Week 9 NEWSLETTER

from the principal

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

Last Friday our Vision burst into life with one of our Service Days happening, and children across the school taking action to improve things for other people. Cars were washed, thank you notes made and delivered, rubbish collected, Kindy’s visited, Lyndale residents sung and performed to, baking made…a wide range of ways to give back to our community!

We want our young people to be empowered by these Service Days, and to think that this way of acting is normal and desirable. This is the ‘Better Future’ part of our Vision, what can we do as a school to help ensure a brighter, better future for our children? Tino pai to mahi DPS!

Duffy Books

Speaking of Service, yesterday the Duffy Book charity distributed two books to each child in our school. Our two boys were very excited last night to bring home their latest Duffy Books. This is such a great initiative, getting books into the hands for the children and whānau and fostering a real buzz about reading. The book these days has an uphill battle in terms of competing for attention with screens…but fostering a love of reading, and making sure children have the opportunity to read each day is such an important part of development. An old saying goes…kids who read, succeed…and while I don’t agree with the ‘all in’ nature of the saying, I do agree with the sentiment. Being literate is super important, an important pursuit worth putting time and energy into.

Hopefully your children came home with their books yesterday buzzing as well, and found a wee corner in the house to sit down and enjoy them.

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori

This week is Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, our chance to celebrate our beautiful language. While this week is important, it is equally important that ‘this week’ is also celebrated the other 51 weeks of the year. At DPS we have come a long way with our Te Reo development, and it is something now that sits inside daily routines in each class and weekly activities across the school. I’m endlessly proud of the work of Matua Jimbo, and the way his kapa haka teaching has inspired and empowered so many of our DPS Kids. I’m endlessly proud of the staff, and the way that they bring Te Ao Māori seamlessly into learning programmes…making it a part of what we do, not an extra. And I’m endlessly proud of the children and the way that they have both embraced and celebrated our shared national culture. Ka rawe DPS!

Tararua Challenge - Russell St School Exchange

No doubt whānau are aware that unfortunately the Tararua Challenge isn’t happening tomorrow. The weather hasn’t been kind over there, and the school grounds aren’t usable. We are working on a postponement date for next term…but as you can appreciate, finding a date that suits two schools, in a busy term, might be a mission. But we will keep you updated!

Learning Conversations - Next Week!

Have you booked your Learning Conversation for next week? Bookings are open inside HERO, and are quick/easy to do! Please book a time that suits you.

Learning Conversations are a key part of our reporting to you, and an important event for your child. They do mahi in the leadup to collate what they would like to share, practice how they will share it…and are always so proud to share with whānau. It is also your opportunity to chat with your child’s teacher, and hear from them around their academic progress.

Out of Zone Enrolments for 2025

Just a reminder...our out of zone process for Terms 1 and 2 2025 is underway. Please pass on to family or friends wanting to attend our school. Always (always!) someone will contact us after the process has finished and sadly they miss out.

Douglas Park is governed by an enrolment scheme (a school zone) and we only take out of zone enrolments twice a year. The next intake is for Terms 1 and 2. Anyone who lives out of zone comes through this process. Even if you have children here already and have a younger sibling to start...if you live out of zone, you have to apply for your child to attend.

Contact the office if you need to put your child/ren down for a possible place office@douglaspark.school.nz

Kapa Haka Festival

On the last day of term our two roopu will be performing at the Kapa Haka Festival. Held at Wairarapa College, it is always an amazing event. The times we are performing are below…be aware if you wish to watch your child that during the performances the doors are closed, so you can only enter the WaiCol hall in between performances (5 mins).

writing - Megan's homeclass

a message from Masterton intermediate

Kia ora

Can you please let all Year 6 student's parents/caregivers who wish to enrol their child to do this online as soon as possible.

Click on the link to submit your child’s enrolment online:

https://bit.ly/3Qf6jO4

Hockey Wairarapa needs your help!

Hockey Wairarapa are raising funds to help with the cost of the new turf. It is a great initiative to support if you can and will help make sure hockey stays strong in the Wairarapa!