Week 1 NEWSLETTER

One of our ongoing service actions is the Pātaka Kai at the front of the school, part of a growing movement of ‘street pantries’ around the country. The idea is pretty simple…take what you need, bring what you can…times are tough at the moment, the cost of living crisis is a real thing. If you are able to contribute to the pātaka please do so. And, if you or others you know need some help…please take what you need from the pātaka. 

Asti’s Mum kindly donated a heap of food last term, and currently there is a good selection out there. Don’t be shy, grab a kai! 

Matariki Evening

Keep Wednesday 2nd August evening free to come along to our Matariki Evening at DPS. Performances, kai, storytelling, stargazing and a great time to connect with other whānau across the school. These evenings are great…a real winter highlight.

Building Work

So close! But…still not quite ready to move back into the admin block just yet. Kitchen mostly installed, carpet down, vinyl going in today, electrical fittings sorted, lights back in, fans installed…still a bit of joinery to be installed in the medical room, benchtops to come and just the last finishing touches.

Some other projects have started, or have been approved to start later in the year;

• New heat pumps are currently being installed in Kahikatea

• The flat roof above Kahikatea and Rātā is being replaced with a new pitched roofing product. This project has started with our builders doing the prep work (removing weatherboards, relocating heat pump units and getting the high level windows ready to be removed). The roofers arrive Monday of Week 3 and the project is expected to take a month. 

• We’ve also had approval for the vast majority of the rest of the school rooves (roofs) to be replaced along with all of the guttering. When the hall roof is replaced they will also be replacing the internal ceiling. 

• And…the last of our classroom projects will also be tidied up this year. Some new carpets to parts of all teaching teams, new wall coverings and some acoustic ceiling work to Rimu and Kōwhai, and a breakout space added to Room 6.

Once all this is completed…it will mean all of the school's buildings, inside and outside, will have been renovated and refurbished over the last 6 years. My thanks to the Board of Trustees…past and present…for making this all happen, it is quite an achievement.