Good Afternoon Parents Students, Staff and Friends of Derinya,

As you walk the corridors of the school there is such a sense of joy and celebration. Today we were fortunate enough to be visited by VIP guests, Premier Jacinta Allen and Member for Frankston Mr Paul Edbrooke. Our Year 6 students were addressed and had an opportunity to ask questions gaining insight into the experience, responsibility and varied roles of leadership at such a high level. Premier Allen and Mr Edbrooke then spent some time over morning tea with the staff and students. This was a great opportunity where our students put their best foot forward and represented their school with incredible pride. Thanks to all who were part of this experience.

Cultural Appreciation Day

Well done to our incredible Year 4 students. This year’s Cultural Appreciation Day was certainly an outstanding event. The students showcased their hard work and incredible learning that had been part of this term’s inquiry unit. Well done to our year 4 teachers and families who came along to share in the fun!

Staffing news

It is with sadness but also our best wishes that we say farewell to three staff this year. Ms Monica Waterworth will be transitioning across to Mt Eliza Primary School in a learning specialist role. Miss Rebecca Anderson will be moving to a teaching position in the private system and Mrs Samantha Allen has plans to return to the UK to be with family. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all three staff members for their incredible work and dedication to our school and wish them all the best.

Next year we have Mrs Stacey McIntyre and Mrs Tania Cleary returning in a part time capacity from family leave. We welcome new staff members Ms Chelsea Morris and Mr Ace Margheriti who have been student teachers here with us in 2024. Please see below their letters of introduction.

Hello, Derinya Primary School,

My name is Ace Margheriti and as an ex-Derinya student myself, I am thrilled to be joining the Derinya community as a graduate teacher in 2025.

I am a dedicated and proactive team member, always wanting to foster strong relationships with students, staff, and the wider community. I value creating engaging and memorable learning opportunities for all students, while striving for excellence in all areas of education.

I grew up a Basketballer, having the opportunity to represent Frankston Blues in America, as well as playing and coaching locally. I am an avid Motorsport fan, and I love watching the AFL. At home, I am the eldest child of three and we have an energetic English Staffy called Kyra. I cherish my time with friends and family and love gaining new experiences from travelling.

I look forward to meeting you all in 2025

Hello,

My name is Chelsea Morris and I am very excited to be joining Derinya Primary School in 2025.

Teaching has always felt like my true calling and is something I’ve been passionate about for as long as I can remember. I want to help kids grow, discover new things, and find the joy in learning.

I was lucky enough to do my final placement here at Derinya, and I felt an immediate connection to the school and the amazing community. The energy, the support, and the passion from both the students and staff made it clear to me that this was the place I was meant to be. I’m so grateful that I get to start my teaching journey here with all of you.

Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s travelling to new places or playing netball. I believe there’s so much we can learn from the world around us, and I’m excited to bring that sense of adventure and curiosity into the classroom.

I’m really looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you, students, parents, and fellow teachers.

Thank you for welcoming me to the Derinya family. I can’t wait to get started and see where this journey takes us!

Step Up Day

Next Tuesday is Statewide Transition Day. Our Year 6 students will spend the day at their respective secondary schools whilst we prepare for the commencement of 2025. All class placements have now been finalised in preparation for step up day where they will meet their new teacher and their classmates for the year ahead. Please know that staff spend many hours considering the placement of each individual student. Your support around transition is appreciated.

Connecting with culture

Recently, indigenous artist Merindah Gunya has been working with our Year 6 Creative Code Challenge group. Collaboratively they have learnt about indigenous symbols incorporated into art pieces and used these to tell a story. There are three stunning canvases that you will see around the school next year. You will also notice some of her artwork incorporated into our Year 6 uniforms.

Christmas Breakfast

Tomorrow, we come together to celebrate our Christmas Breakfast. A reminder to bring along a gift for a child less fortunate of a similar age to yours. Egg and bacon rolls, pancakes and fruit will be provided for the children from 8am. Wearing a touch of Christmas along with school uniform is optional. I look forward to seeing everyone at what is always a very special event.

Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend ahead and a fabulous final two weeks of the school year.

Kind Regards,

Nadine Pye on behalf of the Derinya team.

Student Achievements

WOW Awards - Announced at assembly on Friday 13th December