Dungog Public School Newsletter

Calendar of events

• Tuesday 12th, 19th & 26th May - Breakfast Club
• Tuesday 12th, 19th & 26th May - Learn & Grow Playgroup
• Wednesday 13th & 27th May - Scripture & Wellbeing Wednesday
• Thursday 14th May - Touch Football Gala Day
• Thursday 14th May - Lions Club Health Vision Screening
• Friday 15th May - Walk/Ride to School Day
• Friday 15th May - Zone Touch Football Trials
• Friday 15th, 22nd & 29th May - Weekly PBL Assembly
• Monday 18th May - PSSA Netball Vs Irrawang PS
• Wednesday 20th May - Meals on Wheels
• Friday 22nd May - Stage Spelling Bee Finals
• Monday 25th May - Hunter Cross Country
• Tuesday 26th May - Grip Leadership Conference
• Wednesday 27th May - National Simultaneous Storytime
• Thursday 28th May - Support Boccia Competition - Maitland
• Thursday 28th May - Whole School Assembly
• Thursday 4th June - Debate Vs Paterson PS
• Monday 8th June - Kings Birthday Public Holiday

Principals MESSAGE

Hello Families,

It's hard to imagine we are coming up on half way through Term 2 already!

One of the most valuable programs we have here at DPS is our involvement in Meals on Wheels and Lara Aged Care Visits. Time and time again I am proud of our kids and the way they represent us through their support of the community. They are open, respectful and chatty as they take on what can be a daunting responsibility.

I was also incredibly proud of all our students who came to march on ANZAC Day. I have a long history of military service in my family so ANZAC Day is close to my heart. To have nearly 50 students marching and showing respect through their actions for all the community to see was another proud moment. Thank you to all those families who supported us on the day and to my staff who gave up their family time to be there to support as well.

It has also been a busy start to the term with so many other opportunities for our kids. We have had Game Jam, Debating, PSSA team sports and trials and Year 5 Gala Day already come and gone. Throughout each event the message that comes back is the same, our kids gave it their all and represented us is such a positive way. Still to come is Walk/Ride Safely to School Day, Premiers Spelling Bee, Multicultural Public Speaking and National Simultaneous Storytime, not to mention some more sport.

While all these events have been going on, our teachers have been working hard to continue to improve on what we do in our classrooms. We have had visits from Mrs King who is leading Explicit Teaching across our local network of schools. She has been working with staff, providing demonstration lessons, doing observations and giving feedback to staff on tweaks that can help our learning improve. I am proud (it's a bit of a theme this newsletter) of how open and dedicated our teachers are to continually improving to benefit our kids.

As we hit the cooler weather, the annual jumper migration has begun. With cool mornings and warmer days, we are beginning to see some jumpers left lying around. To help us make sure they get back to their owners, can I ask that families check names are on them. We know that sometimes the tags come off or names fade and a quick check now will go a long way to having a warmer winter.

Mark Cridland - Relieving Principal

Principal Awards

EARLY STAGE 1 & STAGE 1 NEWS

KP with Miss Petersen

It has been a fantastic start to Term 2 in Kindergarten, with students enthusiastically engaging in a range of exciting learning experiences across all Key Learning Areas. In English, students have been working hard on creating sizzling starts in their writing to capture the reader’s attention, while also developing their predicting skills during reading comprehension lessons. In Mathematics, students have been exploring combinations to make ten and investigating 3D shapes, including whether shapes can stack or roll. During CAPA lessons, Kindergarten students have been enjoying music and dance activities, building confidence, rhythm and creativity. In Science and Technology, students have been learning about digital technology and how it is used in everyday life. In Geography, students have been learning about Country and exploring different types of country and environments. In PDHPE, students have been focusing on ways to keep themselves healthy through positive lifestyle choices and healthy habits. Kindergarten students have settled into the term beautifully and are continuing to develop their confidence, independence and love of learning each day.

1G with Miss gregory

It has been a wild start to the term! 1G have been learning all about adverbs to help with their Persuasive Writing. They have been working hard to improve their reading and using their phonics to spell different words. 1G learnt about weight and how to measure different objects using an arm balance. They have also been learning about Multiplication and Division and different ways to create their groups. 1G continues to learn about ways to look after ourselves including nutrition, wellbeing and exercise. We have also learn about tradition and celebrations that happen all over the world throughout the year such as Christmas, birthdays, Australia Day and ANZAC Day. 1G can't wait to go to the Lara Aged Care later this term to perform!

1N with MRs NAsh

It has been a great start to Term 2 already! 1N have been learning all about adverbs and how they add detail to texts and working hard on building fluency in their reading. In Mathematics, we have been learning about collecting and organising data into picture graphs. History has us learning all about celebrations and traditions to celebrate key events each year and sharing why they are special to us. We have been working really hard on our assembly item and had so much fun performing it at Assembly!

release from face to face with Mrs Long & Miss Donnelly

Miss Donnelly and I are enjoying visiting all the different classrooms this term, teaching a wide range of subjects from Dance and Music in CAPA to Binary Codes in Science to Graphs and Shapes in Mathematics and even some History. It is very pleasing to see the engagement and enthusiasm across the classes and to witness the progression in our learning.

SUPPORT CLASSES NEWS

dhurrumiri with Mrs allison

This term, students have continued developing their imaginative writing skills and have been learning how to use Onomatopoeia to make their stories more engaging and expressive. In PDHPE, we have been exploring healthy lifestyles and discussing the importance of making positive choices for our wellbeing. In Digital Technologies, students have been learning about data and how it is collected and used. Friday sport rotations have been a highlight, with students enthusiastically participating and learning new skills in T-Ball, Kickball, Cricket and OzTag. We can't wait to see what the rest of the term brings!

barrangga with Miss Coleman

This term, Barrangga has been learning about healthy eating in PDHPE. We have been talking about what a balanced diet looks like and how different food groups help keep our bodies healthy and strong. In Mathematics, students have been collecting information as a class and learning how to display it in dot and column graphs. This has helped us understand and talk about what our data is showing. To celebrate Mother’s Day, we enjoyed cooking and making special treats to thank all the Mothers, Nanas, Aunties, and Carers in our lives. We hope you all had a very Happy Mother’s Day.

STAGE 2 & STAGE 3 NEWS

2J with Miss Muddle

2J has been buzzing with excitement as we dive into some fantastic learning across all subjects! In English, we have been exploring Persuasive Texts and the power of modality—learning how words can strongly (or gently!) influence an audience. Students have been busy crafting their own convincing arguments and sharing their opinions with confidence. In Mathematics, we are investigating number patterns and working with data, spotting trends and making sense of information like real Mathematicians. Over in Science (Digital Technologies), the class has begun their Coding journey, where students are loving the challenge of giving clear instructions and seeing their ideas come to life on screen. It’s been wonderful to see so much curiosity, creativity and teamwork, with plenty of smiles and “aha!” moments along the way!

2V with Mrs middlebrook

What a whirlwind start to Term 2 it has been in 2V! Our classroom has been buzzing with excitement as we dive into new learning across all areas. In Science, students have been exploring Digital Technologies with Mrs Windebank, developing their curiosity and creativity through engaging hands-on activities. In PDHPE, we have been learning about healthy eating and making healthy choices, with students showing thoughtful understanding about how to care for their bodies and wellbeing. One of the highlights of the term so far was our special visit to Lara Aged Care. The students of 2V demonstrated outstanding compassion, kindness, and respect towards the residents. They proudly read beautiful stories, enjoyed meaningful conversations, and even shared some wonderful singing. It was heartwarming to see the smiles they brought to others, and we could not be prouder of the way they represented our school community. In English, we are immersing ourselves in Persuasive Writing, learning how to make our points of view strong, convincing, and engaging. Students have been developing powerful arguments, using persuasive language, and confidently sharing their opinions. We are looking forward to another exciting and busy term ahead in 2V!

3M with Mrs morgan

3M have hit the ground running this term! They have been highly engaged in a variety of exciting learning experiences across all subject areas. In PE, students have been further developing their jumping skills through fun and challenging activities. In History, the Federation of Australia and the Australian Government are our areas of study in the lead-up to our Canberra excursion next term! 3M have been learning about the importance of good nutrition in PDH with Mrs Long. While in Science, Miss Donnelly has been enhancing their knowledge and skills in Digital Technologies. A particular highlight in CAPA has been exploring and performing West African style dance and drumming—students have enjoyed the energy and rhythm of these sessions! We are also looking forward to presenting our class item at our next assembly. Please encourage your child to read every night as reading is the gateway that makes all other learning possible!

3E with miss Maytom

3E have had a busy and productive start to the term with lots happening across all learning areas. In English, we have begun exploring Persuasive Writing and are focusing on building strong structure before developing our arguments — good luck parents, the convincing has already started! In Mathematics, students have been investigating the relationship between Multiplication and Division, while also learning about 3D shapes and their properties. In PDHPE, we are looking closely at food labels and identifying healthier choices, helping students make informed decisions around nutrition and wellbeing. In History, we have started learning about Government and exploring how Australia became one nation. There has also been plenty happening outside the classroom with Sport, Debating and transition activities. 3E continue to take everything in their stride, showing adaptability, maturity and some fantastic leadership qualities around our school.

3b with Miss Blissett

Coming back into Term 2 ready to learn, our class has quickly settled into routines and learning. In English, we have been exploring Persuasive Writing, with a focus on crafting strong introductions and clearly expressing a viewpoint. Students have also been developing their understanding of modality to strengthen their arguments, while continuing to build predicting skills to support their reading. In Mathematics, students have been working on Division, Data, and Fractions, applying their knowledge to solve problems and interpret information with increasing confidence. In our new History unit, we have been learning about the Federation of Australia and its importance in shaping Australia as a nation. It has been a positive start to the term, and It has been great to see students return with a positive attitude and a strong focus on their learning.

Library/STEM with miss donnellY

National Simultaneous Storytime is upon us again on the 27th of May. This year's book is Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller and will be read by Elise Kellond-Knight, player for the Matilda's! We're very excited. Miss Donnelly has put up a display of all the previous NSS books, which is a lot because this is the 26th year the National Simultaneous Storytime has happened. It's going to be a fabulous day with a live reading, lots of colouring and activities in the Library, and a fabulous book about being a good team player.

Class samples with 1N & Mrs nash

Class Samples with 2v & Mrs Middlebrook

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