Happy Wednesday!
Final Days for St Bernard's School, Brooklyn
Last weekend I attended Mass at St Bernard's School - which was a celebration of the school's community and history. The school is to close at the end of this year. We have seven St Bernard's children joining us from the beginning of 2026. We will work hard to make sure they feel welcome, and transition their learning into our school approaches to the curriculum. It would be lovely if our parent community can make an effort to look out for the parents joining us. It is hard to move to a new school.
Poly Club
This term we have held a weekly Poly Club - led by volunteers Seugalii Edna Fualilia Te’o (Edna) and James Beach. The group of student involved have focused on celebrating their Pacific cultures through dance, song and learning about traditions around performance. This has been arranged by a group of enthusiastic parents in our community, wanting rich learning opportunities to celebrate their child's culture.
Family Fish and Chip Night
We are all looking forward to welcoming our families and friends along to this year's family fish and chip night next Friday, 5th in the early evening. Pick up your own family's fish and chips (or picnic meal of your choice) and join us in the courtyard next Friday. Check previous SFDS news editions for the details.
Inter Zone Athletics
Well done to our group of athletes who participated in this event last week, everyone should be very proud of themselves. A special congratulations to Heidi J, Willow SE and Raffaele DG who all gained placings and qualified for the Regional Athletics - an amazing achievement!
Inter Zone Results:
Heidi J: 1st in long jump, vortex and 60m sprint
Willow SE: 3rd year 8 girls long jump
Raffaele DG: 1st year 5 boys high jump
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 11 December. Please refer to the attachment for further details or look out for the flyer sent home today!!
Thank you for your support and generosity!
Further information on coloured sand recall
Health New Zealand Chief Medical Officer, Dr Joe Bourne, has an important message for all parents and carers who have been expressing concerns about the impact of asbestos in coloured sand to their children’s health.
Asbestos in sand – Health advice for households – Ministry of Health – YouTube
Please also check our SFDS Events Calendar
Thursday 27 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 28 November
Tangaroa Ākau Tangi trip
Ranginui (Year 7 & 8) PE Day- Wear PE Gear
Room 7 & 8 PE Day - Wear PE Gear
9:10 – 9:40am Buddy Mass Rms 2 ,3 and 8
Monday 1 December
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 lessons
Wednesday 3 December
Ranginui (Year 7 & 8) PE Day- Wear PE Gear
Room 10 PE Day - Wear PE Gear
Thursday 4 December
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 5 December
PSL Family Fish and Chip night (time TBC)
Ranginui (Year 7 & 8) PE Day- Wear PE Gear
Room 7 & 8 PE Day - Wear PE Gear
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