Week 8 NEWSLETTER

from the principal

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

We’ve had a good run of external recognition of the powerful learning that happens here at Douglas Park…and this is important to me. People from outside of the organisation see the school ‘as it is’...and if they can see that we are a great place to be, then that backs up the decisions this school has made around what learning looks like.

I’ve shared earlier about our ERO (Education Review Office) report…and how positive that is. To have the areas of Teaching & Learning, Curriculum, School Leadership and Partnerships labelled as ‘Excelling’ is awesome…and made more awesome as they are external to us.
I shared the other week about the Ministry of Education official who came to the Learning Showcase, and emailed me the next day calling us a ‘school of excellence’ and saying just how amazing the learning was. This is powerful feedback…and again from an external source.

And…over the last fortnight we have had Dr Sarah Aiono come to work with our two junior teaching teams. Sarah is a leading figure in NZ’s education system, particularly in the area of play-based learning. She has been in to observe the teaching teams in action, the students in action…and to form a plan for the teachers going forward. She was really impressed by what she saw…and again, that's awesome coming from an external person. Some of her words:

the balance you have achieved between enabling learning through a genuinely child-led approach, while recognising that there are aspects of the curriculum where children will require adult guidance and explicit teaching. This is an important distinction. Teaching through play does not mean leaving children entirely to their own devices, nor does it mean attempting to disguise everything we are required to teach as play.
You have a really strong foundation of play pedagogy, with many practices that are clearly well established and embedded
the strength of the learning environment you have created. Children have access to a wide range of open-ended materials that can be used flexibly and creatively, rather than resources that prescribe what the play should look like.
It was also lovely to see the depth and complexity of some of the play happening, particularly with this Year 2/3 group
It was genuinely affirming to see just how much you already have embedded. There are strong systems in place, rich and well-resourced environments, and children who clearly know how to use the freedom and autonomy they have.

When you add this all up…

Sarah can see the strength of our play based learning, and the balance we have with the academic teaching
ERO saw the high quality of our teaching practices, and the positive impact on achievement
And the Ministry official saw the whole package…play, maker, inquiry, science, reading, writing and maths…and how impactful our school is (a ‘school of excellence’)

All external, all positive…and all of it makes me proud to lead this school.

Learning Conversations - Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd September

Not long now until the second round of Learning Conversations for 2026. These are held twice a year, and form a key part of our school reporting system. What sets the Learning Conversation apart from other ways of reporting…is the involvement of your children. They get to share what they have been learning, what they have been creating, what they are involved in, what they find tricky and what they are most proud of. Teachers get to chip in…talking with you about your child and their learning…and you have your chance to ask questions and have a yarn about your child and their progress. It will also be a chance for us to speak to the new language of reporting, and answer any questions you might have from the Term 2 report.

Bookings will open after school today inside the HERO app.

School Disco

What a wholesome event last week! The children had a great time, the Te Rōpu Kaiarahi (school leaders) did a great job running the event…and staff had fun as well. I worked on the store during the senior disco, and all the kids were full of smiles and manners. Some of the costumes were outstanding…Tina from Turners, and Dolly Parton were highlights! Thanks to Deb, Ginny and the school leaders for the organisation…and to the staff for being there as well.

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

Have a Go Day! 🏃🏼

On Tuesday, some of our Year 4 students had a fantastic time taking part in Have a Go Day! It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to get out, try something new and have a go at a range of different sports and activities.

There were plenty of smiles, laughs and lots of enthusiasm throughout the day. It was awesome to see everyone giving things a go, challenging themselves and enjoying being active with their friends.

A huge well done to all of our Year 4 students who took part - you did an amazing job! 🙌🏼

Check out the video below for a glimpse of all the fun and action from the day! 🎥

Have A GO Day! .mp4

💃🏼🕺🏼 School Disco Success 🎉

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make our school disco such a fantastic success! Our tamariki had an absolute blast dancing, playing games, and enjoying a fun night with their friends. There were plenty of smiles, laughter and some impressive moves!

We are also incredibly proud to announce that, together we raised $800 for the Cancer Society 💛

Thank you to our amazing school community for your generosity and support. It was wonderful to see everyone come together for such a great cause while giving our students a night to remember!

What a fantastic result - thank you everyone! 🌟

writing from Mrs Ryan's homeclass

Mrs Ryan’s class has been learning to write persuasive text. We have been learning how to link our paragraphs and use strong persuasive language. Here’s a few examples of our class persuading people that all schools should have a garden.

Kia ora,

Today I will be giving you my opinion on agreeing that schools should have a garden. I have three really important reasons to tell you why I think every school should have gardens.

Firstly, every school should have a garden because children can learn more about plants and have to care for them.

Secondly, I strongly believe that schools should have gardens because the students can take the time to water them and help them grow.

Lastly, schools should have gardens because students can have food to pick and take home.

Imagine a school with no gardens!

Ka kite.

Written by Ngawai McRae

Kia ora, Jumbo,

Ko Chloe toku ingoa.

Today I am here to tell you about whether every school should have a garden. I think yes, schools should have gardens. I have four reasons why.

My first reason is that we need plants for oxygen. We need oxygen to survive and plants provide this for us so the more plants we have around us the more fresh oxygen there is to breathe.

My second reason is bees need flowers to make honey. Honey making is a business. If there are no bees then businesses will close down.

My third reason is that with no gardens then bugs, birds and butterflies won’t exist any more. The world would be sad without these awesome creatures.

My fourth reason is that you can grow strawberries and blueberries. Then you can enjoy eating these at any time.

So, what do you think? Should all schools have a garden? I strongly believe that we should.

Written by Chloe Kapene

Kia ora, jumbo,

Should every school have a garden? Yes, or no. I think that every school should not have a garden. I have a few reasons why every school should not have a garden.

Firstly it would cost the school too much money. Schools already have lots of things to spend money on, a garden shouldn’t be one of them.

Secondly, a garden would attract bees. Lots of people are scared of bees. A few people are also allergic to bees. This isn’t good in school!

Another reason is that if there are strong winds it will make a mess of the school. Who will clean it up?

Lastly, we won’t be here to take care of the gardens during the holidays. They will get all messy and full of weeds.

In conclusion, should all schools have a garden? I strongly believe every school should not have a garden.

Written by Kyle

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!