Principals Message

Greetings Parents, Students, Staff and community of Debney Meadows. 

Term 2 has commenced and we were all very excited to be back onsite ready for learning.  This is a phrase you will hear from us more frequently as we set the routines for the children each day.  Are you ready to learn mean the children are in the GREEN zone and are listening, doing what they are asked the first time and getting onto the task set  and respecting others and the teacher.   

Over the last weeks of last term the children began to settle and be more willing to play outside in a safe and orderly way.  This was very pleasing for the students and the staff.  We are consistently reminding them of these four new rules and their rights and responsibilities as a result.   The children know and understand the school Motto of Work hard and Be Kind and this is a focus for all classes. 

Our Behaviour Tracking Charts in each class, encourages the children to monitor where they are in the overall plan and make good choices.  I have even heard that some families have adopted the chart and the four rules for their homes.  Good work you!

The Holiday Camp:  A huge thankyou to the Edmund Rice organisation, our wonderful Freyja Dixon and the volunteers that made this experience a reality. We have some wonderful photos that we are putting together further in the newsletter. Camping and getting away from the normal routines of life help us all stay well and safe.  Let’s hope we can do it again sometime. 

Staffing News:  We welcome Nick Boylan to our team. Nick will be working as an Education Support Officer in the Dessert Pea and Eucalyptus (Grades3-6) areas of our school. Our Education Support Officer Miss Akut is also taking up an Education Traineeship with us working for a Certificate 3 in Education Support.   We also welcome Lydia Campbell to our PE role.  Lydia will be working on Thursday taking PE.  We hope to get our children into Interschool sport this term. Unfortunately we are saying goodbye to our Primary Welfare Officer Erin Byrne-Gurung who leaves us to take up student for her PHD in Art Therapy.  I know many of you have been supported by Erin and will miss her skill, knowledge and friendly manner.  We wish Erin every success in her studies. As I write we are seeking a replacement for Erin. Stay tuned.

Finally I wish to inform you that Mrs Anita Moore is planning to resign/ retire on Friday May 7th.  Anita has been a teacher here for many years and on your behalf I thank her for your care, consideration and passion for the teaching of young children. Best wishes for your future.

Play Areas at School:  You will have noticed that the cyclone fence has gone and now our children have a more open play area.  We now have three areas for staff supervision at recess and lunchtime.  At each break there are three staff on supervision duty, ensuring that all children are safe and playing cooperatively. Our expert assistant and handy person Ahmed has done a terrific job working hard every day in the last week of the holidays to ensure all is safe and ordered for the students return. 

Collection of students at the end of the school day:  From today we are encouraging parents to pick up their children at the class door as has been the practice in the past.  Teachers will be present but your collection will mean this is another process returning after COVID. Please come to your class door and collect your child at the end of the day. 

Lost Property:  We now have the LOST PROPERTY at the entrance to the Foundation class.  The Lost Property is hanging on a clothes rack so you can see and claim your child’s lost item.  I did notice that not many pieces were named.  Please use a BLACK TEXTA to write your child’s name on their uniform items. With a name we are likely to return it to the child. Uninform is costly so we want children to look after their clothing. 

Dance Club: Dance club is coming to Debney Meadows PS.  This will be a chance for your child to have a half hour dance class during either recess or lunchtime.  Please look for the information on COMPASS if you want your child to attend.  There is a small fee. 

Well that’s about it from me for this newsletter.  Until we meet in person stay well and safe.  Koreena Carlton will be at school on Thursday.  She will be Principal until further notice.

Sincerely

Kerri Simpson

Principal (Acting)

Debney Meadows PS

PS:  This is my last week at your great school.  It has been a pleasure to work alongside staff, students and the families of Debney Meadows Primary School.  My thanks for your support, warmth and friendly conversations. My best wishes to all, especially your children.

CURRICULUM DAY MONDAY APRIL 26TH

NO STUDENTS ON THIS DAY!