Dundurrabin Public School Newsletter Term 2, Week 2, 2025

Principal's Message

Welcome to Term 2

As we embark on another exciting term, I hope you all had a restful break and are ready to dive back into learning. Term 2 is shaping up to be filled with new opportunities, engaging lessons, and memorable experiences.

ANZAC Day Thank you

I want to extend a big thank you to each student who participated in the ANZAC march during the holidays, especially in such challenging weather conditions. Your dedication to honouring the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women is commendable.

Braving the rain to stand together in remembrance shows your strong spirit and commitment to our community's values. Thank you once again for your courage and for representing our school with pride. 

Exciting News from Our School Development Days

We are happy to share some updates from our recent School Development Days (SDDs) where we focused on improving learning for our students. During these days, our staff participated in important training about the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Policy.

The goal of this policy is to find and help students who show high potential and giftedness, making sure they get the right challenges and learning opportunities.

During the SDDs, our teachers took part in workshops and group sessions to learn more about the HPGE Policy. They also discussed effective ways to meet the different needs of our students, helping them achieve their best.

We believe that this professional learning will significantly enhance our teaching practices and learning opportunities, and ultimately benefit all learners at our school.

Welcome to our relieving APCI- Ms Arnold

Mrs Bingle will continue as relieving principal at Dorrigo Public School for the beginning of term, and Hernani Public School later in the term. We welcome Ms Kaye Arnold to our school as our relieving Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction (APCI) for term 2. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make. Welcome aboard!

District Cross Country

Congratulations to Bailey and Carter for their participation in the District Cross Carnival on Friday. Bailey Placed 24th and Carter placed 49th. Well done boys!

Leah Keough

Every Day Matters

Please remember to explain all days your child is away from school. You can do this in person, by phoning the school, or by sending a text to the school mobile at 0411 939 188. Thank you for your cooperation!

What's on for Term 2

• Wednesday 7 May - Gubi Gabun Playgroup - 10am to 12 noon
• Monday 12 May - P&C Meeting - 4pm
• Wednesday 14 May - Finlayson Cup at Chandler PS
• Friday 16 May - Walk Safely to School Day
• Wednesday 21 May - Gubi Gabun Playgroup - 10am to 12 noon                                                                                                                                           & National Simultaneous Storytime - 12noon
• Thursday 22 May - Year 6 Grip Leadership Conference - Coffs Harbour
• Wednesday 4 June - Gubi Gabun Playgroup - 10am to 12 noon
• Monday 9 June - Kings Birthday Public Holiday
• Wednesday 11 June - Kindergarten Transition Program - 1.30pm to 3.15pm
• Monday 16 June - P&C Meeting - 4pm
• Wednesday 18 June - Gubi Gabun Playgroup - 10am to 12 noon
• Wednesday 25 June - Kindergarten Transition Program - 1.30pm to 3.15pm
• Wednesday 2 July - Gubi Gabun Playgroup - 10am to 12 noon

Consent Notes to be Returned

• Finlayson Cup Consent Note 
• Finlayson Cup Lunch Orders & Money - Due by Monday morning 12th May - No late Orders will be accepted
• Year 6 Grip Leadership Consent Notes

Fortnightly Awards

Term 2 - Week 2

K-2 Class

Tyler Hobbs for using the success criteria in writing.

3-6 Class

Jaxon Bennett for his amazing efforts during STEM sessions on Stop Motion.

Term 1 - Week 11

K-2 Class

Carter Freeman for demonstrating a growth mindset in writing tasks, pushing himself to achieve all success criteria, including the challenge ones!

3-6 Class

Amber Baff for demonstrating a growth mindset and always giving 100% effort.

Welcome Kaye Arnold - Relieving ACPI

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. Hi, I’m Kaye Arnold, and I am currently relieving APCI at Dundurrabin PS every Tuesday this term. I am looking forward to working closely with everyone and being part of the team at Dundurrabin Public School.

I am very passionate about teaching and making a difference. I also have a love for health and fitness, and continue to teach group fitness classes at several gyms in Coffs Harbour whilst teaching fulltime.

I am a country girl at heart, originally from Bundarra/Inverell NSW and moved to Coffs Harbour 9 years ago. I have 3 beautiful children Tully 21, Lily 18 and Sonny 17. I also have a very spoilt Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Luna, and a tortoiseshell cat, Montie. I live at Repton, but still have a property at Bundarra where my 5 horses reside (getting fat due to lack of riding).

I have been teaching for 34 years and my recent adventure before taking this role involved teaching NAP (New Arrival Students) at Coffs Harbour Primary School. I have been teaching since I was 20, graduating from Armidale CAE. In my career, I have taught and been Relieving Assistant Principal/Principal at various small schools such as Tingha, Gilgai, Inverell and Urunga Public Schools. As an educator, I also enjoy teaching the creative arts, dance, sport and PD/Health/PE curriculum.

During my time at Dundurrabin PS, I hope I can share my expertise as an educator, and make a meaningful difference in both the staff and children’s educational journeys.

Kaye Arnold

ANZAC March

Thank you to our student representatives Amber, Bailey, Carter, Henry, Tyson, and Jaxon, who participated in the Dorrigo ANZAC service on Friday, April 25. Our School Captains, Bailey and Jaxon, laid a wreath on behalf of our school community. We are incredibly proud of our students for their respectful participation.

It was also heart warming to return to school and receive a thank you letter from the Dorrigo RSL Sub Branch, expressing their appreciation for the staff and students who attended the ANZAC Day main service, especially given the difficult weather conditions. Your support on ANZAC Day means a lot!

A Visit from Vietnam Veteran Mr. Jim McLeod

We were honoured to welcome Mr. Jim McLeod to our school on the last Thursday of Term 1. Jim, a Vietnam Veteran, shared his experiences in the service with our students. He explained the medals he was wearing and their significance. Additionally, Jim kindly gave each student a service bear badge on that day.

Thank you, Jim and Tess McLeod, for joining us and sharing your stories and knowledge.

Shine a light on our wonderful school!

Our school has been awarded for its outstanding contributions to the local Dorrigo Plateau Newspaper (DPN). This recognition highlights the dedication and effort of our students and staff in sharing news, stories, and achievements from our school community.

We appreciate everyone’s hard work in creating engaging content that showcases our school spirit and initiatives. Thank you to all who contributed, and let’s continue to shine a light on our wonderful school! Thanks for the acknowledgement, DPN!

An Exciting Start to Science Learning!

Our Thursday science afternoons have launched with great enthusiasm! K-2 students are busy exploring their new robotics kit, while students in Years 3-6 are focused on coding the Intelino Smart Trains. Our journey into digital technologies is progressing beautifully.

Athletics Practice Begins for the Finlayson Sports Cup

We are excited to announce the start of our athletics practice in preparation for the upcoming Finlayson Sports Cup! This past Friday, students focused on shot put and discus, working on their technique and building their strength.

With more practices planned, we encourage all students to participate and develop their skills as we gear up for this exciting event. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our training!

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden News

Term 1 - Week 11

What a beautiful Autumn day to end the term with. We were very productive, planting out a new flower bed with a variety of plants to cut for table decorations each Friday. We also planted broccoli, swedes and 2 rows of peas.

We harvested shallots, eggs, zucchini, garlic chives and heaps of corn which the children got to take home to share. 

This week in the kitchen we made a special lunch for Harmony Day with all staff and students. We made homemade bao buns with panko crumbed chicken, Vietnamese style pickles and homemade Tonkotsu sauce, Singapore noodles, pork hot sticker dumplings, fried beef dim sims, steamed rice, chicken and corn egg drop soup and creamy coconut tapioca with fresh fruit for dessert.

Week 1 - Term 2

This week gardening was shortened as we were participating in focused lessons on discus and shot put in preparation for Finlayson Cup. However, we did manage to prune some plants, mulch gardens, plant the last of our marigolds in our flower garden and do a spot of weeding.

We harvested shallots, carrots, zucchini, parsnips, eggs, a lemon, chives, garlic chives and thyme.

In the kitchen we made roasted vegetable soup served with sour cream, crusty zaatar spiced flatbreads, crispy parmesan and corn fritters, banana bread baked oatmeal with home made yogurt for dessert, as well as some lemongrass and hibiscus tea icy pole for us to enjoy next week.

This week the cooking award goes to Lachie Bergs, for amazing focus and fritter making. Well done!

Term 1 Assembly, Easter Parade & Parents Vs Students Sport Game

Thank you for attending our Term 1 Assembly! All the students enjoyed showcasing their learning with everyone.

We were delighted to see the creative Easter hats during the Easter hat parade.

A special congratulations to our Year 6 Captains, Hunter and Jaxon, for leading us through a wonderful assembly. The Oz Tag game that followed was filled with excitement and friendly competition, and everyone had a great time. Congratulations to the parents on your 3-1 victory!

Year 6 Jumpers

Congratulations to Jaxon, Hunter, Henry, and Bailey, our Year 6 students and Captains, who received their personalised jumpers at last term's Assembly. This is a cherished tradition for our Year 6 students.

Finlayson Cup Sports Day - Chandler PS

We will be attending Finlayson Cup Sports Day at Chandler Public School on Wednesday 14 May (next week). We will be travelling by parental transport to and from Chandler PS on the day. This is a whole school excursion.

Cup days are always enjoyed as they are about participation, giving it your best and socialising with other students. Everyone has the opportunity to try each event, and points earned throughout the day will go towards our school's total score.

Students will need to be at Chandler PS by 9am and collected at approximately 2.30pm. All parents and carers are welcome to attend the event and show support and  encouragement to our students.

Students are to wear full school sport uniform and joggers. Please remember to pack a jumper for cooler weather and perhaps an umbrella / raincoat. If parent and family members are staying for the day, you might like to bring along a seat or blanket to sit on.

A lunch order was sent home today and must be returned to our school with money by Monday 12th May (morning). No late orders will be accepted. If your child/ren are not ordering lunch, please ensure they have plenty of food packed and water bottles.

The back-up date if the carnival is postponed due to inclement weather will be Wednesday 4 June. 

Walk Safely to School

We will participate in National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday, May 16. Now in its 26th year, this annual event encourages all primary school children to walk and travel safely to school. It aims to promote road safety, health, public transport, and environmental awareness within our community.

In the morning, the bus will transport students from the school to the Community Centre, where we will all walk safely back to school with our teachers. Parents and carers are welcome to join us for the walk from the Community Centre. Please ensure your child is at school by 8:45 a.m. so we can board the bus on time.

Upon our return to school, we will enjoy a combined breakfast generously provided by our P&C.

National Simultaneous Storytime

We will be participating in National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday, May 21, at 12 noon. This important annual campaign encourages young children to read and enjoy books. Each year, a picture book written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator is read at the same time in libraries, preschools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops, and many other locations across Australia, New Zealand, and the world.

This year’s chosen book is “The Truck Cat,” written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell.

Yr 6 - Grip Leadership Conference

Year 6 students will be attending a Student Leadership Conference at Coffs Harbour Racing Club on Thursday 22 May. The conference will be very worthwhile and informative for our school leaders.  

The school is paying the cost of each student - $39.00. Students must wear full school uniform on the day and bring a packed recess, lunch, drinks, hat and jumper as well as a pen to write with (a notebook will be provided on the day) Leadership badges will be available on the day in many designs for $3 each or 2 for $5 if students would like to purchase some. 

Students will need to arrive at Coffs Harbour Racing Club by 8.45am and the day should finish approximately at 2.30pm. Parental transport will be needed for this excursion. 

Mrs Keough will meet the students at the Racecourse and accompany them throughout the conference. Consent notes will be sent home tomorrow.

A special Invitation for children starting school in 2026

Gubi Gabun - This Wednesday 7 May

2025 Learning Contributions - SAKG Fees

Student invoices / Statement of Accounts are being sent home today with your child/ren.  Thank you to those families that have already paid theirs.

Book Club Issue#3

Book Club Issue#3 brochure has been sent home today. If you wish to place an order from this issue, please have your loop online order completed or your order forms and money (cash) back at school by Friday 16 May.

P&C News and Community News

Mothers Day Raffle

The P&C is having a Mother’s Day raffle. Tickets are $1.00 each and were sent home last term. Tickets and money will need to be back at school by this Wednesday 7 May. The raffle will be drawn this Friday 9 May.

P&C Easter Raffle

A big thank you to everyone who went above and beyond to donate to our fantastic easter raffle last term. Congratulations to our Easter raffle winners - Chris Williamson, Laz Beresford, Jenna Walters, Amber Baff, Piper Keough and Charlie McGuire.

P&C Firewood Raffle

The P&C are having a firewood raffle this term. Tickets will be sent home during Week 4. Tickets will be $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. All tickets and money will need to be back at school by Monday 30June. The raffle will be drawn at our Term 2 Assembly (date to be announced).

P&C Meeting - Monday 12 May

Our next P&C meeting will be held on Monday 12 May at 4pm. It would be wonderful if we could have as many people as possible attend. This is a great opportunity to find out about and get involved with what is happening within the school. Please come along, share a cuppa and enjoy a relaxed and friendly gathering. We’d love to see more faces for new ideas and support.

What's On

Live Music, Food, Auction, Raffle & More! Saturday 17 May 11am-4pm

At Dundurrabin Community Centre   Greater Glider Support Event 

Contact Suzi 0427 035 121 or E:  blicksriver@gmail.com to be involved.

Blicks Community Crop and Produce Swap

Saturday 17 May 11am-3pm at Dundurrabin Community Centre

Bring along any extra home made or home grown produce to exchange with others.

Join for updates https://www.facebook.com/groups/681212274247994

Yoga & Relaxation Classes with Shakti Term 2

New day - Mondays 4.15 to 5.30pm at Dundurrabin Public School

Thursdays 10 to 11.15am at Dorrigo Uniting Church Hall Myrtle St Booking & more info: 0448 879 642 or E: shakti.mudra@gmail.com

Canva Workshop - Sunday 18 May 1.30pm for 2 to 5pm

At Tyringham RFS Shed. Bring laptop & food to share for afternoon tea.

Great opportunity to learn great design software for flyers & posters.

For beginners to more experienced. Sponsored by Blicks Community Inc. ***Register by Wednesday 14 May*** E: blicks2453@gmail.com

Coffs Harbour & District Motorcycle Restores Club – Saturday 24 May

At Dundurrabin Community Centre

Lunch $15 Please book with Deb Thornhill 0423 686 610

Salsa Dance Classes - Tuesdays 7-8pm lesson, 8-9pm Socialise / dancing

At Dundurrabin Community Centre Contact: Shar & Marc on 0423 929 423

Bring some nibbles to share & donation to cover hall hire.