A message from Tami -Jo

I hope everyone has settled into Term 3; we have had a busy start to the term with P/T Interviews and many excursions. It has been wonderful to see a bit of sunshine starting to appear.

Upcoming Events ( please check Compass posts for more information)

(Week 4) Bullying? No Way! Week

This national initiative helps students learn how to recognise and respond to bullying, while promoting a safe, kind, and inclusive school community. We will be highlighting our school expectations, values and re-visiting our behaviour matrix during this time.

(Week 5) Book Week: "Book an Adventure"A celebration of reading, imagination and storytelling. Book Week is a chance to explore adventures through literature and inspire a love of books in all year levels. Book Parade Day is Friday August 22nd- start getting your outfits ready.

(Week 6) Wear It Purple Day

Wear It Purple Day supports LGBTQIA+ youth and celebrates diversity, inclusion, and belonging. It was founded in 2010 by a group of high school students in response to heartbreaking stories of young people who experienced bullying, harassment, and isolation because of their sexuality or gender identity. Tragically, several rainbow young people lost their lives to suicide that year, prompting a call for greater visibility, support, and acceptance. Wear it Purple Day is Thursday 28th August.

(Week 8) R U OK? Day (Child Protection Week)R U OK? Day reminds us that a conversation can change a life and encourages everyone to meaningfully connect with those around them. We’ll be teaching students that you don’t need to be an expert to reach out, just a good friend and a great listener. A powerful opportunity to practise empathy, build connection, and strengthen students’ confidence to seek help and support others. R U OK Day is Thursday September 11th.

Messages from Year 7-9 and the Year 3-6 Assemblies

At the beginning of the term, I spoke to the year 7-9 and this week the 3-6 students about some lessons we could learn from Billy Slater, the world class ruby player and current Maroons State of Origin coach. I gave them some context around his success and what he believes is important and asked them to think about some particular questions while they listened to his stories and advice. Here are the questions and the conclusion of my talk with them. It would be great if you could further discuss this at home.

So what is success??

How can we be successful?

How can the messages from Billy be translated into lessons for students from DCC?

Success is being a good person. Not necessarily being the best at something. I think it is really important to note that when Billy thinks about success- being a good person is the most important- not whether others think he is a good person but whether he knows he is a good person.

We can be successful by being kind, consistent, respecting others, working hard, showing effort and trying all the time; learning from our mistakes, and being accountable when doing something wrong.

How can these message being translated into lessons for us here at DCC:

Be kind and respectful to everyone all the time
When someone’s behaviour or words or actions around you are not kind- choose to respond in an appropriate way not react
Choose to do good things for other people and see how that makes you feel- don’t do them so someone will do it back it you but just because it makes you feel good
Wear our uniform with pride- think about how your behaviour reflects on others- think of yourself as a member of a bigger team- wear it in a way that when others see you- they say- those DCC students are kind, respectful, hard workers
Know that every learning opportunity/ every class/ every interaction is an opportunity to show kindness and respect, to learn and get better, to practice

We cannot make you behave in any particular way- you choose how you show up- you choose the type of person you want to be- I am hoping that you take some time to reflect and think about who you want to be.

In a world where there are wars between countries, religions and cultures- where countries are taking away the rights of different groups of people- women, minority groups-we have an opportunity to make it better- don’t think it doesn’t affect you because the type of world we have is based on every small interaction you have with one another. What you do know makes a difference not only to yourself but to others. So I ask that you take a few minutes to think of Billy and the lessons he can teach us. Have a great term.

I am really looking forward to attending the P-2 Assembly next week.

100 Days of Prep

We had a wonderful day last week celebrating the Prep students 100th day at school. They had a day of activities focused around the number 100 including a disco which was reported by many as their favourite part of the day. Thank you to those parents who came in the afternoon to watch them parade their outfits and celebrate their achievements so far.

Principal’s Day

We had a fantastic day celebrating Principal’s Day on Friday 1st August. The messages from the students were appreciated. Some were touching, others were funny and many were insightful. It was lovely to sit back and reflect on what the students see and think. I constantly remind myself when the job becomes difficult or challenging that I do it for the kids- they truly are delightful!!

Long Service Leave

I will be taking some long service leave from the 13th-22nd August. Darren Nicholas will be acting principal in my absence. If you have any issues or concerns, please continue to use the current process- teachers first then Learning Specialists and Heads of House but if you have any pressing matters, contact the administration office and they will put you in touch with the appropriate member of leadership to assist you.

Have a great term everyone!