Dear Parents and Carers,

School Satisfaction Survey Results
In August, School Satisfaction Surveys were distributed to all parents, staff and students via email from Catholic Education. Each group had a different survey to suit their context. This information is used to assist us in planning for 2020 and beyond. Invitations containing a link to the on-line survey instrument were sent to all 208 parents. 47 of the 86 parents completed the survey (55% completion rate is considered excellent). Parents were asked to express their satisfaction in response to number of statements. Their responses were scored as follows:

              Strongly DISAGREE              0

              DISAGREE                           1

              AGREE                                2

              Strongly AGREE                   3

The following is a summary of the results of the parent survey:

The average score for each statement is colour coded for quick reference.

We are pleased with the results and thank everyone for the feedback. We work very hard to provide the best possible opportunities for students and their families. Positive feedback does not however make us complacent. We looked to the supporting comments for further evidence of what is working well and what can be improved. Overwhelmingly the most positive comments were about the welcoming, nurturing and caring small community that we have at St Benedict’s. This was followed by the supportive, approachable and friendly staff and then impressively the students and the way they look out for each other. 

Comments also provided the school with suggested things to improve such as more teaching resources, encouragement of students to achieve beyond their expected growth, the upgrading of building and facilities, with a focus on safety (fencing, car park and courtyard), resourcing and technology, consistency of uniform, upgrading of the canteen facilities, more experienced teachers and changes to homework within the school.

All of the feedback will continue to be a focus for the School Board and Parents & Friends association as we work together to support the needs of our community. Unfortunately some of the suggested improvements are beyond our control; these include the uniform and the funding of the school by Catholic Education. The current uniform is prescribed to us by Catholic Education and one that we must adhere to. Our unisex sports uniform is the only uniform that we as a school have any control over and whilst we would like to change the funding model it is prescribed to us by not Catholic Education but the ACT Government and Federal Government.

In regard to the consideration of more experienced teachers, it is important to note that the school’s philosophy is to employ the best possible teacher available, irrespective of the age of the teacher, as that has the largest impact on student learning. With the changing nature of the profession there are less experienced teachers in the system or staying in the profession long term. Next year all teachers employed will have at least two years teaching experience behind them.

The upgrade of the technology resources, using the Spring Fair money, and the school facilities have been a focus for the school this year and will continue to be so next year.

Thank you for this valuable feedback. We appreciate and thoroughly enjoy working with parents for their children and look forward to continuing this positive collaboration.

God bless.

Rachel Smith
Principal