Drummoyne Public School

Dear Drummoyne PS Community,

Blak Douglas Artwork: Acknowledgement of Country Signs & PSSA Representative Singlets

Some of you may have noticed some new school signage with our school’s Acknowledgement of Country being put up around the school and, as important members of our school community, I wanted to fill you all in on the story behind the artwork we have used and the process our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) committee has been through.

There has been discussion, in recent times, about the use of ‘generic’ Aboriginal designs in schools and corporations, with concerns being raised around issues of cultural appropriation, authenticity, engagement and respect for Indigenous cultures. With this in mind, earlier this year, the RAP committee began the process of commissioning an Indigenous artwork that we would be able to use for future  school signage, uniform items etc.

We engaged an Indigenous artist, Blak Douglas, to create a design for us that reflects the indigenous history of our area. I have worked with Blak before, at a previous school, and I am pleased to be able to bring this partnership to Drummoyne. Blak was born Adam Douglas Hill Blacktown (1970) Western Sydney to a Dhungatti Aboriginal Father / Caucasian Mother. He is best known as a painter of quirky political satire and his portraits of Aboriginal people and activists. He won the Archibald Prize in 2022 for his portrait of Karla Dickens. Blak was also responsible for the design of the 50 year anniversary singlets for Balmain Athletics club, the ceiling acoustic panel at Russell Lea PS and many murals around Redfern.

The first projects utilising his artwork are the signage for our new Acknowledgment of Country and also some new PSSA representative singlets. Blak has also written the following story to accompany his artwork which I am pleased to share with you,

In considering the design for this artwork, I reflected upon the magical waters of the Burramattagal River as it enters Wangal and then Cadigal. Within the coves surrounding Drummoyne, when the waters are still, one can skim rocks just like upon a lake. 

Education to our young is as when the rock first contacts the still waters… the ripples created send an energy as far as possible indicating an impact has been made. That impact is the responsibility of the elders, the carriers of knowledge.

The ripples come from the top of the design as if absorbed through cognitive process. The shells at the base of the design represent the middens once prevalent upon the shorelines. The rock carvings are represented in the fishes.

Blak Douglas, 2024 

Teachers will be sharing the story behind our new artwork with students in class over the next few weeks, highlighting the significance of engaging with Aboriginal Culture and concept of Country. I encourage you to continue these important conversations at home. By exploring and celebrating Aboriginal culture and history together, we can deepen our children’s understanding and appreciation of the land on which we all  live, as well as its traditional custodians.

Regards,

John Nguyen​

Principal 

E: john.nguyen34@det.n​sw.edu.au 

We encourage students to wear sun-safe hats that protect their face, neck and ears when outside for play, sport and teaching. Being sun-smart is important!

School staff encourage students to play in covered areas around the school whenever possible. Please ensure your child/ren have a labelled hat each day.

Dianne Colb

Deputy Principal

• Emerson S - 5/6C
• Cici Z - 3/4R
• Ludo D - 3/4W
• Hamilton B - 5/6O
• Riviera H - 5/6O

• Evelyn J - 3/4W
• Zeeva Y - 5/6O
• Nicky P - 3/4S
• Juno T - 5/6H
• Harvey E - 3/4W
• Joseph Z - 3/4S
• Maeve O - 5/6O
• Maya Lees - 3/4A

Resilience awards - Bretty says congratulations to:

• Evin B - 5/6C
• Pia P - 3/4S
• Olivia F - 5/6P

Mr Nguyen says congratulations to:

• Emerson S - 5/6C - Resilience
• Olivia F - 5/6P - Resilience

Congratulations to the four students who represented our school at the Iron Cove Network Final, Public Speaking Competition on Tuesday. 

Aaron N - KW, delivered a great speech entitled 'My Brother is the Best'. Eleanor S - 3/4W, gave a very persuasive speech on 'Why Swimming Is the Best Sport' and Aria S - 5/6O, explored 'The Impact of Technology on Mental Health'.

Special mention to Maya F - 1/2A, who received a highly commended award for her entertaining speech on 'Why Dragons Make the Best Pets.'

Well done everyone - we are proud of you all.

Maria Aruzza

On Wednesday this week, two policemen visited our school. Their names were Constable Jim and Constable Will. They taught us all about cyber safety, why bullying isn’t okay, how to use the Kids Helpline, and gave us tips on keeping our community safe.

It was so cool to learn about safety! We also learnt a lot about graffiti and how it’s against the law. Did you know that in NSW, if you are over 10, you can be charged for graffiti and could even get a criminal record?

Thank you, Constable Jim and Constable Will, for teaching us the importance of being kind, standing up to bullying, and staying safe online.

The police also spoke to all the Infants children in Kindergarten, years 1 & 2.

By Zara D and Kylie A 3/4S

Last Friday, I went to the Indigenous Culture Day. First, we went into the library, got name tags and wrote our clan. Then, on a giant whiteboard with a map of Aboriginal Australia, we stuck our name to our place and connected it with a string. I met up with my friends and walked around all over the place. 

For the first activity, we sat in a yarning circle and talked with Alison Tucker-Munro, who was the coach of the Black Swans Netball Team. Then, we did dancing with Nathan. I danced with him last year too. He told us the story of the lyrebird and it was pretty cool. We learnt the lyrebird dance and then did the dance together after the boys and girls did it at different times. 

After that, it was lunch and I thought my lunch was delicious. I also got to play with my friends. After that it was time for soccer with Sydney FC coaches. I was not excited at first, but then I began to like it. We played a game where there were 4 teams and they each had a goal and whoever had 3 balls in their goal lost. My team got out first, but we had 2 games of it, then we played a soccer game and lost 2 to 1. It was very fun but tiring. After that, we did cricket with Cricket NSW coaches. We ran laps first, then after we did over arm throws to hit sticks. We hit the ball with the bat, and the first person had to get the ball. Lastly, we went to the hall to perform our lyrebird dance and it was very fun. My favourite part of the day was soccer.

Malya P 3/4K

Are you curious about what ethics classes are all about? Primary Ethics is hosting an online info session on Friday, 15th of November (Term 4, Week 5). It's a great chance to see how classes run, what students learn, and why it’s such a valuable program for kids. Whether you're interested in volunteering or just want to know more, come along!

https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-discover-primary-ethics-empowering-young-minds

Book Club brochures have arrived! Look out for your copy of Book Club coming home in your child's schoolbag! It's packed with hundreds of books from just $3 to help you on your child's reading journey.

Book Club issue 7 closes tonight,  Friday 1st November

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

This year, our school will be beginning to streamline some of our communication practices in an effort to keep our school community engaged and informed. As part of this process, we ask that you please join your child/ren's CLASS GROUP as well as their YEAR GROUP (rolled over from last year) in the Audiri app. This will help us to ensure that you receive information relevant to you and your child/ren. Detailed instructions are included below.

How users can subscribe to open groups in the Audiri app: New users joining your school can subscribe to Open Groups by following these steps in the Audiri app:

Thank you for your support.

Disco tickets are selling fast so get in quick!

The P&C are holding 2 discos on Friday 8th November. Tickets are only $5 and available through Flexischools : https://user.flexischools.com.au/login. Orders close the evening of the 7th Nov. 

Get your party clothes, dancing shoes and friends ready to join us for a fun night of music and moves at the annual P&C school disco. 

K-2 Disco 5pm - 6:30pm

3-6 Disco 7pm - 8:30pm 

This is a drop and go event. If you think you need to stay, sign up as a volunteer :)

If you would like to volunteer to help at the discos please go to : https://signup.zone/q8CXsaReoDzeuCwQm

From Term 4 the uniform shop will be open for face to face sales on Wednesday mornings from 9am - 10am.

All uniform shop orders are now to be placed on Flexischools.

If you need to contact the uniform shop volunteers please email:

After having three children at DPS and spending many, many years of volunteering for us, Nadda's youngest child will be finishing year 6 this year and heading off to high school.

We are looking for volunteers who can spare half an hour to an hour each week to come in and help package up any online uniform orders, open up for face to face sales or sort through 2nd hand items etc. The job is very flexible, can be done any day of the week. Come alone or bring a friend and join our small but fun team. 

We would love to train volunteers during term 4 to take over from Nadda when she leaves. Please contact the school office if you would like any more information.or email: 

The P&C Uniform Shop Committee

Job Vacancy

Are you passionate about nutritious food and creating a welcoming atmosphere? The P&C are looking for an enthusiastic school Canteen Assistant to work in our vibrant canteen! This is a paid position.

Our wonderful Catherine will be leaving to move interstate at the end of this year. Our new Canteen assistant will start in Term 1, 2025 working in a job share role, 4 days a week (varied hours) during school term.

The role will be well supported by our Canteen Manager, Eugenie, and the P&C Canteen Committee.

A detailed job description is available on request. Applications close 22nd November, Apply today!

Dear Parents & Carers,

SUSHI 5th November. Orders are live.

Log in to account. Click on ORDER. Scroll to the bottom. Click SUSHI Pre Order. The cut-off for Sushi is Monday 4th November 9:30 am.

We are trialing 30 min time slots for volunteering on Thursdays and Fridays.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED NOVEMBER:  Eugenie will be away for Thursday and Friday. Catherine will need school community support for these days. Volunteers' help is much appreciated.

Thursday 7th......9:30am -10:00am.......1         10;00AM-10:30AM......1           10:30AM-11:00AM.....1       11:00AM-11:30am.....1       11:30am-12:00pm……1

Friday 8th......9:30am -10:00am.......1         10;00AM-10:30AM......1           10:30AM-11:00AM.....1       11:00AM-11:30am.....1       11:30am-12:00pm......1

Please register. We really do appreciate any time given.

Canteen and P&C Committee

To Volunteer

• Log in to Flexischools account.
• Click on NEWSFEED
• Click on VOLUNTEER IN CANTEEN and click on the word here.

If you need to pay for an emergency lunch:

• Log in to Flexischools.
• Select the next available date to pay.
• Select the IOU option.
• Select money denominations equal to money owing.
• Add to basket.
• Pay - so easy!!

To book Gowrie NSW - enrolment forms can be found on the Gowrie website:

https://www.gowriensw.com.au/out-of-hours-care/drummoyne-and-stmarks

Contact Rekkha for more information on 0436 616 744.

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