Dernancourt School

Matsuri festival/Japanese Cultural Day was a success, with children participating in fun activities across the day and enjoying a performance in the gym. Break times were filled with giant inflatables on the Primary Asphalt and giant characters roaming the yard. Thanks to all of the organising committee, much fun and learning was had by all.

Last night I had the absolute privilege to attend the Primary Schools Festival of Music at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.  Our school was represented by 28 students who joined together to form a choir of over 1300 students from across South Australia.  I felt very proud as I watched the students sing and bop along to the music, enjoying every minute.  The choir is a big commitment for our students, with rehearsals happening each week with Juliette Barry.  Special thanks to Juliette, Ms Amy and Tammy for giving up their evening to support the choir at their rehearsal and prior to the concert.  A great big thankyou to the parents, families and staff for supporting and coming to watch the amazing event.   What a brilliant opportunity for our students to be involved in.  With the performance not concluding until 9:30pm, there will be a few tired children (and parents and staff) today.  We will share photos of the event when they become available. Well done all.

The Term 3 break is fast approaching, with only one week to go. A reminder that we have early dismissal on Friday September 26th, finishing at 2pm.

Looking forward, Term 4 promises to be just as jam packed, with events such as the Disco, Concert and Graduation already on the calendar. Please check our ‘dates to remember’ section of the newsletter and add the dates to your calendar.

I encourage everyone to use the upcoming school holidays as an opportunity to rest and recharge. This is a time for students to step away from their usual routines, enjoy a slower pace and most importantly, celebrate how much they have achieved this term. Let’s hope the holidays are filled with sunshine and beautiful weather to allow for lots of outside fun.

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!

Our next casual day will be held on the Friday of Week 10, and with input from our SRC, the chosen theme is for children to come dressed in their favourite colour. Children are encouraged to bring a gold coin donation with money raised being put towards a new Early Years playground.

Our school disco will be held on Friday October 17th for all children who attend Dernancourt School. The Reception - Year 2 disco will be from 4:30pm-5:30pm and the Year 3 - 6 disco will be from 6:00pm-7:00pm. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased through QKr. Ticket price includes a packet of chips and a drink (fruit box or water). Glow sticks and other novelties will be available for cash sale on the night.

A big thank you to SA Ambulance and Alex for visiting our Early Year students and giving them an exciting look inside the ambulance as part of their Community Helpers topic. We truly appreciate your time and valuable insights you shared. 

Last week, our school held a Japanese Matsuri Day where children had the chance to explore and enjoy different aspects of Japanese culture. They took part in fun craft activities and watched an exciting performance about the seasons, ninja, and samurai. It was a fantastic day filled with learning and lots of fun for everyone. A big thank you to Meryl for all the planning and hard work that made the day such a great success.

Congratulations to the following students who have completed the 2025 Premier's Reading Challenge.

P3    Elliot, Fotimaa, Stella, Hayley, Evie, Maheera, Eric, Haneet, Ellie, Aviana, Inayat, Garishma & Liano

P7    Piper, Amelie & Sienna

P8    Charlotte & Toffee

P12    Luca & Alice

On Monday the 15th of September, Belle, Shyama and Reyansh represented the school at Charles Campbell College's Leadership Summit. They were able to work with students from other sites and compare ideas amongst the school's leadership programs. The three had a brilliant day and represented the school in a fantastic manner. 

Term 3 - 2025 Crossing Monitors

Term 4 - 2025 Crossing Monitors