A very warm welcome back to Term 2!
I would like to thank all the students, families and staff at Duncraig Primary School who have made me feel so welcome. I feel very privileged to be part of this wonderful and supportive school community and look forward to seeing you around the school over the coming weeks.
A little bit of background about me – I have been in education for over 25 years and have taught across a variety of schools including regional WA. I have been the principal at Subiaco Primary School for the past couple of years. Subiaco Primary School is a large inner metropolitan primary school with over 750 students and a large proportion of EALD students drawn from diverse backgrounds.
I am committed to quality teaching and learning so it has been energising starting at Duncraig PS this term and to see everyone so happy to be at school and so focussed on their learning in the classrooms. We have very quickly moved through Week 2 and I have been so impressed with how the students have shown independence and engagement in a wide range of learning opportunities.
The School Board met in week one and worked through a busy agenda including: the policy review schedule, finance updates and targeted initiatives for 2024, uniform update, 50th celebrations for Duncraig PS and student enrolment status. Thanks to all Board members with a special call out to Maria Rudolph on chairing her first meeting and to Brad McCallum for his expert minute taking.
School Development Day Reflection
Our School Development Day (SDD) last Monday was a successful and focussed reflection. Teachers took a deep dive into student data to ensure that student concept attainment remains a specific focus. Research based programs were the focus of the day including Bounce Back (a whole-school wellbeing and resiliency program to help students ‘bounce back’ and cope with the complexity of everyday life), Maths Bonds, Mini and MacqLit (literacy intervention programs). These programs align with the Duncraig PS Business Plan and build on the wonderful work that is already embedded.
ANZAC DAY
On Monday 22 April, we commemorated Anzac Day at Duncraig Primary. Special guests included John Rolfe (President RSL Sub-Branch), Councillor Russ Fishwick, Councillor John Raftis, Maria Rudolph (Board chair), Paul Taylor (RAAF Wing Commander).
It was special to have our families and many of our parents and grandparents who are current and past service men and women join in the celebration and morning tea afterwards including Graeme Haywood, Nenad Medic, Kane Fergusson. We say thank you!
Our bugler, Jack Collinson shared the story of how he acquired his bugle whilst travelling in India – It was a relic from the period of British Parliament rule on the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947.
Special thanks to all those who made this special service so wonderful with special thanks to Meg Klaver for coordinating the event with support from Michelle Moyes, Jenni Cole, Year 6 student leaders, Janet Phillips, Nadine Krauskopf and our fabulous education assistants and staff who contributed to the beautiful ANZAC artwork and the morning tea.
A special thank you to Jan Ruscoe for her work with the choirs who sang both the New Zealand and the Australian national anthems – they were just beautiful.
The service was powerful, poignant and professional. We received lovely feedback about the service. Well done to the staff and students for making it such a memorable service. By building young children’s understandings about the traditions, facts and folklore of ANZAC Day, the many real-life stories of everyday Australians during these times will not be lost but be handed down to future generations.
Go well!
Dr Melinda Harris | Principal
Upcoming Events
- Thursday 25th April – ANZAC Day Public Holiday
- Thursday 2nd May – Music Viva Incursion
- Friday 3 May – Winter Sport Year 5 & 6
- Thursday 9th May – Assembly Room 3
- Friday 10th May Mother’s Day Stall (PP – 6)- K classes TBA
- Friday 10th May Winter Sport Year 5 &6
- Thursday 16th May – Assembly Room 11
- Thursday 30th May – Assembly Room 6
Positive Behaviour Focus – Reflection and restorative practices
A core component of the Duncraig Primary school PBS is encouraging student reflection and focussing on restorative practices. Research in this area shows that Behaviour reflection is important because it helps children to develop self-awareness and self-regulation. It also allows them to understand the impact of their actions on others and to take responsibility for their behaviour.
The Bounce Back Acronym underpins the concepts:
B Bad times don’t last. Things always get better. Stay optimistic.
O Other people can help if you talk to them. Get a reality check.
U Unhelpful thinking makes you feel more upset. Think again.
N Nobody is Perfect – not you not others.
C Concentrate on the positives (no matter how small) and use laughter.
B Blame fairly. How much of what happened was due to you, to others and to bad luck or circumstances?
A Accept what can’t be changed (but try to change what you can first.)
C Catastrophising exaggerates your worries. Don’t believe the worst possible picture.
K Keep things in perspective. It’s only part of your life.
Year 5 Excursion to Parliament House
Last Thursday, the Year Five students visited Parliament. Not only did the school receive feedback about their exemplary behaviour and the way the represented Duncraig Primary school but they got so much out of this excursion.
At Parliament House, we saw politicians in action and learned about the Upper and Lower House of the Western Australian Parliament. We also visited the Constitutional Centre, where we learned about democracy, the Magna Carta, laws and rights; and had a fun quiz. Another place we visited was the Electoral Centre, where we experienced voting and learned about referendums and the three levels of Parliament. We think it was a great experience and would love to go again!
Darci & George, Year 5 students
WA Student Assistance Payment
Current Payments Available through Qkr!
- Voluntary Contributions
- Musica Viva incursion
- Winter Sports – selected students only
A reminder to parents that we have changed bank accounts.
Please use this account for any direct deposits:
BSB – 066 192
Account – 10659523
The Android Phone issue has now been resolved. Parents/users can now download the App from the Google Play Store.
