Blue Haven Public School
In 2016-17, staff morale at Blue Haven Public School (BHPS) was low, the community was disengaged, and the school’s reputation reflected a significant decline in enrolments. At the end of that year, staff, students and the broader community were engaged to identify key aspirations for the future. Staff were supported through extensive instructional coaching. Intervention support for all stages was introduced to complement the regular collection and analysis of data. Significant whole school professional development including regular professional reading was implemented to increase staff knowledge and engagement with evidence and professional learning communities were established to drive improvement in targeted areas. In 2018 BHPS was amongst the top 6% of schools (value added) in NSW (K-3 and 3-5). BHPS also self-funded a Deputy Principal of Wellbeing to support positive behaviour, student/staff and community wellbeing. As a result, negative behaviours have reduced by almost 50% over the past eighteen months with students enjoying a safer learning and playground environment. By August 2018, BHPS had reached new heights, winning Government Primary School of the Year, and principal Paul McDermott took home the accolade of Government Primary Principal of the Year.
