We have made a fantastic start to Term Two. The students settled back into class and their learning quickly and are keen and eager to dive deeper into the curriculum and the activities that teachers have planned. There has been a real buzz around the school yard over the past fortnight.

Welcome back Mr Hill

After five terms away, we welcome back our substantive Principal Jim Hill. Those that know Jim know we have missed his humour and his stories. We’ve had quite a few students come to the office this week to welcome Jim back and wish him all the best as the Principal at DPS.

Mr Hill and myself attended a meeting at Donvale Primary School earlier this week and were able to visit Mrs Vesdrevanis. She is enjoying herself at her new school, but she misses the DPS students and teachers very much!

Welcome Miss Majoor

Welcome to our newest member of staff Miss Lauren Majoor who will be teaching in Level Two for the remainder of 2023.

Canberra Camp

A HUGE thank you to Mrs Corfios and the Grade Six Team for planning the Canberra Camp last week. The time dedicated to the thorough planning led to a very successful time in Canberra and the students have had a fabulous time. A huge thank you to Mrs Corfios, Mr Johnson, Mrs Milanese, Mr Spinks, Mr O, Miss El-Bay, Miss Spiteri and Marissa (a pre service teacher) who attended the Canberra Camp with our students last week. They all came back exhausted, but were very grateful to have shared this experience with our Grade Six Students.

Anzac Day Celebration

Thank you to Mrs Keen for organising our DPS Anzac Day Ceremony last Wednesday. I was very impressed with the Level Five students who presented and also the audience who showed respect and compassion throughout the ceremony.

Chess Club

We were overwhelmed by the number of students that responded with interest in joining our DPS Chess Club. The classes have started and there are approximately 30 DPS students involved. The students of all abilities were keen and interested in their first session. We are looking forward to seeing the progression of their skills throughout the term. As some students missed out, we have requested for more positions to be opened next term. Keep checking Compass if you wish to be involved.

DPS School Review

Once every four years, schools are required to undertake a review. Through the review process, the school evaluates it’s improvement efforts by drawing together evidence of the school’s performance in comparison to the previous School Strategic Plan (SSP). We assess our performance against the FISO Continua of Practice for School Improvement, along with feedback from consultations with the school community. The review process should engage and empower the school community to contribute to a shared understanding of how well the school has performed over the life of its School Strategic Plan. Over the coming weeks, you may be asked to contribute to surveys or asked a variety of questions. We value your opinion and welcome any feedback you may have.

Policy

We have updated many of our Doncaster Primary School policies at the start of this year. Please see our website for these and all of our school policies. If you have any questions regarding these, please contact the school office on 9848 1122.

Free groceries: Eastern Food Rescue

Eastern Food Rescue (formerly Food is Free Mitcham) is an outdoor free access pantry for everyone, where locals can either donate goods or take things that they need. The primary goal is to divert food waste from landfill and feed it back into the community.

Eastern Food Rescue collect donations from various local businesses to help keep the pantry full and also rely on community donations from neighbours. Regular donors include: Wendy’s Bakery (Mitcham), Mylk Bar (Mitcham) and Bakers Delight (Forest Hill).

There is no need to show ID, produce a concession card or be approved, ANYONE can attend and take the free food they have on offer. Remember to take your own shopping bags.

Location: 8-12 Simla Street, Mitcham,

Time: Accessible 24/7 but mini markets are 11:00am and 8:00pm Mon - Fri

Special Events: Free food market on Saturday and Sunday 11:30am at Antonio Park Primary School

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Kids Help - kidshelpline.com.au phone 1800 55 1800

Parent Line - betterhealth.vic.gov.au phone 13 22 89

Headspace - headspace.org.au phone 1800 650 890

eSafety Commissioner - esafety.gov.au - Advice for parents and carers to help children have safe experiences online

DPS Inform and Empower