Newsletter Week 3 Term 1
Wednesday 25 February 2026
Web address: www.sfds.school.nz Email: office@sfds.school.nz
Embedded Files
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Families are important.
On behalf of all who were welcomed at the mihi whakatau on Monday, I would like to say a huge thank you to our staff, our tamariki and the whanau/ community for welcoming us to St Francis de Sales School. Such a special and an emotional time for myself, new staff and new families to be formally welcomed to our beautiful school. Matua Ron spoke with kindness, and the staff, students stood tall and whanau welcomed us with open arms. I really feel like I'm part of a special family.
I have always believed that while teachers provide the tools, families provide the foundation. Education isn't just what happens between 8:00am and 3:00pm; it is a shared journey between the classroom and the living room.
When families are involved, students don't just "get by"—they thrive! With family by their side, our tamariki develop better social skills, and increased confidence. Whether you’re volunteering at a bake sale, helping with a tricky math problem, or simply asking, "What was the best part of your day?" you are sending a powerful message: Learning matters.
I see us as not just a school, but a community - part of God's family. Your insights, your culture, and your presence enrich our classrooms and help us see the whole child.
Thank you for being our most valued partners in discovery. We couldn't do this without you!
Ngā mihi nui,
Nikolai Solia
Principal
DRS Message
DRS Message
Sacramental Programme
Parent session is next Tuesday 3 March at St Annes from 6.30-7.30pm.
The first children session for Reconciliation is Sunday 8 March at 10.30am here at St Francis de Sales church. If you would like to enrol your child please email Carol on office@wellingtonsouthcatholic.org. Children need to be year 4 and older.
Catholic Parish of Wellington South St Frances de Sales Church - Island Bay Jubilee
The Catholic Parish of Wellington South is inviting former and current parishioners to a celebration of several historical milestones on Saturday 18 April and Sunday 19 April 2026.
The area's first Catholic Church, St Francis de Sales in Island Bay, was built in 1906, 120 years ago, and the current church was blessed and opened on 17 April 1966, 60 years ago. The weekend will also acknowledge 100 years since the opening of St Madeleine Sophie primary school – the fore runner of the current primary school of St Francis de Sales.
St Francis de Sales Church - Jubilee Programme
Saturday 18 April 2026 10:00am Memorial Mass (Main Celebrant Fr Biju Xavier; concelebrated). Followed by morning tea.
Saturday 18 April 2026 11:30am Guided tour of the special features of the Church.
Saturday 18 April 2026 “The Catholic Features of Island Bay” - Historic walkabout. Notes for the walk, or drive, will be provided. In own time.
Sunday 19 April 2026 10:30am Jubilee Mass (Main Celebrant Fr Merv Duffy SM, Provincial of the Society of Mary in NZ; concelebrated).
Sunday 19 April 2026 12:30pm Jubilee Lunch, The Pines, Houghton Bay, Wellington ($55 per person to be paid in advance as there are no door sales).
Please register your attendance by making payment to Catholic Parish of Wellington South
Bank Account - 02-0576-0064832-01 Registrations of interest are welcomed by providing contact details at: office@wellingtonsouthcatholic.org
Garden to table
Garden to table
Today we visited Nunzio’s grandparents garden! Francie & Nunzio - the loveliest couple!!! We made passata with tomatoes from their incredible green house! How lucky are we!
If you are interested in helping out once and awhile please let us know! We would love to have you! vic.martin@sfds.school.nz
Lunch Box Ideas
What our children eat during the school day makes a big difference to how they feel and learn. A balanced lunchbox with fruit, veggies, whole grains, and some protein helps keep their energy steady and their minds focused.
Small changes, like swapping processed snacks for fresh options can go a long way in helping our tamariki stay happy, alert, and ready to learn.
With the new timetable, the students now have 3 eating breaks Please check with your child if they need a few extra snacks.
Here’s a handy poster from the Heart Foundation with simple ideas to help you pack tasty, healthy lunchboxes.
School Notices and Events
School Notices and Events
Movin’ March – Walk or Wheel Challenge!
This March our school will be taking part in Movin’ March – Walk or Wheel, a fun challenge that encourages tamariki to travel to school in active and sustainable ways. Students can take part by:
Walking
Biking or scootering
Skating
Catching the bus (bus trips count too!)
Each class will track their Walk or Wheel trips during their chosen challenge week, and students will set their own personal goals along the way.
If your child lives too far from school to walk the whole distance, you might like to try a “Park & Stride” — parking a little further away and walking the last part together. The goal is to build healthy habits, reduce traffic around our school, and have some fun at the same time.
Thanks for supporting our tamariki to get moving!
Athletics day
This year our whole school Athletics day is for all students in Year 1 - 8. It will be held in Term 1 on Wednesday 18 March at Newtown Park. For PE lessons this term, classes will be learning athletics skills and training for the events.
Athletics day heavily relies on extra adult helpers. If you are able to help for all or part of the day, please fill in this google form ASAP.
Form: https://forms.gle/FQmcNirtMoDyfDK36 Thanks to those parents that have already signed up to help! If you have already emailed the office we have your name down and will be in touch shortly.
The bus will be leaving school at 9.10am and our juniors will return to school by 1pm and our seniors by 3pm. All students will need to wear their school PE gear and bring a packed morning tea, lunch and water bottle (no lunch orders please as these won’t be delivered to the park).
If you have any questions or queries please email Anita at: anita.patel@sfds.school.nz
The outline of the day will look like this:
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.
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
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.
Monday 2 March
Moving March Starts!!!
Wednesday 11 March
School Photo day! - Please wear Formal School Uniform (not PE Gear)
Wednesday 18 March
Athletics Day - Full School
Friday 20 March
Fun Sports Morning! - Shorland Park
Wednesday 25 March
Sports hoodie orders close
Important Message from Wellington Water:
Unfortunately this is an ongoing issue and we ask you to take note of the following information outlined below:
There is an ongoing untreated wastewater discharge affecting the south coast of Wellington. This includes Breaker Bay, Tarakena Bay, Lyall Bay, Houghton Bay, Island Bay, Ōwhiro Bay. Do not collect kai moana or shells - We strongly recommend the public stay out of the water and off the beaches. This includes your furry friends also!!!
REMEMBER:
Do not swim or dive
Do not collect kai moana (shellfish)
Do not have contact with seawater
Do not walk dogs on the beach and avoid the beach if possible.
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