Principal's Report - 4th April

Student and Staff Profiles

This week we feature Horsham Bus Captain, Isaaia Hollingsworth, Vice-Captain, Hayley Brooker and staff member, Donna Baldock.

You can download the newsletter to read these profiles at this link.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Last night, we held our first Parent Teacher Interviews for the year. I was pleased to see the parents and students attend this important event. There was a great “buzz” in the Science building with lots of animated conversations about student achievements and some areas for improvement. Can I please encourage any parents or carers who could not make it yesterday, to contact their child’s teachers by phone for some feedback on Term One.

Athletics Carnival

Thank you to the students, staff and parents who made our annual athletics day a great success. The participation numbers were up on last year and there were some wonderful performances throughout the day. Congratulations to Wimmera House who won the house shield and well done to Mayci Porter who won the Athlete of the Meet trophy – an outstanding achievement. A special thank you to Mr Jake Hobbs who convened the day, all went very smoothly and we finished well ahead of schedule. Please see photos later in the newsletter.

Farewell to Sue Bell

On Monday evening, we held a surprise farewell for DMSC staff member, Mrs Sue Bell. Staff travelled by bus to the Jeparit tennis courts where we enjoyed some great food, company and a little tennis. Sue was thrilled with the venue choice, describing the Jeparit Tennis Club as, “My favourite place on earth!”

Sue joined the DMSC staff in 2006, taking on the role as librarian and classroom assistant. Sue’s supreme organisational skills and empathy were both evident in these fields, however she truly shined when she took over the operations in our Science Lab. Sue is widely regarded as a leader in her field, with Lab Techs from other schools seeking out her wise counsel. We have long known how fortunate we were to have someone of Sue’s calibre supporting our Science teachers and she will be sorely missed.

Sue has also been a driving force behind our Staff Association, ensuring all are included in a wide range of fun activities. From organising the end of year staff function to running our monthly quizzes, Sue has played a key role in ensuring that our staff continue to be one of the most cohesive that I – and all of us – have ever worked in. In her farewell speech, Sue mentioned how she has absolutely loved her time at DMSC and how she feels fortunate to have worked here. We share those sentiments with Sue and it is at times like this that we are reminded of how lucky we are.

On behalf of the DMSC community, I would like to thank Sue for her many and varied contributions to the school. We wish she and Gary our most sincere best wishes as they look to new challenges and adventures in the future. We know she will relish her “Granny” duties and having more time to share with those she loves.

Good-bye and good luck Sue!

Staff Professional Learning

Tomorrow, April 5, all of our teaching staff will be participating in a professional learning day in Rainbow. This is the second day of some training we commenced last year and staff are looking forward to it. It is essential for staff to continue with their learning, as it enables us to deliver the best possible programs for our students.

Anzac Day

Once again, DMSC will host the Dimboola RSL’s Anzac Service. There will be a dawn service at 6.00am in front of the Memorial Building, with the longer service and march at 9.00am. Those wishing to march should assemble at the school gates at 8.30am. (Please see flyer below and in the newsletter.)

There will be a free breakfast for those who attend the dawn service, served at the DMSC canteen at 6.30am.

Happy Holidays

Term One is now complete for students and there have been many highlights throughout the first 10 weeks. While I know staff and students are tired, I hope that time is taken to reflect on what has been accomplished in Term One. For the students who know that they still have room for improvement, I look forward to seeing an improved effort right from the start of next term. For the vast majority of students who worked very well in Term One, congratulations on your efforts and keep up the good work.

I would like to thank the hard-working staff of DMSC – both teaching and educational support. They are all very committed to our wonderful school and continue to strive to deliver the best possible outcomes for our students. Happy holidays to all members of our school community and I hope Easter is happy time in your families.

Please remember that we start Term Two on TUESDAY April 23.

Anne Gawith

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