Principal's Blog

Good Afternoon Parents Students, Staff and Friends of Derinya,  

Last week we acknowledged Reconciliation Week through class work and assembly performances. After much thought, research, and input from students and the community, we launched our new school house names on June 6. Each house is named after an Indigenous bird native to our local area—celebrating the richness of our environment and the cultural significance of these species. 

• Kurmile – Yellow House Named after the Yellow Cockatoo, Kurmile represents energy, curiosity, and the joy of learning. Just like the cockatoo, this house brings brightness and boldness to everything it does. 
• Dantum – Red House Dantum takes its name from the Crimson Rosella, a bird known for its striking beauty and vibrant colours. It stands for courage, creativity, and a strong sense of community. 
• Wargill – Blue House Inspired by the graceful Pelican, Wargill symbolises calm strength, cooperation, and resourcefulness—soaring high with purpose and clarity. 
• Nearnung – Green House Named after the Black Cockatoo, Nearnung embodies resilience, wisdom, and a deep connection to nature. It reminds us of the importance of looking after each other and the world around us. 

These names are more than just colours—they carry meaning, identity, and a shared commitment to our school values. By honouring the birds and the land they come from, we strengthen our connection to Country and to one another. We look forward to continue to grow the spirit of ‘house’ supporting the wonderful sense of belonging and connection that is highly valued at our school.  

Derinya Dance Showcase 

Congratulations to our wonderful performing artists who entertained a fantastic audience last week at the Frankston High School Performing Arts Centre. The students showed great commitment and talent in both preparations and the performance. Many thanks to Mrs Morrison, Mrs Runchey, Mrs Morgan, Mrs Baltas, Mrs Catford and Bec H for their hard work in bringing these items to the stage. Thank you also to our parents who showed great support and encouragement.  

Parent Information  

 As parents we constantly think about, question and reflect on how best to parent our children. I recently had the opportunity to read the article Lighthouse Parents Have More Confident Kids by Russell Shaw (The Atlantic, 2024), which offers powerful insights into the long-term benefits of stepping back so our children can step up. 

Several quotes resonated deeply with me: 

• “We’re biologically wired to prevent our children’s suffering… but a young person who grows accustomed to having a parent intervene begins to believe they’re not capable of acting on their own.” 

• “When parents seek to control outcomes for their kids, they are trading short-term wins for long-term thriving.” 

• “Sometimes what a child needs is simply to be acknowledged: “Wow, that sounds like a lot.” “I can tell you are working really hard.” “Do you have ideas about what you want to do?” 

The article makes a compelling case for the Lighthouse Parent—a calm, reliable presence who provides guidance and boundaries while allowing children to navigate challenges independently. It suggests that when parents substitute their impulse to fix problems with patient listening, they foster resilience, confidence, and emotional growth in their children.  

Keep up the wonderful work that you do as parents, grandparents and carers and enjoy the moments of magic and joy that raising wonderful young people brings. 

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend ahead. 

Kind Regards, 

Nadine Pye on behalf of the Derinya community.