We’re excited to let you know that our school newsletter is now available through the Parent Portal! You will receive a newsfeed notification whenever a new edition is published, making it easier than ever to stay connected with all the latest news and updates from our school community.

We encourage all families to check the Parent Portal regularly so you don’t miss any important updates.

Thank you for staying involved in our school community!

PLAYGROUND

We are continuing to work closely with the Education Directorate to consider the most appropriate next steps regarding our junior playground. Once a decision has been made, I will be sure to keep our community updated.

On a very positive note, thanks to the generosity of our P&C, we are excited to share that a GaGa Court will be installed in the coming week on the top part of the school oval. Earlier this year, during Year 6 camp, our students played this game and enjoyed it so much that they returned full of enthusiasm and organised a fundraiser to contribute towards bringing it to Duffy Primary. With the support of our P&C, who kindly provided the additional funds, this has now become a reality.

Gaga Ball is a dynamic blend of handball and dodgeball. It started in the 1970s and has increasingly captured the hearts of players worldwide. The rules are straightforward and gameplay is engaging, making it a favourite among players of all ages and abilities. More than just a game, Gaga Ball encourages active play and builds community.

We can’t wait to see our students enjoying their new GaGa Court very soon!

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

At Duffy Primary we are continuing our journey to strengthen student writing. An important part of this work is giving our young writers authentic opportunities to publish and share their writing. Publishing means more than just finishing a piece of work – it allows students to see the value of their words, ideas, and creativity with a real audience.

You may have already seen examples of this through class publishing events, buddy class sharing, or special displays. These moments are powerful: when students know that their writing will be read and enjoyed by others, they develop confidence, a stronger writer’s voice, and a sense of pride in their work.

We encourage families to support and celebrate these publishing opportunities. They are a key outcome of our writing journey, helping every child to understand that their words matter.

Our Writing Improvement Journey

– The Power of Publishing

SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING -

ACT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM

Extension Ensembles for 2026

The ACT Instrumental Music Program would like to invite students who will be in Years 4-7 in ACT government schools in 2026 to audition for ACT IMP extension ensembles.

The ACT IMP ensembles are an excellent opportunity for hard-working, skilled and committed young musicians to work together in an enriching environment. The groups are active performance ensembles, and the families of students auditioning need to be prepared to make a strong commitment to rehearsal and performance attendance for the full year.

Audition registration is now open for the following ensembles:

· Primary Concert Band – Students in Year 6 in ACT government schools in 2026

· Young Voices (Choir) – Vocalists (singers) in Years 4-6 in ACT government schools in 2026

Students are welcome to audition for one or more ensembles. Membership in each ensemble is considered separately.

Please note that students accepting a place in Young Voices for 2026 will also need to be members of their school choir, if the opportunity exists.

Audition registration closes Monday 3 November 2025. This is a strict deadline.

Information cards will be available from the Music/Arts teacher at your child’s school. Further details are also available on the IMP website.

Three ways to access the online audition registration form:

· http://www.imp.act.edu.au

· QR code

· https://forms.gle/mCLscYJSzpiQw6wC9

If you have questions about the audition process, please contact imp.admin@ed.act.edu.au

Audition requirements, set pieces and instructions will be available on the IMP website by the end of Term 3. Online auditions will be held in Week 6, Term 4 (17-21 November).

We look forward to receiving your audition registration!

WELLBEING TEAM

Online resource: Emerging Minds Families

Knowing where to access reliable, accurate, evidence-based information and advice about parenting can be tricky, and the sheer volume of information online can be overwhelming and often offers conflicting advice. As a social worker, one of the resources I rely on and encourage families to access is Emerging Minds Families.

Developed in collaboration with family members with lived experience, practitioners and using the latest research, Emerging Minds Families is all about offering practical and trustworthy information for families to use directly or for practitioners to share and use with the parents and families they work with.

Emerging Minds Families offers resources in different forms – including videos, podcasts and factsheets, so you can choose the best way that you learn and understand new information. These resources cover a range of topics from understanding child development and children’s mental health, to having conversations about consent, body image, and identity, to supporting children’s wellbeing during a separation or divorce, or after a natural disaster. If there is a topic you are seeking guidance on or wanting to learn more about to better understand and support your child’s development and wellbeing, then Emerging Minds Families is a great place to start!

For more information and to view the range of topics and resources available, visit their website: https://emergingminds.com.au/families/

A MESSAGE FROM DUFFY P&C

KEEP CONNECTED:

Want to stay in touch with other parents and what the P&C are up to?

Join the WhatsApp Community via the link or QR code:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7h7BkKzBg9JGHBVKtYsJE

Thank you for your continued support of our school and community.

Regards,

P&C Committee

Find the Duffy Primary Parents and Citizens Association on

Facebook!

@duffypandc

Don’t forget to connect with your Year level parent community on Facebook and Whatsapp – 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.

School Uniform

The School Board endorses the wearing of uniform as it is part of the school ethos of helping to create a sense of belonging and pride in the school and so engender a positive school spirit. Students at Duffy Primary School are encouraged to wear their school uniform or school colours each day.

Students must be in uniform when attending excursions or outside events; this is to ensure their safety. When parents complete permission notes for excursions or school events, they are acknowledging this requirement.

SCHOOL LEADERS

Prime Minister

Reed C

Deputy Prime Minister

Jessie T

Opposition Leader

Olivia M

Deputy Opposition Leader

Matthias C

Speaker

Faith B

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Piano Lessons at Duffy PS

Miss Amelia Hewitt is delighted to announce that she will be offering private/ one to one piano lessons this year of 2025, both Term 3, 4 and into next year 2026

Miss Hewitt has been the piano teacher at Duffy Primary School over 2 years now and holds many musical and teaching qualifications such as Practice of Music Certificate of Completion, Australian Music Examination Board. Diploma both in Associate Teacher and Classical Performer, Classical Pianoforte, ANZCA and AMEB, Australian Music Examination Board Certificate in Theory of music 5th Grade (prerequisite for the Amus Australia)

If you are at all interested, please call her on:

0424102126 and we can go from there.

Parentline ACT

Parentline ACT offers free and confidential telephone counselling for parents and carers in the Australian Capital Territory. This service provides guidance and assistance on various parenting issues, ensuring you have the support you need with no appointment necessary. Parentline ACT is open on Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. For support, call (02) 6287 3833.

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