Week 2 NEWSLETTER

from the principal

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

I truly believe that the learning we have on offer here at Douglas Park is powerful…children get an excellent deal academically, but alongside and with that…the hands-on, challenging style of learning we provide makes for an enriching and engaging experience.

Some examples below…starting with our ePro8 teams…competing in an inter-school science and engineering competition. The EPro’s and EPro-gineers did a wonderful job…EPro-gineers built a working scissor lift, and came fourth…well done! The EPro’s won the event…by a handy margin as well, and are now off to the Regional competition.

And…the EPro’s built an incredible contraption…a working cart that could drive forwards and backwards, that had a fan on it that could move side to side…all with the aim of making a balloon hover and go through an obstacle course. The words don’t really do this justice…have a look at the video, unreal.

The learning in this is pretty epic…the robotics, the wiring, the physical construction, the critical thinking, the communication, the reading of the instructions, the collaboration…and, the team started their day by adding up all the possible points on offer and choosing the challenge that would earn them the most. They were the only team to tackle the balloon obstacle course challenge…and the organiser was very impressed with their result asking how much practice they have had. Some schools have kits and practice regularly…we don’t, the only time they have used the kits this year was at the school competition…but they get these sorts of hands-on, cognitively challenging learning experiences daily…so to them it is just ‘normal’. It’s no accident that our two teams performed so well…academically capable and hands-on capable.

Milla popped into the office to show me her sewing…a little soft toy she has made, on a keyring. All hand stitched (with a bit of trusty hot-glue for the eyes). I’ve now seen a bunch of these…all different…on kids bags. Making something from scratch, and being proud to show them off.

The digital and tangible is in evidence in Rimu this week with the Osmo’s being out, and the children tackling some tangrams. The Osmo ‘sees’ the physical objects…so what the children make is shown up on the screen. Great for our youngest learners…shape recognition, colour recognition, and critical thinking all wrapped up together.

Our senior students have been rock-climbing this week…not because I want to train the next mountain climbers of NZ, but because we want to provide opportunities for children to Dare to Dream…to challenge themselves. Being in a new situation…feeling those feelings of fear and worry, and being willing to forge ahead…those are inner qualities that set children up for success. Proud of the children…and a huge thanks to Equippers, our staff and our parent volunteers for making this happen.

This is just the ‘normal’ stuff that happens around the school…in and around the reading, writing and maths. Academically our children get a great deal…but these other experiences matter, and they make a difference.

Enviro Celebration

This week has seen a celebration of 21 years of Enviroschools in Wairarapa…more than two decades of children learning in and for the environment. Douglas Park has a proud history here…we were there at the get go, and became the first Green-Gold school in the region…a title we have held ever since. Over the years we have done many projects…re-planting the Mākoura stream, plantings at Henley Lake, becoming the regions first solar powered school, tracking and trapping, school gardens, restoring the stream behind the school (Waipōkākā)...all culminating in us becoming the regions first certified CarbonZero School (an awesome achievement).

Juno and Maisy spoke to the crowd, and did a marvellous job representing the school…lots of positive comments about how well they spoke…and Brooke was part of a panel presentation as well. Nice work team!

Grandparents Day

Looking forward to seeing our whānau here at DPS tomorrow! These days are precious and magic…a chance for the generations to come together, celebrate the children and connect with one another. Always a very popular time…and looks like the weather tomorrow is going to be perfect as well. See you then!

grandparents day

athletics day

school photos

Envelopes for ordering this years school photos should have come home with your child recently. If you are wanting to place an order, please return the envelope to the School Office by 3:00pm tomorrow, Friday 23 October 2026.

If you have any questions about ordering, please contact Nikolaison's Photography directly on 06 370 3222

Writing from Brooke's homeclass

Brooke's homeclass have been focussing on writing to persuade.

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