Week 7 NEWSLETTER

from the principal

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

Exciting times tomorrow, we have our learning showcase…This is Learning. This mahi is part of a bigger goal in the strategic plan…there is a little phrase in there “Our School is a Gallery of Student Learning”. What we aspire to is that our children have an authentic audience for their work…it goes on display, and is celebrated. Tied into the goal is the idea that learning isn’t always successful…but failure is a part of the learning process, and also deserves to be celebrated. The work on display is just our normal stuff…sure, we have collected and curated the pieces…but what is on display isn’t something just crafted for the event, it is representative of the rich learning that happens each day in class.

This is Learning - starts at 1pm in the school hall. Our kapahaka roopu, and choir will perform, and then students will head back to classes and whānau can link up with them there. Your child/ren can show you their work in their teaching space, the work they may have contributed to in there as well…and then take you to other parts of the school to see the displays there. Our brass instrument learners will be playing in the staffroom, Matua Jimbo will be taking some kapahaka lessons…and in every class there will be something to see. I really encourage you to get around more classes than just your childs…to see the rich learning in the school, and to give all our students someone to talk to about their mahi. Like any school event…the children will stay on until 3pm, it is a normal school day.

We will also give you a little paper survey…looking to get your input into the next 3 year plan for the school. Easy to fill out, and we have some grocery vouchers as prizes in a draw for those that complete the survey.

Service Day

Another cool event for the children next week, our Term 3 Service Day. One of the things we hold to be important at this school is the idea of contribution…of giving back, of being of service to others. We want to develop children who believe that they can make a difference, that they can (and should) do good things for others. We use the TVNZ ‘Good Sorts’ and the ASB ‘Good as Gold’ clips to help with this teaching, and give children great role models to aspire to. This is something we have been doing for several years now, and the children are really good at rising to the challenge. Last year TVNZ came to school and filmed us for ‘Good Sorts’...a nice full circle moment.

What I like the most about these days is how proud the children are, and also how well they can talk about what they are doing. The culture we are developing, the young people we are helping to develop is inspiring. Together we Nurture, Explore and Create for a Better Future

Teacher Only Day - Monday!

No school on Monday as staff are doing a day of professional development on the new maths curriculum. This is our second, and final, teacher only day for the year. Not something we do often, but we do appreciate your support for these days when we use them.

Tararua Challenge

RE: Russell Street School Sports Exchange – Tararua Challenge

WHO: Rātā and Kahikatea Year 5/6 pupils
WHAT: Tararua Challenge 2025 – our annual sports exchange with Russell Street School
WHEN: Friday 12 September (Postponement date: Thursday 24 October)
WHERE: Russell Street School, Palmerston North
TRAVEL: By bus
COST: Nil

Please see the Hero for further information and to complete the survey. All students need this be completed or they are unable to attend the exchange.

michelle's drawing club

Here is the Drawing Club enjoying their work in the new art gallery by the office. They are dedicated artists who give up one lunch time per week to create. Come and see their artwork on display. They are looking forward to showing you tomorrow at our "Showcase: This is Learning"

what's happening at Douglas park

Teacher Only Day - Monday 1 September!

masterton intermediate year 7 enrolments for 2026

All Parents/Caregivers of Year 6 Students who wish to enrol their child at Masterton Intermediate School for 2026 need to complete this online before the end of Term 3. Click on the link to submit your child's enrolment online https://enrolments.linc-ed.com/apply/NZ/2909

illness

We are currently experiencing a significant increase in illness among the students in our schools. To help keep everyone safe and well, we kindly ask that you please keep your child at home if they are unwell. Keeping sick children at home helps protect other tamariki, staff and families, and supports quicker recovery for your child. Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping our kura healthy.

change of details

If you have 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

ms hawke's homeclass

This term, our inquiry has been “I Am an Artist.” We explored the abstract art of famous artists, focusing on their creative use of line, shape, colour, movement, and texture.

We experimented with each of these elements, with a highlight being our energetic Jackson Pollock–inspired action art. We then wrote information reports about our favourite artist. Have a listen!