COVID Update

Been a bit of a week here at DPS with a large number of cases being reported over the weekend and in the early part of the week…including myself! I’m writing this from home this week with household members becoming positive on the weekend, and myself on Tuesday.

We’ve certainly seen a spike in cases at school, and with that we’ve had large numbers of students away (both due to COVID, as well as whānau being great about keeping children home who are sick). The numbers started to improve again on Wednesday, and as of today we have 57 ‘active’ cases out of our 343 children. Definitely a jump from the number I reported last week, but still at a level similar (or lower) than other schools nationally. This probably matches the community cases in general…with the Wairarapa still seeing cases trend upwards as seen below. (thanks to John Hart for the graph)

As the Wairarapa hasn’t yet ‘peaked’ we can expect to see more cases in the coming weeks. As a result of this, a number of staff have had to be at home isolating, but our many systems have meant that life at school has been stable and normal for the children who are onsite. Children are being taught, greeted at the gate, play and maker learning are happening, PE, and kids are catching up with their mates at break times. This routine and normality is important…and something that we are working very hard to ensure carries on. I have to give a huge thanks to the staff…the team have been amazing, and have kept the ship on an even keel.

Celebration Time

Last week we had our first ’virtual’ celebration time with classes coming together digitally to share in the success of the week. The event was superbly hosted by lead councillor Elise, and one of her fellow councillors Bella. We will do this again tomorrow…and in following weeks we will open the link up for parents to join in as well if you wish.

Teacher Only Day - Thursday 14th April

Advanced notice…we are having a Teacher Only Day on Thursday 14th April. This was to be a townwide teacher only day, but due to COVID we aren’t coming together across all the schools. DPS is still going to have the day to do some powerful learning together. Many thanks for your support.

This makes the last day of term Wednesday 13th April (as Friday is Good Friday).

Got Younger Siblings?

We are just updating our enrollment records for the year. If you have a 4 year old at home that will be attending DPS this year can you please let us know. Flick an email to the office: office@douglaspark.school.nz . This information lets us plan out classes, and to manage our numbers here at DPS.

Kahikatea had an amazing trip out to Mt Holdsworth for an EOTC experience. For half of the time, we were lucky to have an expert lead us doing different activities including walking up along various trapping trails for an awesome "off map" experience. We learned a lot about the bush and about ourselves on these excursions! The other half of the time, we spent with Miss Choat doing some fun relays and a scavenger hunt as well as walking with Whaea Deb out to Donnelly's Flats. The weather was perfect because it wasn't too hot or too cold. In all, it was a cool opportunity to be out in nature, breathing in the fresh mountain air and connecting to the maunga in our rohe.

Students have been working to create and write about their own solar systems and the creatures that live there. We have been learning about structuring out work appropriately using topic sentences, added details, introductions and summaries.