Principal's Update

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Year 6 Farewell  

It was lovely to see our Year 6 students all dressed up and enjoying their farewell. This year the farewell was held in the function room of the Viking Sports Club. The function room has its own separate entry. They danced the night away and had fun with their friends. A big thank you to Mr McSeveny and Mr Dean for organising the farewell. Thank you to Mrs Keegan, Mrs Haworth, Mrs Bohan and Mrs Luu for decorating the function room and celebrating the end of primary school with their students. Thank you to Mrs Zorbas for helping set up the decorations. Thank you to all of the staff members who came along to help make this a memorable night for our Year 6 students.  

League Tag grand final 

This morning, we had our League Tag grand final. We were extremely fortunate to have Mr D’Arcy Hardman and Ms Elsie Albert attend our grand final this morning. Mr Hardman is the Game Development Officer at Parramatta Eels. Ms Elsie Albert is a player for Parramatta Eels as well as a representative of the Papua New Guinea team. We thank them both for their time and their involvement today. Mr Hardman refereed both games and Ms Albert joined the staff team. The Year 6 students played extremely well beating the staff team 4-2. I thank our guests and staff for playing this morning. 

Thank you to Mr McSeveny and Mr Jones for refereeing the games his term.  

The entire school was out this morning to support the Eels and Roosters teams in a very tight grand final match. After matching try for try, the Eels team were triumphant winning the game 10 tries to 8.  

Both grand final teams received a trophy for their outstanding play and teamwork. 

DPS High School Transition Program 

Since 2021, DPS has included a High School Transition Program where Year 6 students are exposed to high school routines and expectations. This program, along with high school orientation programs, support students and their families navigate the impending learning and social changes.   

On Monday and Tuesday, students were organized into three different classes and received a timetable where they moved to different rooms and subject areas. The content delivered this year included physical education, food technology and design and technology (technical drawing). I thank Mr McSeveny, Mr Dean and Mrs Luu for organising this important transition program and delivering such engaging lessons to prepare our students for high school.  

Semester 2 student reports 

Student semester 2 student reports will be coming home with students today. Parents and carers may wonder what limited to outstanding on a student report represents. The below infographic is a helpful tool I have used in the past that may assist families understand the NSW reporting standards.  

2024 School Development Days 

Term 1: Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st January  

Term 2: Monday 29th April  

Term 3: Monday 22nd July  

Term 4: Thursday 19th and Friday 20th December  

2024 Term Dates  

Term 1 Tuesday 30th January – Friday 12th April  

Years 1-6 students return Thursday 1st February, Kindergarten commence Tuesday 6th February  

Term 2 Monday 29th April – Friday 5 th July (Students return Tuesday 30th April) 

Term 3 Monday 22nd July – Friday 27th September (Students return Tuesday 23rd July)  

Term 4 Monday 14th October – Wednesday 18th December  

Staff News  

The following staff members will be moving on from DPS in 2024: Mr Upton is moving on to a different school. On behalf of the community, I would like to wish him well. Thank you to Miss Nguyen for stepping in when Mr Yee moved to Rydalmere PS. And of course, a final farewell to Mrs Dinsdale who is leaving Dundas as she starts her well-earned retirement.  I thank them for all they have contributed to DPS and wish them all the very best for the future.  

In 2024, Mr Curmi will be continuing his leave. Mrs Foster (Kesby) is continuing her maternity leave and Miss Kim will be taking leave next year. Mr Yee will be continuing as Relieving Principal for Term 1 in 2024. We have employed Mr Raven to replace him for Term 1. We also welcome Ms Taouk and Ms Chan to our school for 2024.  

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year  

On behalf of the staff of Dundas PS, we would like to wish everyone a safe and restful festive season. To the families whose youngest child will be leaving primary school and those who are moving on, we hope that you and your child have enjoyed your time at Dundas PS and take many fond memories with you. To our Year 6 students, farewell and good luck in high school. 

Kind regards, 

Lee Shipley 

Principal