Week 4 NEWSLETTER

Thanks to Claire for organising it all for us.

The Rata Team have also visited the exhibition, and you can see below a creative response to what they saw at Aratoi.

Board Nominations

Thanks so much to those who have put their hands up for our kids, to be nominated for our Board of Trustee elections. The job is an important one, it is an exciting time to be leading a school, and it is rewarding to see your direction and resourcing make real change for kids. The current Board have overseen our massive building modifications (and won a national award for them!), appointed myself as Principal, seen us receive glowing reviews from parents, ERO, visiting schools, have set the direction for our modern learning approach in the classes, and funded countless innovations for our learners. Nominations close tomorrow at 12pm, your chance to have a say in the direction of Douglas Park. You can nominate yourself...or have someone nominate you on behalf. If we have more nominations than places an election will follow, or if we have the right amount (or less...as long as we have 3) then those people are automatically onto the BoT.

Teacher Strike

Just a reminder that school is closed next Wednesday as teachers across the country go on strike. Both secondary and primary teachers are walking out in an effort to help government realise how serious things are. Many of you may have watched TVNZ’s Sunday programme last weekend, and heard the stories of teachers under the pump, of the pressure the profession is facing (watch here if you missed it).

The part that hit me the hardest was the well regarded Rotorua Principal who when asked “What would you say to somebody right now considering getting a job as a teacher”? His answer was simple and direct; Don’t...don’t.

That’s powerful stuff, and an indication of the enormity of the issues...for a Principal to actively say to people don’t become a teacher...something in the system is broken.

We strike next week for us as a profession, and for the future we want to be able to provide for your children. I appreciate the words of support I’ve received from a wide range of you within our school community, and your recognition that our teachers and kids deserve better, deserve more.

Outdoor Learning Day

As this newsletter comes out to you, our learners are out of their rooms for the day...for Outdoor Learning Day. Here at DPS we are big believers that not all learning has to come from the teacher, and that not all learning has to happen inside the four walls of a learning space. Some great messages on their website about the importance of Outdoor Learning;

When teachers take learning outdoors they report some powerful impacts: Children’s behaviour improves, whole classes are excited to learn, and individuals who feel inhibited by the curriculum often thrive in an outdoor environment.

When adults think back to their own happiest memories of childhood, they frequently recall the joy of playing outdoors. Play is not only central to children’s enjoyment of childhood, but teaches critical life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and creativity.

Here is the link to purchase tickets:

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2019/the-developing-brain-masterton/wairarapa

NYLD 2019

On Monday the 20th of May, the Councillors, Mrs Williams, Mr Sinton and Mr Harkness travelled to Palmerston North for NYLD. This stands for National Young Leaders Day, this event is hosted by the company called Attitude.

Our hosts were Liz Alexander and Phil Baker, there were also 5 other speakers that came to inspire us to be the best leaders we can be.

Our first speaker was Christian Gallen, we personally think he was the funniest speaker there apart from one of the hosts Phil. Next Hana Tapiata, she spoke about the voice in your head and how you listen to it, either the positive voice or the negative voice. Then the latest person to leave What Now the TV show which is on every Sunday morning at 8am, is Ronnie Taulafo. He talked about having conversations and said it doesn't matter where you are from you can do anything that everyone else does. Our next speaker was a Doctor who travels the world to meet other big leaders of the world his name is Dr Lehan Stemmet. He told us people want 3 things - ARA. This stands for...

Accept

Respect

Appreciate

He told us to be strong even if we don’t agree with the majority - do the right thing! The last speaker we have is a famous singer for NZ his name is KINGS. He told us about how he started off with pots and pans and playing on a 3 string guitar! It was an inspiring day at NYLD and hopefully next year's Councillors have same experience we had.

By Lily, Ella and Lana

Kia Ora

We are a youth outreach team from Soulway Church.

Since 2009 the youth outreach team known as 'Souled Owt Kids Club' has been operating like an after school program. We engage the tamariki in activities that teach good morals, values and life lessons that will give them the skills to build healthy relationships. We also have fun playing sports and listen to good music with healthy food and everything is free. We usually only advertise this to the local neighbourhood that surround the Margaret street park but this year with the influx of children showing up with parents donating time and food we decided to send out a invite to the entire community to share our blessings. attached is a poster with all the info.

Kids, are you looking for fun on a Friday night?

Then come along to Kids' Club, 5.30 till 7.30pm on Fridays at the Baptist Church. We provide a safe, family atmosphere with table tennis, computer games, craft, a kid-friendly light tea, Bible stories and organised games. The cost is just $2.50 per child. Phone Liz on 0272233100 for more details or just come along and have a look. We're on the corner of Renall and Chapel Streets; entrance off Renall St.