Principal's Message

Lenten Reflection!

When I was a little boy, each year around this time I would find myself wondering what to give up for Lent. Some years it was chocolate. Other years it was McDonald’s. I often talked it through with my parents so that I had support in keeping my Lenten promise.

As I grew older, my understanding of sacrifice began to change. As I came to understand the true meaning of fasting, I realised that time was something I could offer — sacrificing time to be with loved ones, sacrificing time to show acts of kindness, and sacrificing time to pray for those in need.

This Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent — a time when we prepare ourselves for the death and resurrection of Jesus. During Lent, we focus on three key areas: fasting, giving, and prayer. I encourage you to chat with your child about the purpose of each of these and support them in their Lenten journey as they grow closer to God.

Mihi Whakatau Monday 23 February at 9:00am

As you may be aware, we were unable to hold our Mihi Whakatau earlier this week. I look forward to being warmly welcomed along with our new families, students, and staff at our school-wide Mihi Whakatau next Monday 23 February at 9:00am. It will be a special opportunity to come together as a community and to formally welcome everyone into our kura.

Ngā mihi nui,

Nikolai Solia

Principal

Ash Wednesday Thank you!

Thank you to all those who joined us today for our Ash Wednesday Mass! It was a lovley to see all our wonderful children and a number of families come to support this important event in the cathloic calander 

Garden to table

Our Garden to Table programme lets students grow, harvest, and cook fresh food from our school garden. It’s a hands-on way to learn about healthy eating, teamwork, and caring for the environment.

Students get to try new foods, develop life skills, and enjoy the food they’ve made together.

Check out the Summer harvest that our team picked, cooked and enjoyed on Monday! 

A huge thank you to our wonderful volunteers Annette and Anne, and to our supporting teacher Vic for the amazing work they do.

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 

School Notices and Events

Parent Help Needed – Road Patrol Volunteers 

Thanks to those who have already volunteered! We are still looking for a few more parent helpers to support our Road Patrol team. Morning and afternoon shifts are available, and even helping one day a week makes a big difference!

Times:
8.30–8.50am
2.50–3.10pm

Full training will be provided, and on those chilly mornings we’ll even have a hot chocolate waiting for you!

If you’re able to help keep our students safe before and after school, please contact Miss Fountain (Dept Principal) on sarah.fountain@sfds.school.nz. We’d love to have you on board.

Fun Sports Morning

On Friday 20 March, our whole school is heading to Shorland Park for a morning of fun and friendly competition! We will be walking from school at 9.20am and will be back at school around 12.30pm.

Students will take part in a range of activities in their house groups, so please support them to come dressed proudly in their house colours to show their team spirit! A reminder of the house colours:  Avila - red, Barbier - blue, Siena - yellow, Aubert - green. Please also refer to the link that has more information about our House groups.

This event is also a fantastic opportunity for our senior students to step up as leaders and to show manaakitanga as they encourage and support our younger students throughout the morning.

You are welcome to join us at the park, we would love to see you.

Music Lessons on site at St Francis de Sales -Reminder

Last week we shared that music lessons are available at school — and we still have a few spaces open!

We’re also now offering Tuesday lunchtime lessons, which are a great option for students who can’t attend after school.

If your child is interested, please email Megs at   megs.mcc.rose@gmail.com  to secure a spot.

After-school availability:

• Monday: 4:00pm, 4:30pm

• Wednesday: 4:30pm
  
  

Group classes:

• Monday 3:00pm: Drum group

• Tuesdays (lunchtime): Ukulele & Guitar, Drums

• Wednesday 3:00pm: Keyboard group
  
  

Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-in basis. We’d love to see more of our students getting involved in music this term

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. 

 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.