Newsletter Week 8 Term 1
Wednesday 1 April 2026
Web address: www.sfds.school.nz Email: office@sfds.school.nz
Embedded Files
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Reflection.
As we approach the end of the term, our school community enters Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Catholic Church. This week invites us to walk alongside Jesus through his journey of sacrifice and ultimate victory.
During this week, there are two very important days that we talk about:
Good Friday: This is a quiet, thoughtful day when we remember how Jesus died on the cross. It is a time to say "thank you" for the great love he showed for everyone.
Easter Sunday: This is the biggest celebration of all! We celebrate Jesus coming back to life, which we call the Resurrection. It is a day filled with happiness, new beginnings, and bright, joyful hope.
It has been such a positive start to our school year. I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with our students, our staff and our community. Thank you all for your kindness this term. I hope you and your families have a wonderful, peaceful break filled with love and joy!
Ngā mihi nui,
Nikolai Solia
Principal
Hui Winners!
Huge congratulations to...
... Henry, winner of the Principal Cup!
... Amen, Andrew, Ayana and Charlie winners of the golden tickets!
... Angela, Bodhi, Meaza, Keara, Mako, Sylas, Tanisha, Summer, Achilles and Otto winners of the Value certificates
DRS Message
DRS Message
Join Us for Our Easter Liturgy!
Easter is a time of hope, renewal, and new beginnings. It’s the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of new life for all. This season reminds us of the power of love, faith, and community.
We warmly invite all students, families, and friends to join us for our Easter Liturgy at 11:50 AM at SFDS Church. Let’s come together to reflect, rejoice, and share in the joy of this special time.
Easter Mass times at St Francis de Sales Church
Holy Thursday: 7pm
Good Friday: 3pm
Easter Saturday 7pm Vigil
Easter Sunday 9am
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Last Saturday was a very special occasion for our school community.
Lexie, Yvo, Tommy, Seth and Jan made their Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is an important step in their faith journey, and we are so proud of the way they prepared for and embraced this special moment.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful opportunity for our children to reflect, seek forgiveness, and continue growing in their relationship with God. Please join us in congratulating Lexie, Yvo, Tommy, Seth and Jan on this wonderful milestone. We keep them in our prayers as they continue their faith journey.
Congratulations to you all — we are very proud of you!
Garden to table
Garden to table
A lovely garden session today! The children enjoyed making delicious cheesy puffs using fresh herbs and silver beet from our school garden — they were a real hit with everyone!
We also dug up the rest of the carrots, and our wonderful volunteers helped clear the garden bed, getting it ready for new planting next term. 🌱
We can’t wait to see what we’ll grow next — yay!
School Notices and Events
School Notices and Events
Hoods Up Volume Down
We will be recognising the annual Hood Ups Volume Down day on Wednesday 29 April (week 2, term 2). Students are invited to wear a hoody on this day. This is an initiative by Autism New Zealand
Wellington South ANZAC Day Commemoration
You are warmly invited to the Wellington South ANZAC Day Commemoration Service, hosted by the Combined Churches of Island Bay.
Where: Island Bay School
Date: Saturday 25 April
Time: 12:30pm
We have kindly been invited to be involved, by having children place wreaths at the bell tower during the service.
If your child/ren will be around and would like to be involved, please contact Mel Heaphy on the following number 021 702 907
An optional short parade will begin from St Hilda’s Church (311 The Parade). Please gather from 12:00pm, with the group departing at 12:15pm to walk to the school.
Light refreshments will be available following the service.
PSL
PSL
Easter Raffle – A Huge Thank You to Our Amazing Community!
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible community for your generosity, support, and enthusiasm with this year’s Easter Raffle. Your efforts truly made this event a wonderful success!
A special thank you to Sarah, Suzanne and Fran and to our PSL team for the time, organisation, and hard work that went into making this happen. Events like these simply wouldn’t be possible without your dedication — we are so grateful!
We are thrilled to share that together we raised an amazing $3,614 for our school! What a fantastic achievement!
Top Ticket Sellers:
Tangaroa — Lorenzo C
Papatūānuku — Aden T
Ranginui — Brady P
Bonus Congratulations to Apollo for his outstanding effort as well!
Thank you again to everyone who sold tickets, bought tickets, donated prizes, and supported this fundraiser in any way. Your generosity makes a real difference for our school and our tamariki.
What an amazing community we have!
Dates to Add to Your Diary
Dates to Add to Your Diary
Our SFDS Events Calendar is the best way to stay up to date with everything happening at school — including PE days, special events, and other important dates. You can find the calendar by clicking on the link above or either on our school website or through Hero.
Thursday 2 April
Easter Liturgy - 11.50am All welcome!
Last day of Term 1
Friday 3 April
Good Friday
Monday 20 April
First day of Term 2
Bee Healthy Detal van Visit for the next 2 weeks
Monday 27 April
Public Holiday School Closed (ANZAC Day Observed)
Tuesday 28 April
Visit from St Catherines and St Patrick college Principals
Wednesday 29 April
Hood Ups Volume Down day
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