Dernancourt School

Term 1 has been a busy term, full of a variety of different and fun learning opportunities. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our Kyton’s fundraiser, Easter raffle and Sports Day bake sale. Your contributions are going towards the much-anticipated playground upgrade.

A special thanks to all of the parents and friends who have helped us this term by attending excursions, helping in class, supported our garden club and baked goodies for sale.  We could not do what we do without your support.

We are pleased to announce that Dernancourt School will serve as a polling station for the upcoming election on May 3. In the first week back at school, we will call for volunteers to assist with a democracy sausage sizzle on the day. Your support would be greatly appreciated, and it's a wonderful way to connect with other parents and staff.

Thank you to those who were able to attend our Sports Day. It was lovely to see so many families enjoying the beautiful weather and watching the children participate in the events. Your support of our whole school events is part of what makes Dernancourt a great place to be.

Wishing you a fabulous break with your families, and a happy Easter to those who celebrate.

Thank you once again for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We look forward to seeing you in Term 2.

EVERY DAY COUNTS! Missed school adds up to a lot of missed education. Attendance rates since Covid times have not yet recovered to pre Covid (normal) rates across South Australia. We are working to have children at school every day. Every day matters. Please let the school know via the Audiri app, a phone call or Seesaw message if your child needs to be away and if it is for sickness or for family reason. All unexplained absences require follow up by teacher/school. An exemption signed by the Principal is required for family holidays of 3 or more days. Every day counts!

Congratulations to the following students who received class awards at the assembly today. The award this week was presented for co-operation.

Our garden club helpers this week were Maggie-Rose P4, Ananya P7, Zarwa P7, Gowri P8 and Aidan P14. We monitored the progress of the broccoli and poppies we planted earlier this term and observed some new growth. Additionally, we prepared several garden areas for planting next term and made sure to water everything well before the holidays.

Over Weeks 9 and 10, all students took part in an Autism Acceptance Walk. They learned about autism through various interactive experiences that helped them understand what it might feel like to live with autism, while also celebrating our differences. Ten stations were set up around the school, each offering unique and engaging learning opportunities. As a community, we came together to create a school-wide infinity symbol, symbolizing the diversity and unity within our school. In classrooms, students read a range of storybooks featuring individuals with autism and took part in related activities to deepen their understanding. To celebrate our uniqueness, we held a Sparkle Day, where everyone wore sparkly or colourful clothes. Lunchtime featured a joyful, inclusive disco in the gym, bringing students together in celebration of how each of us is special in our own way.

Kaye Coley - Autism Inclusion Teacher

This year, our school is participating in the Aussie of the Month program. This program offers the opportunity to recognise exceptional students who are contributing to their school community and reflecting some of the values we share as Australians, such as: Fair go, Mateship, Respect and Inclusion.

Our Aussie of the month for February is Odin Rashleigh-McEvoy from P5. Odin was nominated for his kindness and respectfulness, as he has been bringing another student to the office each morning from the taxi. During swimming playtime, he has also been teaching younger children various games, such as duck, duck goose and running races.

Our Aussie of the Month for March is Chris Maddocks from P14. Chris was nominated for consistently greeting and chatting with the younger children whenever he sees them. He also demonstrates respect, patience, and kindness towards his classmates, offering them helpful tips on how to play cricket and improve their skills.

Congratulations to Odin and Chris.

Thank you to everybody who brought along a gold coin donation today. $325.20 was raised. This will be donated to the Women's and Children's Hospital for vital research.

Your donations and support are appreciated by the SRC and recipients of the donations.

The children in J6, J7 and P5 had a fabulous day at the Variety Kids Easter Picnic on Tuesday at the Adelaide Zoo. The children enjoyed exploring all the animals, seeing some of their favourite characters and eating some amazing food. This day was all made possible by Variety SA funding this event through the generosity of our sponsors and supporters.

Thank you Variety

Term 1 - 2025 Crossing Monitors

Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) Japan Festival 2025 is just around the corner! Get ready to celebrate 30 years of Kodomo no Hi in Adelaide with a vibrant tribute to Okinawa – Ryūkyū.

Please note this Japanese Festival is Sunday 4th May 2025 (11AM - 4PM) at Unley Town Hall Precinct. Dernancourt School is promoting this event for families if they wish to go.

★ Kodomo no Hi Japan Festival 2025 ★

The festival is presented by Japan Australia Friendship Association (JAFA) in Adelaide. Please join us for a day of cultural performances, fun activities, delicious food, and a celebration of children, family, and friendship!

Featuring:

Okinawa performances • Kimono Dressing • Origami & Calligraphy • Japanese Food & Drinks • Craft Stalls • plus much MORE!

Entry $5/person, $10/family (2 adults, 2 children, max. 4).

Tickets only sold at the gate, not online.

Family Fun Day • Limited Free Parking • Come in Japanese Costume • Strictly No Pets Allowed.

For more information, please visit the ‘Kodomo No Hi Japan Festival’ website or follow their Facebook page, the links for which can be found below:

Home - Kodomo no Hi Japan Festival https://knhjapanfestival.com.au/

Kodomo no Hi Japan Festival Adelaide https://www.facebook.com/knhadelaide/.