Dernancourt School Newsletter

Last Monday, 14th February 2022, the buzz of face to face learning returned to our Year 2-6 learning spaces, as we had our second "day 1" for learners on site for 2022. The first two weeks of the 2022 school year these learners had been busy learning remotely via Seesaw or Teams.  Their teachers tried to learn about their new class members, their interests, passions, wonderings, skills, questions and knowledge while providing engaging activities for them to submit and share. 

We were so grateful to have nearly all of our 316 learners back at school, and to hear their voices and laughter in our building and yard.

We hope that they have been able to share with their families how inviting their 2022 learning spaces are. While we wait for the date when we are able to have families back in our buildings, we invite you to take a look at the photos below and ask your child about their rooms.

😊 DfE have announced that a range of restrictions will be removed from the start of week 5.  It’s intended that these arrangements will apply from the start of week 5 to the end of week 8 in term 1. COVID-19 in schools and the broader community will be monitored over the coming weeks and the department will continue to work with SA Health during this time. DfE intent is to remove further restrictions from week 9. 

From the start of week 5 (28 February 2022) the following can resume.

In schools

• Day excursions (indoors and outdoors) and incursions (held outdoors where possible). 
• Swimming lessons and sports days (spectators may attend if held outside).
• Interschool sporting competitions.
• Extra-curricular activities at the school, including choirs, band practice, instrumental lessons attended by a non-school employed music teacher.
• Work experience and work placements.
• Camps and other outdoor activities required by the SACE for the purpose of subjects such as Outdoor Education. Make sure the camp provider or venue has a COVID management plan.
• Assemblies that are held outdoors.
• Prospective parent tours and information nights targeted at students considering enrolling in the school in the coming year (for example year 6 to high school) held in a COVID safe manner (attendees wearing masks when indoors, with social distancing).
• Hiring education sites to community groups outside of school hours can continue as normal.
• Staff are encouraged to continue to do online meetings and professional development where possible. However, in person professional development can occur in small groups, with participants wearing masks and social distancing.

COVID-19 settings that remain in place

• Face masks continue to be required (when indoors) for:
  • all adults, except when it impedes ability to teach
  • students in years 7 to 12.
• Face masks are strongly encouraged for students in years 3 to 6 (when indoors).
• Testing, isolating and quarantine requirements remain unchanged, including classroom contacts.
• Non-SACE related overnight camps continue to be postponed.
• Staff to continue to minimise use of staff rooms where possible, using outdoor areas and separate rooms for breaks where possible.
• Outdoor learning encouraged where possible.
• Continue to open windows and doors or use air-conditioning set to fresh air intake where possible.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest for our 2022 Governing Council. AGM and election of members will take place at 7.00pm on 22nd March 2022. 

Dernancourt School Governing Council meet twice per term - currently on a Tuesday night in weeks 3 and 8 of each term. Meetings usually run between 60 and 90minutes, depending on the Agenda. 

Please look out for the special Governing Council Edition of our newsletter next week. This will elaborate on the role of a Governing Council Member, and our sub-committees. 

If you are unable to commit to Governing Council, but would like to be involved in a sub committee we would value your contribution too, and look forward to you nominating to be on one of these Committees.