Week 2 NEWSLETTER

from the principal

The ‘success or failure’ model of schooling is wrong, artificial and hurtful. Gaining NCEA Level 3, or a Bachelors/Masters degree shouldn’t be the pinnacle or the aim of what we do. This brings the pressure onto the learners...pressure to conform, pressure to achieve and pressure to tick the right boxes. Is this right?

• NZ has the highest rate of anxiety in the western word when it comes to test/exam taking
• We have a large dropout rate from our Universities
• And, terrifyingly, we have the highest teen suicide rate in the western world

The question needs to be asked...what do we value? High expectations for academic success are fine, but not at that cost.

Professor Peter O’Connor (Auckland) captures this well:

"NCEA results are meaningless when it comes to true success. When Hekia Parata left her role as the Minister of Education she said that her greatest achievement was achieving the best NCEA results. What sort of claim is that? We have the highest youth suicide rate in the developed world and we are worried about NCEA results?"

Perhaps our measure of success in education should be reversed...let’s build strong, resilient young people who have grit, determination and a set of skills (like our core beliefs) that will set them up for a successful future. Make that the target, not a % figure to gain an NCEA qualification.

You can read more in this NZ Herald article that was published recently.

School Donations

Another year, time again for us to ask for your school donation. We ask a donation of $50 per child for the year...one of the cheapest in town! This money is Above and Beyond what we get from the government, and allows for those Above and Beyond items and activities that we provide. Running the pool, providing extra staff, providing technology for the children to use (has been a bit in the news recently about parents having to pay to provide laptops/ipads etc), help with trips, or maintain our great playgrounds. All of these things cost big $$$, so the extra we get through donations is awesome.

School Picnic

Another amazing school picnic last week, managed to dodge the heatwave luckily! A great turnout, relaxed atmosphere and a lot of fun had in the pool. It was nice seeing the connections being made between families, staff and the children.

Fisher Funds Sponsorship

Invest your KiwiSaver through Financial Advice Wairarapa Limited and Douglas Park gets some sponsorship money, much needed & much appreciated! Currently through this sponsorship we earn approx. $1500 a year, which doesn’t sound like much...but it is more than the Ministry provides for pool maintenance. It is this extra $$$ that allows the ‘extra’ to happen around the school for our kids.

Michael was on the foundation Board of Trustees for Douglas Park School and his leadership/guidance got our school off to a flying start. Get in contact with him through Facebook or give him a call on 0800 276 124 if you are keen to switch providers, and help support our school.

Summer Sports

Another season is upon us and as usual for DPS we have a massive amount of children wanting to take part in what we have to offer. Two quick things about this:

• Our staff give up a lot of their own time to provide these opportunities for the children...Friday nights, Saturday mornings and midweek games. This is not something they have to do, but here at DPS we recognise and value what sport brings...largely, an excellent vehicle to develop our core beliefs and develop relationships.
• Signing up to a team is a commitment. If we have a team of 10 for softball and 2/3 don’t turn up it spoils it for the other children in the team, as well as for the opposition. Commitment is to practices (once a week during lunchtimes), being on time and prepared for their games

what's happening at DPS?

Vision and Hearing screening will take place on 14 February.

BOOK CLUB 2019!

Please have orders in to the office by Friday 15th February (or order online anytime)

Stationery Pack prices for 2019

Rimu N/E pack $20.00

Rimu Y1 top up pack $14.00

Kowhai Syndicate $17.00

Rata Syndicate $17.00

Kahikatea Syndicate $17.00

Stationery packs have been distributed to the pupils on the first day of the term (Tuesday 29th Jan)

Payment is to be made by Friday 15th February 2019

writing - miss west's homeclass

I saw nothing but blue.

I heard silence.

I felt like I was in slow motion.

I felt so relaxed.

I wondered could I make it out without drowning.

I smelt chlorine.

I saw a huge blue slide while I was exiting.

By Vinnie

I saw shimmering stars in the darkness.

And at that moment I knew they were up there, looking out for me.

I heard the silence as all my surroundings fell asleep.

The day had fallen asleep, letting the night keep me awake.

The grass was dancing in the wind making me shiver.

I felt the blanket as I pulled it over my cold body.

I felt tired as if I was awake all night.

As I lay in bed, I wondered what tomorrow would bring.

By Penelope

I saw crystal clear water and my half drowning cousin.

I saw a giant lego person on top of the water.

I heard splashing.

I heard laughing and talking.

I felt happiness on my toe.

I felt warm water.

I wondered if a bull shark would come through the net.

I felt nervous but happy.

I felt brave.

I wondered if I could stay here forever.

By Lola

When I went to Splash Planet, I went on the Double Dipper water slide.

I saw the rushing water pulling me and my cousin down.

I heard the other people screaming when they went down.

When I went down the water slide I felt so scared.

I wondered if I would die.

When I went in the playground I heard the giant bucket of water splash on the ground.

When I went on the other playground and climbed on the net I wondered if I would fall.

I felt hot metal when I held the water gun.

I saw my cousin squirting someone.

Then I felt the speeding water hit me.

By Toby

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