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

Something a bit different today…I was up late doing some school mahi, and then started scrolling social media and came across a great little facebook reel (which I’ll link in down below). 

My boys attend DPS, and like you guys at the end of the day I want to check in with them and see how their day was. Like all parents…I’ve asked the question ‘what did you do today’? And have got back the standard ‘not much’ kind of response. I’ve asked ‘how was school today’, and had ‘good’ as the answer a lot. Over time it has become better…what was your favourite thing that happened today, your best bit, what was hard today, what did you enjoy the most today. But…this facebook reel had a bunch of great new ideas. 

Maybe we (as parents) can skip the…’how was school today’ question…and try one of these instead:

• What was the best part of your day? This helps your child's brain scan for positives, wires them for gratitude

• What mistake did you learn from today? This means we don’t sweep problems under the rug…but instead teaches them that mistakes are normal (they are teachers in disguise)

• Who were you proud of today? Your child will start to look for the good in others, and build a strong sense of empathy

• What's one thing you could have made better today? This gives space for them to problem solve

• Who did you help today? If we ask this often, kindness becomes a reflex

• What was the most interesting thing you learned today? You fuel their curiosity, and they learn that learning is cool

• What is something new that you want to try? The courage question, pushing them towards creativity, bravery and growth…no perfection required. 

I loved the range in here…so much better than what I had been doing as a Dad, and I like the way it will show my boys that I am deeply interested in them, curious about their lives…and gives us that bonding moment. 

The facebook reel is super short…but good. Well worth your time.

Staffing Update

In addition to Whaea Deb and Niko finishing, Juliet is also finishing with us. Juliet has won a mathematics support position at Solway School, similar to what Sally will be doing here for us. Juliet has been an amazing teacher, leads PRIDE for the school and will be missed. 

However…I am pleased to say we are now fully staffed for 2026 which is great. We have 3 new teachers to welcome to the school…all will be real assets, and I’m excited to see what they bring to our great school. 

We are currently in the middle of sorting out class lists and teacher placements, so hopefully next week I can update you as to our teaching team structures. 

Photography Competition

Last night was the Masterton Photography Competition…a great evening celebrating children's creativity. All of our entries were amazing I thought (as were the other schools). DPS did well in the awards…two 1st's, a 2nd and three 3rds! Well done to Novah, Henry, Prayer, Wirihana, Meeia and Bolton…your photos were stunning, and I’m sure the framed copy you won will have pride of place in your homes.