Dudley Public School Newsletter

We are in the planning stages of getting the school prepared for 2024. This includes placement of students into classes. This process is never an easy task and is met with many complexities and challenges. However, every staff member is involved in the process to ensure that each individual child is best placed to maximise their development; academically, physically, spiritually, emotionally and socially. The invitation for parent and carer input is still open to families who have requests of class placements for their children next year. Please email the school directly with any requests and the staff will work toward meeting these requests where appropriate by the end of Week 4. We also ask parents and carers to inform the school formally if their children will not be continuing their enrolment at Dudley Public School into 2024 by emailing the school directly with that information.

We have begun to engage in developing the strategic improvement plan for our school for the next few years. The staff have been actively participating in activities and sessions around school culture and opportunities to improve school for students. We have focused on identifying the values, beliefs and vision that we hold for the school, which will provide a framework to build the plan within. Parent input is being sought from families in the form of the principal chats which will happen in Week 5, 6 and 7 of this term. I encourage all parents who have some time to provide their voice to the consultation process. There are 3 focus areas for parents to provide their input on; curriculum, wellbeing, and extra-curricular. We will also issue a Tell Them From Me Survey this term for families to complete as well.

To indicate your intention to participate in the Principal Chats please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/guMQhN9YnL

This plan sets the priorities for the coming years and harnesses the commitment of NSW Public Education teachers and schools to provide an outstanding education for every learner. This plan for NSW public education outlines how we will create an equitable and outstanding education system and strengthen trust and respect for the teaching profession. This approach has been informed by evidence and insights from engagement with the wider education community. The plan can be found here: https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/about-us/strategies-and-reports/plan-for-nsw-public-education/plan-for-nsw_public_education_poster.pdf

Many thanks to the outgoing P&C executive and members who have led the P&C throughout 2023. Many initiatives have been implemented successfully with an incredible fundraiser being held in the Read-a-thon. Active discussion and decision making on aspects of the school that fall within the consultative role of P&C have also seen some projects progress in the aim of improving school culture for all stakeholders. Congratulations to all involved in the P&C 2023 in your active contribution to community and school support.

Congratulations to the newly appointed 2024 P&C team. I look forward to working with you on some exciting initiatives over the next 12 months.

The process for selecting our 2024 student leaders is beginning shortly. Mrs Sullivan and I will be running the process this year. The 2024 process will remain the same as past years, with further conversations and consultation around the place of gender to be held into next year. We want to make an informed decision which reflects the values of the community of Dudley and is in the best interests of all students. We will be digging deeper into the whole process of electing student leaders, not just the allocation of gender identified roles.

Current Year 5 students will be provided with information next week about the timeline and the process.

The implementation of the School Bytes software has been incredibly successful with a greater amount of permission notes and payments being made to the school, on time without the need for follow up. Thanks to those families who have supported the transition across to digital permission notes and easier payment systems. The app can be downloaded now and will be a one stop shop from the beginning of 2024 when all correspondence from school will be made through School Bytes. Sentral and Audiri will be retired and School Bytes will be used for all matters related to notes, payments, school events calendar, academic reports, attendance and interviews. We are very excited about the streamlined approach to simplifying communications.

We have successfully begun our Kindergarten orientation process with individual interviews last term, a school site tour this term, parent information session last week, and our student engagement sessions from last week through to next week. We are very excited to welcome our new kindergarten students and their families (current and new) to our school.

I am fortunate this week to be attending the NSW Primary Principals’ Association State Conference in Sydney where I will be engaging with colleagues across the state in accessing influential and well informed keynote speakers giving presentations on leadership and the associated skills in the current social climate of public education. I look forward to bringing this professional development back to Dudley Public School and implementing my learning and development to continue to strengthen our school for all stakeholders. I recognise the importance of lifelong learning and am committed to being the best educational leader I can be for our school through my personal commitment to continual improvement and self development.

Have a wonderful week everyone.

Kind regards,

Chad Tsakissiris

Proud Principal

Kinder Orientation Day 2	Wednesday October 25
Year 2 Swim Scheme	October 23 - November 3
Bandanna Day	Thursday October 26
Interrelate Family Evening	Monday October 30
Kinder Orientation Day 3	Wednesday November 1
Whole School Assembly	Friday November 3

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from our talented Dudley Public School band! Last Wednesday, they participated in the highly competitive Newcastle Bandfest, competing against nine beginner bands in their category.

Our dedicated young musicians returned with a highly commended certificate. We couldn't be prouder of our Dudley Public School band members for their stellar performance and the recognition they earned. 

Well done musicians for your effort and performance! We look forward to hearing their next performance at the Week 4 whole school assembly.

Many of the luxuries that our students enjoy at DPS wouldn’t be possible without our fundraising and your support. Every year the P&C contributes thousands of dollars to the school to help fund learning resources and equipment. This year we have already contributed over $20,000 and the P&C has pre- approved the spending of more funds to go on exciting projects.

Want to know more or share your thoughts? We are always keen to hear from anyone who is interested in getting involved or has suggestions and ideas. Please get in touch:

General business: dudleyschoolpandc@gmail.com

Canteen: dudley.canteen@gmail.com

Uniform shop: dudley.uniformshop@gmail.com

Fundraising: dudley.fundraising@gmail.com

Keep up to date via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DudleyPandC

Find out what’s happening at the school and within the P&C by coming along to a meeting. You don’t need to be a member to attend and there’s no obligation to volunteer for anything!

Meetings are Monday of weeks 3 and 7 of each term at 7pm in the library and via zoom.

To become a member of the P&C, simply bring $2 to a meeting or transfer $2 to the account below and email dudleyschoolpandc@gmail.com to advise of payment and provide contact details.

Name: Dudley P&C

BSB: 032-513

ACC: 338 433

Ref: First and Last Name.

The plants are thriving in the garden. We've loved hunting through the strawberry patch to find delicious treats to eat. Recently, we planted some tomato plants and pumpkin seedlings. They need a lot of water though. We're feeling really lucky to have a dedicated watering tank connected near the garden - Thank you P and C!

Last week we took part in the Aussie Bird Count. It's been running for 10 years. The garden group spent 20 minutes surveying our school environment to spot birds. We then identified what type they are and recorded our data. The results were then submitted as part of the national survey results. We spotted 8 different varieties from the common NSW birds poster attached - Can you guess which ones?