We had 61 responses for the 2021 DPS Parent Survey. A detailed summary is below.

• My child’s teacher knows my child’s learning needs and teaches at an appropriate level for them to achieve and progress academically

5 (High Impact) – 34.4%

4 – 29.5%

3 – 31.1%

2 – 3.3%

1 (Low Impact) – 1.6%

• My child’s teacher has high expectations of my child in regards to learning

5 (High Impact) – 24.6%

4 – 31.1%

3 – 29.5%

2 – 14.8%

1 (Low Impact) – NIL

• I feel informed about my child’s academic progress

5 (High Impact) - 18%

4 – 31.1%

3 – 23%

2 – 21.3%

1 (Low Impact) – 6.6%

• My child enjoys coming to school

5 (High Impact) – 57.4%

4 – 29.5%

3 – 6.6%

2 – 4.9%

1 (Low Impact) – 1.6%

• The school caters well for my child’s social and emotional needs

5 (High Impact) – 36.1%

4 – 39.3%

3 – 19.7%

2 – 4.9%

1 (Low Impact) – NIL

• The school communicates well with parents and I generally feel well informed about school happenings

5 (High Impact) – 31.1%

4 – 41%

3 – 19.7%

2 – 6.6%

1 (Low Impact) – 1.6%

Why is Dundas Public School a great school?

• 28 parents spoke highly of the professional, dedicated staff at DPS. Parents commented that staff are approachable, friendly, kind and caring. One parent mentioned, ‘The teachers are the loveliest, most caring people who really make the school.’ Another commented, ‘My children have been cared and catered for since Kindergarten. All of their teachers have been friendly and welcoming, having their wellbeing at the forefront, followed by their academics’. And finally, ‘Lots of great teaching staff who are obviously passionate about education’.

• 19 parents identified that the lovely school community is a big reason why the school is such a great school. These parents talked about the vibe of the school environment and how the school is such a warm and friendly place. People are approachable and the school is not over-crowded.

• 1 parent each spoke on the quality extra-curricular programs offered, that the school is not too big in student numbers and lots of outdoor spaces.

Are there things at Dundas Public School that could be improved?

• 18 parents spoke about academic rigor in teaching and learning. One parent noted, ‘Professional learning and training for teachers and staff to enhance their understanding of research and practice of the needs of high potential and gifted learners. Specialist programs, settings for high potential and gifted students with the teachers and staff who have additional training and skills in the education of high potential and gifted students.’ Another mentioned ‘the school reports are very unhelpful and provide little insight as to how my child is going. I need to know how my child is coping and progressing.

• 16 parents noted they would like improved communication. One parent commented that parents should be well informed about their child’s learning journey and there is little connection between teacher and parents. Parents would like more information on what their children are learning/doing in class. Another posed could we have a more consistent approach in the technology we use with parents (Seesaw, Classdojo etc)

• 2 parents noted some school facilities need to be improved. One parent listed these concerns; classroom leaks, air conditioning, dark classrooms and empty soap in student bathrooms. The other parent noted school carpet hygiene and cleaning.

• 1 parent spoke about environmental issues noting the school needs to reduce our waste and implement more environmental programs and structures.

We had 189 responses for the 2021 DPS 3-6 Student Survey. A detailed summary is below.

• I know what is expected of me at school.

Agree – 82.5%

Sometimes – 17.5%

Disagree – 0%

• I feel safe at school.

Agree – 69.3%

Sometimes – 29.6%

Disagree – 1.1%

• Most students behave well at school.

Agree – 34.4%

Sometimes – 60.8%

Disagree – 4.8%

• My teacher helps me to improve.

Agree – 85.7%

Sometimes – 11.1%

Disagree – 3.2%

• I generally enjoy school.

Agree – 64.6%

Sometimes – 31.2%

Disagree – 4.2%

• I am doing well at school.

Agree – 65.1%

Sometimes – 31.7%

Disagree – 3.2%

How can we make school better?

• 45 students are asking for more things to do while in the playground that they can use during lunch and afternoon tea. Some would like a place where they can climb, swing and just have fun. Others mentioned a sandpit, tubs of play equipment, more places they can sit especially around the field, soccer goals and more soccer balls. Stage 3 students would like their own space where they could hang out.

• 30 students are requesting more challenging work. These students are wanting to be given harder work to learn. One student answered ‘Set more challenging tasks for some people that can do the work easily, but still keep the basic work for the people that need help.’ These students are asking for more STEM activities, more Stage 3 projects and more learning outside. Some of their ideas include ‘I would really want the school to have some student led groups like a technology group or comic club’.

• 23 students are wanting a more fair and respectful school. These students are asking for help in stopping bullying behaviours and ‘making everyone feel relevant’. One child said they would like no swearing, no bullying and that there are a lot of threats being made by some people.

• 17 students said they like our school exactly how it is now

• 12 students are worried about the amount of litter that is still in our school every day and raised an awareness of environmental matters. Students would like to produce less rubbish, less pollution and less waste. They recognise that we need more strategies to help the environment. Some students suggested having more bins, maybe around the field area. Others suggested a return and earn program, planting more trees and having more lessons in the classroom about environmental matters.

• 11 students asked for more play time.

• 9 mentioned adding more food items to the canteen menu.

• 4 students would like to see more books in our library

• 3 students asked for more technology in classrooms