From the Principal's desk
Hello, I hope you are all keeping safe and well.
As you are aware from latest newsfeeds on Compass, DET has recently increased scrutiny on essential worker families, and we have been instructed to ensure that they present Authorised Provider and Authorised Worker Permits and/or Vulnerability Attendance Form (Onsite Attendance forms). These forms must be completed weekly and be submitted in hard copy to the school each Friday by 12pm, so staffing numbers can be arranged for the upcoming week. I have been asked to open the bottom, Hummel Way carpark due to congestion in the top Council Street, carpark. My response was that this is not an option as we need to know who is always onsite, therefore families must enter through the Council Street gate and sign their child in daily. Extend continues to provide before and after school care for essential worker children and those considered vulnerable who attend onsite learning.
Regular updates from DET have consistently stressed the importance of reminding families and any visitors (which are kept to an absolute minimum), to adhere to the COVID safe measures during the current restrictions in Victoria. They must wear a mask, always sign in at the office and sanitise. Until further notice, assemblies and large gatherings are not permitted, and this may continue to be the case once children are back onsite for some time.
Each Friday teachers have organised fun activities, which we now refer to Fridays as "Fun Friday". Details can be found in Compass feeds each week and on our Facebook page.
We also actively promote increased engagement with " Fun Friday" and "Wellbeing Wednesday", which are specifically aimed to have fun with kids, so log on and participate in these activities with each other.
The latest initiative is the "Lego Ten Day Challenge". You can see some photos in this newsletter of some amazing creations! It looks like there are some serious lego collections out there.
Events like Bushwazee and Athletics day have been cancelled due to other bookings in Term 4. Athletics day and other events can’t be postponed again and again, otherwise the rest of the year will be overrun with big events that take children out of the classroom at a time when it is so important. The extra events provide different experiences and compliment the curriculum. Given the amount of time spent in remote learning, we have made the decision to make the most of the year ahead. Class teaching and learning time is precious, so we want to get our students back on track and busy learning. This is our priority over and above the extra activities. There will be some activities, but we had to make decisions about which will be cancelled.
I'd like to thank our school councillors, and all of our parents for your patience, commitment, and support at this time. We understand it must be difficult to be at home and working with your children on their work. We are trying to keep things as simple as possible because we don't want to overwhelm you or your children.
One positive is the letters of thanks and support from families who have a newfound appreciation for teachers. It makes a big impression when we receive kind words, it really makes our day.
Please check Compass daily for news feeds, look on Facebook to see photos and some short videos of what is happening online. To promote connection with our students we are including some fun activities. For example, we are asking students to send in a photo or short clip of their workstation to their teacher then Mr. Johnson will create a short clip to share. Just another way of celebrating what is happening, and how well our students are going in remote learning.
Don't forget to check out our "DPS Virtual Art Exhibition 2021"
Today we celebrate our students' achievements and wonderful artwork. They did a wide range of art such as drawing, painting, mixed media, textile etc. Congratulations to the junior, middle and senior winners!
I must acknowledge our wonderful staff. Their commitment is unwavering with a lot of unseen work taking place behind the scenes. What I find most impressive and what makes me most proud to be part of DPS, is the enthusiasm in which our staff approach their work. We always put children front and centre of our decisions. Our mantra continues to be Care, Supervision and Connection, which has kept us focused on what is important during this time.
DONNA WALKER RETIREMENT
I would like to inform our community that Donna Walker is retiring this week. Donna has worked with many of your children in different levels. She has been a dedicated and highly valued member of DPS for almost 20 years. Donna and her husband recently relocated. They feel now is the perfect time to for Donna to retire from education to seek new challenges and follow other interests. I would like to sincerely thank Donna for all she had done at DPS, and she really has done it all. Donna likes to get involved and make a difference, which she certainly has done for so many students. On behalf of the entire DPS community - Good Luck Donna, we look forward to hearing about what is next for you and your family!
Stay safe & Take care,
Jim Hill
Principal