- Darling Point Special School

DARLING POINT SPECIAL SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER – May 2015
Actual Address:
Postal Address:
Phone:
Fax:
Mobile:
email:
ABN:
368 Upper Esplanade Manly Q 4179
PO Box 5173 Manly Q 4179
(07) 3348 0111
(07) 3893 2713
0414 298 494
the.principal@darlpoinspecs.eq.edu.au
94 016 859 306
Principal: Charmaine Driver M. Ed., (Sp. Ed.), B. App. Sc., Dip. Ed., Cert IV (TAE) P.H.F.
11.05.2015
Dear Parents, Guardians, Carers, Friends of Darling
Point
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mothers in our wider
school community for yesterday. I certainly hope that
each one enjoyed the day. Those of us who have lost
mothers hold very special memories and this time of
year brings both happy and bitter-sweet memories. It
is also a time to think of those who are mothers to
angel babies and angel children. So caring thoughts
come to each mother from the school at this time.
“This child was not born merely to extend my ego, nor
even to give me unbroken pleasure, nor to provide me
with a plaything to be fussed over, neglected, shown
off, and then put away. She was born that I might give
her a first foot in this world and might help per want to
live in it … I don’t expect to live as I did without her. I
am hers to be with and hope to be what she needs”.
Laurie Lee, English author.
“Motherhood brings as much joy as ever, but
boredom, exhaustion and sorrow, too. Nothing else
will make you as happy or sad, as proud or tired”.
Marguerite Kelly and Ella S. Parsons. ‘The Mother’s
Almanac, 1975.
Thank you to our P and C Association, and
particularly Katie Van den Broek and Danielle Gauld,
for the most successful Mother’s Day staff last week,
and for the high quality of items that the students and
others could purchase. I must say that my own
grandson, Sebastian, aged all of two years, was very
excited about the gifts that he chose for his Mummy –
particularly the little cupid ornament and the photo
frame. Shopping is such a fun thing! Thank you ladies
for your patience, good humour, and generosity.
CHAPLAINCY FUND RAISING DINNER
Attached to this newsletter is the flyer for the fund
raising dinner to be held this coming Friday, 15th May,
at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club – 6 pm for 6.30
pm, and $30.00 per head. This amount covers the
cost of the meal and there will be opportunity for
Deputy Principal: Robert McDowall B. Teach., B.A.
making donations and contribution to the cost of
chaplaincy services at our school and others, through
the dinner auction as well. Alternatively, several folk
have asked whether they may make donations to
specifically support the chaplaincy service at Darling
Point Special School and of course this is possible,
especially in the lead up to the end of the financial
year. Donations to our school are tax deductible and
can be made at any time through the school business
office. Any parent, friend of the school, or staff
member is welcome to contact Charmaine at any time
with questions or queries.
If you would like to come to the dinner this Friday, it
would be wonderful way to show your support for our
school and our chaplain Grant Lea. Please contact
Charmaine by phone on 0414 298 494 or 3348 0111
or email cdriv4@eq.edu.au to reserve your seat/s.
Thank you. (Payment can be made to the school
office by close of business on Thursday, 14th May).
SCHOOL SIGNAGE PETITION
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-ofassembly/petitions/e-petition?PetNum=2376
John Ludlow who is a member of the wider Wynnum
Manly Community has commenced a project with the
aim of enhancing the signage around our school to
something similar to that around other local schools.
Should you wish to provide feedback or information
about this aim, please go to the link above to
complete the petition.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY
In addition to the events signalled in the school
calendar, a few special events have been organised.
Forthcoming events include
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAY: Monday, 8th June
TOUCH FOOTBALL CARNIVAL: Friday 19th June for
some senior and middle students
ANNUAL SCOUT MUSICAL:
commencing at 10 am
Friday 31st July
END TERM 3: Friday 26th June at 2.45 pm
EXCURSION TO THE GOLD COAST INCLUDING
SAILING ON THE BROADWATER FOR SENIOR
STUDENTS: Wednesday, 5th August – an all-day
event for those attending, with an early start and a
late return to campus
ANNUAL FUN RUN: Wednesday, 19th August
commencing at 10.30 am
WEDDING CELEBRATIONS
The School community sends our very best wishes to
Rachael Reynolds and her fiancé Mitch for their
forthcoming marriage on Saturday 16th May. We wish
you both health, happiness and a long life together.
Likewise, the School community congratulates Joel
Wilson and his fiancée on their forthcoming marriage
on Saturday 27th June.
Every blessing to both couples!
APPOINTMENT OF
LIAISON OFFICER
SCHOOL
COMMUNITY
We are delighted to announce the appointment of
Cindy Corrie as School Community Liaison Officer.
Cindy joins our team with extensive experience in the
private sector and qualifications in marketing and
communications. Her primary role is to support
substantial fund raising efforts on behalf of the school
and to assist in communications through the website
and other publications. Cindy has thus far, in only two
weeks since appointment, submitted three substantial
grant applications and commenced extensive
networking on behalf of our school, with the local
business and philanthropic community.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
School council has been meeting regularly over the
last several weeks to design the process for our
quadrennial school review and strategic planning
process. Letters were sent home to school families
recently, requesting that families advise the Principal
about the days of the week and times of day which
will best suit them to attend to take part in the
consultation process.
These same events can be joined by staff and so staff
have received the self-same letter. In addition, once
the community meeting dates and times have been
settled upon, there will be if more are needed, an
additional time set for staff from 3 pm to 5.30 pm.
Through this process, Council and the School
Executive aim to identify those values that will drive
the school for the forthcoming four years, receive
feedback on those things that the school does well
and which should be maintained, those things that
should be improved, and also new initiatives that
should be incorporated into practice. In addition to this
consultation process, Council intends to consult with
lead scholars in special education and positive
behaviour support for advice around key strategic
improvement points.
Once the Draft Strategic Plan has been developed, it
will be available for comment prior to being published.
The goal is to complete the process and have the
Plan ready for submission to the Director General of
the Department of Education and Training before
August 22nd.
School Council comprises the Principal and P and C
Association President, three staff and three parent
representatives and up to appointed members.
Currently the appointed members are Mrs Lyndall
Hayes, Senior teacher, and Mrs Cindy Corrie, Parent.
The staff representatives are Mr Robert McDowall,
Deputy Principal, Mrs Kate Meagher, Senior Teacher,
and Mrs Joanne Burgess, Teacher Aide and
Administration Officer.
The parent representatives are Mr Marco Rodella
(also Council Chair), and Mrs Kathy Harris. Ms
Rabecca Thurecht has resigned from council leaving
a vacancy to be filled.
Please see the attached nomination form for the
vacant position of Parent Representative on Council
and complete and return it should you wish to stand
for election to this important position. Please return
the form to the attention of the Principal by Monday
18th May. Thank you!
STAFF INFORMATION
Liz Patane, OSHC Coordinator will be on vacation
travelling to Europe from Friday 22nd May, returning
on 25th June.
Tess Lawes will be on long service leave from 25th
May to 12th June and Janette Walker will be on long
service leave from 15th June to 26th June. Both
teacher aides will be replaced by Sandra Banks.
Russ Hadfield remains on leave. Russ will assume
duties across the school on his return so as to not
disrupt existing class teacher-student relationships
and students’ learning.
Ineke Ball, Science teacher, has indicated she will
retire from teaching at the end of this term. Thank
you, Ineke, for your longstanding contribution to
Darling Point as class teacher and teacher of science.
We wish you and David a very happy and exciting
time as you transition from work to travel, exploration,
volunteering and free time with family.
Sol Fuentes has returned part-time from sick leave.
Sol will take his class on Wednesdays and Thursdays
and Lyndel Muller will continue teaching the class on
the other days, and for part of Wednesdays to ensure
a smooth transition period for the children.
By all accounts the students’ enthusiasm and
engagement with the lessons are positive indicators
of a worthwhile and beneficial program. Thank you all!
Yvie Gibbons will continue on sick leave for the
remainder of this term and as a result, Yasmin Harper
continues as the class teacher for that group of
students. Yasmin has done an excellent job and we
appreciate her positive contributions, enthusiasm and
expertise.
The school does not recommend particular equipment
but we have been asked to mention the availability of
a GPS Tracking device that can be used to ‘keep
track’ of people who might otherwise become lost or
end up in an unsafe situation. The website with details
is www.viptracker.com.au and the phone number is
1300 760 054.
Megan Currie, Health and Physical Education
Teacher, will be acting as Guidance Officer at
Cleveland District State High School for the remainder
of this term, and as a result, flexible arrangements
have been implemented to cover her absence during
this time. Alex Quarente will teach the perceptual
motor and physical education classes on
Wednesdays during this time.
Lyndall Hayes, Senior Teacher who managed the
STEP UP to EMPLOYMENT program, will be on
leave from Wednesday this week. As a result, her role
will be assumed on Mondays, Wednesdays and
Fridays by Ben Smith, permanent teacher in the
senior school at Darling Point. Ben will be replaced on
Mondays and Fridays by Alex Quarente and on
Wednesdays by Allison Paijmans.
Rachael Reynolds will be on wedding leave from 15th
May until 29th May, inclusive, and during this time her
class will be taught by Katie Bentley-Gibbons. Thank
you Katie for making yourself available.
Lisa Lea has joined us as a part-time teacher aide in
Michael’s class.
HYDRO THERAPY
VIP TRACKER
SCHOOL PHOTOS
Student photos – individual and class – will be taken
as usual during term 4. However, as a special treat
this year, we had the opportunity to have photographs
taken of our school, complete with students and staff
waving from the ground. A proofs sheet will be sent
home shortly so families who wish to acquire a
photograph for their own collection can order, should
they wish.
SWIMMING CARNIVAL
On Tuesday 31st March, Megan Currie, Ben Smith
and Michelle Short took a group of nine Super
Swimmers to a swimming carnival at CJ’s Leagues
Club in Carina. The students involved in the excursion
were Chris Bowmen, Jarrad Clapper, Vidura
Wrightson, Joseph Seiler, Jessica Sheehan, Zac
Dewey, Caleb Condon, Conrad Lee, and Courtney
White. Each participated in five races, many placing
first, second or third in their race. They received
ribbons for placing and participation, and also
received a prize of a hat or a bag at the end of the
carnival.
Everyone
displayed
exceptional
sportsmanship and determination. Congratulations to
all involved!
Hydrotherapy lessons have resumed this term for
three groups of students on Thursdays. We are
delighted to have contracted Gateway Physiotherapy
to deliver the lessons in partnership with class
teachers and teacher aides, as well as the school’s
physiotherapist Louise.
Thank you to Kate Meagher, Senior Teacher, for
managing the hydrotherapy program and attending on
Thursdays to provide oversight and liaison with the
Gateway team.
Charmaine and the Darling Point Team
DARLING POINT SPECIAL SCHOOL
An Independent Public School
Actual Address:
368 Upper Esplanade Manly Q 4179
Postal Address:
PO Box 5173 Manly Q 4179
Phone:
61 7 3348 0111
Fax:
61 7 3893 2713
Mobile:
61 414 298 494
E-mail:
cdriv4@eq.edu.au
ABN:
94 016 859 306
Tax Deductible Gift No:94 016 859 306
11.05.2015
DARLING POINT SPECIAL SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTION
Parents, Guardians and Carers of Darling Point Special School students are invited to nominate for
one (1) vacant position on School Council.
Current parent/guardian/carer representative positions on Council are held by Mr Marco Rodella and Mrsa
Kathy Harris. The third parent/guardian/carer parent representative position is vacant owing to the resignation
of Rabecca Thurecht.
Please consider the opportunity that now arises for parents/guardians/carers to nominate others or to selfnominate for this vacant position. Nominees should consider their availability and willingness to attend council
meetings which typically occur either early in the morning or of an evening, and to bring to council a strategic
view with a staff representation focus.
To nominate please complete and return in a sealed envelope to Charmaine c/- the school office by close of
business on Wednesday 20th May.
Voting will subsequently occur through secret ballot with ballot papers provided to each parent/guardian/carer
and votes counted by the BSM Evan Durdevic and Mrs Joanne Burgess, Administration Officer.
With thanks.
Charmaine Driver
PRINCIPAL
DARLING POINT SPECIAL SCHOOL COUNCIL NOMINATION 2015 –
PARENT/GUARDIAN/CARER REPRESENTATIVE
Nominee: ………………………………………… Signature: …………………………………… Date: ……………..
Nominated by: …………………………………… Signature: …………………………………… Date: ……………..
Key points to assist voters in considering the nominee’s credentials and expertise for the role of staff
representative on the Darling Point Special School Council.
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