Week 9 NEWSLETTER

The other piece of mahi we have been getting our heads around is how much harder the curriculum is, and the implications for reporting to whānau. We haven’t formally reported academic progress since the end of 2024 (and based on the raft of changes in 2025 and into this year, I’m very glad we haven’t). However, the more we work with the new curriculum…it is abundantly clear that the bar has been raised significantly, particularly in Maths. What used to be expected at the end of Year 2, is now Year 1. What was expected in Year 8 or 9, is now at Year 6. In theory this might make some sense…if we want higher achievers leaving college, I guess the mahi has to start earlier…but the practical reality of these changes is that children who are ‘doing well’ against previous expectations no longer will be. 

A very easy illustration of this is our recent PAT Maths testing. PAT tests are robust, valid and have been around for ages. We recently completed these…and the children who did them In Years 3-6 have ‘done well’. In fact…if we look at Year 6…based on previous expectations 95% of our Year 6’s would be performing where they are expected to be or better (and on average they are outperforming their peers nationally). However…when you translate this test to the new curriculum…that drops to just 53% being ‘proficient’ or ‘exceeding’ (to use the new language). So despite our children out performing their peers nationally, despite 95% of them ‘doing well’...the reality is that the new curriculum is so much harder, and only 53% of them meet these demands. 

Think of it like this: Imagine you went to renew your driver’s license tomorrow. You’re a safe driver, you’ve never had a crash, and you know the road code inside out.

But when you show up, the instructor tells you the rules just changed. To pass your standard class 1 license today, you now have to back a massive 18-wheeler semi-truck, clock a perfect lap in a Formula 1 simulator, and then strip down and rebuild a hybrid engine.

Obviously, most of us would struggle…some would be able to, but perfectly fine drivers wouldn’t meet these new expectations.

But here’s the thing: if you failed that new test, it wouldn't mean you forgot how to drive. Your actual driving skills didn’t suddenly vanish overnight. You're still the exact same driver you were yesterday. It’s just that the bar was suddenly moved from "can you drive safely to the supermarket?" to "are you a professional race car mechanic?". With time and training you will get there…but it will take time.

That is exactly what’s happening with the new math curriculum in NZ right now.

The baseline for what counts as being at an expected level has skyrocketed. Kids who were doing completely fine last year are potentially going to get a label that might suggest they are not ‘doing well’. .

The truth? Their actual math ability and brainpower haven't dropped at all. The system just decided to throw them into the F1 simulator without giving them a chance to practice on the track first.

To help build this understanding for parents, and to make clear how the new curriculum and reporting work…we are going to hold a Whānau Evening - Monday 29th June, 5.30pm - 6.30pm. At the hui we will share how the new curriculum looks, what our reporting is going to look like…and there will be a chance to ask us any burning questions you might have. We will have some extra staff who will be available for childcare duties

Apple Distinguished School Application

We got there! After a long period of work, on Saturday the ‘submit’ button was hit for our application to remain an Apple Distinguished School. We were first recognised by Apple in 2023, and every 3 years we need to reapply to ensure we are meeting their standards. Apple describes schools like ours as: “Centres of leadership and educational excellence ​that demonstrate Apple’s vision for learning with technology — and we believe they are some of the most innovative schools in the world​”. Being recognised in 2023 was a huge win for our school…joining a network of around 1000 schools worldwide, with 18 or so inside New Zealand.

Matariki Evening

Looking forward to seeing you tonight at our Matariki Evening! Always a great event…and a great chance for our children to showcase their talents (choir, kapahaka) and some mahi from the classroom. We are lucky enough to have the Mākoura College kapahaka performing as well to close out the night. See you then!

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

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 

All school teams and draws will be posted on Hero.