Newsletter

Week 10 NEWSLETTER

from the principal

Our Vision: Together we Nurture, Explore and Create for a Better Future

As I was writing the stuff for the newsletter I noticed a common thread…our Vision in Action. All of my little bits today are evidence that we are progressing towards our Vision, that we are building capable young people who are engaged in learning, engaged in becoming great citizens, a staff who are committed to working together…together is better…and ensuring that our school is a part of the community, and a place that gives back.

Rippa Rugby and Service

Eliza, Isla, Liam, Gerrard and Nevaeh helped run a mini Rippa Rugby competition yesterday between Cole Street Daycare and West Kindergarten. The ECE’s have been running this for a decade, and it is a real highlight for their kids (our eldest, Henry, loved it, and Emmett, our youngest competed yesterday). Our DPS Kids did a great job helping out with TA Joe, and ran the games well as umpires.

I got talking to Doug Bracewell who organises the event. Doug is a legend in local sport, and an all round top bloke. When I thanked him for giving our DPS Kids the opportunity to come over and be umpires he started talking about Service:

  • How children need opportunities to give back

  • How children need to see adults giving back

  • How the child's brain until 8 years old is learning to receive love, and from 8-10 years it is learning to give love

  • And how giving back, doing something for others…without reward…builds better people

It was an awesome conversation, and so much of what we are trying to achieve at DPS was captured in this little chat.

Moving Out!

The big shift is underway, and as we speak the AdmIn block of the school is being packed up and shifted around the school. The builders are onsite as well and have made a start before the holidays which is great.

A reminder that as of next term:

  • The Office will be down in Room 7

  • The staffroom will be in the hall

A big job at a busy time of year, but the end result is going to be fantastic. Our office spaces are going to better match our classrooms…flexible, open spaces that can be used for a range of purposes. The building work will create additional meeting rooms, a Learning Support Coordinator office for Erena, a more modern office, and a larger staffroom to better cater for the size of the school. But ultimately…the building work is about reflecting our belief that people working together is better. An open plan office, shared spaces for leadership and shared spaces for staff to work together.


Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)

Some great trips happened this week…Rātā out to Mt Holdsworth, and Kōwhai out to the New Forest School. Kids (and adults) had a real blast on both trips! Great opportunity for the children to be out in the great outdoors, to connect with nature…and to Explore parts of our local region. Out at Holdsworth the Rātā children also got bushcraft instruction from Beechy, as well as the chance to be in the bush and to play some games. At the New Forest School the children walked up a massive hill (epic…4.5km walk), cooked damper on the fire and caught koura in the stream…great kid stuff, and a great way to connect with nature. Massive thanks to all the parent helpers who made these trips possible this week.


Kapahaka Festival

Today our two Kapahaka roopu are performing down at Chanel College as part of the Kapahaka Festival. This is the first time the festival has been held face to face since 2019, and it is great for our kids to have that opportunity once again. I’ve written this after watching the Kōwhai roopu open the whole event. Being first to perform is an honour, and a chance to really showcase the mahi that has been put in. The children were amazing, performed so well…and they finished with a flourish. Jimbo got the whole crowd up to perform the Matariki macarena together…and everyone really got into it. I know that the senior kapahaka will be awesome this afternoon as well.

Another great opportunity for our children to Nurture their talents…and to show their Creative side in action.

Community Book Library

As I arrived back from the Festival I noticed our new community kids book library out at the front gate. This is the end action from Martha’s whānau class and the act of Service they have been working towards. Such a cool thing! A great way to share the love of reading, the love of books around. If you have a spare children’s book…come and place it in the library. If you see a book that you’d like to read…grab that and take it home. The idea of give and take, of sharing and the idea of service…all wrapped up in one powerful project. Awesome!

EOTC - Rātā Holdsworth Trip

On Wednesday the Rātā learners headed off to Mt Holdsworth for an awesome day of learning. Students got to work alongside 'Beechy' - doing some off track exploring and activities.... and also took part in a range of activities including learning about the extinct Huia, which was last sighted in the Tararuas in 1907...everyone had a wonderful day exploring the mountains.

Thanks heaps to the parent crew for making it happen...and the epic game of bullrush!

What's happening at DPS?

Some of our projects from Service Day are coming along nicely. We have our new children's community library put up outside the school gates - check it out... Our Pātaka Kai is currently being painted by Miss Mac's whānau class. Special mention to Jeremy Duckett, Dave Macdonald and Guthrie Bowron for donating their time and materials for these projects. We can't wait to have them up and running for the community.

ORDER SUBWAY FOR DELIVERY TO SCHOOL EVERY FRIDAY - ONLINE OR AT THE OFFICE

SPORT

Winter Hockey break up

We had an awesome turn out at our hockey break up. It was a great celebration of our Winter Hockey Season. Well done to the adults who took out the adults vs students hockey match.

We want to acknowledge all tamariki for a great season - there was huge growth in students skills... these children received a special mention. Congratulations to all!

Community notices