed to a maximum of 73 students.

Total student enrolments - 65 as at 18.06.09

Year levels offered are: Prep –Year 7 Coeducational

Our distinctive curriculum offerings

• Multiage Setting
• Responsible Behaviour Plan, enhancing the development and practice of appropriate responsible social skills
• Rosewood Cluster of Schools collaborative planning and assessment tasks
• Values Education built into classroom unit plans
• Partnerships with local schools to extend curriculum offerings
• Chaplaincy program supported by the P&C and local community
• Partnerships with Ipswich Art Gallery and the Primary Arts Network Ipswich
• Participation in “Technology Takes You Anywhere” and workshops offered to enhance ICTs and Science
• Incorporation of guest speakers and deliverers including Council Education visits and Fire Education Van.

Extra curricula activities

• Days of Excellence based at the Rosewood State High School to assist our students’ transition into the high school setting
• Young Leader’s Day
• Curriculum related annual camps for students in the 4-7 class
• Active After School’s Community programme delivering various team sports and skill development
• Open Days that celebrate and enhance learning - Under 8’s Day, Book Week, Grandparents Day

How computers are used to assist learning

The ratio of computers to students is 4:1. Two classrooms are equipped with Interactive Whiteboards and late in 2008 a new interactive system was purchased for the upper year’s classroom. This is a highly engaging audio-visual teaching tool, similar to an Interactive Whiteboard. All teachers have laptops for planning and connection to interactive whiteboards. All classes make use of digital cameras, laptops and digital projectors, increasing student confidence and learning opportunities.

Mount Marrow State School is situated approximately 15 minutes west of Ipswich.

There is a strong sense of community pride in the school. Students come from the surrounding semi-rural area. In the past, families have had a strong link with agriculture and farming, but with changing trends, most parents now commute to larger centres for employment.

Mount Marrow State School is part of the Rosewood P-12 Education Community which fosters an environment in which all students can access quality learning experiences. The Rosewood P-12 Education Community consists of one central high school (Rosewood State High) and a group of small and larger primary schools.

Our school has three multiage classes, P-2, 3/4/5, and 5/6/7. We have a teaching principal and 2 class teachers. We are also serviced by a Principal Relief Teacher, and support staff of a Guidance Officer, a Support Teacher, an Advisory Visiting Teacher, a Physical Education specialist, and a Music specialist.

Mount Marrow State School was established in 1909 and celebrates its Centenary of 100 years of state education in November 2009.

Parents are encouraged to become active participants in their child’s education at Mount Marrow. These relationships help to foster our student’s learning in a safe, supportive environment.

Decision making around school policies, procedures and curriculum are discussed and decided upon in partnership with parents.

The school offers face-to-face interviews twice yearly in conjunction with our end of semester reporting schedule.

Newsletters are published fortnightly, and Assembly is held weekly. These provide regular contact with families and further opportunities to showcase the children’s academic, sporting and social achievements.

Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the classrooms, visiting for reading, group work and art activities. The school also has volunteer parents helping with sporting activities such as swimming, cross country, sports days, as well as on excursions and camps.

The P & C are very supportive and hold a variety of activities throughout the year to raise valuable funds for school initiatives. Parents support the home reading programs and are always welcome to become involved in classroom activities that support student learning.

• The total funds expended on teacher professional development in 2008 was $9 407:06.
• The major professional development initiatives were:
  • Literacy, Numeracy and ICT’s as priorities
  • Continued engagement in Professional Standards for Teachers
  • Continued engagement in QCAR-essential learnings
  • Leadership training
• The involvement of the teaching staff in professional development activities during 2008 was 100 %.

For permanent and temporary staff and school leaders the staff attendance rate was 95% in 2008.

From the end of the 2007 school year, 100 % of staff were retained by the school for the entire 2008 school year.

The average attendance rate as a percentage in 2008 was 93%.

Domain

Measures

Yr 3

Yr 5

Yr 7

Reading

Average score for the school

347

464

534

Average score for Queensland

371.1

466.1

528.1

For the school the percentage of students at or above the national minimum standard.

2008

90 %

86 %

100 %

Writing

Average score for the school

364

474

527

Average score for Queensland

391.8

468.9

522.7

For the school the percentage of students at or above the national minimum standard.

2008

90 %

86 %

88 %

Spelling

Average score for the school

328

476

550

Average score for Queensland

366.7

462.0

528.0

For the school the percentage of students at or above the national minimum standard.

2008

90 %

100 %

100 %

Grammar and Punctuation

Average score for the school

343

450

514

Average score for Queensland

370.4

476.6

518.0

For the school the percentage of students at or above the national minimum standard.

2008

100%

100%

100%

Numeracy

Average score for the school

350

472

541

Average score for Queensland

367.9

458.2

539.0

For the school the percentage of students at or above the national minimum standard.

2008

100%

100%

100%

In the latter part of 2008, the school was able to install a new building, through funds from the Investing in Our Schools programme. This building now accommodates the library, a uniform shop and a quiet group working area for students. The extra learning space is proving to be invaluable and is well used on a daily basis.

Mount Marrow State School continues to build on the positive relationships developed within the Rosewood P-12 Education Community by participating in teacher network meetings, sporting events and academic opportunities.

Mount Marrow State School has a hard working, dedicated staff. The school is supported by parents who take an interest in their child’s education and are active in school events.

In the 2008 School Opinion survey, parents have responded “very satisfied” (90%) to questions that they believe Mount Marrow is a good school, that staff are very approachable and welcoming, and that teachers take an interest in their child.

Students responded “very satisfied” (85%) that they are getting a good education at this school.

Staff responded “extremely satisfied” (100%) that this is a good school to work in.