Principal's Blog

Good Afternoon Parents Students, Staff and Friends of Derinya,  

As our School Review comes to a close, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the vibrant spirit that defines our school community. Each day, our students continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and kindness, while our dedicated staff work tirelessly to support their growth. Our parent community continue to volunteer, engage in our community and support the learning and wellbeing that happens in classrooms every day. Please take a moment to read this week’s newsletter that includes an update on the review findings.  

School Review  

Our School Review was a highly successful process. The review panel included two experienced Principal’s, our Senior Education Improvement Leader (SEIL) and our reviewer. Almost all staff were part of the process through either focus groups or observations. Many students were also observed and had an opportunity to provide feedback including representation across the school. This involved a F-3 group, 4-6 students, students receiving additional support, students identified as high ability and our school leaders. Parents were also included as a focus group and their feedback was positive and appreciated. Some key observations included: 

• High levels of safe, calm and orderly class environments. 
• Strong relationships between staff and students. 
• Developing inclusive practices including adjustments.  
• High levels of student behaviour supporting time on task.  
• Strong community connection and involvement.  

Some areas for future consideration included: 

• Further development of differentiation 
• Developing learner agency  

Overall, the panel reported that students love their school and feel safe, happy supported and never bored!  

Year 5 Camp 

Last week’s camp to Phillip Island Adventure Camp was a huge success. With high levels of participation, incredible weather and fantastic support from parents and staff, a wonderful time was had by all.  

Team Japan 

This year’s Team Japan students have been announced with 16 students from year 6 being the successful applicants. Sakamoto and Taylor Sensei are working hard on finalising the arrangements with a highlight this year being the team’s performance at World Expo. 

Mother’s Day  

I trust that all our Mum’s and special people in our children’s lives had a lovely Mother’s Day last Sunday. Many thanks to our Community Connect team who did an outstanding job organising, preparing and manning our stall so that students could choose a special gift. A shout out to this year’s volunteers to include Steph, Cherie, Luanne, Kim, Katie, Lauren, Nicole, Emily, Shane, Leanne, Ersi, Eleanor, Sarah, Gary, Belinda, Melissa, Conan, Meagan, Jodie, Emma and Rachel. Apologies if anyone was missed. Many thanks to all.  

Fundraising  

I am excited to announce that our fair raised just over $20,000, this is an outstanding effort and could not have been achieved without your generosity and assistance in both preparation and on the day. Fundraising allows us to continue to update and upgrade our facilities with our most recent projects being the resurfacing of the oval, the asphalt and mini basketball rings and the long-awaited bike shed. Our next major project will be a new playground to replace the current one on the Derinya Dve boundary. We are currently consulting with school council and the student body represented by the SVT around how this may look. It is in the very early stages and will take some time to save for but will certainly be worth it. DACE, the fair and next year’s Colour Run will be the major events that will support this project.  

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend ahead. 

Kind Regards, 

Nadine Pye on behalf of the Derinya team.