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Welcome
Welcome
Well, it has been an eventful week in our always-busy school, with:
a national recall of kinetic sand and isolation of 5 spaces in our school until they were tested,
southern zone athletics (we look forward to sharing the results when these are ready),
continuation of weekly swimming lessons for our Year 1-6 learners,
weekly Kapahaka for all learners,
weekly Poly Club for our Pasifika learners.
Thank you to all of the staff who take all of this in their stride - keeping things ticking along safely for all.
Sunhats
In Terms one and four each year, school hats are compulsory at our school, and this is common practice in schools across Aotearoa. Here is why: Melanoma NZ Facts and risk factors - Melanoma NZ https://share.google/ygW81NoUWNosQDrA6
However, lately we have noticed a number of children are not bringing their hat, or pretending to relievers that they are not required to wear a hat.
During play times, if the children do not have their school hat - they are required to sit in the designated shade area outside Rooms 2/3.
At PE times - no hat is very tricky for the teacher and other children in their class as it disrupts the outdoor activities and holds the learning up.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD HAS THEIR SCHOOL HAT AT SCHOOL EVERY DAY - ALTERNATIVE HATS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE UNLESS THERE IS A GENUINE REASON EXPLAINED IN A NOTE TO THEIR TEACHER.
We have plenty of school hats ready for you to purchase in our uniform supplies - please purchase through Kindo. Thank you.
Please note the caps are only to be worn by Yr 7 & 8 Students as this is part of the senior uniform only.
Catholic Character
Catholic Character
School Value Focus
For the rest of the year, our Gospel values focus is Joy - Harikoa
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:9-11
At SFdS this looks like...
Having fun, making the most of all situations, focusing on the positive, feeling happy within, being content with what you have, spreading the joy to the benefit of others – cheering others up, finding the beauty in surroundings – to appreciate, take care, being happy.
Years 1 – 5: Understand how fortunate they are to be part of a loving family and community. Finding joy in helping others, the environment, experiences. Aiming to bring joy into the lives of others through their actions and attitudes.
Years 6 – 8: Understanding that joy is intrinsic not extrinsic. By being a positive, caring, honest individual and living a happy life they will feel joyful. Finding joy through worship. Bringing a joyful attitude to life and work.
More Scriptures about Joy - Harikoa
John 15:11-32 - the parable of the lost son.
Luke 15:7 "Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance" (Jesus speaking in the parable of the lost sheep).
Learning Updates
Learning Updates
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)
Over the past two years, our school has been part of the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) professional development programme. We began this work in 2024 to address increasing behaviour challenges and strengthen the systems that support positive learning.
What this mahi has achieved
What this mahi has achieved
Finalised our school wellbeing model
Reviewed and aligned school rules with the wellbeing model
Displayed clear behaviour expectations around the school
Updated the timetable
Reviewed and strengthened policies, procedures, and monitoring systems
Provided staff training on KiVA (anti-bullying), Inclusion, Trauma, ADHD, ASD, and other learning challenges
Adapted programmes and supports to better meet individual needs
Offered parent education on ADHD and Dyslexia
Provided Board training on inclusion
Increased whānau engagement
Added a strategic goal focused on neurodiversity
Set clearer guidelines for annual KiVA delivery
Introduced new positive-behaviour incentives (prize draws, principal’s cup)
Begun exploring the Mitey mental health programme (https://www.mitey.org.nz/about-mitey/what-is-mitey)
Behaviour Improvements
Behaviour Improvements
Staff record behaviour incidents daily. These are grouped into categories so we can track trends and measure the impact of interventions. The data shows strong improvement across the past two years.
Antisocial Behaviour
Examples: excluding others, intimidation, gossip, defiance, harassment, damaging property, racist comments.
Result: Down 36% between 2024 and 2025.
Physical Behaviour
Examples: hitting, kicking, fighting, throwing objects, inappropriate touch.
Result: Overall similar to last year, but declining within 2025 — from 73 reports in Term 1 to 44 in Term 3.
Risky Behaviour
Examples: unsafe actions, self-harm, negative self-talk, absconding, climbing on buildings.
Result: Similar year-to-year, but dropping within 2025 — from 20 reports in Term 1 to 8 in Term 3.
Avoidance Behaviour
Examples: off-task behaviour, refusal, hiding, running away, disrupting learning.
Result: Down 68% from 2024 to 2025, showing much stronger engagement.
We are very pleased with these results. A huge thank-you to the PB4L team—Fran, Sarah, Ronan, Sandra, Jemma, Aleks, Amie, Tessa, and Lauren—for their dedication and leadership. The progress so far is outstanding!
Whole school 2024
Whole school 2025
Whole school term one 2025
Whole school term three 2025
Current / Next Steps in PB4L
Current / Next Steps in PB4L
Our PB4L work is ongoing. We will continue to strengthen positive behaviour and deepen understanding across our school community.
Next steps include:
Reviewing and improving the 2025 timetable in preparation for 2026
Introducing the Mitey mental health programme to the whole community (https://www.mitey.org.nz/about-mitey/what-is-mitey)
Continuing the PB4L team’s work on behaviour improvement, even though Ministry funding has ended
Providing staff with a refresher on the KiVA anti-bullying programme
Sharing information with parents about these programmes
Reviewing and refining our rewards systems to ensure they are effective
Garden to Table
Mason, Dayton & Mary with strawberry plant rewards for helping in the garden on Monday - Fia helped too !
School Notices and Events
School Notices and Events
PSL Sausage Sizzle
Lunchtime Friday 21st November
$2 per sausage (order on Kindo now! - orders close 9.00am Friday)
Merry Vinnies Christmas Appeal
This year, for the first time, St Francis de Sales is supporting the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, and we are asking for your help to make it a success.
Families are invited to donate a new, unwrapped toy, which can be dropped off at the school office. All gifts will be passed on to Vinnies to support families in need this Christmas.
The last day for dropping off gifts is Thursday 27 November.
Please refer to the attachment for further details.
Thank you for your support and generosity!
Dates to Add to Your Diary
Dates to Add to Your Diary
Please also check our SFDS Events Calendar
Thursday 20 November
Room 10 PE Day - Wear PE Gear
Room 7 & 8 PE Day - Wear PE Gear
Tangaroa (Year 0-3) PE Day Wear PE Gear
10:15 – 11:45am Middle Syndicate Swimming Lessons
Technology Ranginui (Yr 7 & 8)
Friday 21 November
Ranginui (Year 7 & 8) PE Day- Wear PE Gear
Room 7 & 8 PE Day - Wear PE Gear
9:10 – 9:40am Buddy Mass R
Monday 24 November
Tangaroa (Year 0-3) PE Day Wear PE Gear
11:15am – 1:15pm Rm 2,3 and 6 Swimming lessons
12 – 1:30pm Rm 5 Swimming lessons25
Tuesday 25 November
Gardasil - 2nd Dose (6 months from 1st Dose) Year 7 Boys and Girls
Friday 28 November
Tangaroa Ākau Tangi trip
Friday 5 December
PSL Family Fish and Chip night (time TBC)
Wednesday 10 December
Year 8 Retreat
Tuesday 16 December
Year 8 Leavers' Dinner (tickets are now available on Kindo)
Wednesday 17 December
End of Year Liturgy
Thursday 18 December
Last day of Term 4 - School closes at 12.30pm
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