Newsletter Week 7 Term 2
Wednesday 03 June 2026
Web address: www.sfds.school.nz Email: office@sfds.school.nz
Newsletter Week 7 Term 2
Wednesday 03 June 2026
Web address: www.sfds.school.nz Email: office@sfds.school.nz
The Power of Patience: Cultivating a Quiet Strength
In a world that constantly hits the fast-forward button, waiting can feel like a lost art. From instant downloads to uber eat deliveries, we are conditioned to expect everything now. Yet, at St Francis de Sales, we are called to pause, breathe, and practice a timeless virtue that anchors our hearts: Patience.
Patience isn’t just a nice habit; it is a foundational pillar of who we are. It stands proudly as one of our core school values, rooted deeply in the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Scripture reminds us of the divine timing that governs our lives. As the Catholic Bible beautifully states in the Letter of James:
"Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains." — James 5:7
Just like the farmer, our students are learning that the best things in life take time to grow.
Every day, our students find inspiring ways to put this virtue into action. We see patience when a student raises their hand and waits quietly for the teacher, even when they are bursting with the correct answer. It is alive on the playground when children wait their turn on the slide, or when a senior student gently helps a junior student to solve a problem These small, everyday choices build a culture of mutual respect.
Patience doesn't stop when the school bell rings; it is just as vital at home. Practicing patience with family members might mean giving a sibling space when they are having a rough day, or waiting calmly while a parent finishes a work call. It means choosing a kind word over a sharp reaction when chores feel tedious. When families practice patience together, the home becomes a loving space for all.
Patience is the bedrock of our spiritual lives. In prayer, we don’t always get immediate answers, and that can be challenging. True patience in prayer means sitting quietly with God, trusting in His perfect timing, and listening with an open heart rather than rushing through a list of requests.
So let’s challenge ourselves to slow down. Whether we are waiting in a long line, working through a difficult task, or pausing in quiet prayer, let us ask the Holy Spirit to nurture the fruit of patience within us.
Ngā mihi nui,
Nikolai Solia
Principal
Inter Zone Cross Country
A reminder this event is happening this coming Tuesday 9 June. The students attending have received a hard copy of the information and this is also on Hero (post dated 28 May).
Due to the relatively small number of runners we have attending, we won't be organising a bus or supervision at the park. We kindly ask for you to transport your child between school and the park for their race. A list of qualifiers who will be attending was in the newsletter last week if you would like to organise transport with another parent/caregiver. If your child won't be attending, please let Sarah know as soon as possible.
Bringing balls to school
If your child brings a ball to play with at break times, please support them to name it at home before they bring it to school. This will help us to return it to the right person if it gets misplaced. We would also appreciate you explaining to them that if they bring a ball to school, it is their responsibility to look after it. This is the message we give to them at school. All other toys are to stay at home (unless they are needed at school for a specific reason which has been organised by the classroom teacher).
Disco THURSDAY 18th JUNE!!!
We are still needing parent volunteers for each disco! If you can help out on the night please let us know by either emailing the PSL on psl.sfds@gmail.com or sign up by Thursday 11 June on the poster on the notice board or in the school office! Without volunteers things like the Disco can't go ahead!
Disco is a Drop off event only - if you want to stay please sign up!
Seeking donations for our upcoming SFDS Wearable Arts Showcase!!!
Coming in Term 3, Nature Reimagined – A Wearable Arts Showcase! our students will be transforming everyday and recycled materials into incredible wearable art inspired by the beauty of nature.
To help bring these creations to life, we are seeking donations of:
Clean recyclable materials (cardboard, boxes, paper, magazines)
Plastic bottles and bottle tops
Milk bottle lids
Fabric scraps, ribbons, lace, and wool
Old CDs and DVDs
Buttons, beads, and costume jewellery
Egg cartons
Aluminium foil
Natural materials such as pinecones, seed pods, shells, and feathers
Clean yoghurt containers and other interesting packaging
Please ensure all donated items are clean and safe to handle.
Donations can be dropped off at the school office
Thank you for supporting our young designers and helping us create a spectacular celebration of creativity, sustainability, and imagination!
Boostrix immunisation - Monday 8 June
Our public health nurses are coming to school in the week starting Monday 8 June 2026 to provide immunisation for year 7 tamariki.
If you have changed your mind or your child’s medical situation has changed please contact us at gw-nphsimmunisation@tewhatuora.govt.nz, or call us on 04 587 2949.
If you have not yet consented, but want to, please collect a consent form from the school office or contact us.
If you declined the vaccines last year but you have changed your mind and you now want your year 8 child to receive the vaccine(s) please collect a consent form from the school office or contact us.
If your Year 8 child missed out last year and you would like them to catch up on their vaccinations, please collect a consent form from the school office or contact us.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at gw-nphsimmunisation@tewhatuora.govt.nz, or call us on 04 587 2949
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.
Friday 5 June
Room 6 Paekawakawa Reserve trip
Monday 8 June
Boostrix immunisation 1st dose Year 7 Boys and Girls
SFDS BOT Meeting
Tuesday 9 June
Inter Zone Cross Country
Wednesday 10 June
St Catherine's College Open Evening
Friday 12 June
Rooms 2/3 Paekawakawa reserve trip
Thursday 18 June
Year 7 Vision Testing
Year 0-6 Vision and Hearing testing
PSL DISCO!
Friday 19 June
Suzanne Aubert’s birthday