Newsletter
Week 9 NEWSLETTER
from the principal
Our Vision: Together we Nurture, Explore and Create for a Better Future
Since midway through the year we have been working through a process here at DPS to create the new Strategic Plan for the school…a two year plan setting our direction for learning. You’ve been part of the process, the survey at the end of Term 3 gave us insight and ideas from our school community.
The first goal is around implementing the new curriculum, with a focus on Maths in 2024 and Literacy in 2025. This is something that all schools are working through, and while we feel like we are on a great path…this two year plan will give us the opportunity to get things right. Incidentally…the Leaders Team have been crunching the end of year data over the last few days…and academically our children have once again shown how strong they are. I will share more about this next week
The second goal I’m both proud of, and excited by…a goal around developing a ‘culture of creativity’ at DPS. Over the next two years we want to have a focus on:
Sharing learning publicly - HERO, exhibitions, galleries in the school
Teacher practice around creativity - making sure our children have opportunities to be creative daily through play/maker, but also chances to be creative in Reading, Writing and Maths…and also looking to see how we can improve our teaching of ‘The Arts’ and Science
And lastly a continued focus on the use of digital technologies, but in particular how we can help children be more creative with these tools.
Our thinking is captured in the photo below, and in the new year I will share the full plan with you.
It’s no secret that I’m a massive Beatles fan, but in the 1950’s they were just four young lads in primary school. By chance of fate Paul and George were at the same school in the city, and at one point even shared the same music teacher. They were talented, creative…already learning to play guitars, they were drawing art works…but this talent wasn’t seen, and they had no opportunity to display this creative side of themselves. I want to make sure that children here at DPS have the chance to display their talents, to have creative outlets for those who have a passion…that we give chances to children to be successful as their creative selves. It’s not IF you are Creative, but HOW you are Creative.
That 1950’s Liverpool School talent went on to form the most influential, successful band of all time…and even now in 2023 they are setting records, and implementing new technology. The use of Artificial Intelligence to surface a John Lennon vocal recording from the late 1970’s has allowed the two remaining Beatles to complete and release a ‘new’ song this year…a song that hit Number 1 in the UK, 54 years after their last Number 1. It has set a bunch of new records…the video below highlights them.
All this from four lads who managed to find each other, collaborate, and find their creative outlet. I want that opportunity to exist here, ALONGSIDE our strong academic teaching…to give all kids their chance to shine in their Better Future.
Below is The Beatles latest Number 1 hit…a hit in 2023…53 years AFTER they broke up in 1970…sharing for no other reason than it is awesome. A triumph of creativity, technology…and it is a fitting end to a massively influential band.
Our Pool…100 Years Old!
Last month our pool turned 100…pretty impressive! The MidWeek ran a front page photo/article about the pool's history, and this was also in the Times Age. We gathered last Friday as a whole school for a photo…to match the photo we have of the entire Masterton West School at the opening of the pool in 1923. My chance here to say once again a massive thanks to Mr Blue…it is his hard mahi that keeps this pool alive, so important in an age when so many schools have lost theirs.
New Pātaka Kai - Thanks!
Last week we were gifted a pātaka kai by the Kāhui Ako. Made by the local Menz Shed, these pātaka have been gifted to a number of Masterton schools. A partnership is being set up with the charity WaiWaste, and they will look to provide food items.
This will be a great addition to the pātaka that Miss Mac’s whānau class already run at the front of the school, and yet another way our school can honour our commitment to ‘service’.
Last Day - Friday 15th December - 12.30pm Finish
As we hurtle towards the end of the year, a reminder that we finish at 12.30pm on Friday 15th December. A half day to finish the year.
First Day 2024 - Tuesday 30th January!
Look forward to seeing everyone bright eyed, and bushy tailed to start the 2024 school year! The first week will be short, starting on the Tuesday…and the following week will also be short with Waitangi Day falling on Tuesday of Week 2.
Writing - Miss mac's homeclass
Our lovely Year 6s are enjoying their final days at DPS! Check out some of their memories of their time here!
WhAt's happening at dps
FOdps
Sports
Masterton Intermediate - 2024 enrolments open now
MASTERTON INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL 2024 ENROLMENTS OPEN
PLEASE ENROL NOW
Please enrol online using the below link
We are encouraging online enrolments!
Order Subway online or at the office for delivery to school friday
Every Friday we have Subway lunches delivered to school. If you would like to order your child a subway lunch, the easiest way is to order online. Please make sure you put your child's class (teachers name) on the order as it makes it much easier to sort our end. Subway can also be ordered by filling out a form at the school office before school on a Friday. Please note that these must be ordered by early morning on the Friday to ensure your child's order goes through for that day.
Please note that the app you are looking for is Subway Express - School Lunch programme.
Community notices
