Today, Friday 1st of December, all families will receive end of semester reports for 2023 via email. We congratulate all students for their many achievements. If you have not received a report for your child/ren, please check your junk folder and then contact the front office - duffyps@ed.act.edu.au

Parent Teacher Interviews

Meetings with teachers to discuss your child's progress will be offered in Week 9. You should have received an email from the front office with a link to register for an interview. If you did not, please contact the front office - duffyps@ed.act.edu.au

Staff Farewell

We would like to share with the school community our staff changes for 2024. We farewell some amazing team members who are moving on to new schools in the ACT or are taking leave.

Congratulations to Bec Punch, Sam Fraser, Jessica Spencer, Sam Zaja, Zoe Green, Eowyn Osborne and Ellie Ruscoe who have been successful in a move to a new school in 2024.

We wish Jo Burns, all the best of luck as she commences maternity leave.

Gill Powell one of our amazing preschool educators will be taking some much-deserved long service leave. We look forward to welcoming her back in Term 4 of 2024.

A huge thank you to these staff members for their commitment to giving everything to their students, you will be missed by Duffy PS.

New Teachers for 2024

Next year we welcome Fiona Chapman to our community as P-2 executive. We thank Katie Withers for her commitment and dedication to leading our P-2 team. We are fortunate that Katie will be able to continue to share her expertise as a classroom teacher and instructional coach in 2024. In addition, we also welcome a number of new teachers to Duffy PS. In Week 10 Wendy Driver, Alyssa Audsley, Sarah Burke, Carrie Webster, Teagan Gaukroger, Kristy Williamson, Claire Stevens, Samuel Crowe and Kylie Brown (music specialist), will be joining us for a transition afternoon to meet the students in their year level. We are very excited to have secured such quality educators for 2024.

Mrs Chapman - P-2 Executive

Hi, my name is Fiona and I am thrilled to be joining the Duffy school community in 2024. I have over 24 years of classroom teaching experience, across a range of settings, within both mainstream and specialist schools and have been a school leader for the past six years.

I am passionate about creating a love of learning for all and am looking forward to working with the entire Duffy school community to achieve our goals. When I am not at school, I love spending time at the South Coast with my family and I enjoy all the ‘adventures’ my three teenage boys take me on!

I hope everyone enjoys the final few weeks of school and I can’t wait to meet you all next year!

Mrs Driver

Hi everyone! I’m Wendy Driver, and I’m excited to be joining the team at Duffy in 2024. I have spent the last 6 years at Isabella Plains Early Childhood School teaching across Kindergarten to Year 2 and have spent my 17-year teaching career in various settings across Melbourne, Darwin and Canberra.

I am passionate about teaching in the early primary years and love to make learning fun and engaging (especially through reading funny stories!) Outside of school you might find me at the gym, enjoying walks with friends, running my four children (aged 8-17) to their various activities, and holidaying in warm locations.

I look forward to meeting you all soon and becoming a part of the Duffy School Community.

Mrs Audsley

Hello! I am very excited to be joining the Duffy Primary School community in 2024. I have over 10 years of teaching experience in Canberra across the year levels and I particularly enjoy teaching reading, writing and art in junior primary.

I am passionate about student well-being and love to use quality children's literature to teach students about themselves, each other and the world. I have two little ones of my own and enjoy spending time with them, my husband and our groodle Humphrey at the beach.

I value positive relationships and look forward to working in partnership with students and families next year. 😊

Mrs Burke

Hi, I’m Sarah Burke and I’m thrilled to be joining the Duffy team as a teacher. I have nine years of teaching experience in Canberra, where I live with my husband, my one-year-old son, and my koolie/kelpie dog.

I’m passionate about travel, renovating homes, fantasy novels, TV shows, movies, skiing, and mountain biking. I love teaching and helping kids to follow their interests and learn about things that matter in our world. I believe it’s important to help kids become responsible global citizens who can take action and make a difference.

I’m looking forward to learning with and from some great kids at Duffy next year.

Ms Webster

Hi Duffy community, I am Carrie Webster, I have been teaching for a long time and I love it!

My favourite things to do are reading and art. My favourite thing to teach is writing.

I am looking forward to next year and I can’t wait to get to know you all.

Ms Gaukroger

Hi! My name is Teagan Gaukroger and I am so excited to start my new Journey at Duffy Primary School.

I have been teaching for seven years and am passionate about creating lifelong learners. My love of teaching began after seeing the smile on a child’s face once they overcame a challenge and learned something exciting.

I look forward to getting to know everyone.

Mrs Williamson

My name is Kristy Williamson and I'm looking forward to joining the teaching team at Duffy in 2024. I bring with me two decades of teaching experience, with the majority of that time spent working with Year 5 and 6 students. For the past seven years, I've had the pleasure of being part of the Chapman Primary School community, and now, I'm ready for a new adventure with all of you.

Beyond the classroom, I enjoy travelling, camping under the stars, coaxing plants to life in my garden, trying to improve my skills on the flute and piano and above all, spending quality time with my family.

On a personal note, I spent my childhood years growing up on a property on the picturesque far south coast of NSW, and my journey eventually led me to the ACT to pursue my teaching degree. Now, I call the ACT home, where my partner, a fishing and diving enthusiast, who has spent the past 2 years building his own boat, keeps me entertained with tales of his latest adventures on the water. While I'm not a huge fan of being offland for too long due to seasickness, I do love seafood!

Adding to the excitement of life is my delightful two-year-old son, who keeps me on my toes with his boundless energy and infectious laughter. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you in the new year, and I’m excited to be joining the Duffy school community!

Ms Brown

I am a very experienced and qualified music specialist, having worked in settings from preschool to year 12.

My philosophy centres around enjoyment in learning through developing skills in singing, instrument work and movement. I have coordinated and directed concert bands and jazz bands for many years and am grateful for the opportunity to foster a love of music and the arts.

I am very much looking forward to my new role at Duffy Primary School.

Ms Stevens

Hi all! My name is Claire Stevens and I have been at Duffy for most of 2023, doing both my final university placement and relief teaching.

Outside of school, I like going for walks with friends, playing card games, and attempting to keep indoor plants alive!

I'm very excited to be a part of this team in 2024 and look forward to getting to know you all.

Mr Crowe

Hello, I'm Samuel Crowe. I've lived in 5 states of Australia so far but consider myself a Territorian (the NT not ACT!).

I've been working with kids and young people for at least the last decade in disability, health, foster care, sport and schools. This has allowed me to teach in many contexts that have always provided a new challenge.

I am passionate about giving students the skills they need for life and look forward to working with the students and families of Duffy Primary.

Transition Day

In Week 10, on Monday 11th of December, students will have the opportunity to participate in a transition afternoon where they will be able to meet the teachers of their cohort next year.

Due to the influx of international students in late January, classroom teachers cannot be confirmed until the week prior to school starting. We hope by providing students with the opportunity to meet all the teachers in their year level and sending home a photo introducing these teachers on the Friday of Week 9, students will feel supported, and any anxiety will be reduced.

With every best wish for a wonderful weekend with your beautiful families. We wish our junior and senior choir all the best for their performance this weekend at the Molonglo Valley Christmas Carols.

Regards,

Katie, Arilia, Sarah and Katie

MESSAGE FROM SCHOOL BOARD

School Uniform Procedure 2024

At Duffy Primary School, the School Board plays a vital role in making decisions to support the school executive and staff to ensure the wellbeing and success of our students. One of our key responsibilities is to regularly review and update school policy and procedure documents, ensuring that they align with our commitment to providing the best educational experience for your children, along with ACT Public Education policies.

Recently, the board had the opportunity to review the Duffy School Uniform procedure with executive staff. The board recognised that the existing procedure already contained the relevant information, however we acknowledged that some minor reframing to the wording of the document would provide more clarity and transparency. The minor revisions are driven by our strong belief in fostering a sense of school pride and unity among our students. We believe that the Duffy uniform instils a sense of belonging and identity and helps our students feel more connected to their school community, without restricting individuality and inclusiveness. In turn, we hope that reinforced expectations placed on school uniform will foster a sense of purpose and intent, where students know that school is a place of learning, collaboration and connectedness. The school board is committed to working alongside the school staff to ensure students and families are supported to understand the procedure. We appreciate your support in this endeavour to continue to foster a positive and inclusive school atmosphere.

Please see the Uniform Procedure Document here

MESSAGE FROM DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL

Inquiry into literacy and numeracy in ACT public schools

The ACT Government announced an independent inquiry into literacy and numeracy performance in the ACT. Through the inquiry we will gain local insights into the opportunities for strengthening literacy and numeracy outcomes for all ACT public school students, with a particular focus on equity. The inquiry will also look at how supports for educators and students could be enhanced.

The inquiry is an opportunity to look at what we are doing well and opportunities to strengthen our education system.

How to get involved

An independent Expert Panel will lead the inquiry. They will consider the views of academics, educators, unions, parents and carers, and students. This will be done through calls for public submissions and stakeholder engagement.

To view the Panel Membership, Terms of Reference and more you can visit: www.education.act.gov.au/literacyandnumeracyinquiry

SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING - YEAR 3

Word inquiry

This week's word inquiry focused on the word movement (M is for movement day). We explored the base and made different words by adding a variety of prefixes and suffixes. This led the students to question if some of the words they created were correct, which created some interesting conversations around words.

Reading with Preschool

For N is neighbour day, Year 3 went to Preschool and read to the pre-schoolers. It was lovely to see them all enjoying reading and interacting with them. It was also a great opportunity for our Year 3 students to display their leadership to some fellow students as they continue their journey through the senior school. Well done Year 3!

HASS Projects

Year 3 have been working hard to create a learning display based on our unit on celebrations and commemorations. We have worked very hard to create presentations that explained an event of their choice, as well as some information about how different cultures and people would celebrate their event as well. As well as content, Year 3 also created visual displays to be presented with their work. We had the opportunity to present our learning to our parents, carers and families on Friday Week 8 which was very exciting. We hope you enjoy a small piece of our hard work!

SCHOOL LEADERS

Prime Minister

Barney Mungoven

Deputy Prime Minister

Kleio Slater

Speaker

Nina Aubrey

AWARDS

These will be presented at the next Monday Morning WOW (4th December - 9am)

Merit Awards

Imogen H - KDL

James R - KDL

Mihaan M - KRP

Theo H - KRP

Lexi W - 1ET

Angus C - 1ET

Jiaan M - 1JS

Vivaan J - 1JS

Ahmed B - 1SF

Ava L - 1SF

Anya J - 2KJ

Arthur B - 2KJ

Avie L - 2RW

Billy W - 2RW

Tyson M - 3MS
Stella W - 3MS

Califf J - 3SZ

Jasmine D - 3SZ

MacKenzie W - 3VS

Callum M - 3VS

Jaxson K - 4JB

Hewy S - 4JB

Colin F - 5CM

Jarrah B - 5CM

Lizzie P - 5CM

Ali A - 5CM

Charlotte G - 5CN

Ella B - 5CN

Sarah R - 6LK

Pat K - 6LK

Cailin R - 6ZG

Nina A - 6ZG

PBL Hero Awards

Keenai G - KDL

Sienna K - KDL

Henry I - KRP

Bruce M - KRP

Lauren N - KRP

Kay T - KRP

Safwaan K - 1ET

Sandy M - 1ET

Josie D - 1JS

Vivaan J - 1JS

Edgar J - 1JS

Kirby M - 1JS

Billie W - 1JS

Eevi Y - 1JS

Sarah B - 1SF

Mason E - 1SF

Alex H - 1SF

Aria K - 1SF

Bridie K - 1SF

Ava L - 1SF

Chloie M -1 SF

Willy M - 1SF

Noah M - 1SF

Paige P - 1SF

Veronica R - 1SF

Maya R - 1SF

Gold Spirit Awards

Feera B - KBS

Marcus - 1JS

Jude F - 1JS

Silver and Bronze Awards will be handed out by Exec staff during the week.

Silver Spirit Awards

Axel A - 1ET

Matthew H - 3SZ

Eva H - 3SZ

Bailey D - 4JB

Harry G - 4JB

Hewy S - 4JB

Erik Z - 4JB

P & C NEWS

50th Birthday Party CONTINUES

The Colour Fun Run is on NEXT WEEK!!

Pledge forms need to be brought in with any cash pledges. If you are still busy go online at https://duffypandc.square.site/s/shop.

Let’s encourage our students to get active, get engaged and raise some funds too! The funds raised will enable our P&C to continue supporting our school community with playground equipment, additional classroom supplies, barbeques, cuppa and yarns, year 6 jerseys, graduation cake, preschool end of year celebrations, murals and birthday cakes!

Uniform Shop

Thanks to parents and friends for their continued support of the Uniform Shop. As we approach the end of the year, we wanted to get in touch with the following messages:

The best time to order uniforms for 2024 is now! Avoid the stress and fluster of the end of the year (when you are already stressed and flustered about eleventy other things) and go into the summer holidays knowing that you've got next year's uniforms sorted.
The Uniform Shop does not open in Week 10. The last orders for the year will be filled in Week 9, Friday 8 December, for orders placed by 5pm on Thursday 7 December. Any orders placed after that time will be held over to 2024.
A rack of uniform items has been taken to pre-school for families to decide what items you might like to purchase for next year. Please place your order through Flexischools, noting the cut-off dates above.
The Uniform Shop will open for face-to-face trade on the Friday of Week 9 (8 Dec), from 8.30-9.00. Parents will have the opportunity to look through the pre-loved items.

If you have some uniforms that you are ready move on that are miraculously somehow still in good condition, please consider donating to the uniform shop.

We plan to open the Uniform Shop prior to school commencing next year, currently scheduled for Monday 29 Jan, 8.30 to 10.30. Please keep an eye on the P&C's Facebook page from mid-late January for details.

Tea Towels

We still have 5 SENIOR tea towels available for purchase. So…

If you missed out and REALLY want some or just feel the need for more – please email secretary@duffypandc.org.au to let us know:
- - - - how many tea towels
      - a child’s name and class (to get the order to)

When we receive your email we will provide you with the P&C bank details for payment.

SENIOR Tea Towel = Year 3, 4, 5, 6 & GRIFFIN

Prices are $16 each or 3 for $45

Find the Duffy Primary Parents and Citizens Association on

Facebook!

@duffypandc

Don’t forget to connect with your Year level parent community on Facebook – this is a great way to stay connected, get year/school specific information and even organise gatherings.

Just search “DPS Year” on google and the groups will pop up, or head to the Duffy Primary Parents and Citizens Facebook page for more info.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

A Village for Every Child – Resources

A Village for Every Child has created two resources to support Canberra families as they navigate through their child’s development and health needs. The resources provide information on how to use the health ‘Blue Book’, attend health checks, and identify where to go if they have a health, development or disability concern.

The resources, such as the Child Development Poster and Family Pathways Map are available on the Village for Every Child’s website.

Learning for Life

The Learning for Life program helps children by supporting their education from primary through to post-school studies, like TAFE or University.

Learning for Life provides:

To be eligible for Learning for Life, you need to:

Have a child or children in Primary School, at one of the schools The Smith Family work with
Have a Health Care or Pension Concession Card
Have a strong commitment to your child/ren’s education and make sure they attend school regularly

To register your interest in Learning for Life, you need to:

Click this link https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/campaigns/learning-for-life-expression-of-interest
Fill out the relevant details (your name, phone number, child/ren’s details and School Information)
You will then receive an email from The Smith Family with information about next steps

If you have any questions about Learning for Life, or need help to apply, you can call The Smith Family on 0481 464 065 or 1800 280 223.