Welcome

Staff Updates

There are some exciting updates to bring you regarding our staff! 

Fran Peters has been appointed to the permanent position of Office Manager. We received a good range of applicants for this position. Besides the fact that Fran knows our school well, she shone well above all other applicants for her empathy, intelligence - both emotional intelligence and ability to solve several complex problems at once. I am sure you will join me in saying congratulations to Fran. 

In contrast to some rumours milling around, Suzanne is definitely not leaving SFDS! Amazing how these stories grow. As shared previously, Suzanne has pulled back on her hours (Tuesday - Thursday only) and we are thrilled that she is continuing in our office, as the Office Assistant. St Francis de Sales School is very fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and capable team in the office! 

Hala Bassel has been appointed as a classroom teacher, starting in the new year. Hala is currently teaching at St Claudine Thevenet School in Wainuiomata and it is wonderful to know that she will bring her own skills and experience to her teaching role. Hala's two daughters will also join our school in the seniors. Hala will teach our Year 4&5 learners in Wheke R7 next year. Congratulations and welcome to Hala. 

Vic Martin  is joining us again as a part-time release teacher. Vic will also continue the Garden to Table programme. We look forward to seeing you here again in 2026!

We are also farwelling some of our staff

• David: Thank you for joining our Ranginui team this year - starting off with their 3 night camp! You have taken to everything with gusto. We wish you all the best at St Bernard's College in Lower Hutt next year.

• Arielle: Thank you for your kindness, caring and patience with our tamariki in Room 5. The love of our community goes with you as you take the next step in life's journey. 

• Colm: We’ve only had you for the past month, but it feels like you are part of the family already! Thank you for joining us so late in the year, and providing a wonderful learning environment for Room 7 students. 

• Abe: The children you have worked with have loved having you around. You have related so well with each of them. Thank you and all the best with your next steps!

• Andrea: or Aunty Ange as we now call you! Your cheery smile and caring nature have been really appreciated. The children and the staff have both loved having you around. Thank you for your time with us again this year. 

Our love and best wishes to Fr Doug, who is moving to his new position on the Kapiti Coast - we've loved having you with us as our spritual guide and friend. 

The full staff list for 2026 is below. 

Teachers:

• Principal / Tumuaki: Nikolai Solia

• Deputy Principal, Inclusion Lead and Specialist Teacher: Sarah Fountain

• Director of Religious Studies, and Kōura R6 Teacher: Chris Wratt

• Tangaroa (Year 1-3) Syndicate Leader, and Tarawera Teacher: Sandra Buless

• Papatūānuku (Year 4-6) Syndicate Leader, and Parareka Teacher: Ronan Kelly

• Ranginui (Year 7&8) Syndicate Leader, and Kotare R14 teacher: Jemma Brown

• Learning Support Coordinator, and Specialist Teacher: Amie Roberts

• Specialist Teacher: Aleks Zajak

• Specialist and Release Teacher: Vic Martin

• Specialist and Release Teacher (Art): Usha Stewart

• Specialist and Release Teacher (PE): Anita Patel

• Kaunga R3 Teacher: Brydie Silveira

• Tamure R5 Teacher, ICT Co-coordinator: Gabi Tobar

• Wheke R7 Teacher: Hala Bassel

• Pohutukawa R10 Teacher, and Cultural Leader: Michael Rogers

• Tui R13 Teacher: Lauren King

Support Staff:

• Office Manager: Fran Peters

• Office Assistant: Suzanne Lek

• Teaching Assistants: 

• Maria Nguyen

• Ida Di Leva

• Tamanda Chinula

• Lauren Cenac

• ICT Co-coordinator: Maria Nguyen

• Librarian: Hennie Bosch

Thank You and Farewell to Our Principal

The children have been working hard behind closed doors to create some beautiful cards and flowers to say thank you to Mrs Tombs! Over the past four years, she has given so much to our school, and the children wanted to show their appreciation — and to celebrate the fun moments too, like her famous silly duty hats!

We wish Mrs Tombs all the very best for what comes next.

Learning Updates

Progress Reports 

Your child(ren)'s progress graphs against the NZ Curriculum within their reports have now been switched on for you to view. The government has made numerous changes to the NZ Curriculum this year, and we are still playing 'catch-up' with some of these changes. 

We have tried to ensure your child's progress graphs are as accurate as they can be, but we still need to work on these next year.

At the beginning of 2026, until approximately July, you will not be able to view your child's dials learning content on Hero. This will allow us to finish updating Hero to align with the latest changes to the NZ curriculum. 

PSL 

Thank you from the PSL!

What a year it has been for our school community! Together, we’ve shared laughter, connection, and plenty of fun — from sizzling sausages on the BBQ, to testing our trivia skills at the quiz night, enjoying a cosy fish and chip family evening, and dancing the night away at the kids’ disco. Each event brought us closer as a community and reminded us of the joy that comes from working together.

Thanks to the incredible effort of our volunteers, we’ve not only created these memorable experiences but also raised funds that allowed us to donate generously to the school. Even better, we’ve ticked off every item on the school’s wish list from the beginning of the year — a true testament to what can be achieved when everyone pitches in.  

This year, we proudly contributed:

• Apple TVs for the Art Room and Parareka classroom

• Sponsorship of Kapara (cyber-security platform) and Kiva (anti-bullying program)

• $1,000 worth of sports equipment

• $9,000 towards the playground update project

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every parent, caregiver, and supporter who gave their time, energy, and enthusiasm. Your contributions have made a real difference, and the smiles on our children’s faces say it all.

Looking ahead, we know the coming year will bring new opportunities and challenges. To keep this momentum going, we’ll need fresh support from new parents joining the group. Whether it’s lending a hand at an event, sharing ideas, or simply showing up with a smile, every bit of help counts. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant, supportive school community for our kids.

Save the Date
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in early March 2026. We warmly invite all parents and caregivers to attend — it’s a great chance to hear more about what we’ve achieved, share ideas for the year ahead, and get involved in shaping our community’s future.

We'll pin on a date early 2026.

Dates to Add to Your Diary

Please also check our SFDS Events Calendar 

Wednesday 17 December

• End of Year Liturgy

Thursday 18 December

• Last day of Term 4 - School closes at 12.30pm

2026

Saturday 3 January

• Uniform orders open on Kindo

Thursday 22 January

• School office opens

• Uniforms available for collection 9am - 2.30pm from today

Friday 23 January 

• Uniform shop open for fittings 10am - 2pm

Tuesday 27 January 

• Uniform shop open for fittings 10am - 2pm

Monday 9 February 

• School starts for 2026