Week 2 NEWSLETTER

from the principal

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

On Friday we welcomed our new students, whānau and staff into the school family. 29 students…it was a big one! 80 seats were put out for manuhiri, and we had to rustle up a few more as we got underway! As always it was a very wholesome event, a great way to bring people together.

Mackenzie’s grandfather Darren spoke for the manuhiri…did an amazing job, and it was nice to hear his perspective on why DPS is a great place, and why they value how we operate. Emma and Maisy did a great job as kaikaranga as well.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

I hope you all enjoy the long weekend, and get to spend time with family and friends.

In 2019 we invited Jay Ruka to speak to us as a staff...and he was excellent. His hope, his dream, is that over time we come to honour the Treaty, to view it as a positive and be comfortable engaging with others in conversation about it. To bring Te Ao Māori and Western ways of being, thinking and working together. The video below is of Jay giving this presentation to a different audience...and while lengthy it is worth a watch.

School Picnic

Just over a week away…we look forward to this great event! The picnic itself will run 5pm - 7pm…bring a blanket, some kai and come hang out. The pool will be open, hopefully the bouncy castle will be here…and Olivia and I will serenade the crowd with some music. Teachers will be mingling around so you can meet new faces, or reconnect with familiar ones.

Just prior we will open the classrooms up, and staff will be there…so if you’d like to head into the learning spaces to see them, to have a chat with the teachers…they’ll be there from 4.30pm.

Enrolments

I’m putting a call out now…have you enrolled your child for 2026? You may have a 4 year old in the house, or a friend with a 4 year old…make sure the office has been contacted so we have you in the system. We have an enrollment zone, you can read the details in this link. Make contact at office@douglaspark.school.nz

school picnic - friday 13 february

Pack up a blanket, bring some kai, grab your whanau and join us for a relaxed summer evening at our school picnic from 5-7pm ☀️

The pool will be open (fingers crossed for sunshine!), and it's the perfect chance to catch up with friends, meet new families, and get to know our amazing staff.

This picnic is always a highlight and a brilliant way to kick off the school year together - we can't wait to see you there!

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