Week 9 NEWSLETTER

from the principal

Our Vision: Together we Nurture, Explore and Create for a Better Future

I’ve been talking about the external recognition our school has been getting over the last few weeks…and here we go again!

I’m stoked to say that (once again) Apple has recognised us as an Apple Distinguished School for the next three years!

This is an awesome achievement for our school…and a true reflection of the outstanding educational experiences that children get here. In Apple’s own words…

”Apple Distinguished Schools are centres of leadership and educational excellence, with a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals. In Apple Distinguished Schools, forward-thinking leaders and their communities work to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning, and they have documented results of academic accomplishments”.

We’ve worked really hard here to strike a powerful balance…and I like how Apple’s words acknowledge that: It is about the learning…not about the technology. We care deeply about academic outcomes and progress here at school, and the use of technology is one of many approaches in our classrooms that we know make a difference.

I think my favourite result out of all this work…is that our children use devices here at school to Create. The vast majority of the apps we use are just a blank canvas. You open them up…and they do nothing, you have to make/create inside them for example…our children open KeyNote and all you see is a blank slide, but they use KeyNote to make digital art, to make animations, to create characters for green-screening…they create something from nothing. Contrast this to device use elsewhere…where children might be ‘playing’ educational games on devices (playing maths games for example). That is the children Consuming…where our aim is to have children Creating.

The recognition from Apple is amazing…roughly 1400 schools worldwide get this recognition, and our little kura, from little Whakaoriori, in little ‘ol NZ is one of them!

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

A real buzz this week around our national language…we certainly have the view that 365 days a year we can focus on our use of Te Reo, but it is awesome to really highlight it in Te Wiki o te Reo Māori each year, and really celebrate it. Classes have been doing extra little activities, and our amazing staff have also been running games and activities during their breaktimes…super wholesome. Massive mihi to Miss Mac for the promotion, idea sharing and being a champion for the use of reo in the school.

Service Day Success

On Friday we held a Service Day…our chance to give back. As always, it was just so nice to see the learning coming together. Each week classes watch the ‘Good as Gold’ clips, and discuss what being a good human/citizen means…and last week was the chance to put that into action. I spoke to the children in the morning about the feeling you’ll get…we aren’t doing this for money, for recognition, to get something…we are doing it to give back, and the reward is the feeling that you get. Judging by all the smiles…that was a real outcome.

Learning Conversations

These are next week, and your child will be excited to share their learning journey with you! The learning conversations are always a great time…your childs chance to share what they have been working on, what they are proud of…and your chance to speak to the teacher about where to next in the learning.

Bookings can be done in the HERO app…super easy, just a couple of clicks. If you are having any issues please reach out to your class teacher or the office.

enrolments for 2027

Out of Zone applications for Terms 1 and 2, 2027 are now open. You can either email the office about applying, or fill in the form on our website: https://www.douglaspark.school.nz/enrolment. If you know of whānau who live outside our school zone, please let them know. We always have people who miss the cut off…and therefore miss out on attending our marvellous school.

Also…if you know of whānau inside our school zone who are considering schools for their child, feel free to mention us. I am more than happy to sit down with prospective parents, and to take them on a tour of our wonderful little school. Email the office to set up a time: office@douglaspark.school.nz

te wiki o te reo maori week at douglas park school

writing from Mrs harvey's literacy learners

masterton intermediate 2027

Please click the link below to enrol your child for 2027

https://enrolments.linc-ed.com/apply/NZ/2909

scooter and bike safety reminder

As more students enjoy riding their scooters and bikes to and from school, we'd like to remind everyone to stay safe. Please encourage children to ride carefully, be mindful of pedestrians, and use footpaths and road crossings safely. Wearing a properly fitted helmet is essential, and we ask all riders to slow down and show courtesy to others, especially around the school gates and nearby footpaths after school.

Thank you for helping keep our students and community safe.

reminders

Stationery - Payment Reminder

We are very fortunate that our Board of Trustees subsidises stationery each year, helping to keep costs as low as possible for families. We kindly ask that all learners pay the $15.00 stationery contribution as soon as possible.

Payment can be made online to ASB 12-3290-0064275-00. Please include your child's name as the reference. Alternatively, payments can be made at the office via EFTPOS, or cash can be sent to the office in a clearly named envelope.

We appreciate your prompt payment, as this helps reduce follow-up. If you are experiencing any difficulties, please contact the office - we are happy to help.

Sports Fees - Reminder

If your child is participating in a sports team for Douglas Park School, please ensure the relevant sports fees are paid as soon as possible.

Payments can be made at the DPS office (cash or EFTPOS) or via online banking:

DPS Account: 12-3290-0064275-00

Reference: Child’s first name, last initial, and the sport they are playing

subway lunch available every friday - order online or at the school office

change of details

If you have recently moved house, had a change of phone number, or any other contact details of your child/children have changed, could you please let us know at the school office by calling in to see us, phoning us on (06) 370-0189, or sending an email to office@douglaspark.school.nz

Sports

All school teams and draws will be posted on Hero.

Community notices

It's time to channel your inner explorer and join the Staglands Treasure Hunt!

Every correct entry wins a prize and there are heaps up for grabs!

To enter download the T reasure Hunt Sheet from our website or ask for one at the Ticket Gate when you visit.

Take your completed sheet to the Ticket Gate to claim your prize!

Don’t forget to enter our bonus draw too for the chance to win a Staglander Annual Family Pass valued at $230!

*Offer runs 26th September - 11th October.

Terms & Conditions Apply

Please spread the word amongst your families!

We hope to see you soon.

Wairarapa Art Trail – 26 & 27 September 2026

Come and discover the creativity on our doorstep! The Wairarapa Art Trail is a free, self-guided journey through the region’s vibrant arts community.

This year, more than 70 talented local artists will open their studios and creative spaces across the Wairarapa. Families can travel from rural backroads to our town centres, meet artists and makers, see where they create, and discover the stories and inspiration behind their work.

There will be something for everyone, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, printmaking and contemporary mixed media. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children and adults alike to experience art up close and celebrate the creativity within our local community.

Save the date: Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 September 2026.

Bring the whānau, explore the Wairarapa and enjoy a weekend of art, creativity and discovery!