Principal's Blog

Good Afternoon Parents Students, Staff and Friends of Derinya,  

We hope you had a restful and rejuvenating break and are ready for an exciting Term 3 at Derinya. There’s a great energy around the school as students return with smiling faces, ready to learn, grow and connect. This term is shaping up to be full of rich experiences, learning opportunities, and community celebrations — and it’s already off to a wonderful start. 

Fundraising with Heart 

Last term, we were proud to see our community come together for two very special fundraising events. A huge congratulations to Hudson, who shaved his head in support of Pancare — raising funds and awareness for a cause close to many hearts. His courage and generosity inspired us all. Being joined by player Owen Foxwell from South East Melbourne Phoenix Basketball Team certainly added to the excitement.  

And who could forget Pancakes and PJ’s Day! It was a fun and cosy way to finish the term, with students and staff enjoying a lovely treat in their comfiest gear — all while raising funds for a great cause.  

Between these two events we were able to donate almost $2500 in total to Pancare and the Lukemia foundation. Many thanks to all who contributed with either donation or assisting in preparing our delicious pancakes.  

We are very much looking forward to tonight’s opening of the 2025 Derinya Art and Craft Exhibition, showcasing incredible local talent whilst raising funds for our school with our next major project being a new playground along the Derinya Dve boundary.  

Celebrating Culture and Connection 

We are thrilled to welcome our visiting delegation from Shukutoku, Japan! A heartfelt thank you goes to our wonderful host families who are generously opening their homes and sharing our Australian way of life. Our Japanese program continues to strengthen cultural understanding and global friendships. 

We’d also like to take a moment to reflect on our NAIDOC Week celebrations from the end of Term 2. Students engaged meaningfully with this year’s theme, and we were privileged to witness an incredible performance that honoured the stories, histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of respect, inclusion and reconciliation in our school and beyond. 

Well done to Evie S from year 5, who did an outstanding job representing Australia as a junior ambassador on her recent trip. We are all so proud of you Evie! 

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data  

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. Please find attached further information on this and refer back to the NCCD Fact Sheet in the current newsletter.

Here's to a positive and purposeful Term 3! 

Nadine Pye on behalf of the Derinya Team