Newsletter Week 5 Term 1

Wednesday 11 March 2026

Web address: www.sfds.school.nz Email: office@sfds.school.nz

Principal's Message

Joy

Last week I was warmly welcomed into Room 2 where our young tamariki begin their primary school journey. I walked into the room and I was greeted with beautiful smiles and children wanting to share their stories with me. We had morning prayer together, praying for the the things that mean so much to us- so innocent. I followed up by teaching them a couple of waiatas, and the excitement and energy these children showed brought so much joy to me.

My office is open to all, including students! I had the privileged to play chess with a couple of students while others sat and drew some lovely pictures. I hope that the children here at St Francis de Sales Primary School will see my office as not a place of fear but a place where they can feel safe and know that they are valued.

Children are like little bundles of sunshine who bring joy with their smiles, their curiosity and their warm hearts. They turn every day into a fun adventure just by showing us how to find magic in simple things, like a shiny rock or a colourful butterfly.

Thank you to our tamariki for bringing so much joy into our lives and to the life of our school.

Ngā mihi nui,

Nikolai Solia

Principal

DRS MESSAGE

Lent

As we move deeper into the season of Lent, we are invited to slow down and make a little more space for God. Lent is not only about giving things up; it is about opening our hearts, listening for God’s voice, and noticing the small ways we can bring kindness and love into the world, just as Jesus did.

We are reminded that Jesus walks with us in every moment. When life feels busy or challenging, Jesus reminds us, “Do not be afraid; I am with you.” Lent encourages us to trust that God’s love is steady and patient, gently helping us grow into people of compassion, peace, and hope.

Loving God,
Thank you for this special season of Lent.
Help us quiet our hearts and listen for Your voice.
Teach us to be kind, patient, and brave like Jesus.
Show us how to bring hope to others through our words and actions.
Walk with us each day, and help us grow closer to You.

Amen.

House Leaders

House Captain Announcement

Congratulations to the following Year 7 and 8 students who applied for and were selected as our House Captains for the year. We look forward to seeing the leadership and enthusiasm you bring to the role!

Siena: Nunzio U, Bella RR, Tabitha G and Lucas L

Avila: Georgi McG, Victoria McP, Declan W and Jack C

Aubert: Harper McL, Miriam P, Tanisha P and PJ H

Barbier: Tenysin T, Shreya CB and Florence W

Garden to table

Are looking for the following tap attachement to fit the following bit - If you are happy to donate one to the garden to table program that would be greatly appreciated!

PSL

PSL AGM

Our PSL AGM is coming up on Thursday 12 March at 7:00pm in the SFdS Staffroom.

We’d love to see as many families there as possible! Whether you’re new to SFdS or have been part of the school community for years, come along to find out what the PSL is all about and how you can get involved.

The AGM is a great opportunity to join our amazing committee. Even if you’re not looking to take on a formal role, being part of the support team is a fantastic way to help out and stay connected.

If there’s anything you’d like added to the AGM agenda, please let us know as soon as possible. The AGM will be followed straight away by our March PSL meeting, where we’ll be planning events for the rest of the year!

For more information or any questions, please email us at psl.sfds@gmail.com

What is the PSL?

The SFdS Parent School Link (PSL) is a group of parents and caregivers who support our school and families through fundraising, social events, and community care.

We organise the much-loved school discos, Easter fundraisers, quiz nights, sausage sizzles, and fun family fish ’n’ chip nights. We’re also there to lend a hand to families doing it tough.

Getting involved with the PSL is a great way to meet other parents, make connections, and be part of a supportive and welcoming school community.

Mufti -Non Uniform Day Friday 13 March!

Next Friday 13 March, the PSL will be holding a Non-Uniform (Mufti) day! On this day, your child does not need to wear their uniform.

Normally, we would raise money this way, but instead of money, please send in an item that we can raffle off as part of our upcoming Easter raffle!

School Notices and Events

Uniform Shop closed this Friday 13 March

Unfortunately our wonderful volunteer is away this Friday so we will not be opening the Unform shop for fittings this week. If you have ordered uniform via Kindo this will be made up and handed out as normal.

Year 7 Vision Screening Monday 23 March

Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand provides a vision screening programme for all Year 7 students. Vision - pupils will be advised of results at the time of screening. If further assessment is recommended you will be notified by mail. Children who wear glasses and/or are under professional care and have regular checks will not require a vision check from our service.

Non-consent - please notify your school if you do not want your child being screened.

This screening is not a full assessment of your child's vision. If you have any concerns, please see an optometrist.

Thank you for your support with this programme. If you have any queries, please contact me on the following details: Amanda Stott Vision & Hearing Technician P: 04 587 2961 | M: 027 480 9735 | E: Amanda.Stott@huttvalleydhb.org.nz

Sports Hoodie Order

We are excited to offer our optional sports hoodie, designed exclusively for sports and PE days. This navy-blue hoodie with white writing can be personalized with your child’s name on the back. We suggest/recommend using last names - avoid using your child's first name or personal nick names - this can be a safety risk when your child/ren are walking to and from school.

How to Order:
Hoodies are available to purchase on Kindo under the "Sports Hoodie" tab.

Important:
Orders must be paid for by Wednesday 25 March. Unfortunately, we cannot place your order if payment is not received by this deadline.

Pricing:

Kids' Sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL): $60 each
Adult Sizes (S, M, L, XL): $65 each

Sizing Information:
If you are unsure about sizing, fittings are available at the uniform shop every Friday morning from 8:45 to 9:15 am. We will email you the sizing information, allowing you to place your order on Kindo confidently.

Please Note:

Sizing is unique, so if you're uncertain, we highly recommend a fitting.
Once ordered, refunds will not be available.
If you already own a hoodie, you may be able to gauge the next size needed and place your order directly on Kindo.
Hoodies will be ready for collection in Term 2.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the office (officeoffice@sfds.school.nz).

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.

Friday 13 March

PSL Non Uniform (Mufti) day! - Please send in an item that we can raffle off as part of our upcoming Easter raffle!

Wednesday 18 March

Athletics Day - Full School

Friday 20 March

Fun Sports Morning! - Shorland Park

Monday 23 March

Year 7 Vision Screening

Wednesday 25 March

Sports hoodie orders close

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