Dernancourt School Newsletter

It is already the time of the year when we begin planning for next year. Teachers will shortly commence the process of class placements for 2022.

We always give serious thought and consideration to our decisions about class construction and where children will be placed to best suit their learning needs, friendship groups, behaviour, gender balance, special needs, class size, previous placements as well as any other special considerations. This takes time and a great deal of critical reflection on behalf of the teachers and SSOs as we consider all of these aspects for each child's placement.

Our staff know individual students well and also know how they connect with others to support learning outcomes. Ultimately the responsibility of class placement rests with the school but our choices are based on the shared wisdom between home and school.  Parents can write to leadership regarding particular learning needs of their child or to inform us of additional information that we should have on record.   This information needs to be submitted to the leadership team in writing by Friday 16th of October 2020 (the end of Week 1 Term 4). All requests must be submitted via the Leadership email address dl.0982.leaders@schools.sa.edu.au

Please note that requests for or against particular teachers will not be taken into consideration.

If your child is not returning to Dernancourt School in 2022 please complete the e-form in our Skoolbag app. 

The last of the Madhavi Nawana Parker Workshops will be held on Wednesday 15th of September on the topic 'Technology and its impact on Wellbeing'.  Due to COVID restrictions this will  be held via Zoom.  Please book in via School Interviews https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code?code=67c53 and the code will be emailed to you early next week.

High schools will offer transition and orientation programs to help year 6 and 7 students moving to high school in 2022 feel confident, welcome and ready for the new year. 

Transition programs are organised individually by our schools each year to suit their communities, but they all have an emphasis on forming friendships. 

Most high schools will hold transition visits during term 4. Many will offer other activities such as peer mentor support, family information night and camps. 

Transition activities may be impacted by COVID restrictions. It is important to follow the school’s advice. Some events may be held online. If you attend a school, it is important that COVID requirements are adhered to at all times such as using the COVID-Safe check in each time you enter the site, wearing a face mask and practice physical distancing. 

Your high school will still find ways to connect with your family and make your child feel welcome ahead of the 2022 school year. Contact your local high school for more information.

Watch this video to hear from our staff and students in schools that have already welcomed year 7s talking about settling into high school.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe1mjekSduE&feature=emb_imp_woyt

Reading for pleasure unlocks the power of information and imagination and helps children discover who they are. Here’s what you can do to help children develop stronger reading skills and a love for reading:

· Set the example. Let children see you read.

· Have a collection of books in your home. Update this collection routinely to keep up with changing tastes and reading skills.

· Please support our school’s Book Fair. Allow your children to choose their own books to read.

The theme of our Scholastic Book Fair is Reading Oasis: A cool place to discover hot books! It’s a fun reading event that brings the books kids want to read right into our school. It’s a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books for every reading level. Please make plans to visit our Book Fair online and be involved in shaping your child’s reading habits.

Book Fair dates: Mon 13th Sept – Fri 17th Sept 2021

Shopping hours: SHOP ONLINE ANYTIME!

Special activities: There will be activities and competitions during Book Fair Week for the children to join in and have a chance of winning a voucher to spend at the Book Fair! We look forward to seeing your children at our Book Fair!

Remember, all purchases benefit our school.

Thanks you to our rostered monitors. We appreciate your efforts in  keeping our school community safe.

WEEK 9 -   Oli (P14), Byron (P10), Nate (P5)

WEEK 10 -  Jason Z (P4), Minal (P10), Mia (P12)

TERM 4

WEEK 1 -   Marcus (P12), Martin (P14), Sam (P5)

The Winter Netball season was once again interrupted by COVID, but all teams bounced back and completed the season. There were 3 netball teams for the 2021 Winter Netball season - 13&U, 11&U and 9&U.