Welcome

Kia ora koutou

Yay! summer is here!  Or is it? Thank you for sending your child to school with their school hat - we have noticed a huge improvement in the number of children with their hats when the children are outside for play. Remember if there is some reason why your child cannot wear their hat, please send your child's teacher a note to explain why. Thank you for your support. 

Family fish'n'chip night

I'm really looking forward to seeing our families this Friday early evening. I've invited Nik Solia to join us with his family also - come along if you would like to offer him a warm and friendly welcome. 

Final Board meeting for the year

Next Monday we have our last Board meeting for the year. You are welcome to come along to any board meeting, as these are open to the public. 

One key item on next week's agenda is the discussion about the Board's stance on our ongoing commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We have worked hard to improve our commitment to Te Tiriti over recent years. 

We will also be discussing the draft Annual Plan for 2026. This plan is based on our 3-5 year strategic aims, which were confirmed by our school community at Matariki last year. 

Te Tiriti o Waitangi:

Cultivate an environment where te reo me ōna tikanga Māori can be experienced, valued, learned, shared, read, seen, and heard by everyone in our school community.

All Ākonga Thriving:

Nurture a thriving student Catholic community where learner progress and achievement, emotional well-being, self-confidence, a culture of manaakitanga, and a love of life flourish.

Neuro-Divergent Ākonga Empowered:

Cultivate an inclusive learning environment where neuro-divergent students demonstrate increased confidence, self-advocacy, positive peer interactions, and a love of learning.

Financially Sustainable Learning:

Ensure financial sustainability while prioritising the diverse needs of our learners.

If you would like to come along to the meeting, please email office@sfds.school.nz 

Catholic Character

Sacramental Programme 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Sacramental programme. Enrolment forms are available here

This programme is available to all children who have been baptised into the Catholic faith and reached Year 4 or above in the primary school system. 

Sports

Motu-Kairangi Netball

MK Netball have let us know the current Chairperson is stepping down from the role. If you are interested in this role, please read the following information:

For netball to continue next year, this position will need to be filled by the end of January. If you or someone you know is interested in taking on the role, please reach out as soon as possible so we can ensure a smooth transition. The summer and winter competitions are run by the dedicated committee members so the time commitment most weeks is minimal, approx 15-20 mins per week. Please could you share this with your schools netball community and parents. As mentioned this role must be filled by the end of January for the competition to run. Please email mknetballchair@gmail.com to express interest or for more information. 

Dates to Add to Your Diary

Please also check our SFDS Events Calendar 

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 (4.30pm)

• Ranginui (Year 7 & 8) PE Day- Wear PE Gear

• Room 7 & 8 PE Day - Wear PE Gear

Monday 8 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 10 December

• Ranginui (Year 7 & 8) PE Day- Wear PE Gear

• Room 10 PE Day - Wear PE Gear  

• Uniform Shop Closed for stocktaking   

• Year 8 Retreat 

Thursday 11 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 - Final Lesson

• Technology Ranginui (Yr 7 & 8)

Friday 12 December

• Ranginui (Year 7 & 8) PE Day- Wear PE Gear

• Room 7 & 8 PE Day - Wear PE Gear

Monday 15 December

• Board of Trustees Hui 

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