Catholic Character

All Saints Day Mass

Last Friday we celebrated All Saints Day with a school Mass. Thank you to the many parishioners who joined us in this Mass. Fr Doug shared with us that the children have really improved with the participation in the mass, the readings and their responses. Two of our students also took the leadership role of Altar Servers - thank you to Cian and Tenyson!

Sports

Southern Zone Athletics

The tamariki who participated in Southern Zone Athletics made us all proud with their efforts in their athletics discipline(s). A huge thank you to those parents who helped out on the day, especially our volunteers for running the vortex. 

The results for the day are in the table below. Well done to all of our athletes! 

The Interzone Athletics is coming up on the 19th of November. Those students who are selected for this will be sent information in due course. If you have any questions, please email sarah.fountain@sfds.school.nz . 

School Notices and Events

Teacher Only Day: 15 November

During our Teacher Only day on 15 November, all of our Teacher Aides will be taking part in professional learning to support them in their roles supporting students. All of our teachers will begin unpacking the new Maths curriculum. Please ensure you make arrangements for your child(ren), as the school will be closed that day. Thank you. 

Help us take care of Paekawakawa Reserve 

Our tamariki potiki (smallest children) have been learning a lot about being kaitiaki of our whenua this year. We have a strong connection with Paekawakawa reserve as it was through here that tangata whenua travelled when making their way down into the bay. 

Did you know that Paekawakawa Reserve, the little nature reserve off Derwent St, was bought by the Island Bay community in 2007? It's not council-owned or run. The Island Bay community and other people generously donated money to buy the land so it could be restored as a native habitat for our trees, birds, insects, lizards - as well as for the community to enjoy nature in their neighbourhood. It's taken care of by a small group of volunteer trustees and is protected by a QEII covenant. But we also need the community's help to take care of the place... here's how: 

• Keep your dog on a leash (to protect little creatures)

• Bag and take away your dog's poo (the bags don't compost)

• Stick to the tracks and open spaces (there are little trees growing in-between!)

• Don't leave any rubbish behind 

• Your kids are welcome to play there, but please remind them: 

• Only to use wood already on the ground for hut-building and games

• Don't hurt the plants and trees

• Don't leave anything behind - deconstruct the hut, take your gear and rubbish away 

If you want to find out more about Paekawakawa, come along to a working bee on the first Saturday of every month, 1pm, 46B Derwent St, or email paekawakawa@gmail.com. 

Thank you