Dundurrabin Public School Newsletter Term 3, Week 10, 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Dundurrabin Public School Community,

Staffing Update

I'm pleased to announce that Mrs Sangster has returned to school this week following her period of leave. Welcome back Katrina, we are so pleased to see your return to school. 

Playground Safety

Our new amenities block is under construction and has increased vehicle movement and work onsite. Our school playground continues to be closed for community use outside of school hours and for the upcoming school holiday period. The health, safety and wellbeing of all members of our school and the local community are our highest priorities.

Pre-Bushfire Season Message

Our emergency management arrangements for the upcoming bushfire danger period.

Our school is in a bushfire prone area and is identified as Category 1 on the NSW Department of Education’s bushfire risk register.

This means our school will be non-operational when the NSW Rural Fire Service declares catastrophic fire danger ratings for our area or as directed by the NSW Department of Education in consultation with emergency services due to local bushfire activity or in higher risk conditions.

Fire danger ratings do not mean there will be a bushfire, but rather the weather conditions pose a high risk if a fire were to start in the area. The measure is proactive to ensure staff, students and the community remain safe.

We will inform the school community after 4 pm if there is a change to the operational status of the school for the following day. To assist us contacting all families in an emergency, please ensure you have updated your contact details with the school.

Up-to-date information is also available on our school website or School operational status.

We also recommend you stay up to date with bushfire and grassfire activity by using the Hazards Near Me appExternal link (set a watch zone for your school area) and by monitoring local media.

To continue to support student learning on these days, our school will provide information for learning from home.

We recommend all our families follow the NSW Rural Fire Service advice and ensure your family knows what to do if there is a fire. Develop a fire plan and discuss it with your family using MyFirePlanExternal link.

Please call our school on 6657 8133 if you would like more information or have any questions.

Wishing everyone a relaxing school holiday break. See you in Term 4. 

Principal

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 3

Week 10

• Wednesday 24 September - Gubi Gabun Playgroup - 10am to 12 noon                                                                                                                                           & Term 3 Assembly & Adults V Students Sport Game - 2.00pm
• Thursday 25 September - School Photos
• Friday 26 September - Last day of Term 3

  
  

What's on for the beginning of Term 4 

Week 1 

• Monday 13 October - School Development Day
• Tuesday 14 October - Students return to school for Term 4
• Wednesday 15 October - Thank your Cleaner Day
• Thursday 16 October - Year 6 Interrelate Sessions
• Friday 17 October - Kindergarten Transition - 9.00am to 3.15pm

Week 2

• Monday 20 October to Friday 24 October - Stage 3 (Year 6) Sydney Excursion
• Wednesday 22 October - Gubi Gabun Playgroup - 10am to 12 noon     

Week 3

• Monday 27 October - Life Ed at Ebor PS                                                                                                                                                                                          & P&C Meeting - 4pm
• Wednesday 29 October - Kindergarten Transition - 9.00am to 3.15pm
• Friday 31 October - Year 6  DHS Transition - 12noon to 3.15pm

Week 4

•  Wednesday 5 November - Year 6 UNE Far Out Science Day at Armidale University                                                                                                                & Gubi Gabun Playgroup - 10am to 12 noon   

Consent Notes to be Returned

• School Photo Order Forms and Money - by tomorrow
• Life Education Consent Note and Money - by Friday
• Year 6 Sydney Consent Notes - by Friday
• Year 6 Interrelate Program Consent Note - by Friday
• Year 6 Dorrigo High School Transition Consent Note - by Friday
• Year 6 Far Out Science - UNE Armidale - by Friday

Term 3 Spring Holidays

This Friday, 26 September, is the last day of Term 3. We wish all families a relaxing and enjoyable spring holiday break. Staff will return to school on Monday 13 October for a School Development Day and students will return to school on Tuesday 14 October. Term 4 is certainly shaping up to be busy, yet exciting. We look forward to spending it with you all.

Clarity Conference

Our teaching team recently had the privilege of attending the Lyn Sharratt Clarity Conference in Forster, an event that greatly enhanced our approach to supporting student learning.

The focus of the conference was on cultivating assessment-capable learners—students who understand their learning targets and actively participate in evaluating their own progress. By clearly communicating learning intentions and success criteria, and providing specific, constructive feedback, we help students take responsibility for their learning journey. The use of worked examples and rubrics further assists students in recognising what quality work entails and identifying where they can improve.

In addition to gaining valuable insights, the conference offered a fantastic chance to connect and collaborate with educators from across the state, fostering the exchange of ideas and best practices.

We look forward to applying these strategies in our classrooms to empower your child to become a confident and self-directed learner.

Year 6 Sydney Excursion - Payments Due

Our Year 6 students will be travelling with Dorrigo, Hernani and Chandler Public Schools on an excursion to Sydney from October 20 to October 24, 2025 (Week 2 - Term 4).

Consent notes with medical/contact information was sent home on Thursday, please ensure they are filled out corretly and returned to school before this Friday, so that all details can be collated and shared between the schools before the hoildays - Thank you.

Please remember the excursion must be paid in full by the the end of this week, Friday 26 September.

Raffle Winners

Thank you to all the businesses that supported our fundraising through donations and by allowing ticket sales on your premises. We also acknowledge everyone who sold and purchased tickets, contributing to the success of this fundraising.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden News

Week 8 

This week in the kitchen we had a delicious day making a Mexican-style shakshuka with perfectly fried eggs and creamy guacamole. On the side, we cooked up some crispy choko and potato fritter hash browns—absolutely mouthwatering! For dessert, we enjoyed apple and cinnamon scrolls topped with smooth German custard buttercream, accompanied by a fresh fruit platter bursting with colour and flavour. What a tasty culinary adventure! 

Week 9

In the kitchen we cooked a Russian cabbage pie, cheesy broccoli fritters, sweet potato and zucchini chips, a herby feta and sour cream dip, crunchy roasted chickpeas and an apple crumble muffin cake for dessert.

This week the cooking award goes to Tyler Hobbs for amazing fritters making and participating in every step of cooking.

Responsible Pet Visit

We recently had a wonderful visit from Rachel and her Swiss Shepherd, Kari, who taught us all about responsible pet ownership. During the session, we explored the important aspects of caring for a dog, including providing proper food and water, ensuring secure fencing, regular visits to the vet, and practicing road safety to keep our furry friends safe.

Rachel also helped us understand dog behaviours, showing us how to tell when a dog is scared, angry, or happy. One of the key takeaways was learning a simple and effective strategy to stay safe if we ever encounter a vicious dog:

1. Stop
2. Stand still
3. Keep your hands down
4. Stay quiet
5. Look at the ground and slowly back away

This visit was an engaging and valuable experience, helping us appreciate how to care for pets responsibly and stay safe around dogs. Thank you, Rachel and Kari!

Science - Wild Weather

Our students have been exploring the fascinating world of weather patterns. They’ve been hands-on, creating their own weather instruments — including a barometer, thermometer, wind vane, and rain gauge — to better understand how we measure and predict the weather. We also dived into extreme weather events by learning how a tornado can be simulated in water. It was amazing to see science come alive as we explored these natural phenomena up close!

Pizza Lunch – Yummy and Thank You!

A huge thank you to Cassie for preparing our delicious pizza lunch! It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces coming together to enjoy such a tasty treat. We can’t wait for more fun-filled and mouth-watering gatherings like this in the near future!

Kinder Transition

We were delighted to welcome our 2026 kindergarten students for another transition session. They had a very busy day with lots of excitings activities. They got to meet Rachel and her Swiss Shepherd dog, Kari, who joined us for an important Responsible Pet Ownership talk and after the session, we got creative by making dog puppets. In the afternoon the whole school enjoyed some fun sport activities, honing our T-ball skills together. We look forward to next terms full day transitions days  Please see the flyer below for the dates.

2026 Kindergarten Transition Term 4 Dates

Term 3 Assembly - this Wednesday

Join us for our Term 3 Assembly this Wednesday 24 September at 2pm, followed by our termly adults v students friendly sports game of t-ball. Everyone welcome! 

2025 School Photos - this Thursday

We are pleased to be using local photographer, Lou Walpole (Dorrigo Photographic Services) to capture our school photos this year. Photos will be taken this Thursday 25 September.

All photos will be hand-edited, professionally printed and packaged in Dorrigo. 

Families can simply scan the QR code below or visit the website, fill in the online form, and choose to pay upfront or request a payment plan. We do have a paper order form at the school office, if you would like one.

The photographer is more than happy to answer any parent questions. Their contact is Kimberly, and any enquiries can go to: schoolphotos@dorrigophoto.com.au

All students are required to come to school on the day in full school uniform.

Please ensure order forms and money are back at school (or payment has been made online) by tomorrow. 

Gubi Gabun - This Wednesday 24 September

Thank Your Cleaners Day

Thank Your Cleaners Day is Wednesday 15 October (Week 1 - Term 4).

Thank Your Cleaners Day recognises the hard work cleaners do and lets them know how valued and appreciated they are. We are lucky to have our wonderful hard working cleaner here at school.

Laz keeps the school clean and sparkling. So if you see him around at any stage, don’t forget to say thank you!.

Term 4 Upcoming Events

Year 6 - Interrelate Sessions

Next term on Thursday 16 October (Week 1), Year 6 students will participate in some Interrelate sessions online with students from our other local schools.The cost of program will covered by the school. A consent note was sent home last week with information regarding the sessions. Please return it by this Friday.

Life Education

Our students will join Ebor, Hernani and Chandler Public Schools on Monday 27 October at Ebor Public School to participate in a fun and educational day with Healthy Harold.

We will be travelling by Wykes bus. We will need to leave Tyringham Store at 8.00am sharp and will return to school by 3.15pm for normal pick up and afternoon bus run.

The cost is $12 per student to attend Life Ed lessons. The school is paying for the cost of the bus.

Students must wear full school uniform. Extra water is recommended as Ebor PS has limited drinking water available.  A lunch order form will be sent home next term.

A consent note was sent home last week, please return it by Friday.

Year 6 - Far Out Science - UNE Armidale

Years 6 students will be travelling to Armidale on Wednesday 5 November to participate in Far Out Science at the University of New England.

The day will kick off at 9:30am in Lazenby Hall at the University of New England campus in Armidale, and finish at 2.45pm. There is no cost for this excursion.

Mr Williamson will be accompanying the students on the day. Travel will be by parental transport. More information later.

A consent note was sent home last week, please return it by Friday so travelling arrangements can be made.

Year 6 - Dorrigo High School Transition Dates

Term 4 Year 6 DHS Transition Dates will be:

• Friday 31 October - 12noon to 3.15pm
• Monday 17 November - Whole day
• Tuesday 2 December - Whole day

For Friday 31 October, Year 6 students will need private transport from Dundurrabin Public School to Dorrigo High School, but may wish to catch the town bus home in the afternoon, if need be. Please return the consent that was sent home last week by this Friday.

School Bytes Parent Portal

What is the School Bytes Parent Portal?

The School Bytes Parent Portal offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to: 

• Make online school payments, including payments for multiple siblings, simultaneously.
• Use a family credit to pay for an activity or school contributions.
• Download payment receipts.
• View all historical payments in one place.
• Complete and submit digital permission notes.
• View the status of all permission notes.
• Request a refund if necessary.

This service can be accessible at your convenience at any time, day or night.

Through the Parent Portal, you can easily download a receipt once a payment has been made and have access to view all historical payments when needed. Online payments are processed in real time and can be viewed by school staff immediately.

While our preference is for payments to be made via the portal, we will still accept payment via cash and cheque.

School Bytes – If you haven’t already done so, please see the Parent Portal information below  to connect to these new features. An email was sent home on Thursday 5 June with the link.

Attendance – The simplest way to explain your child’s absence from school will be through the Parent Portal of School Bytes. Once our SMS has been sent, please respond using either option provided so we can make sure all records are up to date. As always, if you’d like any support with attendance, we’re only a phone call, email or visit away.

An email was sent home previously. Please check your emails and follow the links so that we can get this up and running at Dundurrabin.

2025 Learning Contributions - SAKG Fees

Student invoices / Statement of Accounts will be sent home again shortly with your child/ren.  Thank you to our families that have already paid theirs.

Daylight Savings - Starts in the Holidays

Daylight Saving will begin again in NSW on Sunday 5 October 2025, when clocks will go forward one hour at 2:00am.

This is during our holiday break. So, don’t forget to reset your clocks before students return for term 4.

P&C News and Community News

Healthy Hub Connect

Spring Into Mental Wellness: Your Journey Starts Here

With Mental Health Month just around the corner and the warmer longer days emerging across the North Coast, we are reminded that spring is the perfect time to nurture our mental wellbeing alongside nature's renewal.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, frustrated beyond the usual or more, there’s support available.

Free Support When You Need It

Healthy Hub Connect is here to help if you are looking for professional mental health supports. This free service, funded by the North Coast Primary Health Network, offers a range of mental health support across our region – from Byron Bay to Port Macquarie and everywhere in between.

Services Available Include:

· Men's Wellbeing Matters – for men to find connection and support

· Low Intensity Mental Health Service – for guided coaching

· Youth Enhanced Service – Specialised care for young people

· Choice of Mind – comprehensive care with Mental Health Nurses

· Healthy Minds – Professional counselling services

Getting Connected is Easy Simply email healthyhubconnect@each.com.au for more information or contact Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 to start the journey and connect with care that suits you best.

IN DORRIGO - Locals supporting locals

If you are keen to engage with mental health supports with an in-person chat, come and see us at the Dorrigo Library. We are there on the first and third Monday of each month, from 10am to 4pm. Access via the main entrance/meeting room.

P&C Meeting - Monday 27 October

Our next P&C meeting will be held on Monday 27 October 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.