Originally published in our 2022 school magazine and adapted for the website

In true pandemic style each of our three “Covid” years has brought its own special challenges. In 2022, for the first time, school was open while there were active cases around us. 

Once more, we found ourselves working to re-imagine school events and activities to meet new requirements and mask wearing and ventilation became our new ways of being. The necessary separation of children from those in other year groups, of staff from each other, and of closing the site to visitors including whanau began to weigh heavily on us all. 

DPS is rightly proud of its reputation as a community-focused learning environment and it was with great relief that we resumed whole school activities and welcomed parents back onsite. 

As we opened up, so too did the world and I know that very many of us have travelled to reconnect with family overseas or in other parts of NZ. It brings me such joy to hear children excitedly talking about their visits to extended family, strengthening their identities and cultural links.

Our learning theme for 2022, Ka mua, Ka muri (walking backwards into the future), was based on the whakatauki (proverb) “Titiro whakamuri (Look back and Reflect), Kohiri whakamua (so you can move forward)”. Our initial provocation was our new mural, Tamariki o Takarunga (Children of Takarunga/Mount Victoria). The mural tells the story of the early history of our school site and records the natural elements that we hope to restore as kaitiaki (guardians) of our site. 

All classes have learned about the history and geography of our site and in Term 4 everyone has found ways to “take action” to improve our school grounds. Across the curriculum we aimed to help our students develop a sense of respect and belonging as we have learned about the history and geography of our Takarunga (Mount Victoria) home. We are very fortunate to have such history “on our doorstep” and to have access to experts and the local museums right here in our community.

A child’s primary school days play an important role in opening the door to passions and interests that can last for many years, if not a lifetime. We believe in providing students with the very richest experiences and we are proud that, in addition to our strong academic achievements, we enable our students to get involved in a wide range of activities. 

Our Akomanga Ngahere (Outdoor Classroom) programme has continued throughout the year with all classes spending time learning in, about and from the natural environment. It is our aim that all children see themselves as kaitiaki (guardians) and are equipped to take action.

I would also like to thank our amazing Friends of DPS/ PTA for their commitment in finding ways to bring people together to have fun in yet another challenging year. Despite the disappointment of being unable to hold our fair or our Book Week disco, the PTA have hosted two movie nights, a fantastic quiz night and our Matariki event. We look forward to bringing back all our favourite events, such as the fair, in 2023.

As a decile 10 school (and from 2023 onwards a school low on the equity index) we do rely on fundraising and donations to enable us to provide the best learning resources for our children. For example, the very small classes we enjoy are only possible because the school funds an additional teacher through its own means. None of this could be done without the commitment and support we receive from those involved in creating and organising events and of course everyone who comes along and joins in. 

We are in the process of spending the 2022 funds on refurbishing our STEM room and our new Calm Space. For 2023 we have building projects in mind and hope that our PTA fundraising can provide us with new toilets by Room 14 - watch this space!

Finally I would like to thank our staff members for their care of the children and their dedication to their work. We are very fortunate to have such a talented and friendly team of teachers, teacher aides, admin and caretaking staff. As we look forward to 2023 we will continue to work together to let our values of Belonging, Respect, and Excellence guide our community in creating a nurturing and happy learning environment where all our students can thrive.

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata (What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people) 

Nga mihi

Beverley Booth (Principal)