Week 1 NEWSLETTER

from the principal

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

Hard to believe it is Term 2 already! It has been a very wet, miserable start back to the school term…fortunately the severe weather didn’t do any major damage at school, just a little leak in one of the rooms. But…the sun is meant to be out later today, and the forecast looks great for the long weekend!

Sad news in the holiday break with the passing of Jane Macdonald, a long serving staff member, incredible practitioner, and a great human. I’ve worked with Jane my whole career…in fact, she was part of the appointment panel for me as a brand new teacher, when I became the Associate Principal, and when I became the Principal. Her knowledge, experience and steady hand will be missed…she gave nearly 40 years to education, had seen and done it all…gave so much to so many.

The grief was felt pretty widely, attracting lots of beautiful comments about Jane on our Facebook post. These brought some comfort to her whānau as they got to see the big impact she had on so many people. Dave (Jane’s husband) would like to pass on his thanks on behalf of the family to the school community for these kind words, the kind gestures and for the support shown to him, Sophie and Hannah. As I said, they were heartened by all of that during such a tricky time. As a staff (past staff as well) we got together with the Macdonald's on the weekend to farewell and celebrate her. She was a legend, and will be missed massively. Moe mai rā, Jane.

Some Dates for your Calendar

Monday 27th April - ANZAC Day, no school

Friday 22nd May - School Cross Country

Monday June 1st - Kings Birthday, no school

Tuesday June 2nd - Townwide Teacher Only Day, no school

lucky book Club

Orders for Lucky Book Club need to be in by Friday 15 May 2026

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