Principal's Update

Report from P&C President 2020

The P&C held their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday evening. I would like to acknowledge and thank the parents who served in positions on the P&C Executive this year. Special thanks, also, to the many parents and community members who have given generously of their time to volunteer on P&C sub-committees or to assist with voluntary work for the benefit of our students and school community throughout 2020. 

Our 2020 P&C Executive Members were:

President - Sam Burbidge

Vice-President/s - Shayne Chapman & Sana Zrieka

Secretary - Rosemary Butcher

Treasurer - Kerrie Engelfield

Please find below the report prepared and presented by our P&C President Sam Burbidge:

Well what a year!!!!!

This time last year when we were elected as the executive committee for the 2019/20 year, we obviously had no idea just how challenging and different the year would be, not only for our little community but for the whole world.

The P&C executive members, their sub committees & committee members, staff, volunteers & parent helpers have shown amazing resilience and determination this year to get things done in shorter timeframes & with ever changing restrictions hampering their efforts. Although we have not been able to organise, run & attend the usual years social & fundraising occasions we have done what we could to keep things as ‘normal’ as possible for our kids.

I commend the whole community for stepping up and coming together to get through this year and following the directions from Kristy and the teachers to help make the changes that were required work as smoothly as possible.

To Kristy and her wonderful staff, what else can I say except thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Your response to the constantly changing restrictions & demands imposed on you all by the COVID -19 pandemic has been nothing less than impressive. Good teachers have always had the ability to change gears and navigate new terrain but when our teachers were asked to carry on as usual while managing absenteeism, providing both online & in class teaching, learning & introducing new technology resources to ensure our children were not falling behind in their learning…. that was above and beyond the call of duty. The extra hours put in to ensure children still felt connected to their class & friends was remarkable, I’m sure I speak for all parents when I say we appreciate immensely everything you and your wonderful staff have done in these very unusual last 8 months.

Throughout 2019/20 the P&C continued to operate the following services for the school community through it’s sub committees albeit in a very different way;

• OOSH (Out of School Hours Care)
• Canteen
• Uniform Shop
• Events
• Banking
• Casual Tennis Hire

A huge THANK YOU to ALL the sub committees and volunteers who ensured these services continued.

Also a big thank you to the parents who took on last year’s EOY celebrations including the Year 6 Graduation Morning Tea and Farewell evening.

The events & fundraising we did manage to continue with were;

• 2019 Presentation Day – funded the venue
• Family Fun Night
• K-2 Santa gifts
• Year 6 USB’s
• Annual Library Book subscriptions
• A week of free Coffee/Tea from the Big Tree House for the teachers whilst online learning commenced
• Cupcake & Jelly Day
• Fundraising for Warrumbungle Wildlife Centre
• Father’s Day Stall (FUDGE Day)
• Loftus Pie & Slice Drive
• Helped fund the Shade Sail on the Village Green
• Lunch for World Teachers Day

We still have a few things coming up for the end of 2020 including;

• Loftus Xmas Pie Drive
• Gingerbread House Drive
• K-2 Santa gifts
• Year 6 USB’s
• EOY celebrations 

As President I would like to thank my fellow executive office bearers for all their hard work & dedication to their positions. It has been a privilege to work with such a great team in 2020.

On a personal level……..

I have been actively involved with the DPS P&C Association since my eldest child Luke started Kindy at Dundas in 2011. As this is my last year at Dundas I would like to thank every volunteer who has ever helped in some way over the last 10 years. It has been a privilege to volunteer alongside parents, carers, P&C staff, the Principal & School staff as well as members of our community whose interest it is to provide the best possible learning environment for our children and for future Dundas Public school students.

I strongly encourage everyone within the DPS community to consider taking on a position within the P&C whether it be an executive one, on a sub committee or just a general member & volunteer. It is only through this way that the P&C can grow and continue to enhance the wonderful opportunities and services it provides. 

To Kristy…..I don’t know what we did to deserve you but THANK YOU so much for coming to our wonderful little school . It may have only been a short stay in your career, but you have had such an impact on the whole school. 

Seeing the change you have made to the school in ALL facets is just inspiring. The leadership you brought, your caring & dedication to the children, staff and parents and your support and understanding has completely changed the whole school atmosphere. 

I would like to also thank you for the opportunity for the P&C to be a big part of the school’s growth & development. I know the whole school including the community is going to miss you dearly and you’ve left HUGE shoes & expectations for your replacement to fill.

Working alongside you as the President has been amazing and I feel privileged to have been President under your watch. Good luck in all your future endeavours & keep in touch 

I would like to thank my fellow office bearers on a personal level for the hours that no one sees or knows about, the support and the selfless efforts to help provide the DPS kids with a better school experience, your friendship & counselling.

A massive thank you to Shayne & Kerrie who have been my go to people for pretty much everything while President, your constant support & guidance has been immeasurable.

I am definitely going to miss being a part of the Dundas community that has been a large part of my life for the last 10 years and I hope it continues to grow & thrive. 

Thank you

Samantha Burbidge

End-of-Year Events

Please note the following dates for our end-of-year events in 2020. As we are limited by current health restrictions and guidelines there are significant changes to the organisation of events this year. 

Friday 4th December - Year 6 Graduation Assembly (Year 6 Students Only + 1 Parent)

Friday 4th December - Year 6 Farewell (Year 6 Students + Teachers Only)

Wednesday 9th December - Year 6 Big Day In (Year 6 Students + Teachers Only)

Thursday 10th December - K-6 Fun Day (K-6 Students + Teachers Only)

Friday 11th December - K-6 Presentation Day (K-6 Students + Teachers Only)

Monday 14th December - SRC Talent Quest (K+6 Students + Teachers Only)

Wednesday 16th December - Last Day of School for 2020

Notes will be sent home to families over the coming weeks with further information and specific details regarding events. Please feel free to contact your child's teacher if you have any questions. 

Dundas Token Winners

Congratulations to the following clever learners for winning the Dundas Token Draw in Weeks 3 & 4.

Happy Diwali!

We wish our students, families and staff celebrating Diwali and joyous and special time of celebration with loved ones. 

Have a fantastic fortnight!

Miss K Frame

Principal