Well done to all our school community on the way we have prioritised our young and with positive intention have provided them with many opportunities for them to engage in a broad range of learning opportunities.

As mentioned in the last communication we welcomed a number of new staff to our school and these people are transitioning well into Port Dalrymple School. We are grateful for the ongoing commitment, efforts and professional approaches that our teacher brings into the classrooms daily. At the end of the term we welcome Mr Tim Elliott back to Port Dalrymple School as he takes on the role of Assistant Principal of our Senior School (7-12), bringing a wealth of educational experience to support ongoing improvements for all in our community. With this we farewell Mr Ed Bastick who will return to his industry vocation as a training. We thank him for his work over the past 3 terms and wish him and his family well.

Fostering respect, belonging, and a strong student voice during a school term can significantly enhance the overall school environment. As a school community we have focussed on respectful relationships and a commitment to learning. A number of strategies have been implemented to achieve this:

Respect

1. Model Respectful Behaviour: Teachers and staff should consistently model respectful behaviour. This sets a standard for students to follow.
2. Clear Expectations: Establish and communicate clear expectations for respectful interactions among students and staff.
3. Conflict Resolution: Implement programs that teach conflict resolution skills, helping students manage disagreements respectfully.

Belonging

1. Inclusive Activities: Organize activities that encourage all students to participate and feel included, such as team-building exercises and cultural events
2. Mentorship Programs: Pair older students with younger ones to foster a sense of community and belonging.
3. Safe Spaces: Create safe spaces where students can express themselves and feel supported by peers and staff

Strong Student Voice

        Student Leadership Boards: Establish student board  that allow students to           voice their opinions, participate in decision-making processes and model                    positive behaviour and relationships

        Feedback Mechanisms: Regularly seek feedback from students on school                policies, teaching methods, and other relevant issues

        Classroom Discussions: Encourage open discussions in the classroom where           students can share their thoughts and ideas freely

Implementing these strategies can help create a positive school environment where respect, belonging, and student voice are prioritized. All staff at Port Dalrymple School are committed to ensuring all students contribute to our school community in a positive way. We will continue to highlight

Is there a particular area you would like to focus on more?

2025 ANZAC Day 

As a school community, we actively encourage students to be involved in the George Town ANZAC Day service.  As you would be aware, ANZAC Day is Friday, April 25th.  

 Students are invited to represent Port Dalrymple School in the ANZAC Day march. Students wishing to participate are to meet supervising staff at the George Town Memorial Hall car park at 10:20 am to have attendance recorded in preparation for the march.   

Students will march to the Max Harris Reserve and participate during the 11:00am service. At the end of the service parents/guardians must collect students from the Max Harris Reserve. Students must be in full school uniform.   The George Town Lions Club will give any student in full school uniform, medals and participate in the mark access to a free BBQ after the march.

Whole School Expectations

During Term 1 staff, students and School Association have been working on developing a consistent set of whole school expectations.   This work has been deemed a priority with a number of concerns highlighted from student, staff and parent feedback around the impact of student behaviour on developing a positive school culture.  

Research and evidence tells us that more than ever our young people need consistency and routines.  In order to support this across the school we have developed 5 key expectations under the banner “This is how we do it here.”  This phrase acknowledges that expectations at sports clubs, the pump track, youth group and even at home might be different, but at Port Dalrymple School all students and staff will follow the same expectations. 

The process to decide on the 5 key expectations was a session with all teachers, looking at what was important for them as leaders in the classroom, ensuring all students are provided the best opportunity to learn.  A student voice group Year 3 – 12 then undertook as session on the most important aspects of the classroom for them.  School Association, including parent reps also participated in a similar activity. 

This is how we do it here

• Follow instructions first time, every time
• Respect ourselves, others and our environment
• Respect other peoples’ differences and strengths
• Ensure our actions and choices impact others positively
• Are accountable and accept the consequences of our behaviour

During Term 2 there will be a huge focus on explicitly teaching and educating all students on these 5 expectations. Each classroom will display visual reminders and prompts to support students.  We will continue to post on social media and provide parents with follow up conversation prompts to help embed and ensure your young people are developing the understanding of these expectations. 

Creating a positive school culture is the work of our entire school community and we are excited to continue to develop this work with our school and community.