Week 9 NEWSLETTER

Towards a new School Vision

Work continues as we rethink our future here at Douglas Park. Earlier in the term we sought more feedback from you in the form of a simple survey at the Learning Conversations. The return rate was massive (thanks so much) and the data very rich.

At this stage I'd like to share what came to the surface from that simple survey. You'll recall we asked you to circle words that resonated with you, as well as phrases.

The top 'words' that came through were:

• Whānau

• Challenge

• Empower

• Inspire

• Nurture

• Explore

The top phrases were:

• Dream big, build connections, explore possibilities

• Nurture individuals, everyone contributes, together we achieve more

• Through the learning we inspire ourselves, our community and our world

Other general themes that came through were around children being happy and safe, helping them develop into great people, and this idea of community...enhancing and giving back to our local community.

We have started as a staff to create some first drafts of our new vision, and into Term 4 we will come back to you for further feedback. Our school mentor, Mark Osborne is leading us through this exciting process!

Your Generosity

Just like to say a public thanks...we've been humbled by some very kind acts of generosity lately:

• We've had parents offer and contribute money for camp...to ensure that financial hardships aren't a barrier for our children to attend their camp experience.

• Lottz and Kelly (Liam's parents) have donated to the school a new mixing desk for the hall...this is the device that runs all of the sound for our celebration times and discos. Lottz spent quite a bit of time repairing the old one, then as a whanau decided to gift a new one to the school in recognition of both Dylan and Liam's time at DPS

• And Dani has shifted to a new job as a real estate agent, and has nominated to sponsor Douglas Park School as part of her work. Check out her lovely ad further down in the newsletter, and get in touch if you are looking to sell.

These acts of kindness are much appreciated, and remind me that we do have such an amazing, supportive community that wraps around us as a school.

Into the Last Week

Next week is the last week of what has been quite a busy, full on term. Next week we will have a look at how children are tracking academically, how our programmes are running, and start to plan any changes for term 4. We have a meeting with the school architect to start the process of the Admin Block being remodelled and we celebrate the great PRIDE behaviour we have with the always exciting PRIDE Day Out. We end the term with our school cross country...fair warning, if we end up staying in Alert Level 2 (fingers and toes crossed we don't!) then the event will have to look very different for parents than it has in the past, due to the mass gathering rules. We will keep you informed as we enter next week.

Subway lunches can be ordered for delivery to school every Friday. Order online or fill out a form at the office.

Term 3 Sport - DRAWS

We will load the draws into this folder for Netball, Hockey and Miniball. Make sure you check it every week!

2020 Yr 5/6 Netball

FINALS NIGHT - TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER!

Our teams have had a great season and we have the last week of the season next week. We made it through many weeks of netball at level 2 and we really appreciate all of our supporters every week.

A BIG thanks to our coaches who give up their time every week; Miss Eagle, Alaina Hing, Rachel Bird, Miss Choat and Mr Blue.

The draw will be posted on the FB page by Friday - best of luck to DPS Magic who are in the grand final for their grade.

BEST OF LUCK TO OUR TEAMS FOR THEIR LAST GAME!

Winter Hockey Season

REMINDER: draws can be found in this folder.

Primary Hockey will still be played at alert level 2. There are a few changes to ensure teams can still play. There will be hand sanitiser at the gates as well as the QR code for the Covid-19 app.

PLEASE NOTE

There must be no more than 16 people with each group, this is to include players, coach and spectators. Anyone else MUST remain outside the complex or in their cars. Each player will be allowed ONE spectator. There is no exception to this rule as the facility must keep numbers to a maximum of 100 at all times.

We have attached a turf map that shows you where you can go depending on the field that you are playing on. Please use the hand sanitiser and make sure children are not sharing their hockey gear. All teams must leave the grounds as soon as their game is finished.

The draw has been changed to accommodate the Level 2 restrictions. Please make sure you are connected to our school app, Hero, as there will be regular updates on there too.

GAME TIMES

Friday 18th September

DPS Renegades BYE

DPS Red BYE

Saturday 19th September

DPS V Feathie at 10.00am