Week 4 NEWSLETTER

from the principal

We Should be Proud

Tuesday this week saw our 6th set of visitors through DPS this term...visitors who are coming to see us as a school in action, to see the learning that your children get to experience daily, and to hear the ‘story’ of Douglas Park. It was three Principals on Wednesday...one of whom was on her 3rd visit this year (second this term!). We’ve hosted the leadership group from Raumati School, the Principals and ASL’s from the Fielding Kāhui Ako, a group from Arakura School, the Education Committee from the local Trust Lands Trust and some other interested educators. Why mention all this? Because we should be proud of what we are reaching for here at DPS, and of what we have achieved.

People want to come see us, hear from us and connect with us for a reason...and it is because we are doing things within education that are exciting, new and that are working. I consider these visits as a form of feedback...they are choosing to come to see us...but also I see them as a chance for feedback. Two themes emerge after every visit now...the first is that the children are very engaged in their learning, they are so into it. Engagement is key to learning. The second theme is that our children are very articulate about what they are doing, how they are doing it and why it is important...they often will bring up our Core Beliefs (Agency, Creativity, Collaboration and Critical Thinking). A principal this week said our 5 year olds were the most articulate bunch she has encountered in her 25 years in the profession.

Add to this, the Ministry choosing us as the Primary School to feature in their article on Learner Agency (read here...it is awesome) and we have every reason to be proud of the learning journey, the learning culture, the awesome staff, the amazing kids and our wonderful supportive community here at Douglas Park (it isn’t very Kiwi to talk yourself up...but hey, why not!).

Camp + Year 4 EOTC

A big few days coming up for the senior part of the school! The Year 5/6 children are off to Camp Kaitoke next week and at the same time, the Year 4 children have 3 days of EOTC experiences. Camp and EOTC are amazing experiences for kids...and no doubt I will write more about it next week...but I’ll quickly take the chance to thank a few people. Amy and Sophie have done all the planning, organising and logistics for camp...amazing! Thanks to the Board for paying 50% of all the camp fees to keep the costs reasonable. Thanks to the FODPS for paying for the buses (not cheap!). Thanks to our parent volunteers for giving up their time and thanks to the staff that will be down with the children. James, Claire and Shaun have done all the work preparing the Year 4 experiences...a step up from what we have done in the past (Forest School, the park/pools and Beach Ed at Riversdale...busy times!) Thanks team. Thanks to the Board for funding these three days, and again...thanks to the parent volunteers...without you these things don’t happen!

Can’t wait to see the kids in action next week and to hear the stories of challenge and growth.

Board of Trustees Election - The Vote is on!

Must be election season...first NZ, currently the US (yikes!) and now DPS! Last election our Board opted into a staggered cycle...that means every 18 months we have an election, but only for some of the positions. This time we have two positions and three parents have been nominated. Firstly...well done, and I thank you for offering yourselves...an excellent example of service in action. Secondly...voting ballots are coming your way by mail. There will be a voting box in the office foyer, or you can choose to mail it back to school. The election date is Friday 4th December. Thirdly...here is a link to the candidate statements for the three nominees. These are also inside the envelope with your ballot. Lastly...I’ll take this chance to thank Jess Mason for her service on the Board! Jess has been our Financial Officer, has seen us through to an excellent financial position, and as a former teacher has offered a lot to our discussions on the direction of the school. She has been an awesome member of the team...so thanks once again for the time, energy and commitment given for all of the learners within the DPS community. Ka mau te wehi!

Great Job Kayane!

For maker time the students were set an engineering challenge to build a boat that floats, holding the most marbles. Students were only allowed to use 10 straws, one paper cup, one piece of plastic and masking tape. This photo is of Kayane testing his boat by adding marbles to it. His boat held the most amount of marbles (39). His boat was very buoyant and stable in the water because he designed a wide flat base. Ka mau te wehi Kayane!

Well Done Lucas!

Lucas was recognised as most improved player for his Marist Club side (they won their grade as well!). Great stuff Lucas, improvement always leads to success!

Douglas park school board of trustees

This year we have the 2 spaces available on the Douglas Park School Board of Trustees. We have 3 candidates who have put their name forward and now you get to have your say. Voting papers will be coming to you via post and need to be returned to school by 4pm on Friday 4th December. There will be a ballot box in the office foyer or you can post it to us. If posting, please try to post it as early as possible as New Zealand Post has reduced postal delivery days in some areas. If you need any more information, please contact Hayley Sinton - hayleysinton@douglaspark.school.nz

Have a read of the candidate statements below.

KIds korero

What's happening at DPS?

2020 WHOLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS!

Our DPS athletics will take place on tomorrow at the Colin Pugh Sportsbowl in Masterton. There is no postponement date for this event. If it is cancelled it will be on the DPS Facebook page.

All pupils will be transported to and from DPS by bus...check out the timetable below (time of events are approximate and may change on the day)

Please note - there will be no Celebration Time on this day if athletics goes ahead.

We end the day with our Yr 6s vs adults race...so bring your sneakers Yr 6 Mums and Dads!

If you can help out on an event for the day (from 9.30 - 12.30pm) please email Amy Williams on amywilliams@douglaspark.school.nz

DENTAL BUS

As you will all be aware, we have the Dental Bus with us for the next couple of weeks. All children have been given a form to return so if haven't seen it, please check your child's bag and return the completed form. Thanks.