Principal's Blog

Dear Parents, Carers, Students, Staff and Friends of Derinya,

Today, Mrs Ebony Hewitt will head off on family leave as she is expecting her second child very soon. We wish Ebony all the best as the Hewitt’s become a family of 4! 

Maths Update  

This year we have had a strong focus on the teaching of mathematics led by Mrs Monica Waterworth. We have developed a new instructional model that is heavily based on students participating in productive struggle, problem solving and hands on exploration of mathematical concepts. This is balanced with explicit instruction and opportunities to develop efficient mental computation strategies and a growth mindset. Our results in maths this year are certainly something to celebrate with NAPLAN results that are above state and either matched or above similar schools. Well done to all staff and students on this outstanding achievement.  

Assessment and Reporting 

Over the coming weeks students will participate in a range of summative assessments. To ensure the accuracy of our reporting teachers gather multiple sources of evidence in key curriculum areas before drawing this together alongside their teacher judgement to determine students end of year achievement. Teachers also work in year level teams and vertically across the school to ensure this judgement is as accurate as possible. Next week students in years 2-6 will sit the Progressive Achievement Tests which are now mandatory state-wide. These assessments are done online and are adaptive in nature meaning that all students capability is accurately assessed.  

Student Free Days 

Our upcoming student free days are to be held on Friday 1st and Monday 18th December. The first is a Professional Practice Day (PPD). PPD’s were rolled out as part of the last Victorian Government Schools Agreement and staff are entitled to one PPD per year where students are not required on site. This is a fantastic opportunity for teachers to finish off the reporting cycle outside of face to face teaching ensuring work in the classroom continues to be rigorous and engaging for the children. The Curriculum Day will involve 2024 teams of teachers coming together and mapping out the year ahead with a focus on term 1 planning. This day ensures teacher teams are confident and ready to go when the new academic year commences. With the support of School Council, much thought is given to mapping out all events including curriculum days ensuring the best possible experiences for the students. Your support with this is appreciated.  

For those heading away for Cup Weekend, travel safe and we look forward to seeing everyone on Monday. 

Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend. 

Nadine Pye on behalf of the Derinya Team