Principal's Report

Acknowledgement to Country

I would like to begin by respectfully acknowledging the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations, who are the Traditional Owners of the land in which we meet today, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.  We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. I also acknowledge the rich cultural diversity we embrace and celebrate within our school community.

I always welcome parents and friends to be engaged in the daily life of DPS but ask that all visitors pass through the office if entering the school grounds during school hours. If staying on site you will be required to log in via our online kiosk in the front office. You would know by now that all gates are locked at 9am and only the front gate near the office, off Council Street remains open during school hours. Thankyou for your support with this. 

School Council Elections School Council contributes towards the direction our school takes and is an important component in ensuring the big picture is achieved. Each year, we ask parents to nominate for positions on Council, to help us achieve our parent membership. If you wish to be part of the governing board of our school, please drop by the office and pick-up a SC Nomination form. Nominations close Wednesday 6th of March 2024.

I would like to sincerely thank two people who have served on council and provided a great deal of insight and support during their time on the governing board of our school. I speak of and thank Andrea Sergi and Rajib Chowdhury for their considered and thoughtful participation. 

A few words from our School Council President Kelvin Wong.

I am pleased to say that this year commenced with great excitement as we welcomed one of our largest school cohorts in recent times. This signals growth and expansion of DPS. Perhaps DPS has been poised for growth with the cohesive staff culture and strong leadership forged over the last few years. The challenging years has certainly brought the DPS community and the staff together and I believe that it is this strong alliance that has been an attraction to new and prospective students.

It is my aim, as Council President, that I continue to create an environment where parents and teachers are able to foster this bond. As with everything, the student (our children), remain the centre of why we do what we do; in the hope that their lives would be enriched and that they will be set up for success in years to come. 

May we continue to work diligently to build on previous successes and always looking for opportunities to understand and grow.

I look forward to a great year! 

Kind Regards,

Kelvin Wong

President, DPS Council

As Kelvin eluded to, the school year has started very well. Students have settled quickly and routines are well established. We welcomed some new staff to DPS this year and feedback so far is that they’re very happy to be here and the clarity around our processes has been acknowledged a number of times, which makes it easier to come into a new school.

Over the first four weeks we ran an induction program for our new staff so they have learned all about our protocols, procedures, and expectations at DPS.

Our open classes on Thursday February 8th were well attended and provided an opportunity for parents to meet their child’s new teacher and see the classroom in which they will spend 2024. 

During the holidays we had new carpet laid in the L6 building, part of the junior building painted including external doors, the L6 roof was repaired (it had a leak). We still have more work to be completed including some paving repairs and new pavers laid at the rear entrance by the gym. I am also seeking quotes to replace the decking outside the L6 building as it is beginning to show serious signs of aging!

We are also in the process of having the top basketball court resurfaced. This should be completed in approximately two weeks which our senior school students are looking forward to. As we couldn’t have our big assembly this week due to the rain, we might plan another assembly when the basketball court is finished as a relaunch!

Our Leadership Team for 2024 are as follows;

• Principal - Jim Hill
• Assistant Principal - Carly Epskamp
• Leading Teacher - Niky Corfios
• Literacy Learning Specialist - Julia Bay
• Numeracy Learning Specialist- Junior School Brent Granger
• Numeracy Learning Specialist - Senior School Kelly Soccio 
• Wellbeing Coordinator - Andrew Johnson

Level leaders 2024

• Prep Diane Meilak
• Grade 1 Brent Granger
• Grade 2 Hannah Stagoll
• Grade 3 Julia Bay
• Grade 4 Kelly Soccio
• Grade 5 Vanessa Keen
• Grade 6 Niky Corfios
• Specialist Leader - Martin Spinks

SWIMMING is so important and I strongly encourage all families to sign your child up to attend swimming lessons and or water safety. We spend a lot of time in and around the water here in Australia and these skills are so important. 

It became apparent that many of our students are not strong swimmers at the recent trials for the  district swimming competition. A number of students were assisted from the pool and others, while a rescue wasn’t required, couldn’t swim the full length of the pool which is a requirement. This put our staff under avoidable stress. So please sign up for swimming, it is so important.

Thankyou to those parents who signed up and attended the “Parent helpers” course and “Raising Kids in a Digital World”. These were both offered to our families and were well attended which is great.

Please check in to Compass regularly, also watch our Facebook page and the newsletter to keep informed about what is happening and what is coming up.

Regards

Jim Hill

Principal