Principal's Report
Welcome to Term Two and I trust that everyone had an enjoyable break over the holidays. Our students have settled back into their usual routines and are getting to know the four new families who joined DPS at the start of this term. It is great to be back at DPS after five terms in the north west of the state. On my return I was immediately reminded of the terrific environment, programs and overall approach to teaching and learning we have at Doncaster.
There is so much going on, our Grade 6’s returned from Canberra on Friday night, and what a wonderful experience they had particularly the dawn service at the Canberra War Memorial.We continue to challenge all students with our high achievers and Everest program. A number of students also recently signed up for our Chess club which proved very popular. As a result of demand we sadly had a cut off point, and it was a case of first in best dressed. To support our programs it is very important that whenever possible students arrive on time each day and they are ready to start the day on time so that we can maximise the learning opportunities in every lesson. The same applies to early departures, please avoid taking children out of school early or they will miss valuable class time.
Education Week is an annual celebration of education in Victoria. Victoria will celebrate Education Week from Sunday 14 May to Saturday 20 May. This year’s theme is ‘Active Learners: Move, Make, Motivate’, which celebrates physical activity, hands-on learning and student voice in education.
Although DPS is fortunate to have a full staff to start Term 2, we continue to experience the impact of the teacher shortage in Victoria. This affects employment of teachers to advertised positions and Casual Relief Teachers, with no foreseeable end. In anticipation of staff shortages that will undoubtedly affect DPS, we thank families for your understanding. There will be occasions when we have no choice but to split classes which is unavoidable. We will however do our best to minimise the impact on programs.
Apply now to enrol your child in Foundation (Prep) for 2024. The Department of Education has released a new statewide timeline for enrolling in Foundation (Prep) for the 2024 school year. Following this new timeline, we have made 2024 enrolment offers this week. If you have a child starting primary school in 2024, it’s time to enrol.
Enrolling your child now allows us to plan our classrooms, staffing and transition activities and ensures your child has the best start to school.
For more information, please read about when and how to enrol your child in Prep at vic.gov.au/enrolling-foundation-prep or please see the enrolment section of our website.
Thankyou to those who attended my Principal’s morning tea on Monday. It was a good opportunity to share my thoughts on the direction of the school as well as a chance for parents to ask questions and share their thoughts. Please remember my door is always open and I welcome parents at anytime. Feel free to call, email or call in as I am happy to discuss
concerns or issues or simply offer support whenever I can. DPS is YOUR school and we are here to support you in educating your child/ren together.
Finally, I would like to thank Larissa Vesdrevanis and Carly Epskamp for their leadership of DPS during my absence. It was great to come back and continue on from where we left of some five terms ago. I would also like to acknowledge all staff because it was my confidence in them that allowed me the freedom to accept the secondment to the north west for just over one year. We have an amazing staff here at DPS and my time away has only reminded me of this. Similarly, we have outstanding, high achieving students befitting of our expectation for success in all we do. Thankyou also to our school council for their ongoing support. I must make special mention of Carl Michael who has been an active member and President of the council for many years. As I thank and wish Carl well, we welcome Kelvin Wong as the new School Council President.
Please check Compass, Facebook and our fortnightly newsletter frequently to keep up to date with activities and events at DPS.
Regards
Jim Hill
Principal