Assistant Principal's Report

Julia Bay

I want to start this newsletter by acknowledging and thanking Jim Hill for his 10 years as principal of Doncaster Primary School. Over the 10 years Jim has been at DPS, he has worked with a firm mindset of doing everything he can to make our school the best it can be for the students, staff, families and community. Walking around the school today, seeing happy and engaged students, welcoming and knowledgeable staff, and the beautiful grounds and facilities, are all a testament of this work. We wish Jim all the best in his retirement and future endeavours and look forward to welcoming him back to visit us - when he is not too busy travelling the world!

It has been a successful start to Term 4 with students engaged in a range of rich learning activities, from our Prep students learning about important traffic and road safety skills at Kew Traffic School through to our Level 5 students designing their own products while learning about economics. At assembly each week, students share and celebrate special events, achievements and learning that has happened in the school. Make sure you join us online on Monday afternoons whenever possible to hear all about our student achievements and upcoming events. 

Sun Protection at DPS

As we head towards the summer months and the UV index rises, it is important that students and families are aware of the importance of proper sun protection. Students must wear a sun protective hat that shades the face, neck and ears (broad-brimmed or legionnaire style) when outdoors. They are also encouraged to wear and bring sunscreen to school and reapply it as needed throughout the day. We have a number of outdoor events in the upcoming weeks, such as the Level 3 and 5 water safety days at Port Melbourne Life Saving Club, and proper sun protection will be extremely important.

Victorian Teaching and Learning Model

Teachers are continually learning and collaborating to develop their practice and this term, teachers at DPS are undertaking important learning around the new Victorian Teaching and Learning Model. This learning has been focusing on the science of learning and cognitive load theory and how to apply this understanding in the classroom to maximise student learning outcomes. Our teachers undertake weekly professional learning sessions to continually review and develop practice to ensure best practice teaching and learning at Doncaster PS.

Prep and Level 6 Buddies

Our new Preps transitioning into school has seen extra opportunities for our current Preps to work with their Level 6 buddies before they move on to secondary school. They have been working hard to write information reports and have enjoyed the extra time together. 

I am looking forward to enjoying the rest of Term 4 and our end of year celebrations together in the upcoming months.

Julia Bay 

Assistant Principal