Week 6 NEWSLETTER

from the principal

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

What an amazing afternoon last week for our learning showcase…THIS is Learning! It was a great turnout of whānau…which in turn gave a great audience for our DPS Kids. The choir and our kapahaka roopu performed amazingly in the hall, we had a brass showcase in the staffroom, guitar performances, a choir workshop…but the main attraction was the children’s in class mahi.

The photos don’t really do it justice…but what I saw as I walked around were a groups of adults so engaged with their children, so proud of what they have done. The learning on show was just the ‘normal stuff’ that we do daily here at school. We just collected and curated it to show what our students are capable of. Maths thinking shown, stories to be read, 3D printing, animations, science displays…every screen had a series of photos and videos showing off work…the school was truly a gallery of learning!.

We had a bit of a surprise visitor…a Leadership Advisor from the Ministry of Education happened to pop into school in the morning, and I invited him back for the showcase. He was at the back of the hall furiously scribbling notes into his notebook, and after the performances I took him to Kahikatea and Rimu for a look. Blown away…just totally blown away by what he saw. Not just the learning…but how confident, articulate and capable our children are at explaining their learning. He was full of praise…which was great, another example of an external person who could be critical of our approach to learning here (because we don’t do it in a typical way)...but someone who could see past HOW we do it, to see the amazing results. He emailed me afterwards…here are some of his words:

It was a privilege to see, in person, a school of excellence. The showcasing of Celebrating Learning was an absolute credit to you, your staff, and your board.

I want to acknowledge that reaching this position takes strong leadership from you and your team. I'm sure there will still be challenges and issues to overcome; however, the positive outcomes for your learners and school community are clearly at the forefront of everything you do.

Others should have the opportunity to see the excellent work being done at DPS.

It was with great pride that I shared my experience at DPS with our leadership team here at the Ministry of Education. We value the opportunity to celebrate kura that are achieving positive outcomes for their learners and communities

That is great feedback for us as a school…a ‘school of excellence’, ‘positive outcomes’, ‘excellent work’...it was great to be able to share those words with staff, board and now you guys as our school community. Super proud (as always) of what we do here at Douglas Park! Massive thanks to the staff who put together a wonderful celebration of learning.

Science Roadshow

Douglas Park has hosted the Science Roadshow this week…two days of entertaining, engaging and hands-on science learning. Kōwhai, Rātā and Kahikatea got to experience the roadshow…and had an awesome time.

What was also great was our Year 6 Te Rōpū Kaiārahi (School Leaders) got to be helpers/explainers for the roadshow…they were trained, took part in the demonstrations…and were there to help the children from other schools with the exhibits. I spoke with a principal yesterday whose school visited on Tuesday, and he passed on how awesome our kids were…polite and helpful…great feedback again!

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

whats on at douglas park

te wiki o te reo maori

Kia ora e te whānau,

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori is coming up from 14-18th September. Each year, we provide lunchtime activities for our ākonga to enjoy. This year we are putting it out to our hapori.

Some ideas for lunchtime sessions could include:

Tākaro: Teaching or playing traditional games (like tī rākau, poi, or kī-o-rahi)
Toi: Crafting, colouring, or simple woven creations
Pūrākau: Sharing a storybook
Waiata

If you have 30–40 minutes to spare on one (or more!) days and an area of expertise/interest, we would love to have you.

If you are keen to come along, comment on this post…or flick me an email - smacdonald@douglaspark.school.nz

news from our dps kids

Congratulations to Aria, who received the Most Outstanding Player 2026 Award for Wahine Toa Rugby last weekend! What a fantastic achievement and a wonderful way to finish the season. We are so proud of you, Aria!

writing from mrs McPhail's literacy learners

We have been using digital tools to plan, write and publish some creative writing tasks. Imagining we are on holiday in Egypt and sending postcards home, to share our learning about Egypt.

These pictures and writing below are done by Carter, Jairus, Max, Cooper and Raijin

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

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!