Remembering the educators

I was very fortunate to be a teacher at Dookie PS in 2021 and 2022 before stepping into the principal role for 2023 and 2024.

Tell us about your time at school.

Over the four years I was at Dookie PS, I was given the incredible opportunity to do a lot of different work.

In the classroom teaching, teaching remotely during lockdowns, taking students on excursions and camps, collaborating alongside many amazing teachers and support staff, staying back at school late for school council meetings and hosting events to celebrate the school's successes with families and the Dookie community, the list goes on and on.

Interesting work, challenging work, fun work and for those last two years a lot of emails and paperwork, but all very worthwhile when you get to see students' faces light up with enjoyment for their learning.

One particularly fond example to share is going from failing miserably at cooking a lemon meringue pie with the Year 5s and 6s in 2021, to then later go on and reignite the kitchen and garden program with much better chefs at the helm and the help of wonderful community members in 2023 and 2024.

What is a quote to tell why you love working at Dookie PS?

"At Dookie PS you never know what each day will bring, but that's the part that makes it so fun and exciting!"

What makes Dookie PS so unique and special?

Without doubt the wonderful students, families, staff and community people.

I feel very privileged to have been able to spend so much time with them.

Peter McManus.

What was your job description?

I didn’t really have a job description per se: rather I was keen to be involved with the DPS students, initially with the garden program, but then when I learned that the Men’s Shed were having the children there, I decided to become involved with them ( I love gardening, and I also love woodworking).

Tell us about your time at school.

This year we have been fortunate to have Dave Risk join us in the Men’s Shed.

Dave’s experience as a builder/carpenter has helped to make the program extremely interesting and he has challenged the students with lots of interesting and creative ideas.

I’ve really enjoyed being involved with his methods and the children love the challenge too.

What is a quote to tell why you love working at Dookie PS?

Why volunteer? The old adage that it is in giving that we receive is very true.

I find that giving up my own time to share with the children is immensely rewarding ,and as I see them enjoying the program, I get to feel a sense of achievement myself.

The DPS staff are very supportive of our efforts and they too appreciate that we are there as volunteers, hoping to give the students a pleasant, positive and meaningful experience each week.

What makes Dookie PS so unique and special?

As a former principal of DPS myself, I have a keen interest to see our school prosper and provide opportunities for the students to enjoy and gain from activities that we are able to provide.