Newsletter Week 2 Term 4
Wednesday 21 October 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.
Hui Winners!
Huge congratulations to...
Emmanuel, Aaditya, Madhu, Yamlak, Harry, Brooklyn, Brady, Alba, Jasmine, Naz, Dannah, Esther and Sofia for winning Value Certificates for showing the Value of Gentleness
Thomas for winning the principal's cup
Brooklyn, Shreya Aron, Fia for winning the golden ticket
Aubert for winning the House cup
School Notices and Events
School Notices and Events
Do you have a younger child who will be starting school in the next few years?
We are asking all families with younger siblings planning to attend SFDS to please complete an enrolment form as soon as possible.
Having accurate enrolment numbers is really important for helping us plan ahead and prepare for the years to come.
If you have a little one who will be joining our SFDS family, please complete the enrolment form https://enrolments.linc-ed.com/apply/NZ/3006 or contact the school office to organise their enrolment.
Thank you for helping us plan for the future of our school. We look forward to welcoming our newest little learners to SFDS!
Attendance Dues 2027
Attendance Dues 2027
Please see below the new Attendance dues for 2027
ADW Attendance Dues Flyer to Schools 2027.pdfSports
Sports
Southern Zone Athletics
This event is coming up on Thursday 5 November (postponement Thursday 12 November) at Newtown Park. The students attending will receive further information this week. We will require parent/caregiver helpers to help run the vortex so please email Sarah on sarah.fountain@sfds.school.nz if you will be able to help for all or part of the day.
Mission Fair!
Mission Fair!
What is Mission Fair?
What is Mission Fair?
Each year, our senior students organise and run a fair for the rest of our tamariki, featuring a range of delicious treats, food stalls and fun games. It is always a highlight of the year and a wonderful opportunity for our senior students to show leadership while bringing our school community together.
Supporting Caritas
All proceeds from Mission Fair will go towards Caritas, a Catholic charitable organisation that supports people in need around the world through humanitarian aid and development programmes.
Mission Fair Payment Cards
Payment cards are now available to purchase through Kindo. On the day, your child will receive their physical payment card to use to purchase treats and enjoy the games.
A Few Important Reminders
Mission Fair is a student-only event held during school hours.
Please keep an eye out for payment card purchases opening on Kindo.
Thank you for your support and generosity in helping our senior students prepare for this special day. We look forward to another fantastic Mission Fair!
Tangaroa
Tangaroa
Last week, we were lucky to have Mina from Project Jonah visit us and talk to our tamariki about whales and how we can help protect these amazing ocean creatures.
Project Jonah is a New Zealand charity that helps protect whales and dolphins. They train volunteers to respond when marine mammals become stranded on our beaches and help give them the best chance of survival.
Our tamariki learnt what to do if they ever come across a stranded whale/dolphin on the beach. Have a chat with your child about what they learnt and what they should do if they encounter one.
Feel free to check out the Project Jonah website to learn more about what they do.
Ngā mihi,
The Tangaroa Team
Ranginui
Ranginui
Morrison Family Trophy Speech Competition
Last term, our syndicate gathered for our annual speech competition, showcasing an incredible lineup of talented, passionate, and brave speakers. The effort, research, and delivery from every participant made it a fantastic event for our whole school community.
We were extraordinarily fortunate to welcome Mr Solia and Pania from Huia Publishers as our guest judges this year. Huia Publishers is a renowned, independent New Zealand publishing house dedicated to sharing local stories, Māori culture, and diverse perspectives through literature in both English and Te Reo Māori. Having industry experts present to offer their feedback made the event even more memorable for our students.
To top off an inspiring day, Pania very generously donated a beautiful selection of Huia books in both English and Te Reo Māori to our school library. We are deeply grateful for their time, encouragement, and gift to our young readers!
A huge congratulations to all our finalist speakers, and a special shoutout to this year’s placings:
1st Place & Morrison Family Trophy Winner: Sofia Petagna
2nd Place: Jack Calvert
3rd Place Equal: Shreya Chengappa Boppanda & Georgi McGrath
Thank you to our judges, teachers, and audience for supporting our tamariki, and congratulations once again to Sofia and all of our outstanding speakers!
PSL
PSL
Starting this Friday until the end of term... Gold Coin donation!!!
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
Monday 26 October
Labour Day - School closed
Tuesday 27 October
Teacher only day - school closed
Wednesday 11 November
Mission Fair
Tuesday 17 November
Interzone Athletics Day
Thrusday 10 December
Year 8 leavers dinner 5pm
Wednesday 16 December
End of Year Ceremony 5.30pm
We’d Love Your Feedback!
We’d Love Your Feedback!
How do you feel about our school newsletter?
Do you enjoy reading it? Does it give you the information you need? Is there anything you’d like to see more (or less!) of?
We’d love to know what you think and how we can make our newsletter even more useful and interesting for our school community.
Tell us what you think! Your feedback helps us make sure we’re sharing the things that matter to you. office@sfds.school.nz
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