From the Principal's desk

Welcome back to onsite learning! It is so good to have students back at school and back in their classrooms learning. The energy is certainly back and amazingly it already feels like we were never away. It is unfortunate that it isn't possible to make up for the activities we usually organise at school. We have six weeks to go this year and we intend using them wisely to ensure we maximise every precious hour of everyday. We need to use our time strategically so we can maximise learning opportunities and outcomes for all students in the time we have left this term.

Our Grade 6's will have a Graduation for example, but it will be modified. The Grade 6 team are working together and assure you that the Graduation will be a celebration to remember!

It is great to see how quickly children have settled back, working hard in class, Guided reading and other routines have recommenced again with ease. It is also great to see friendships renewed. I think the biggest impact was that kids missed their friends!

Let’s hope this is how we will continue.

As I reflect on lock down I must thank our staff for their endless efforts in maintaining a connection with their students and families. It was a tricky time full of new challenges for everyone. Hence, I must also thank, you, our parents for trusting the process and for supporting your children in their education. Thank you also to our School Councillors who have worked closely with the school, all be it electronically. Thank you also for the kind calls and messages, they are very much appreciated and often brightened our days! And, let's not forget the very reason we are here, the DPS kids, who have hung in their and kept up their motivation and produced some great work. Some have even thrived under remote learning.

At drop off and pick up please remember to social distance and wear a mask.

Staggered dismissal times to promote social distancing:

Afternoon Routine

Pick up time will be staggered.
Students to be dismissed in Houses.
3.00pm Monash
3.05pm Lawson
3.10pm Phillip
3.15pm Flinders
Staff will be on duty in the playground until 3.45pm daily.
No playing in playground when dismissed.

Morning Routine

Feeling unwell? Don’t come to school.
Arrive between 8.45am and 9.00am.
Enter from Council Street gates or Hummel Way gate.
Students proceed straight to their classroom.
Don’t play outside.
Parents are not to enter school grounds. Don’t stay to chat.
Any questions please call the office 98481122

At this time I cant stress enough that safety is paramount. Please, please, take extra care when navigating around the school in your car. Some of the driving and parking I have seen just this week, to be honest, has been astonishing! I have witnessed some inconsiderate driving and this is really not good enough as it puts children in danger. So please, I ask that you take care in your car around the school.

Now that school has re-opened, mask wearing for all adults inside, and for students from Year 3 - 6. It is strongly recommended students in Year Prep - 2 wear a mask inside as well.

We will minimise mixing classes and year groups with different play areas, ventilating rooms, regular sanitising, hand washing and encouraging outdoor activities when possible.

Parents are not allowed onsite unless at the office.

All staff are vaccinated, as well as any visitors and contractors at the school.

Please do not send sick children to school, if they are unwell you will be called and asked to pick them up ASAP.

Assembly and other mass gatherings are restricted and will still be online via my Webex at 9am Mondays.

If you require information on Covid there is a DET COVID-19 hotline (1800 338 663) that is available for all Department staff, contractors and parents, 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) for any questions, queries or concerns. Employees may also access the guidance at COVID-19 Advice Line - FAQs .

2022 Planning

Our planning for 2022 is underway.

We need to ensure we establish the best learning opportunities for all our students in 2022. I ask that parents refrain from requesting friendship groupings and teacher preferences, unless there are extenuating circumstances that we may not be aware of, which may potentially impact on a child’s placement.

Thank you to those families who have notified us that their child/children will not be attending DPS in 2022. If you have not yet notified the school to let us know that your child will be leaving, could you please do so as soon as possible?

If you have a child or know of a child starting at DPS next year in Prep, or another level, please let us know as soon as possible so we can include them and their family on our list.

To welcome students back we literally laid out the red carpet at all gates!

Next Thursday is Remembrance Day........ 11/11/21

Take care and stay safe,

Regards

Jim Hill

Principal