Newsletter Week 9 Term 3
Wednesday 15 September 2026
Web address: www.sfds.school.nz Email: office@sfds.school.nz
Embedded Files
Teacher Only Day - Tuesday 27 October
Teacher Only Day - Tuesday 27 October
We have set our final Teacher only day of the year, this will be Tuesday 27 October (the day after Labour day) School will be closed.
Garden to table
Garden to table
Remembering Annette
Our St Francis de Sales school staff, students and Garden to Table children, said goodbye to a very special part of our garden community today as we shared the sad news that our much-loved volunteer, Annette, had passed away.
Annette loved being with the children and often said, “The children give me energy.” She loved sharing her knowledge with them, watching them discover things in the garden and making sure there was always something growing, picking or planning for the next session.
Annette also treasured the children’s stories. Every week she would scrapbook our Garden to Table lesson, often asking the children what they had cooked at home, what their favourite meals were, or about foods and recipes from their culture. She knew the children by name and, if she ever forgot one, she would write their name down in her scrapbook so she could remember it next time. She made every child feel noticed and valued.
Today, the children wrote down their memories of Annette and the things they loved about her. Some were visibly upset, which showed just how much she meant to them. We will continue to talk about her, remember her and help the children process their feelings.
Annette was always busy making plans for the garden. She was determined to get our new compost bin, a long held dream of hers, and we will think of her every time we use it. She would pick and freeze fruit over the summer holidays so there would be plenty waiting for the children when they returned in January, and she was always ready to help at a weekend working bee.
And then there were the tea breaks! Annette and Ann would share a teabag and a cup of tea with half a sugar, while our little “Gardening Grannies” WhatsApp group kept everyone organised and connected throughout the week.
Ann and Vic were a little lost in the garden today without her. We will miss Annette’s wisdom, her energy, and her plans for the future. She was conscious of the planet, always recycling and thinking of ways to re use.
We will honour her by continuing to care for the garden, using her much-loved compost bin, enjoying well deserved tea breaks and by living life to the full, just as Annette did.
We will miss you so much, Annette.
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Where it all started
On Monday, a group of our junior students had the heartwarming opportunity to journey back to where their educational adventure first began: Island Bay Kindergarten.
Walking through the familiar front doors, our children were warmly welcomed by dedicated teachers and young friends who are still at the kindergarten. The room immediately filled with bright smiles, happy chatter, and a shared sense of nostalgia. Our students stepped up as wonderful ambassadors for St Francis de Sales School, speaking briefly about their experiences adjusting to primary school life. They proudly presented a fabulous book created by the talented students in the Tarawera room, which vividly showcased all the things they love about learning, playing, and growing at our school.
To express our gratitude for the warm reception, we finished the visit by singing a heartfelt waiata, followed by singing a familiar song together with their friends. Once the formal sharing concluded, the excitement truly took over. Our students eagerly dove back into the play areas, rekindling their love for the activities and toys they were once so fond of before starting primary school. Watching them reconnect with their early childhood roots while sharing their new adventures was a joyful highlight for everyone involved.
This special visit serves as a gentle reminder for our entire school community. Life has a way of becoming exceptionally busy, and our weekly schedules quickly fill up with routines, work, and extra-curricular commitments. However, it is so important to intentionally carve out time for the simple things that bring us joy.
Whether that means reconnecting with old friends, revisiting the favorite games and activities you and your child used to play together, or simply sitting down to share stories from your own past, these moments build lasting connection. Take some time this week to pause, reminisce with your child about how far they have come, and rediscover the simple pleasures that make these early years so memorable.
A heart felt thanks to Island Bay Kindergarten for opening your doors and welcoming back our tamariki.
Spring Refresh Working Bee: Many Hands Make Light Work!
Join us for a school community Working Bee on Sunday, 27th September from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM as we give our grounds and facilities a well-deserved spring makeover.
Whether you have a specific trade skill or just an extra pair of hands, there is a task for everyone:
High-Powered Clean: Water blasting our paths, grounds, and main school buildings.
Garden Restoration: Tying up and refreshing our garden areas particularly around the corner near the Church.
Facility Maintenance: Minor building repairs and a quick touch-up of painted playing areas.
Playground Refresh: Scrubbing down and cleaning the slide to get it ready for spring fun.
Kids' Crew: Children are warmly encouraged to come along! They can take charge of wiping down classroom furniture and helping with light outdoor tidy-ups.
Fueling the Team
To say thank you for your hard work, we will fire up the grill and host a free community BBQ lunch for all volunteers.
What to Bring:
Gardening gloves, sturdy footwear, and a water bottle.
If you own a water blaster, or basic gardening tools, please bring them along labeled with your name!
Please RSVP via the school office or app so we can cater accurately for the BBQ. We look forward to seeing you there!
Ngā mihi nui,
Nikolai Solia
Principal
Sports
Sports
Term 4 Sport
Information regarding Term 4 Sport is on Kindo and registrations are now open for the following sports:
Touch Rugby: Years 1 - 8 (registrations close Friday 16 October)
Junior Netball: Years 1 - 4 (registrations close Friday 18 September)
Futsal (indoor football): We have space for any year 7/8 students who would like to play but need the registrations this week please.
A reminder also about this free netball session for 4 and 5 year olds:
We are excited to offer a FREE introduction to netball especially for youngsters aged 4 & 5 years old!
Come play with us & bring your siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins & grandparents too to enjoy a brief introductory whānau fun session.
Saturday 19 September
9.00 am to 10.15 am
Indoors at Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, 72 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie, Wellington
Cost: It is our pleasure to offer this event FREE for all to attend
Session includes:
● Beginner ball & movement activities led by experienced netballers
● A chance to play a modified version of netball with adapted equipment provided
● Ask any questions & learn more about future playing opportunities for this age group
All experience, all genders, all abilities, all welcome! Limited spaces available - first-come, first-in, so don’t delay securing your spot.
To register sign-up here Email ndo@netballwellington.co.nz with additional queries.
Inter Zone Swimming
Well done to our swimmers who swam yesterday. You should all be proud of yourselves!
School Notices and Events
School Notices and Events
Mitey's Drive for Five
As part of Mitey's Drive for Five, there will be a free, family-friendly community event in Wellington in the school holidays. There'll be fun activities, and Sir John Kirwan will have the The Bledisloe Cup® shined up and ready for your new profile pic.
Wellington Drive For Five - Free Community Event
Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Toitū Pōneke Community & Sports Centre
Kilbirnie Park, 49 Kilbirnie Crescent, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022
Anyone aged 5–15 who comes on the day will have the chance to win a trip to Auckland on 10 October 2026 with their guardian, to take part in The Mitey Match and attend The Bledisloe Cup® game. You can register to attend this free event at https://www.miteydriveforfive.co.nz/community-events.
It's completely free, so come say hi, have some fun and show your support for the Mitey Drive for Five and Kiwi kids' mental health.
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.
Teacher Only Day - Tuesday 27 October
Teacher Only Day - Tuesday 27 October
Wednesday 16 September
Learning Conferences - School finishes at 2pm
Thursday 24 September
Wearable Art Show!
We’d Love Your Feedback!
We’d Love Your Feedback!
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