Dear Parents
A very warm welcome back and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2022 to all our parents, boys and staff. DPHS is known to be a welcoming and friendly school and so I want to take this opportunity to extend an extra special welcome to all our new boys and their respective families. I am sure that you will be made to feel part of the ‘DPHS Family’ in no time.
If the last two years are anything to go by then I am sure that 2022 will also pose numerous challenges, both at school and in our everyday lives. The DPHS community has always been resilient and I am sure that we will collectively not only meet but also overcome any hurdles placed before us in 2022.
STAFF
DPHS has always managed to retain a high percentage of its staff and this year is no different with over 95% of the staff remaining on for the 2022 academic year. This is great news for Prep as it allows for consistency in our programme and ensures that our boys continue to get an outstanding education at DPHS.
“If you want to fly like eagles then don’t hire ducks!”
We have been very fortunate to secure the services of the following “Eagles”: Mrs Tiny Majola (JP Zulu Specialist), Mrs Karyn Glock (Grade 3), Miss Tayla Osler (Grade 2), Mrs Daisy Spencer (JP Drama Specialist), Miss Georgia Du Plessis (Grade R Teacher Assistant) and Mr MJ Elliott (SP Science Specialist).
A special mention and congratulations must also be extended to Mr Ross Bedford who, after many years of loyal and exemplary service at DPHS, has been appointed to the position of Acting Deputy Principal at Prep.
Finally, congratulations to Miss Chloe Pillay who has been appointed to the position of DPHS Aftercare Supervisor. Having a qualified teacher run our aftercare unit is indeed a privilege and we look forward to the professional contribution that Miss Pillay will make.
We welcome our new team members, knowing that they will enjoy a rewarding and enjoyable teaching experience as part of the Prep team.
COVID-19
“We may be done with Covid but Covid is not done with us”.
Please rest assured that we will continue to ensure the safety of your son and that all Covid-19 protocols will be adhered to as per the gazetted guidelines. We are hopeful that these national guidelines will change over the coming weeks as this will allow us to return to our normal pre-covid school structure and extended Prep programme. Please look out for further communication along these lines.
COMMUNICATION
The DPHS Vision is to “Prepare Boys for Life” and this is only achievable when the school, boys and parents communicate regularly and work together in a collaborative manner. Our primary method of communicating with our parent body is via the d6 and I encourage all parents to ensure that the d6 is loaded on your phone or computer. Please continue to check the d6 as all relevant information will be posted timeously and alerts will be sent out if required.
“Parent involvement in schools is the first step to parent engagement and, ultimately, parent partnership. When parents and teachers work together to establish a thriving classroom, the effect on their students is profound. Students with engaged parents don’t just have high test scores: their attendance, self-esteem, and graduation rate rise, too.”
All staff email addresses are on the d6 and I encourage you to mail your son’s class teacher if you have any concerns or pertinent information that you believe will make your son’s year that much more rewarding and successful.
IN CLOSING
I wish everyone the very best for the year ahead and take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of your son and our school.
Kind regards
GRANT PHIPSON
ACTING HEADMASTER
