QUALITY TEACHING, LEARNING

Dignity and Determination
OUR VISION:
QUALITY TEACHING,
LEARNING,
INNOVATION &
EQUITY
OUR VALUES:
Phone: 8935 9259
Email: [email protected].
Website address:
February 4th 2016
http://durackschool.nt.edu.au/
Term 1
Newsletter No. 2
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Mums, Dads, Students and Friends
RESPECT,
RESPONSIBILITY &
INTEGRITY
Newsletter: Please note that newsletters will automatically be sent to the email
addresses of parents from now on. If you have not provided us with an email
address or would still prefer to receive a hard copy please notify the office.
IMPORTANT DATES:
If you do not receive a copy by email log into our school website and register in the News
Assembly
Friday 5th February
8:30am
Meet The Teacher
4:30pm –6:00pm
Tuesday 9th February
School Council
Meeting
6:30pm
Tuesday 16th
February
Professional Learning
Day for Teachers
(Pupil Free Day)
Friday 26th
February
School Council AGM
6:30pm
Tuesday 8th March
section. You can also register to receive updates, send the school enquiries and notify us of
your child’s absence from school via the website. The website address is:
http://durackschool.nt.edu.au or just type Durack School into your web browser.
We have had a great start to the term with students now settling into the class routines.
Japanese programs commenced with Kawai senei teaching the Transition students and Glenys
senei teaching students in years 1 to 6. The Transition students really enjoyed their first lesson!
A short profile of the teachers is included in this newsletter.
The Drop-Off Zone. Yesterday 3 cars were parked in the drop off zone at 8:00am. This
blocked other cars from entering the zone to drop off their children. Do not park in the Drop off
Zone at peak times even for just a few minutes. This is for a quick drop off or pick up
only. If you are taking your children to class or visiting the office you need to find a
parking place.
Wet Weather. As we are still in the rainy season it is a good idea for your child to have a
raincoat to wear for walking to or from school. If there is a severe storm at home time we will
keep children at school until the storm has passed unless they are collected by parents.
Next Tuesday morning our year 6 students have been invited to Parliament House to view the
Opening of Parliament. They will be provided with morning tea and meet Members of the
Legislative Assembly.
Don’t forget that there will be a Valentine’s Day fundraiser next Friday evening. Details for this
event are included in this newsletter.
I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday evening at the ‘Meet the Teacher’ evening 4:30pm to
6:00pm.
Kind regards
Sheila Delahay
Principal
Easter Public Holidays The new Education Act
Friday 25th March
The Department of Education would like to thank everyone who provided feedback on the reform
Monday 28th March of the Education Act. The new Education Act and Education Regulations commenced on 2
End of Term
Friday 1st April
SUPERVISION
PROVIDED BETWEEN
7:50am TO 2:45pm
January 2016.
The Act provides the foundation for a modern, dynamic and safe education system to develop
the potential of all Northern Territory students and maximise their educational achievements.
The legislation, replacing the 35-year-old Education Act, was developed after extensive
consultation by the Department of Education with interest groups ranging from parents and
teachers, to students and members of the community.
The Act is relevant to students now and in the future, and supports contemporary teaching and
learning methods.
While the majority of provisions will commence on 2 January 2016, there will be a transition
period to allow some changes to take effect at a later date. The new Education Act and
Regulations, and supporting documents, are available at www.education.nt.gov.au.
FROM THE SCHOOL COUNCIL
On behalf of the Durack School Council, I welcome all the new students and families and trust that your
child/children have settled into our school.
Also welcome back to ongoing students and parents.
The School Council encourages parents to attend the Open Evening on Tuesday 9th of February where
you can view the classrooms and briefly meet the teachers.
2015 was an exceptional year for Durack for a number of reasons, but importantly, we attained
Independent Public School (IPS) status. Please refer to our web-site for more information regarding this
and how it will have a most positive affect on the school’s programs.
In regards to IPS and the functioning of Parent Meetings and involvement, there will be some slight
changes. The current School Council will cease to function and be replaced by a School Board with
strategic responsibilities. This will be confirmed at the Annual General Meeting in March. Apart from the
School Board, there will be ample opportunities for parents to be members of sub-committees.
The School Council will continue to keep parents informed of these processes. The current School
Council has its final meeting on February 16th at 6.30 pm and parents who are interested in the
committee structure are invited as observers.
Regards,
Wally Mauger
School Council Chairperson
Meet The Teacher Evening
Looking for a babysitter for
Valentine's Day?
DATE: Friday 12th February 2016
TIME: 6pm—9pm
LOCATION: Durack Library
For just $8 per child (up to a max $20 per
family) you've got one!
All Parents are welcome to attend our
“Meet The Teacher” Evening from
4:30pm - 6:00pm
on Tuesday 9th February 2016.
The price includes a movie, sausage sizzle & drink.
You MUST register and pay by Wednesday 10th February to secure
your child/ren's spot. Places are limited, so get in early.
We recommend children bring a pillow and sleeping bag if available.
Children cannot be dropped off until 6pm and must be collected by
9pm.
For Transition-Grade 6 students only. Students must be currently
attending Durack School to come along.
IS YOUR CHILD INTERESTED IN LEARNING A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT?
Online Enrolment applications are now open for all students interested in the NT Music School’s Instrumental and Vocal Program
for 2016 via our website:www.ntms.net.au
Please note: Only online enrolments will be accepted. Our friendly reception staff are available should you require assistance
89635550 or [email protected]
Tuition may be offered to students from year 5 upwards on flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. Vocal
tuition is available for middle and senior school students by audition.
Please note the online form is an application only and does not guarantee a place in the program automatically or your first
choice of instrument. Visit www.ntms.net.au for further information.
‘ Introducing our Japanese Teachers’
I was born and grew up in Nara which is one of the ancient capital cities of
Japan. I have lived in Top End for 18 years and love the sense of
Multiculturalism here. I am qualified to teach in Japan and Australia. I have
been teaching Japanese from Transition to Year 12 since 2002. It is
inspirational to see students enjoying learning my language and culture.
Kawai sensei
I was born in Adelaide and studied Japanese at high school and university.
Currently I am studying a teaching degree through CDU. When I was 16, I
visited Japan as an exchange student for 8 weeks and had the most amazing
time. This prompted an 18 month stint in Japan working as a golf caddy after
I had finished high-school. I really enjoy working as a Japanese teacher
and sharing my knowledge of Japan with students.
Glenys sensei
Dear Parents,
Congratulations
For receiving 10 mini
merits!
Connor Blyton
The Top Ender Magazine is a Tri-services magazine created by defence families, for defence
families. It is filled with information about Northern Territory and Defence news.
This is a free magazine for Defence families, if you are not receiving a copy; please email the
Administration Officer to be added to the mailing list, [email protected] .
Kind regards,
Laura Simpson- Helman
Defence School Transition Aide
Ph: 8935 9259
Email: [email protected]
Welcome to the Top End!
Defence Community Organisation in partnership with the Strategic
Defence Support Group NT is hosting a family day and expo to
welcome Defence families to the Top End.
Whether you’re new to the Top End or not, you won’t want to miss a great day out at
this world class venue in the heart of the Darwin Waterfront. The event includes
activities (sports, jumping castle, obstacle course, face painting, etc.) craft and
games, a military equipment display, community group demonstrations, live
performances, government, council and community group information booths, a
photo booth, café (own cost) and more all under one roof in air-conditioned comfort.
Come along and grab a first quarter calendar of events from the DCO Booth.
Connor
Blyton
on
receiving
your
Award.
VENUE Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin Waterfront
WHEN Saturday 6 February 2016, 10am to 2pm
LOCATION Stokes Hill Road, Darwin, NT
(View at: www.darwinconvention.com.au )
MORE INFO www.defence.gov.au/dco or call 08 8935 7900
LIKE Defence Community Organisation on Facebook to receive
event updates.
I n 5/6 E d i e . .
. . .we embrace difference