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

The Education Review Office has released our confirmed report… it is an awesome read…and I am incredibly proud to share some highlights with you. This report is a powerful validation of our school vision: Together we Nurture, Explore and Create for a Better Future. While the educational landscape shifts around us currently, ERO’s findings confirm that our commitment to an innovative, student-centered curriculum is delivering the high-quality outcomes our tamariki deserve.

It’s no secret that our school operates a ‘bit differently’ than what our Minister would like, but ERO are our independent review office…tasked with assessing the quality of education in our schools. 

So…what did they have to say?

On our Rich, Innovative Curriculum

They reinforce that our play-based, inquiry, and maker-learning approach creates deep engagement:

• "Students learn through a rich curriculum that uses local contexts, real-world experiences, and authentic opportunities to deepen understanding and promote engagement across learning areas." 

• "Learners have rich opportunities to learn across the breadth and depth of the curriculum." 

• "Teachers and leaders... explicitly teach Wairarapatanga lessons... providing students a rich curriculum and a deeper understanding of local history." 

On our Academic Achievement

They show that our collaborative, inquiry-based math and literacy focus delivers results:

• "Learners benefit from excellent quality teaching practice that improves progress and achievement in reading, writing and mathematics." 

• "The school is meeting Government reading, writing and mathematics targets set for 2030." 

• "There is a consistent focus on supporting learners to gain skills in foundational skills in literacy and mathematics." 

• "Most learners [80-90%] meet or exceed the expected curriculum level." 

On our Innovative Learning Culture

They highlight how our environment supports wellbeing and belonging:

• "Leaders and staff create a positive, inclusive culture that fosters belonging and pride in achievement." 

• "The school successfully promotes learners' engagement, wellbeing and inclusion." 

• "They actively support wellbeing through responsive practices." 

On Supporting Every Learner

They show that our "different" way of teaching actually leaves no one behind:

• "Learners with complex needs are well supported to achieve their education goals." 

• "Success and progress for all learners is increasing."

Those are some truly heartening, and positive words about our school. Achieving well, deep engagement, rich learning opportunities, positive inclusive culture, excellent quality teaching practice…wow. If you want to read more, you can here. I’d love to hear any feedback you might have: principal@douglaspark.school.nz

We are incredibly proud that our innovative learning environment is not only meeting national targets but is truly preparing our students for a better future.

Camp, climbing Rangitūmau and a thanks

As the newsletter comes out this week I will be down at Camp Kaitoke visiting the crew there. Already I’ve seen a bunch of photos of happy kids, kids giving the activities a go…and the air was buzzing with excitement as they got ready to leave yesterday. I’ll probably write more about it next week…but the highlight of every camp is always the children stepping out of their comfort zone and daring to dream. 

While the Year 5+6’s were heading off, the Year 4’s set off on their mission to scale Rangitūmau…something our Year 4’s do each year. All of them made the top this year, a beautiful day for it…view down the valley. Epic work team!

And…both of these things are only possible because…1) I have amazing staff who are willing to do all the extra stuff to make these trips happen…the thinking, the endless paperwork, and actually putting their hands up to run it…and 2) our amazing whānau helpers, taking time away from their mahi (and in the case of camp time away from home comforts!) to be there. Without the volunteers, these things simply wouldn’t happen…cheers to the staff and parents, legends all of you.