Principal's Report

2023 Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey:

WE WANT YOU TO TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!

Our school is conducting a survey to find out what parents / caregivers / guardians think of our school. The Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education that is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behavior, and student engagement. The survey is optional but we encourage all families to participate. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies. 

As you know we are currently in the process of reviewing the last four years at DPS. Your feedback will inform us on issues and or concerns you may have. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge and/or celebrate the successes you have observed or been a part of at DPS.

A random sample of approximately 30 per cent of parents / caregivers / guardians will be selected to participate in this year’s survey. 

The Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey will be open from Monday 7 August to Friday 8 September 2023 for those who randomly receive an invitation to participate.

The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time within the survey period on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. The online survey will be available in English and 10 other languages including Arabic, Greek, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Japanese, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Turkish, and Vietnamese.  Last year we used the survey results to plan and set goals and targets, so your feedback this year will inform us regarding how we have gone against these targets.  Please let us know if you would like more information.

BUSHWAHZEE

It was great to see Level 2, 3 and 4 students and their families enjoying the Bushwahzee performances this week. August 7th will be show time for our Prep and Level one students. The younger students always put on quite a show.

Speaking of our Preps, this Friday is their 100th day at school! Congratulations to our Preps who have settled into the world of education so well. We are amazed by what they have achieved so far this year! I have recently spent time with them and their ability to read and write, given they're still relatively new to school, and so young, is incredible!

REVIEW

As I wrote in a Compass feed on Tuesday, we are well into the review process. A panel of nine people have been analysing all aspects of life at DPS. We have looked at how well students are going in their socialisation as well as all aspects of academic achievement. Each year we set goals and targets and we are looking closely at these. Some have been more successful than others, but we are consistently achieving good results. 

Part of the review has included classroom observations and it is very clear, and has been noted many times by the panel that we have outstanding students at DPS. They are respectful of each other and their teachers, they work well and should be justifiably proud of their efforts.

The review panel have been glowing in their reports. This is no surprise to us because we know how good our school is and have been proud to show it off. Following the review we will then create a new Strategic Plan that will guide the next four years at DPS.

As always we are a busy school with lots of events and activities. Please check Compass regularly and I also encourage you to take some time to read through our newsletter which is full of information, reflections, photos etc. about all sort of programs and events at DPS.

Please also mark your diary for Monday August 14th when we will be having a full in person assembly in the gym from 9am. 

Regards

Jim Hill

Principal