Kia ora te Whānau, I welcome three more students to Dalefield School. Onslow Robinson starts today as a new entrant after his series of school visits. Brothers Harlem and Mason Key started last Wednesday and are in Years 3 and 7 respectively. I know you three are going to love it here at Dalefield. Our school now has 82 students which is the highest number ever!
I was informed last week that the works are going to be starting shortly. These upgrades will be extensive and will have an impact on access to the school during the works. The school will receive a comprehensive rundown of the works prior to the start and I will keep you informed. I am hoping that some of the major earthworks etc. will start in the September holidays but again I will keep you informed. Thank you for your patience and understanding, particularly at pick up times.
Matarawa students visited the Wairarapa Earth School and playground at South End school last week as part of the research into what our school pl ayground and gardens will develop into. Three girls also visited the sensory garden at South Featherston School. This real life learning is incredibly valuable and the students can directly see the impact their mahi has on outcomes.
The playground at Dalefield School will be demolished as part of the works and as mentioned the redesigning work is being undertaken by the children. Maths, science, technology, social sciences, English and the arts have all come to the fore and their finished designs will be presented to the new Board of Trustees.
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The children’s learning journey will feature in Dalefield School’s entry into the Times Age Design a Newspaper Competition. In the four years our students have been in the competition, they have placed third, second and first (twice). The Dalefield Star will be submitted by the deadline of Monday 19 September. Here are the last four Dalefield Stars which are pretty impressive productions:
On Tuesday I will be heading to Christchurch along with most Wairarapa principals.
“…Aotearoa ki te whai ao! - Aotearoa and Beyond is the overarching theme, celebrating, sharing and learning from leaders, artists, pioneers, scholars and everyday people who have a connection to Aotearoa, have taken their talent to the world, and who push boundaries to achieve the very best for us and our country!
At a time when Aotearoa and the world face unprecedented challenges, our aim is to create a programme that will inspire leadership, stimulate innovative thinking, and embrace the potential for growth while celebrating the unique nature of success from Aotearoa!”
Whilst I am in Christchurch, any questions etc. can be fielded to the office and to Willy Jephson.
I look forward to seeing you all on my return. Below is a repeat table from the 25 August newsletter.
Thank you to the Whānau who have already been in touch. It is super-exciting.
We have these key things in motion or close to below. They are critical for the success of our school and the enacting of our vision. Being a small school we always aim to punch above our weight and for this to happen our Whānau are the glue. Do give thought to these below and in areas in which you have expertise or are willing to contribute, please don’t be shy. I’m usually at the gate in the morning and always available by email: principal@dalefield.school.nz. We all love our school and we’re all part of its success.
The Home and School are running this and the aim is for 100% involvement.
This is always a good way to showcase our students’ artworks.
This is to tie in with harvesting of vegetables in the autumn. We aim to run it as part of a harvest festival.
We always take part in this and again, great advertising for us.
This is a big deal for us. In the four years it’s been running we have placed first twice and then second and third. We are again publishing in this competition.
Experience the wairua and peace that these places hold for us. This is part of our Enviroschools focus.
We are just so happy that the competition is happening after being cancelled in 2021. We purchased our amazing costumes in 2020 (as above) and we are looking forward to performing again.
This is a massive piece of work for us. The safety improvements, entrance upgrades and full-school fencing are fully funded by the Ministry of Education. As mentioned it will be underway shortly once tenders/consents are through. The playground remodelling and replacement is not funded. Our children are currently working on a proposal that we would like to involve our community in.
This was all happening and then various factors made it slip off the radar. It is an integral part of our Enviroschools focus and we wish to build a large purpose-built enclosure (similar to what is at the Wairarapa Earth School at South End School.
This is tied in very closely to the idea that 10% of Dalefield School’s grounds will be covered in native plants/trees. The scientific evidence that supports this indicates that in order to maintain a healthy ecosystem this figure is the minimum amount of cover. Our older students are driving this and forms part of the overall playground design concept. Note, this also includes a healthy litter layer.
This is the all-encompassing vision/idea. If this is in place we have the basis of a healthy environment that allows us to function at our potential.
Again, an integral part of the Enviroschools focus. From fruit tree guilds to the planning and procurement of seeds etc. this is a huge part of our mahi here at Dalefield. Outdoor learning spaces, a kitchen and greenhouse are part of the plans.
Have a wonderful week and wasn’t it great to have the Daffodil Festival back yesterday in Carterton!
