(Zone / District) PSSA INITIATIVE GRANT

Brief Description: Grant Application

Accreditation in Coaching PSSA sports.

Teacher training and development of skills to promote active involvement by teachers in the presentation of school sport.

Prelude

At a zone level we believe that the skill level in many sports that we provide access to have fallen dramatically. Our aim was to promote PSSA Sport with all staff and aim to improve the teaching of skill development to students in (Zone / District) DET PSSA Schools.

At our initial PSSA Meeting we proposed a 'gala' day where teachers would be involved in coaching clinics. The proposal was taken by the principal's representative back to a meeting of schools concerned. They were in favour of the concept.

Originally we had planned to use 8 casual days and up to 16 teachers –1/2 a day each. After discussion at our next meeting, and with the approval of local principals, we then discussed making use of the School Development Day to cut our costs and allow the employment of some experts in the sports. This increased our participation level from 16 to 165. This number included not only classroom teachers (K-6), but also Special Ed, teacher's aides, parent volunteers and principals from the 9 participating schools –(List schools involved).

Program Implementation

1. Brain storming from executive to determine how best to use grant.

2. Apply for PSSA Zone Initiative Grant.

3. Receive PSSA Zone Initiative Grant.

4. Principals meet to confirm involvement of all schools on the 16th July - School

Development Day. (This was probably the most important step in getting the 'ball rolling').

5. Contact Regional Sports Organiser, to obtain a list of regionaldevelopment officers who may be available.

6. Identify the sports that we provide access to during our Winter and Summer Friday.

Interschool PSSA Competitions and we support by sending Zone teams to Area trials.

7. Identify local associations of the sports where there was no Regional Development

Officer.

8. Collate information, targeting the sports we were interested in and made contact with local and Regional Sports Organisations. We asked them to reply by a certain date, indicating the level of accreditation they could provide. (see appendix 1, 1 a). This step involved an amount of personal contact with the various people. Sports were asked as part of their commitment to the day to provide a resource pack for all participating schools.

9. Venue - We chose a central venue that was able to provide the facilities for the variety of sports. The sports were AFL, Netball, Softball, Hockey, Touch, Rugby League, Basketball, Athletics, Cricket and Soccer. We were required to liaise with the local City Council with the use of grounds and an indoor venue (in the event of rain and a central meeting place).

10. Once we had confirmation of the sports and venue, we sent the information to schools and asked all staff attending to nominate in preferential order 6 sports they were interested in.( see appendix 2a, 2b, 2c). This was recorded by schools on an Excel spreadsheet. Schools were responsible for recording this information. Schools were allocated either a morning or afternoon session (each 3 hrs). Special requests for a particular session were taken into consideration eg A new principal wanted to meet staff first so requested the 2ndsession.

11. Preferences were returned and sorted. This was a matter of cut /paste and sort. We attempted to have even numbers in all sports. This resulted in 90% of teachers receiving either their 1st or 2nd choice. The other 10% received their 3rd choice.

12. Due to a lack of preferences for Rugby League we omitted it from the final program.

Basketball and Hockey were also limited to the afternoon session.

13. Final allocated sports with all the participants names were returned to schools (appendix3a, 3b) before the end of term with a reminder letter of the final details. Schools were asked to supply a sign on sheet and name tags for their school. (The sign on sheet is perhaps printed by the organiser as this has the sports on as a reminder.)

14. Morning tea and afternoon tea were organised for all participants through a local

catering service. Lunch was to be provided for the presenters.

15.The week prior (during the holidays) final contact (phone -email) was made with

presenters to confirm details.

NB. The school PSSA Coordinator needs to be the liaison between the organisers and the school and pass on all information and return on time. Email is the preferred communication. tool.

On the Day

1. Presenters attended at 8.30 to set up.

2. The first session began at 9.00am with a brief Welcome, a talk on Regional PSSA

Sport by (Regional Sport Organiser) and the introduction of the presenters.

3. Participants were then split into groups. Some groups were indoors, some were

outdoors at specific venue e.g. Athletics Track, Hockey Centre, adjacent ovals etc

4. Mid session Break - Groups returned to central venue for morning tea.

5. Session concluded at 12.00 noon

6. The afternoon session commenced at 12.30 pm and concluded at 3.30 pm.

(Zone / District) PSSA INITIATIVE GRANT

Evaluation:

An evaluation sheet was distributed to all participants. (see appendix4) We had a 64% return from participants.

Evaluation Responses:

Years of teaching - Ranges fro 1 year to 40 years.

Stage Level - ES1, SI, S2, S3,

Last training and Development in Sport or PE - This was an amazing response. Apart from one school that had TD after school last year, the responses ranged from NEVER (included 6 teachers who had been teaching for 25+ years - 2 of them 40 years), long ago, 1st time, pre 2000, pre 1990 and only a small number of post 2000.

From these responses it shows there is a huge need for future development in this area.

Participants were also asked to rate the Sport Activity on a scale of 1 -5 (Poor - Excellent)

Headings for this included interest in the sport, presenter, useful skills/ideas, and enjoyment. The results were overwhelmingly in the 4/5 range for all headings, with only a very small number of 3.(only 2% overall) and a single 2 (1/2%).

Morning/afternoon tea was a hit, as it was an unexpected reward according to some.

Comments on the venues - were also very positive, with many having never used some of the local facilities before.

The only negative was the weather. It was very cold inside the Sports Stadium (not heated) and outdoor venues as well.

This was unfortunate due to the time of year. Suggestions were plenty that we conduct the day in term 2 or 4.

From these results 98% of respondents are willing to participate in the same type of activity at a later date. (The 2% who didn't, 1 was retiring soon and the other wanted to do more than skills.)

How could the day be improved? - responses varied. The majority of respondents suggested the day be held in warmer weather, not winter. Term 2 or Term 4 were the suggestions.

  • More time on each sport
  • Whole day activity
  • Two sports in 1 day
  • Focus on mini games and activities
  • Play an actual game at the end
  • Run more often
  • Great fun - very worthwhile
  • Rotate to different sports
  • Excellent / can't improve on excellence / well organised / excellent presenters / fabulous

concept

General Comments:

There were many unanticipated outcomes from the day:

  • Gala day possibilities / Local Clinics - contacts from each sport
  • Social - schools mixing because of mixed groups
  • Principals involved
  • Schools all received Resources for all the sports.
  • First time for some
  • Varied experiences
  • Refresh
  • Relaxed / pressure free/ non threatening
  • 'Teachers were like kids when you try to teach them.'

Many comments at morning/afternoon tea revolved around comments from teachers/aides who really enjoyed the day and had learnt so much about a particular sport that they had never considered before. It had changed the way in which they would teach particular skills in a sport.

The resource packs that the presenters made available ranged from commercially printed to a collection of ideas from local associations. All were very informative and a great resource for schools.

One disappointing aspect of the day was the no show of one Development Officer. This was due in part to the fact that the person in the position had resigned and we had not received any notification of a replacement. The previous DO had committed toattending the day. The problem was quickly overcome by allocating the participants to another sport of their choice.

We have included on CD some photographs of the days activities.

Finance Report - Expenditure

See attached sheet. (sdd-finance.xls)

Recommendations:

  • Change to a warmer time of year. At this stage ifheld again we are looking at Term
  • 4, 2008.
  • Allow schools to participate for a full day - a minimum of 2 sports
  • Provide alternative style sport as an option
  • Promotion of the day through the local media would enhance the profile of schoolsport. A media officer to handle publicity would be a good idea in future. We have included some photographs of the days activities.
  • Identify ways to implement programs into schools i.e. Contact Development Officersas a school for follow up.

The day would not be possible with the cooperation and assistance from many people. In particular we would like to thank:

(List of all who assisted)

For and on behalf of (Zone / District) PSSA

(Name)(Name)

PresidentSecretary

Appendix 1

(Zone / District) Letterhead

Training and Development of Skills

Dear

Over the last 10 years we believe that the skill level in many sports that we provide access to has fallen dramatically. To this end, we are endeavouring to promote PSSA Sport with all staff within government schools in Albury.

(Zone/District) PSSA is planning a development day on (Date) at (Venue), in which we plan to equip teachers with skills to promote participation in different sports and as a result improve the skill levels of students in (Zone/District) DET PSSA Schools.

We will be running 2 sessions, (Times). At the conclusion of each session we would ideally like participants to come away with some form of accreditation and collection of resources, a minimum of 1 set per school, some funds are available for the purchase of resources.

In order to achieve our goal of providing 'expert' guidance for our how to teach / coaching/ skills sessions we require the input of experts. We are looking for Sport Development Officers to conduct a Level 0 Accreditation Session or similar.

We would appreciate it very much if you could mark this day on your calendar and provide us with a practical program that will assist teachers with the development of your sport. Perhaps a difficult task in 3 hours, but at least a start.

We thank those sports that continue to promote themselves and have a major presence in schools with the provision of skills days and coaching to our children.

(Zone/District) President (Zone/District) Secretary

------ ------ ------ ------ ------

Please return this expression of interest form to:

(Name)

(Contact Information)

□I am not able to conduct a session.

□I am able to conduct a 3 hour accreditation course for ......

□Please contact me on ...... to give me more details.

□I anticipate no cost / $ ...... per participant (minimum number per session .....)

Name: ...... Contact Details: ......

Appendix 1a

(Zone / District Letterhead)

Attention: Development Officers

Information Regarding Staff Development Day(Date).

The (Zone/District) PSSA will be running the Staff Development Day for Term 3 on (Date). This day is aimed at promoting participation in different sports and improving the skill levels of students in (Zone/District) Government schools. We aim to do this by equipping teachers and school staff with teaching skills in different sports.

Thank you for your commitment and support to the day.

The following points may assist you with your planning and preparation of your session/s.

  • Meeting place –(Venue). Please meet to set up 1/2 hour prior to sessions starting.
  • There wiII be 2 sessions
  • 9am – 12noon (with a 1/2 hr break at 10.30am)
  • 12pm - 12.30pm (Lunch which will be provided)
  • 12.30pm- 3.30pm (with 1/2 hr break at 2pm)
  • Workshops will have teachers from Kindergarten to Yr 6 (Childrenages 5 to 12 years) .
  • There will be approximately (number) participants in each group. . Indoor and outdoor facilities are available to use (depending onweather).
  • You will need to supply your own equipment eg balls, bats etc. . Can you please prepare (Number) resource packs (1 for each schoolattending) and give them to (Organisers name) to distribute to
  • schools.

Schools and teachers would like you to address:

  • Teaching progression of skills for the sport.
  • Basic teaching points of these skills.
  • Fun play/training activities (games) that teach and practise these skills.
  • Modified games.
  • Safety aspects
  • Alternative equipment that could be used.
  • Future contact personnel
  • Information about competitions / gaIa days etc.

Thank you, we look forward to seeing you on the day. Could you please send back an email or call to confirm you have received this information.

If you have any further queries please don't hesitate to contact:

(Name)

(Contact Information)

Appendix 2a

(Zone / District Letterhead)

Attention: Principals

Information Regarding Staff Development Day(Date).

The (Zone/District) PSSA has organised part of the Staff Development Day for (Date). All schools have made a commitment to participate in teacher training clinics run by Sports Development Officers aimed at increasing the teaching of skill development to students in (Zone/District) PSSA schools. Sports that will be represented include AFL, Netball, Softball , Hockey, Touch, Rugby League, Basketball, Athletics, Cricket and Soccer.

All teaching staff (and teachers aides who participate in PD/H/PE programs or Friday sport competitions) are required to attend the day. If you have part-time teaching staff or team teaching situations in your school, it is the school's responsibility to negotiate attendance.

The day will be run in 2 sessions. Schools have been allocated a time to attend:

Session 1Session 2

9.00 am – 12 noon12.30 pm – 3.30 pm

(List schools/participants)(List schools/participants)

All staff will meet at (Venue) to sign on. The day will run even if there is wet weather as we have made arrangements to use the indoor areas at the stadium.

The sessions will start promptly at 9am and 12.30pm so please have your staff sign on prior to this as (Name / Position) will be addressing all staff at these start times.

Due to the sessions being of a practical nature, participants will need to wear comfortable clothing eg tracksuit and joggers. Participants are encouraged to participate within their limits.

Morning or afternoon tea will be provided for all participants. There will be toilet facilities available at the venue.

Participants will receive a certificate for participation and resources will be allocated to each school on the sports they during the Staff Development Day.

Could all Principals please bring a sign on sheet for attendance and name tags for their staff members.

If you have any further queries please don't hesitate to contact:

(Contact Name and Details)

Appendix 2b

Spreadsheet Instructions for School/Staff Development Day

In order to allow us to complete our planning for the SDD, please complete the accompanying Spreadsheet with preferences for SPORT at the SDD (Date).

  • The fIrst two columns - First name, Surname, are self explanatory.
  • Teacher, Aid, SAS, Other - indicate the person's roll on the staff. Please the

appropriate column for each person.

  • ChI, Ch2 etc are the choices of Sport in order of preference based on the

number and corresponding sport. Please indicate a minimum of six sports.

I have included the name of the instructor for each sport for your information.

Sports to choose from:

1. AFL –(Development Officer / Presenters Name)

2. Netball - (Development Officer / Presenters Name)

3. Softball - (Development Officer / Presenters Name)

4. Hockey - (Development Officer / Presenters Name)

5. Touch - (Development Officer / Presenters Name)

6. Rugby League - (Development Officer / Presenters Name)

7. Basketball - (Development Officer / Presenters Name)

8. Athletics - (Development Officer / Presenters Name)

9. Cricket - (Development Officer / Presenters Name)

10. Soccer - (Development Officer / Presenters Name)

We would appreciate that all spreadsheets are returned by email to (Contact Name) at (Email Address) by (Date)

If you have any queries on fIlling out the form, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above email or phone (School Phone) (School Name).

School/Staff Development Day – (Date)

School:

Given / Surname / Teacher / Aid / SAS / Other / Ch1 / Ch2 / Ch3 / Ch4 / Ch5 / Ch6 / Ch7
Eg: John / Smith /  / 4 / 2 / 1

Sports to choose from:

1.Australian Football2.Netball3.Softball4.Hockey5.Touch

6.Rugby League7.Basketball8.Athletics9.Cricket10.Soccer

Appendix 3a

(Zone / District Letterhead)

Attention: Principals and PSSA Representatives

Plan for (Zone/District) Staff Development Day

Date:

Venue:

Time:Sing on will 15 minutes prior to sessions starting.

Principals will need to supply a sign on sheet for staff and name tags.

Please remind all staff to wear appropriate clothing and footwear to participate in sports activities.

Session 1:(List participants / schools)

Sign On:(Time and Venue)

9.00 am – 10.30 amWelcome - (Name)

Introduction to session – (Name)

Sports sessions begin

10.30 am – 11.00 amMorning Tea

11.00 am – 12 noonSessions continue

Session 2:(List participants / schools)

Sign On:(Time and Venue)

12.30 pm – 2.00 pmWelcome - (Name)

Introduction to session – (Name)

Sports sessions begin

2.00 pm – 2.30 pmAfternoon Tea

2.30 pm – 3.30 pmSessions continue

Please direct any questions via email to (Name) – President (Zone District) PSSA or (Name) – Secretary (Zone – District) PSSA.

School/Staff Development Day – (Date)

Session 1

(Schools / Participants involved)

Given Name / Surname / Sport Activity / School / Session / Sign On
Eg: John / Smith / AFL / Primary / AM

(Zone / District)

Primary Schools

Sports Association

Certificate of

Participatioin

(Teachers Name)

(TeachersSchool)

for your participation in the

(Zone / District) PSSA