Dara School in Adelaide, South Australia | Primary School

Dara School

Locality: Adelaide, South Australia

Phone: +61 8 8317 6020

Address: 4 Gordon Terrace 5043 Adelaide, SA, Australia

Website: https://www.daraschool.sa.edu.au

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25.01.2022 For our Community Connections part of our curriculum, the Middle School students have been working on exploring aspects of Aboriginal Art, based on a guideline booklet, their research and teacher instructions. The premise of the exercise was to become aware of, understand and include relevant symbolism, which is an essential part of the artistic expression for the Aboriginal people.

25.01.2022 If you know a gifted child who would love to join our community in term 1, 2021 applications close 18th September 2020 and details can be found on our Website. https://www.daraschool.sa.edu.au/application/

24.01.2022 Dara School students participated in the Term 1 Dara Expo. Weve had a large number of parents, caregivers and friends of Dara School attend and enjoy the Student Choir, a piano recital, a student written and performed play and a movie, a fashion parade as well as presentations of curriculum-based projects students have completed this term. The highly sought-after Principals Awards were also presented. The entire event was extremely well attended, and the feedback provided was that this was the best Dara School Expo yet. We would like to congratulate all students who did Dara School very proud. A wonderful end to an enjoyable, busy and productive Term 1.

24.01.2022 Dara School proudly celebrates Harmony Day! Few words feature as commonly and consistently in Dara Schools daily vocabulary as diversity, belonging and inclusion. As a school we fully support the concept and the message behind Harmony Day, especially considering the level of cultural and linguistic diversity we enjoy amongst our students and staff. Happy Harmony Day (and week) everyone.

24.01.2022 It was wonderful to see our students come back after their break, all happy, rested, full of energy and enthusiasm. We would like to extend a warm welcome to our two new students and their families, who have just joined our Dara School community. In terms of student curriculum engagement, thus far, the absolute highlight of the week has been the re-introduction of the Robotics lessons - ran by Don and his assistant Hugh. As staff and students at Dara School, we all look forward to another busy, exciting and successful term at Dara School.

22.01.2022 Over the last few weeks, for their Enrichment Project (Architecture), our Middle School students have been researching the concept of Sustainability connected to the design of houses. Among a number of research methodologies, the students participated in exploration trips to the Park Holme Public Library, as well as their local area to observe and assess new and old housing developments for sustainable building approaches. The students learned a great deal about different house design strategies, both highly environmentally sustainable and otherwise. They are now much better informed and ready to design and then create models of their own futuristic, environmentally sustainable and ecologically friendly houses.

22.01.2022 *Annual General Meeting* Notice is hereby given that Dara Village School Incorporated will hold an AGM on Monday the 21st September 2020 at 7:00 pm. Due to COVID, the AGM will be held online with link to be provided via School Stream. Please see photo below for additional details.

21.01.2022 https://www.daraschool.sa.edu.au/achie/alyssas-our-robogal/

21.01.2022 https://www.daraschool.sa.edu.au/achievements/icas-2020/

20.01.2022 On Tuesday this week our younger students were provided with the opportunity to be part of a virtual field trip by participating in the Microsoft initiative called: Skype-a-thon. Skype-a-thon is an annual 48-hour event that allows students, teachers and guest speakers with world renowned expertise to connect with students in a safe space via Skype, to see how many virtual miles can be made around the world in 48 hours. Weve had the privilege of connecting with Steve Mill...er; Director, Education at Microsoft. The students really enjoyed this opportunity and asked some great deep and left field questions. Big thanks to Selena Woodward for organizing this opportunity for us and taking the time to support us on the day. Our students reported to have really enjoyed this fun and unique activity and look forward to our next expert-based skype experience. See more

20.01.2022 On Monday this week Dara School had a Transition Day for three new students starting in 2019, as well a student teacher from Flinders University, who will be with us in Term 1, 2019. All new students reported having a great first day at Dara School and really look forward to joining us next year. Afterward, one parent sent an email in which she wrote about the conversation with her daughter: I feel like I'm home Mum (she said). She's animated and happy... It's been a long time since I've seen her like this. Our new student teacher is an experienced educator from the UK, who is hearing impaired himself and an expert in Auslan. We are pleased to report that he already connected well with our students and staff and we look forward to having him back at Dara School early next year.

18.01.2022 Hundreds of books have been read by avid bookworms at Forbes Primary School, Plympton International College, Immanuel Primary School - Novar Gardens and Dar...a School. Thats why they scored even more books as prizes at the Premiers Reading Challenge Awards at Adelaide Zoo today! Congrats to all students and staff! Thanks to Peter Malinauskas for his book donation too! **With Jack and Nahla from FPS, Natalia and Bruno from PIC, Jamie and Michelle from Immanuel PS, and Alyssa and Dexter from Dara.**

17.01.2022 Dara School is absolutely delighted to announce that we have moved into our new home at 4 Gordon Terrace, Morphettville. Students arrived on Tuesday and the whole school community is excited to get to know our new residence. Our new school is a heritage building called Cobham Hall, originally built in 1926. Cobham Hall has had along history beginning as an 80 acre farm, it has seen a devastating fire, been used as a stud farm, was known for its lavish parties and in later ye...ars was used as a family home and most recently a retirement home until it was closed in 2017. In those short unoccupied years, Cobham Hall fell to vandals and thieves until the derelict site was recently refurbished for Dara School. We are looking forward to a bright future in this wonderful building.

17.01.2022 Continuing the enrichment activities for our current Global Studies unit, our year 1 to 4 students have been on their second excursion, this time to explore the local Marion Museum. This proved a very valuable exercise for the students as they could explore past experiences as well as view a range of historical artefacts to understand how they were used in the past. Furthermore, the Museum staff were able to answer a number of questions related to the new heritage listed Dara School site, which is a well-known local landmark full of varied and interesting history. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the outing, asked lots of relevant and probing questions of the Museum volunteers and came back with new knowledge drawn upon thorough research and expert based information.

17.01.2022 Throughout Term 4, all Dara School students have been engaging extremely well with their Dara Master Chef competition. The purpose of the task, reflected in the points assigned to each Mentor group is not only the creation of a great, delicious culinary product, but also team work, understanding of fair play, encouragement given to all participating students, post-competition clean-up, and finally politeness and courtesy extended to others. All students are extremely keen to win for their Mentor Group. Currently the group scores are very close with just two weeks to go. Good luck to all students and staff involved.

16.01.2022 Congratulations to five of our students who were medal winners in the 2020 ICAS Science and Mathematics competitions. Here are some of their reflections upon winning a medal: I feel happy and proud that I have done well in the ICAS competition. I found it fun and challenging because I really enjoy all the science topics it covered. I am really proud of myself. I really enjoy Science. It is my favourite subject because it is really interesting and fun. I am very happy.... My friend did well also so that made me even happier. I enjoyed the questions, particularly the challenging ones. #icasmedalwinner See more

15.01.2022 Our Middle School Global Studies students have travelled back in time to 793 AD, where theyve transformed into Vikings to re-enact the Viking Age. After building their longships and equipping their crew, the Dara clans successfully raided Lindisfarne Monastery in Northumbria, starting a glorious seven-year stint of raiding Britain. Before the clans tackle their next adventure (trading), Odin chose to reveal one last raiding opportunity and our Dara clans joined together to... solve his cryptic riddles. Although the monks had fled, the Dara Vikingrs still uncovered a (mostly) historically accurate hidden treasure of gold (sherbet), coins (butterscotch) and sacred texts (Horrible Histories novels). Now, onward to Russia and Constantinople! Here is an example of the First Riddle: First am I to feel the wind against my fierce and furrowed cheeks. First am I to cause the fear that strikes the hearts of other men. First am I to lead us into safety or danger alikeWho am I? See more

14.01.2022 Over the last two weeks Dara School students have been participating in the world famous Daily Mile whole school activity. The weather has been challenging, but despite that, the consistency of participating every day, has so far equaled to a resounding 100%. Sometimes this meant walking / jogging on the football oval, basketball courts or even in the gym, but as a school we made sure the challenge occurred consistently. Our younger students have taken on the challenge with great gusto and responsibility - setting themselves a new, greater, longer and faster challenge daily. Our middle school students needed more of an encouragement to begin with, but are now really enjoying the daily activity and the personal connections made during the walk or jog.

14.01.2022 This week our students were working on Chemical Science, investigating states of matter and the concept of reversible changes. The practical work involved scented candle making experiment. The students enjoyed their Science work and took their beautiful candles home to model what theyve learned in terms of changes in states of matter, while enjoying the beautiful glow of the candle light.

12.01.2022 For those interested in the Differentiation by Design professional development workshops, hosted at Dara School and delivered by Janet Farrall of Learner and Teacher Agency, we are happy to announce that the upcoming workshop on June 11th will be delivered online, with face to face delivery hoping to return in Semester 2. For more information, visit https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=599272&

12.01.2022 I wonder who knows * where this is? * what it's called? * what's happening to it now?... [Later added photo of the front former gardens of the grounds].

11.01.2022 So exciting to see our own Chiara as first singer in this video. Beautiful

10.01.2022 Happy New School Year 2019 everyone. In spite of the new year busyness, from the first day of Term 1, everyday life at Dara School has been full of optimism, positivity, learning and friendships. We have welcomed new students, new staff and importantly, added new subjects to our already complex curriculum. With rested minds and bodies, we all look forward to the joys and challenges of the new school year.

10.01.2022 Gifted education is not as simple as you think.

08.01.2022 This week Dara School students participated in the long-awaited Term 4 Dara Expo. For the Wednesday event weve had a large number of parents, caregivers and friends of Dara School attend and enjoy the Student Choir, a Dance routine, an instrumental / vocal performance, as well as presentations of curriculum based research projects students have completed this term. The highly sought-after Principals Awards were also presented. The event was very well attended, lots of positive feedback was provided by parents and we are happy to say that our students did Dara School very proud. Special congratulations go to all students receiving the awards. A fantastic end to an enjoyable, busy and productive term.

07.01.2022 2019 Professional Development Challenging Highly Able Learners

07.01.2022 As part of our Global Studies unit, our year 3/4 students have gone on an excursion to view the new Dara School site. Although we could only view the site from a distance due to ongoing works it was a very valuable exercise for the students to see their much talk about new school for the first time, while also uncovering the deeper meanings connected to the ideas of place, time and belonging - through the curriculum lenses of History and Geography.

07.01.2022 This week our younger students were discovering several Science based concepts in Physics and Chemistry. By immersing our students in a practical approach to learning Science, the highly popular ice-cream making group work task became a part of our Chemical Science Unit, which included looking at how materials change under different conditions. The class research question was: What makes a liquid change to a solid? The students really enjoyed the practical Science lesson, not to mention the delicious product, some of which was taken home to share with families.

06.01.2022 At Dara School we celebrate great achievements of our students. Angus, came to school on Monday with a necklace of medals after an outstanding weekend of competitions. Competing in Karate at the GKR Regional Tournament in Plympton, he won two bronze medals for using kumite techniques and kata moves to maintain perfect form, while achieving the 7th Kyu-Ho (orange tip). Furthermore, for Gymnastics at the SA State Championships in Marion, he won a staggering six medals! He won... two gold medals for the pommel and the vault, and two silver medals for the rings and the high bar. Finally, he also won a bronze medal for floor gymnastics as well as a trophy for winning 2nd place for all-round Gymnastics. Everyone at Dara School is very proud of his sporting achievements, which only add to his exceptional intellectual prowess. Huge congratulations to you, Angus! See more

06.01.2022 Dara School would like to wish everyone a Happy Festive Season, Happy New Year and wonderful and restful summer break. We all look forward to a happy and successful new year 2019.

06.01.2022 Challenging Highly Able Learners Starting next week, the first in the series of professional development. Dara School invites educators to attend this professional learning course to help increase capacity to cater for the needs of highly able learners. Bookings can be made via https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=453871&

04.01.2022 Continuing on the theme of exploring Aboriginal culture, today in our Community Connections time, weve had a visit from Mr Trent Hill, an Aboriginal storyteller employed by the Adelaide Botanical Gardens who runs his programs with younger and older students. He shared his knowledge, stories, skills, Aboriginal artefacts and playing of yidaki (didgeridoo) with us, while reminding the children that only men are allowed to play it. Our students were completely captivated by this experience, as evidenced by many questions and discussions which followed for the rest of the day.

03.01.2022 We had visitors today at Dara, the Assistant Minister Trevor Evans and our local MP, Nicolle Flint to see what we've done with the $19k environment grant we got. We used the money to remove toxic plants, storm water management, fencing and will be putting in plants (that are proving a little hard to get). It was lovely to have our students and vendor Tony with us to show them around and tell them all about Dara.

03.01.2022 Dara School welcomes you to attend this year's Differentiation by Design professional development workshops. Online presentation will enable teachers to attend from all geographical locations. Book here: https://www.trybooking.com/BOGJT Presented by Janet Farrall, this professional learning course for educators, F- 10, is based upon the Jarvis Tomlinson model of Differentiation (Tomlinson and Jarvis 2009). The model focuses upon catering for the needs of all students, including the highly able. Differentiated and personalised teaching strategies that deliver rigorous and respectful learning experiences for students will be demonstrated and applied. The most recent Australian Curriculum advice on Students with Diversity will be referenced throughout the course.

03.01.2022 Dara School is proud to be hosting Differentiation by Design, a series of eight professional learning courses presented by Janet Farrall from Learner and Teacher Agency. This professional learning course for educators is based upon the Jarvis-Tomlinson model of Differentiation (Tomlinson and Jarvis 2009). The model focuses upon catering for the needs of all students, including the highly able. Differentiated and personalised teaching strategies that deliver rigorous and respe...ctful learning experiences for students will be demonstrated and applied. To book in, visit: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=599272&

02.01.2022 It has been great to see all our Dara students enthusiastically participating in the Premier's Be Active Challenge that we have started this week. Our mornings now begin with 10 to 15min of physical activity that students can include in the required 1 hour a day, 5 days of the week prerequisite to fulfil the obligation of the Challenge. Encouraging this daily activity is a great way of promoting health, wellbeing and a balanced lifestyle with our students.

01.01.2022 This week we had the privilege of a having a visit from the City of Marion Mayor, Mr Kris Hanna who has been a long-term supporter of our unique School. Mr Hanna, provided a wonderful, impromptu presentation to our students which included various aspects of Australian History, Politics and his role and responsibilities as the Mayor. He really connected with our students who were made to feel comfortable enough to ask him countless deep and very frank questions. He also provided some profound advice on how our students can grow into highly authentic and successful adults in the future. We are very grateful for his visit, his knowledge and words of wisdom, and we look forward to our continued, positive relationship with him as the Mayor of the City of Marion.

01.01.2022 What a way to finish the year! Students did a fantastic job with their habitats and artwork on display for our Expo. Thanks to everyone who came along to share with us.