Principal's Message

Join Us for Pink Shirt Day! 

This Friday, our school will be turning pink as we celebrate Pink Shirt Day. We encourage all children, staff and whānau to dress up in pink. This is a powerful day dedicated to a simple but vital message: Bullying is never okay.

It is important that we use a common language when discussing this topic. Bullying is defined as deliberate, repeated, and unreasonable behavior intended to cause harm—whether physical or psychological. It often involves a power imbalance and can show up in many ways, including:

• Physical: Pushing, hitting, or damaging property.

• Verbal: Name-calling, insults, or threats.

• Online: Cyberbullying through social media, messaging, or gaming.

Facing bullying can leave anyone feeling isolated, sad, or afraid. Pink Shirt Day is about more than just wearing a colour; it’s about courage. We are encouraging our students to:

Stand Up: Use their voice when they see something wrong.

Stand Together: Support peers who are being treated with disrespect.

We invite you to have a kōrero (conversation) with your child this week. Ask them what they think it means to be an upstander rather than a bystander, and encourage them to treat everyone in our school community with kindness and respect. 

"Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!"

Celebrating the Feast of the Ascension

On Thursday, 14th May, our school community joins millions around the world to observe the Feast of the Ascension. This significant day in the Christian calendar occurs forty days after Easter Sunday, marking the moment Jesus Christ ascended into heaven.

According to the New Testament, the Ascension represents the transition from Christ’s physical presence on Earth to his spiritual presence within the hearts of believers. For our students, it serves as a powerful reminder of hope, mission, and the promise of guidance. Just as the disciples were encouraged to spread a message of love and kindness, we use this day to reflect on how we can be "light" in our own community.

Whether through prayer, reflection, or simply acts of service, the Ascension encourages us to look upward and outward. We wish all our families a peaceful and reflective feast day as we celebrate this cornerstone of our faith.

Upcoming Teacher Only Day Friday 29 May

Please note that we have an upcoming Teacher only day on Friday 29 May! School will be closed - please make alternative arrangements for that day!

We also have Kings Birthday Public Holiday on Monday 1 June school will be closed that day too! 

Ngā mihi nui,

Nikolai Solia

Principal

SPORTS 

Southern Zone Cross Country

All information has been shared on Hero for those who will be participating in this event. Please find and read this information. Email Sarah on sarah.fountain@sfds.school.nz if you have any questions. If you can't find the information on your hero app please pop into the school office where Suzanne and Fran are happy to help you navigate Hero!

Garden to table

Last November we planted kūmara in our garden, and this week it was finally time to harvest them! The tamariki were involved in every step of the process — harvesting, washing, cutting, placing them on trays, cooking, and of course eating them too!

We made delicious kūmara coins with a bonfire dip, and across two groups the children gobbled up an amazing 8 kūmara! Some were a little unsure about trying the dip at first, but by the end it had been completely demolished! 

A wonderful hands-on learning experience from garden to plate. All recipes have been sent home so the fun can continue there too! 

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.