Newsletter
Week 4 NEWSLETTER
from the principal
Our Vision: Together we Nurture, Explore and Create for a Better Future
At the end of Term 3 I shared some of our Creative Schools Index results...a study into Creative Learning Environments being done by the Universities of Auckland and Sydney. Douglas Park is represented very well, outperforming the average across both countries and ending up in the higher end of the schools taking part.
Our Core Beliefs (Learner Agency, Creativity, Collaboration and Critical Thinking) are big here at DPS, and they are reflected very positively in the study. I shared last week the results that relate to Agency, the whole study relates to Creativity...and below are the results for Collaboration and Critical Thinking. These two skills are commonly found now in the Top 5 skills needed to succeed in the workplace...both now and in the future. As with the vast majority of our results, DPS is performing ‘above average’ in these areas...no surprise I guess, given the emphasis on them here. I’m pleased...staff have invested considerable time and energy into this work, and your children are definitely benefitting!
Staffing Update
We have recently completed interviews for teaching staff for 2022 and I’m glad to say that as usual we have assembled an amazing team. I’ll announce more of that information once we have confirmed who will be teaching in what team.
I do have a couple of announcements at this point...two retirements.
Jackie Seta will be retiring from her part time position at the end of the year. Jackie has been a part of my whole career, and since stepping back from the classroom a number of years ago, has been a key person in our classroom release programmes. Over the last few years in the Maker/Core Belief Team, we have really seen some awesome learning coming from Jackie...I never thought I would see a sewing club at school, but she did it and kids love it! Her flair for the visual arts will be missed as we head into 2022.
The other retirement news is that of Jane Macdonald. Jane is an absolute legend...and I’d challenge anyone to find a better New Entrant practitioner, a better leader and a more innovative thinker than Jane. Jane has been everything to me in my career...appointed me when I was a beginning teacher, appointed me to Assistant Principal and appointed me to the Principalship. She has been a real mentor and inspiration...and a key friend on staff. Jane has taught for more years than she would be keen on me revealing...and has influenced whole generations of learners and inspired whole generations of teachers. Jane will still be with us next year in a part time role, overseeing our Play-based learning as well as junior literacy learning.
Athletics Day
While it was a very different event from the past...what a day, what a success! Amidst all the cancellations...our DPS Kids still had their chance to test themselves at a real athletics track, to use real equipment and to dare to dream to improve themselves. The weather was amazing, the organisation by Sarah and Hayley top notch...and a great day was had by all. Hillary took out the house relay and as of Tuesday, Rutherford House entered into a strict training regime for 2022! For sure it is a shame that parents couldn’t pop down for a watch...we didn’t have the normal festival type atmosphere...but the main thing is that the kids still got their day. We have some amazing photos already shared to facebook...as well as the full house relay on video (Rutherford, it was a very close 2nd…). But here is a cool thing...we are starting some work on a promotional video and here is a clip assembled from athletics day...it is very cool! Thanks so much Rob for this,
COVID Info
Delta is still disrupting our plans and events. Athletics on Monday...while an amazing event that the kids loved, it was a shame not to be able to have parents onsite.
I want to give a head’s up...at this stage it is looking less and less likely we will be able to hold our Final Celebration Time as we have done in the past. We may still be able to use Wairarapa College Hall, but signalling now that we might not be having parents at the event. Not great news...and we are still problem solving the issues...but I think it is fair to give you notice that things might be different. No decision as yet has been made.
Latest vaccine data for our region below...still making good progress towards that 90% mark with over 1400 doses given over the last 6 days (nearly 500 of those were first doses). I would urge those of you who have not yet had your first dose to head to the Book my Vaccine website and nab a time. If you are still looking for information I would also encourage you to get the information from those that know...head to your GP for firsthand medical advice/information, or head over to the Ministry of Health website and look through the wealth of information there.
If I can be of help in any way...please reach out to me: principal@douglaspark.school.nz.
A whānau in need
Looking to see if we can get some help...we have a whānau in need of transport to and from school. Two children, living in the Oak St/Ballance St area. If someone lives around there, and could add two children to their drop off/pickup routine...it would be greatly appreciated. Flick an email to office@douglaspark.school.nz or txt the school cell phone on 021 1283607.
What's happening at DPS?
WE CURRENTLY HAVE THE DENTAL BUS ON SITE. A REMINDER TO CHECK YOUR CHILD'S BAG FOR ANY DENTAL FORMS THEY MAY HAVE BROUGHT HOME.
Sport
Community notices
ATTENTION TENNIS PLAYERS:
There is an opportunity for Masterton junior tennis players to be provided with extra coaching.
Boon Huxtable (Wairarapa Number 1 Senior player) would like to do 1hr coaching sessions on a Wednesday. Three time slots would be available with a focus on between 4-6 players per group, starting at 3.15pm. Cost to be $20 per player, per lesson. Only 18 spaces available for Wednesdays. Please contact Boon Huxtable on 02108370797 or via email: boon.huxtable@hotmail.com if you are interested.
