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Cairns West State School 'what ever it takes'

Cairns West State School is taking a unique approach to schooling with the implementation of its Academic Success Guarantee.

In this Cairns suburb a school community is working together to deliver improved results for students through improved student attendance and parental engagement.

Cairn West principal Michael Hansen said the Academic Success Guarantee was a service commitment that students who attended 95 per cent or more of the school year would meet or beat their year level benchmarks.

"The Academic Success Guarantee is an agreement between the school and parents," Mr Hansen said.

"The school and parents commit to work with students to reach benchmarks, regardless of behaviour issues or otherwise, and the parents commit to send their students to school everyday.

"We have found that parents are excited to have this commitment from the school. They are better informed about their child and are confident to ask questions and engage in their child's education.

Deputy principal Matt Thompson said the service commitment had provided a unique opportunity to re-culture the school community to expect achievement within a frame of 'No Excuses'.

"By approaching our role with the attitude of 'Whatever it Takes', we provide the key to classrooms and learning where students receive a personalised education that meets their needs," Mr Thompson said.

"We take every opportunity to meet and talk with parents and encourage them to commit to the agreement.

"We host a big breakfast celebration on the first Friday of every term which is a great opportunity to mix with families. The event is used to encourage the students to return to school and to reinforce the 'every day counts' message with parents.

We also hold regular three way 'strong' interviews between parents, teachers and the student where we create a welcoming atmosphere and make it a little less formal and intimidating. During the interviews parents and teachers plan together with the student to create a student improvement plan to ensure the student's academic success.

"Otherwise we do home visits and will chat to parents at the school gate."

Mr Thompson said teachers had also been a part of the change in culture at the school.

"Our teaching staff have a new outlook because they all believe their students can achieve. Because students are excited and keen to learn, teachers are excited to be in the classroom.

"The Academic Success Guarantee and the approach to service delivery at Cairns West are about high expectations schooling. This school has set high expectations for our students and us."

Far North Queensland Regional Director Clive Dixon has championed the work of Cairns West.

"The Academic Success Guarantee is a great example of how a primary school helps students achieve the service commitment," Mr Dixon said.

"At Cairns West, staff believe that all students can be successful when 'we work together and are committed'. "

The Academic Success Guarantee is just one part of a coordinated approach to improving the learning outcomes for the students of Cairns West and the school is making significant gains.

For further information contact Deputy Principal Matt Thompson on phone 4037 9777.

Ref: 10/20174

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