Week 1 NEWSLETTER

from the principal

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

Welcome back for our 2024 school year! 18 new DPS students, and 6 new DPS staff! We welcomed Amanda, Ginny, Maya, Rebecca, Kim and Imogen to the staff last week and are looking forward to our pōwhiri at school tomorrow for our new students and whānau!

The start back has seen the Nurture part of the Vision kicking into action with students and teachers building those learning-focussed relationships that are the key to success at school. We take the time at this stage of every year to get to know children...their interests, their passions, about their whānau…what makes them who they are. Students are also building relationships with new classmates, making new friendships and reconnecting with old friends. Relationship building is a massive part of school life…”no significant learning can occur without a significant relationship” and at DPS right now that Nurturing of relationships is in full swing.

Property Projects

While most of the property projects are completed, we are still in the middle of the roofing project. The roof above Rimu and Kōwhai is being replaced currently, and once done the spoutings can go back up. Some asphalt work still needs to be completed in front of the Learning Support Coordinator’s office as well. Last on the list is the ceiling in the hall.

Reminder: No students before 8.15am

Just a reminder, our gates are closed in the morning until 8.15am. A bell rings then, and after that students are welcome to come into school. But not prior. Before 8.15am staff are preparing for the day, and are scattered around the school and are unable to supervise students. After 8.15am teachers are in classes, and ready to welcome the children in. Thanks for your support with this.

Swimming Season Underway

How lucky we are to have a school pool, particularly given the weather we have been having. Every child, every day gets the opportunity to hop in for a swim…awesome! Massive thanks to Mr Blue for his mahi over the break getting the pool ready…323 very happy children!

HERO

Make sure your HERO app is updated, and signed in. This is our primary communication method…notices, golden time info, learning stories etc. QR code below will take you to the App Store to get the app, or the URL will take you to HERO in a web browser.

Hats

As of Monday the hat rule will be enforced…No DPS Hat, No Play. Hats are available at NZ Uniforms in town

Enrolments

I’m putting a call out now…have you enrolled your child for 2024? You may have a 4 year old in the house, or a friend with a 4 year old…make sure the office has been contacted so we have you in the system. Our enrollment zone was amended recently, you can read the details in this link. Make contact at office@douglaspark.school.nz .

School Picnic - Friday 16th February

Put the date in your calendar, Friday 16th February for our School Picnic. Bring a blanket, some food, whānau and have a great time. We will be opening the pool...fingers crossed for decent weather! The evening is always a great way to meet staff, meet other parents and a super way to start the school year together.

Back into it!

Hannah came over to the office today to show me her creating…she has gone from a plan on paper, to this great 3D diorama. Great stuff Hannah!

This is happening all around the school as students get back into the creative spirit of play/making at DPS.

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