All individual projects of the school will be phased and matched up and will be aligned with the school's Vision and Mission Statement. The control group as well as the PQM organiser will ensure that all projects will move forward. The core work of PQM is to cooperatively work out a school program and avoid possible counterproductive projects in case there are too many side-by-side. We will form processes of conscious analysis and self-critical orientation of established processes, extend on our strengths and optimise where we deem necessary.
Term 1 / 2023 Update:
In 2023, we worked on our Vision and Mission Statement to ensure our strategic orientation will stand on solid grounds. In Term 1, the teacher group worked on a statement of 'shared purpose' to gain a common understanding of the Mission at DSM.
Term 2 /2023 Update:
During the second Term, we conducted two workshops in regards to the our new Vision & Mission Statement. The Board and the parent community were invited to identify the purpose that drives the decision to send children to our school. In all cases these are conscious decisions being made, but there are varying reasons behind them. The idea is to find the drivers for a 'shared purpose between all groups'. Furthermore, the parents' workshop collected which values play a central role in the decision for DSM. The teachers talked about values such as trust, responsibility, etc. in addition to many other things. Additional topics were discussed with the parents group. Among other things, the topic of diversity and inclusion was discussed. Aptly formulated by 'come-as-you-areness'.
During our Student Free Day, teachers were asked to work on values that are central to the team and they developed ideas on how to promote them further in everyday school life.
Terms 3 & 4, 2023
Additional workshops were conducted with administrative staff, leading to the formation of a V&M workgroup composed of members from all stakeholder groups. This workgroup reviewed the outcomes of various workshops, analysing the data gathered from surveys and discussions to chart a cohesive path forward. A smaller editorial team then began drafting potential new Vision & Mission (V&M) statements.
Term 1, 2024
The V&M workgroup reviewed the editorial team's initial draft, making amendments and completing several more cycles of revisions to reflect a shared purpose. The new Vision & Mission Statement was then unveiled during DSM’s 15-year celebration.
Term 2, 2024
Progress continued on individual projects, and the concept of establishing an Educational Steering Committee took shape. Towards the end of the term, the PQM Coordinator sought representatives from all stakeholder groups—students, teachers, parents, and administrative staff—to join this inaugural committee, which also included the PQM Coordinator and the Principal.
Term 3, 2024
The first Steering Committee began to take form, holding its inaugural meeting in Term 3. The scope of its work was outlined, and further meetings were scheduled to determine the sequence of tasks, allowing the group to commence its efforts.
