Embedded Files
13 Maramamārua - 13 December 2023
13 Maramamārua - 13 December 2023
Kia ora e te whānau
Yesterday, we joined with the students in Ranginui for the blessing and sharing of the 2023 Year 8 Art Installation - and what a triumph! Our oldest ākonga learned about telling stories through Toi Art, creating modern representations of kowhaiwhai painting. Thank you so much to Robyn and Sam for sharing your passion for art, expertise and matauranga Māori with our learners. You are very welcome to take a walk up the stairwell of the senior classroom block to view this beautiful art.
Yesterday we let you know your child(ren)'s class and teacher(s) for 2024 through Hero. 'My 2024 Class' will give you this information. Due to privacy reasons, we will no longer publish class lists as has happened in the past. Today, the children visited with their new class, to begin forming new relationships.
Whānau Day 1 February, 2024.
Soon you will be able to book in for our whānau day for the beginning of next year. Apologies for the technical issues which meant we needed to delete the small number of bookings made late yesterday afternoon. Errors meant that the classes were incorrect. Once we have booked in some specific meetings to support transition for our children on IEPs, we will open up the rest of the bookings for you.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Year 8 - Toi Art photos
Sensory Boards
Te Reo Māori for families - 2024
2024 Sports
Children helpers needed for Christmas Eve mass.
Christmas Mass time table
Help needed at end of year sausage sizzle
School leavers message from KINDO
Toy donation request 2024
Free Piano!
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
6 Maramamārua - 6 December 2023
6 Maramamārua - 6 December 2023
Tēnā koutou e te whānau
Thank you to those families who were able to join us for our Nativity Play this afternoon. This was a wonderful way to remind us about the birth of Jesus at Christmas.
Next week we will let you know which class your child is in next year. The children will also visit their new class to begin building a new learning community - whakawhanaungatanga.
Whānau Day and Uniform Fittings - Thursday 1 February, 2024.
You are invited to attend our Whānau Day before classes start next year.
This will be an opportunity for you to visit your child's class(es), chat with their teacher, reconnect with other families, welcome new families, drop off your child's stationery items and have uniform fittings. Please be aware that the times will overlap with other families - we are setting up bookings to avoid having too many people in each class at once.
You will also be able to book a uniform fitting during this same day. A booking form will be opened next Wednesday, once classes are finalised - so that you can book in times.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Sacramental Programme 2024
Message from the Parish
Nativity play
Congratulations
Year 8 Leavers dinner reminder! Get your tickets ASAP
Back to school stationery now live
PSL Thank you
Free Piano!
O'Sushi last day for the year will be this Thursday 7 December
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
29 Maramamātahi - 29 November 2023
29 Maramamātahi - 29 November 2023
Tēnā koutou e te whānau
As the Christmas decorations go up and Jingle Bell Rock plays in the supermarket, we are reminded that Christmas is more than just a party for Christians and for those of us in Catholic schools. We look forward to helping your child to learn more about the Christian focus of this time of year.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Health Curriculum
Start of Advent Season
Reminder Wednesday 6 December Advent play
Uniform Shop
Absence from school
School Donations and Charges
Reminder don't forget to purchase Sausages and Ice Cream on Kindo- or use cash on the day!
Free Piano!
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
Important Hero Message...
Many of you have discovered that there is a function on Hero whereby you can 'react' and 'comment' on your child's learning posts. This is to allow you to affirm them in their efforts, etc. In the future, the children will have access to Hero.
Please note that your child's teacher may not see your comments written here, so may not be aware of your questions you have asked or messages you have sent them this way.
The best way to communicate with your child's teacher is to continue to phone, pop in or email them. In 2024, we will introduce a direct-messaging function for you to use. We are not quite there yet with this function. Thank you.
22 Maramamātahi - 22 November 2023
22 Maramamātahi - 22 November 2023
Tēnā koutou e te whānau
It's been a beautiful Wednesday for learning and lovely to be able to enjoy the outdoors.
Please be aware of some upcoming important school dates, including the End of Year ceremony and the Year 8 Leavers' Mass coming up at the end of the year - please check the school notices and events page for these and other dates.
A reminder that we are currently gathering your feedback about our Health and Physical Education curriculum as part of a 2-yearly consultation that is required of schools in New Zealand. Please complete this survey to be part of informing decisions about our Health and Physical Education curriculum over the next 2 years.
Thank you for your feedback about class placement for 2024. We are now busy making decisions about next year, including class placement and the curriculum. Our Whānau voice survey closes in 2 days, so if you would still like to share your perspective, please do this by tomorrow. Thank you.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Learning Through Play
Rich Curriculum Plan
Religious Education
Touch Jam Festival
Cheerleading
Inter Zone Athletics
Garden to table - help needed for 2024
Year 8 Updates
PSL Raffle books sent home today
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
15 Maramamātahi - 15 November 2023
15 Maramamātahi - 15 November 2023
Tēnā koutou e te whānau
On Saturday evening many of us attended the Quiz night fundraiser, organised by PSL. It was a really fun night with loads of laughs for all who were there. I'm afraid my team needed to buy a few of the answers - but it was all in good fun. Thank you to PSL for putting this night together for us, and thank you to our Board Chair, Pete Chew, for being the Quiz Master!
Teacher Only Day: 17 November (this Friday) - On the upcoming teacher only day, the staff from SFDS will join with teachers from St Anne's School and St Bernard's School. We will continue working together to unpack Te Mataiaho - the refreshed NZ Curriculum.
Class Placement - Please take some time to complete our Whānau voice opportunity survey. Thank you to those of you who have already shared your perspectives. This week is the final week for you to take part in this opportunity.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
SFDS Community Health Consultation
Toi Māori - Traditional Māori Art
School Value - Kindness/Atawhai.
Save the Date - SFDS Advent Event
Interzone Athletics
Year 8 Leavers Information
PSL thank you
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
8 Maramamātahi - 8 November 2023
8 Maramamātahi - 8 November 2023
Tēnā koutou e te whānau
On Monday we launched Hero's Progress Reporting function for all of our students. Thank you to our staff for preparing progress updates for you about each child. If you have not already done so, please take some time to read through all of the information about your child's progress against the NZ Curriculum, meeting our school values, and demonstrating their 'Love of God, Love of Learning, Love of Life'.
As communicated previously - this aspect of Hero replaces the old written reports on paper. As such, we will not be sending out any paper reports. If you would like to print your child's report, you can do this by logging into their Achievement Summary on your computer - and choosing the print icon (this function is not available on a phone). Full information about how to access and read this report has been previously shared. If you have any questions - please speak with your child's teacher.
Please note - the graphs have all been checked, but occasionally may need some tweaks over the next month as teachers update goals. From 2024, the graphs will only be open in July and December each year to avoid confusion with this.
Class Placement
Please take some time to complete our Whānau voice opportunity survey. Thank you to those of you who have already shared your perspectives. This consultation will close 24 November.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Prayer for Peace
Southern Zone Athletics results
Calendar art orders extended until Friday! Order now! Last chance!
MUFTI Day for advent raffle -This coming Friday!! List of things to bring in lieu of gold coin
PSL QUIZ NIGHT! Support the school to support your child and get your tickets on Kindo now!
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
1 November 2023
1 November 2023
Kia ora e te whānau
We look forward to sharing Hero reporting with you next week. Thank you for your patience as the teaching team learned how to use real time reporting, as well as taking on aspects of the newly developed NZ Curriculum: Te Mataiaho.
You are invited to pop into your child's class between 3:00pm - 4.00pm or between 6:30pm - 7:30pm on Monday.
Please bring the device that you use for Hero (phone / tablet / laptop). The teachers will also have a few devices available for families who normally use a computer.
Fran will be available in the school office during this time, to help with any logging in issues.
Staffing Updates
It is wonderful to be able to give you a couple of recent updates on our staff team for 2024.
Chris Wratt has been appointed as the school Caretaker / Cleaner, to take over after Robbie retires in December. This is a role that Chris has been keen on for a few years now. Chris will also have a specialist teaching component to his role - so it is wonderful to be able to keep draw on his skills and experience to support our learners.
Michael Rogers has been appointed to a fixed term teaching position. We are very happy to keep Michael in our team!
I am very pleased to let you know that, against the national trend, we now have our teaching teams and class structure sorted for 2024!
Tangaroa: Jenna Laney (Tarawera - NE / Y1), Denise Phillips (Koura - Y2/3), Michael Rogers (Wheke - Y2/3)
Papatūānuku: Ronan Kelly (Parareka - Y4/5), Julia Reich-Simko (Harakeke - Y4/5), Eilís Ryan (Pohutukawa - Y6)
Ranginui: Jemma Brown (Toroa - Y7&8), Tom Leeper (Kotare - Y7&8), Lauren King (Tui - Year 7&8)
We are yet to finalise the team leader positions and will let you know these as soon as we are able. Please remember to complete our Whānau voice opportunity survey. Thank you to those of you who have already shared your perspectives. This consultation will close 24 November.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Hero Reporting Launch: Monday 6 November
1 November: All Saints Day
Gospel Value focus: Love - Aroha
2023 Catholic Character Review
Southern Zone Athletics
Year 7 & 8 Surfing
Kids Art Work Calendar reminder
Garden to table update
Mission Fair Information MUFTI DAY FRIDAY
Movember fundraiser!
PSL Quiz night Tickets on sale now!
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
25 Oketopa 2023
25 Oketopa 2023
Happy Wednesday everyone.
Thank you very much for the support by volunteers at postponed athletics day last Friday. It turned out to be a gorgeous day, so the call to postpone was very sensible. I hope everyone also had a happy Labour weekend.
Class Placement
Please take some time to complete our Whānau voice opportunity survey. Thank you to those of you who have already shared your perspectives. This consultation will close 24 November.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Photos from over the week
All Saints day mass reminder. Wednesday 01 November
Athletics day results
Whānau event to launch Hero 'real time reporting'
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
Staffing Update
As communicated to whānau, after 24 years of unlocking, locking, cleaning, tidying, fixing, sorting, and generally always making our school safe for our community, Robbie Smith has decided to start his well deserved retirement from caretaking and cleaning. We are very grateful to Robbie for his service. His quiet determination and good sense of humour have been an asset to our school. Hopefully he will enjoy more golf and spending time with his much loved family. Robbie finishes up at the end of the year, so you have plenty of time to say hi and to let him know your appreciation sometime soon.
We are now on the lookout for a new caretaker to take this important role on, as the end of year will approach very quickly. If you, or someone you know, would like to apply for the caretaker/cleaner role - please contact me at principal@sfds.school.nz and ask for an application pack. Thank you for your support.
18 Oketopa 2023
18 Oketopa 2023
Kia ora e te whānau
I'm sure you can imagine the rivalries on the staff with so many Ireland supporters in our team, but...Go the All Blacks! I write this panui to you while I’m at the MAC Hui ā Tau in Auckland (Māori Achievement Collaborative Annual Hui). This hui includes korero by Hoana Pearson, Dr. Te Kawehau Hoskins, Professor Melinda Webber. During the wananga, I am also attending various workshops to help me continue our journey to respond to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and attended a very moving private screening of the movie Tātarakihi - The Children of Parihaka.
Class Placement
Looking ahead to priorities and class placements for next year, please take some time to complete our Whānau voice opportunity survey. Thank you to those of you who have already shared your perspectives. This consultation will close 24 November.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Introducing our new Reading, Writing and Maths goals from Year 1-8
Introducing our new Religious Education Curriculum: Tō Tātou Whakpono Our Faith
All Saints day
Mission Fair
Catholic Social Services
Athletics day update
Whānau event to launch Hero 'real time reporting'
Inspire Photography Sport photos are ready to view
PSL Sausage Sizzle - Still going ahead for Friday- these will be delivered to Newtown park.
Save the date PSL Quiz night!
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
11 Oketopa 2023
11 Oketopa 2023
Kia ora e te whānau
Welcome back to school in this summer term 🎥). A warm welcome to our new whānau joining us this term. We will welcome you as a whole school with a Mihi Whakatau in the coming weeks (the date just needs to be finalised). With growing numbers, our 'roll growth' New Entrant class has now opened in Tāmure, with Sandra Buless and Bev Dean as the Kaiako (job-share). I am sure all of our new ākonga will enjoy a wonderful start to their schooling at our kura.
School Hats Please
We are very conscious of the UV rating here in NZ - as such, in terms one and four each year we require all children to wear a school hat when outside at morning tea and lunch times. You can order your child's school sunhat through Kindo. After this first week, if they do not have a school sun hat they will be expected to remain in the designated shade areas through play.
Staffing Updates
It is great to be able to let you all know that we have now made appointments of teachers to our team for 2024:
Lauren King has been appointed to a permanent ('tagged') teaching position. Lauren has been capably teaching in Ranginui (Year 7&8) this year. Lauren was a pupil of SFDS herself back in her school days.
The 'tagged' nature of this position is related to a catholic school requirement to employ 60% of teachers who are themselves baptised catholics, and who can contribute to the religious instruction of the school. Tagged positions are always permanent. As with all other positions, we only appoint catholic teachers who are also effective teachers. The two positions below are both 'fixed term' as we are obliged to keep trying to recruit one more tagged teacher to meet our requirements. We will re-advertise at the end of 2024, for the following year - rather than disrupting any classes during the year.
Jenna Laney has been appointed to a fixed-term teaching position for 2024. Jenna will be teaching New Entrants / Year 1 ākonga. Jenna started with us earlier this year and is teaching in the Papatūānuku syndicate (Year 5&6). Next year she will return to the area she has the most experience in, as Jenna was a reception teacher in the UK.
Tom Leeper has been appointed to a fixed term teaching position for 2024. Many of you will know Tom, who was teaching a number of years at SFDS until the end of 2022 - when he and his wife took off overseas. Tom is keen to come back to our school community and we are keen to welcome him back.
Planning for 2024 and Beyond
Your contribution to planning ahead for learning at our school is welcomed. We invite you to share your perspective on aspects that can support your child/ren's learning in 2024 through this survey: https://forms.gle/dtfzukzvfDnkj3E36. Within the survey we also invite you to share your perspective on what your whānau/family would like to see as the priorities for our school. If you would rather come in an chat, feel free to get in touch. Please note - this survey closes on 24 November.
Next year, we will have the following classes at SFDS (along with approximate student numbers starting in each class in February).
Tangaroa:
Tarawera: New Entrant & Year 1 (approx 13 - 18)
Kāunga: Roll Growth Class (opening later in the year)
Koura: Year 2&3 (approx 23)
Wheke: Year 2&3 (approx 23)
Papatūānuku:
Parareka: Year 4&5 (approx 23)
Harakeke: Year 4&5 (approx 23)
Pohutukawa: Year 6 (approx 25)
Ranginui:
Toroa: Year 7&8 (approx 21)
Tui: Year 7&8 (approx 21)
Kōtare: Year 7&8 (approx 21)
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Hero - 'Real Time Reporting' - it's nearly time to launch!!
Pasifika and Māori Homework Centre Update
Garden to table seedling sale
Prayer for people in the middle east
All Saints Day Mass
Buddy Mass dates
Athletics day request for help
Yummy Stickers -needed by this Friday
Weet-bix Tryathalon
Congratulations to Connor
Lance Williams' scholarship
Papatūānuku assembly dates
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
20 Hepetema 2023
20 Hepetema 2023
Welcome to the last week of the term.
This week is mental health awareness week. We have used the week to encourage discussion about wellbeing, and take some time to have fun together. Our seniors have had a great week - mixing things up a little and including many activities related to the interests, their wellbeing and their relationships. Thank you to our Ranginui Team for being responsive to the needs of our learners during the emotional rollercoaster of early adolescence.
Everyone experiences and expresses their emotions differently, and children are no exception. Last evening (during the leaders' debate on TV of all places!), I learned about the Mana Ake service in Christchurch, which supports wellbeing for children. I thought you may find the Mana Ake website helpful, especially these articles about managing emotions.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
'Anger Iceberg' (The Gottman Institute)
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori
First Holy Communion congratulations and photos
Congratulations to Connor on his Floorball success
Term 4 reminder to register
School donations & charges
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
13 Hepetema 2023
13 Hepetema 2023
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Orange Day Parade
First Holy Communion - this Sunday 17 September!
Futsal Festival - Thanks
Inter zone Swimming Sports TOMORROW
Term 4 Sports now available on KINDO
Books for kids Fundraiser - Now live
Students arriving early to school
Notice from the Attendance dues team
Reminder PSL AGM Friday
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
6 Hepetema 2023
6 Hepetema 2023
Tēnā koutou e te whānau
Spring has sprung - and the children have been enjoying calm weather for playing outside in particular. We've had a big week with a few challenges, so I'd like to acknowledge our staff for the ongoing professionalism and support for our learners.
Staffing Upate
One of our wonderful young teachers, Madeline Smith, is planning to take off on her 'OE' next year. This is wonderful for Madeline - but will be a sad loss for us as she will be finishing up her time at SFDS at the end of this year. We are currently in the middle of an appointment process for 2024 teachers. One of the teachers we appoint will fill Madeline's role in the new year.
Seeking your help for positive role model messages
We are on the look out for strong role models that might be able to pop in and share a positive message to our senior learners. The students are interested in sports role models in particular. I am also interested in welcoming speakers who can share their experiences of supporting people also - for example those who work through trauma, homelessness, wellbeing, legal issues, sickness, etc. This will help our learners recognise that we live in a caring community and we need to support one another. If you can help us with engaging speakers who are empathetic towards the unique needs of our rangatahi - young people, please let me know at principal@sfds.school.nz.
Thank you for your support.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Fractured Fairytale Writing competition winners
Baptism Liturgy
Floorball
Term 4 Sports now available on KINDO
Athletics day
Reminder PSL AGM Final agenda.
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
30 August 2023
30 August 2023
Tēnā koutou e te whānau
It was very exciting to see one of our learners, Nadal Tupai, and her dance group Nova showcased on the news this week! This is a wonderful example of our young people coming together to focus on the passion. They have a young dance teacher and the group are all young people (9-13 year olds) from our Wellington community. In case you didn't already know, Nova qualified (again!) to go to an international Hip Hop competition in Portugal in October. Last year they qualified also but were not able to attend. Nadal and her teacher are planning a fundraising effort here at SFDS to go towards the $200,000 they need to raise. Watch this space! We are so proud of you, Nadal!
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Caritas SINGout4JUSTICE 2023 - Winners Kāunga
Garden to table
First Holy Communion starting this coming Sunday
Daffodil day thank you!
Term 4 Sports now available on KINDO
Athletics day
Southern Zone Swimming Sports
Junior Wellington Floorball Tournament
Upcoming Important dates
PSL - Call out for Parent helpers at Ranginui Disco
PSL AGM Agenda
Sensory wall donations still needed
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
16 August 2023
16 August 2023
Kia ora koutou
I hope you are all keeping warm during these cool days. Zealandia has provided a safe haven from the cold and rain for two of our recent school trips. We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful place to visit close to our neighbourhood. This is one form of 'EOTC' (Education Outside the Classroom).
In this issue of our SFDS News...
EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom)
Garden to table
Treading the Footsteps of Mary
Daffodil day fundraiser
YCC Photo
Upcoming events
How to report an absence on hero. (Schoolzapp can now be deleted)
Artsplash Ticket update
PSL AGM Announcement
PSL SFDS Disco information
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
9 August 2023
9 August 2023
Kia ora koutou
The view of Te Waipounamu (the South Island) was very clear this morning - and seeing all of the snowing peaks on the other side of Raukawa Moana (Cook Strait) explains the cool morning! Yesterday we sadly farewelled one of our Dads - Tim Kuper. His farewell at The Pines allowed for a beautiful vista out over the moana - a fitting reminder of the many tupuna who have gone before us. The stories shared at Tim's farewell add to the story of who we are and where we come from. It is these stories we want our tamariki to learn - so that they know they are part of a long history. This is what we hope to capture in the creation of a Waharoa (gateway) here at SFDS.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Waharoa - Creatives in Schools Application
Cook Islands language Week
Baptism Reminder
The annual Wellington and Kapi Mana primary and intermediate tennis tournament
Sensory Wall Donation requests
Art splash choir tickets
School Disco SAVE THE DATE
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
02 August 2023
02 August 2023
Kia ora koutou
This week has included many opportunities for our learners to be active, with our Ranginui learners taking part in a dance session with Footsteps Dance, and a sports session with Kelly Sports. Our Papatūāunuku learners have continued with their indoor sports at Akau Tangi (previously the ASB centre), and our Tangaroa learners also enjoyed some busy activity at Akau Tangi today.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Ranginui Fractured Fairytales winners update
Mid year data report
Concerns about wellbeing
Garden to table -request for help for next Monday
Baptism Reminder
Upcoming dates updated
Kiwi Competitions - Spelling bee
Vision and Hearing Opt out link
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
26 July 2023
26 July 2023
Thank you for your support with our grandparents' day today. It was lovely to see so many grandparents visiting the classes, attending Mass and joining us for morning tea.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Refreshed Curriculum
Feast day of Joachim and Anne.
Upcoming dates updated
Game on parenting course
Kiwi Competitions - Spelling bee
Notice from Bee Healthy
Floorball
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
19 July 2023
19 July 2023
Welcome back to a new term. The Inquiry focus for this term is Science across the school, with lots of great learning planned.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Grandparents Mass - Wednesday 26 July
Invitation to Baptism
Piripono/Faithfulness
Art Splash Choir
Message from KINDO - Service fee information
School Swimming sports update and photos
New menu info from Subway
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
28 June 2023
28 June 2023
Thank you for your support with this week's Learning Conferences. We had a good turn out so there were great opportunities to discuss each child's learning progress and updates on their goals.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Year 7 & 8 Badges
Congratulations on Confirmation
What is a Sacrament? What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
Important Dates
REMINDER TEACHER ONLY DAY FRIDAY 30 JUNE School Closed
Notice from the Attendance dues team
Message from KINDO
REMINDER Term 3 - YEAR 4 - 8 SCHOOL SWIMMING SPORTS
REMINDER FREE YEAR 5/6 MINIBALL AND YEAR 7/8 BASKETBALL SIGN UP
Congratulations to Nadal and her HipHop Crew: Nova
New menu info from Subway
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
21 June 2023
21 June 2023
We are looking forward to meeting with you over the next week - for the Papatūānuku sharing this week, the Learning Conferences on Monday and Tuesday next week, and our Matariki celebration on Thursday morning at 7.30am next week. We will have soup, scrambled eggs, toast, milo and fruit to share with you all. We want to cut down on landfill waste so please bring your own mugs / spoons for your breakfast.
Staffing update
One of our teachers who is currently on parental leave, Xanthe, has now tendered her resignation from SFDS. Xanthe is very keen to return to SFDS once her pēpē is old enough for her to take up full time work. In the meantime, she will be able to be with her at her daycare, as she has taken up a part-time position there with her while she is still very young. Bébhinn has accepted our offer to remain at SFDS until the end of this year. At this time, she plans to return home to Ireland. We are very grateful and blessed to have her remaining with us for the rest of 2022. Thank you for this, Bébhinn.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Pledge!
Reminder Papatūānuku Inquiry Projects Sharing (Thursday 22 June)
Archbishop Paul Martin update
Cupcake thank you
Confirmation Saturday 24 June
Reminder Learning Conferences
Reminder Matariki Celebration
TEACHER ONLY DAY FRIDAY 30 JUNE- SCHOOL CLOSED
Congratulations
Thank you Troy McLean
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
14 June 2023
14 June 2023
Over the past week we have experienced the interruptions of Covid-19 once again. Please stay vigilant with any symptoms and look after yourselves. This week I have a few requests:
We are looking for someone to help us to repair vandalism damage to one of our beautiful mosaics. It seems that out of school hours, someone with a hard object has managed to pick away at one part of the sea in particular. If you or someone you know can help us with repairing the mosaic, please let the office team know.
In the final week of the term, the children will all be making soup - getting ready of our Matariki celebration on Thursday 29 June. If you can help the children with this in class time - peeling and chopping vegetables, please talk with your child's teacher.
We need to borrow slow cookers for our Matariki celebration. If you can loan us a slow cooker from 27-29 June, please let the office know.
Thank you for your help :)
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Maramataka - the Māori lunar calendar
Values focus: rangimārie – peace
Reminder YCC Mufti day this Friday 16 June
Compassion Cupcake day Monday 19 June
Grandparents day coming up Wednesday 26 July
Reminder Learning Conferences - Monday 26 June and Tuesday 27 June bookings available through hero.
Reminder Matariki celebration Thursday 29 June 7.30am
Swimming Sports
Interzone Cross country
FREE REGISTRATION for Miniball and Basketball Term 3
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
Kai for the Hautapu ceremony at Matariki
Damaged mosaic
7 June 2023
7 June 2023
Winter has really hit this week! It is good to see the tamariki arriving at our kura in their warm, winter layers - even though they might be telling you they are not cold! Our building work is almost complete - with the builders and roofers finishing off the final work now.
With two big events coming up, I hope to see many of you in and around school - for our Learning Conferences and our Matariki celebration both in the last week. Please check out the events page to see more.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Animated movies
Kei te Pehea Koe? How are you?
Values focus: rangimārie – peace
A compassion cupcake
Reminder Dont forget to book your child/rens Learning Conferences - for more information please see post from 31 May 2023
Save the date for the SFDS Matariki Celebration 7:30am on the 29th June
Mini and Basketball term 3 now open on KINDO
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
31 May 2023
31 May 2023
Thank you for your support today in relation to allowing teachers to attend their paid union meeting. I acknowledge that this would have been inconvenient for many.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Structured literacy
Reporting through Hero
Papatūānuku Learning News!
Confirmation
YCC Mufti day Friday 16 June
Reminder:Learning Conferences 26th and 27th June
Vision and Hearing
Winter illness
Southern Zone Cross Country Results
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
24 May 2023
24 May 2023
A big welcome to our new ākonga / learners who have joined our kura / school this week. Nau mai, haere mai! We hold a school Mihi Whakatau near the beginning of each term to welcome our new ākonga and their whānau to our kura.
There has been a great deal of action in the building work at school too. When replacing a section of roof, our builders recognised that our uniform shop has been letting in water for many years. You may have noticed that the exterior walls have been stripped, and drainage trenches have been created so that this problem can be rectified. Unfortunately this means that our uniform shop sales have been disrupted. Thank you to our volunteers - Tamanda, Lauren and Mary for your patience while this urgent remedial work is carried out. Also thank you to our parents and caregivers who are waiting for uniform orders to be supplied.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Talent Quest
Reminder: Learning Conferences
Midwinter Hui for Staff: 30 June
Te Reo Māori
Pentecost Sunday
Reminder: St Madeleine Sophie's School Reunion
Notice from Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa
Notice from New Zealand Catholic Education Office
No new updates this week
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
17 May 2023
17 May 2023
It has been a tragic week in various parts of the country - with the caving tragedy and children's deaths up north - and the fire closer to home. We keep all of the families of these people who have lost their lives in our prayers. We especially pray for people who are suffering from loss in our own community.
Yesterday I was visited by Jan Coleman, who is from the Education Review Office (ERO). She and I have met several times this year as part of the national review process for schools. We are up to the final stages of the review, which is focussed on the implementation of Hero for evaluation of learner progress and reporting to families. I am really looking forward to sharing this with you later in the year.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Learning Conferences
Garden to table
Pink Shirt day this coming Friday!
Message from the Attendance Dues Team
Thank you
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
10 May 2023
10 May 2023
Today our Ranginui syndicate is off at Te Papa as part of their inquiry. Thank you to the parents/guardians who supported this trip as parent-helpers. Short breaks in the rain, and plenty of sunshine, has been helpful to allow the children some breaks outside. Please 'save the date' for a Matariki celebration we are planning later in the term, early in the morning on Thursday 29 June, while it is still dark. Thank you to Haley, who is helping us with this celebration of the new year in the Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). More information will be sent out soon.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Supporting children's social and emotional learning
Restraint policy
Retirement of Cardinal John
Information regarding School donations and payments
Kiwi Competitions
Cross Country Results
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
03 May 2023
03 May 2023
This morning we enjoyed a wonderful celebration of children's health and fitness with our school cross country! The weather treated us well also. Thank you to the many parents and guardians who turned up to support their child, and especially to parents who helped us to run the event safely.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Te Ahu o te reo Māori
Jemma off to Camp America for 10 weeks
Sacramental Program update
Helpers needed
St Catherine's College Open day information
Ezy lunch Mothers' Day competition
Cross Country
Ngā mihi nui
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
26 April 2023
26 April 2023
Tēnā koutou e te whānau
Welcome to a new term of learning at SFDS! The children settled in well today and got right back into their classroom routines. The bitter southern wind gave us all a cool welcome this morning. A special thank you to our road patrol team for supporting safe crossings in the morning! We have a busy term planned, with cross country and winter sports thrown into the mix.
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Goals for reading
Good Friday
ANZAC day reflections
St Catherine's College Open day information
Ezy lunch Mothers' Day competition
School cross country information
Ngā mihi nui
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
5 April 2023
5 April 2023
Kia ora e te whānau,
Thank you very much for your support over the past term. We are journeying through Holy Week with your children. The tamariki are all tired and will benefit from a good break from the daily school routine over the next two weeks. Thank you also to the staff, who have provided a vibrant learning journey through this term.
School finishes Thursday 6th April at 3:00pm
Have a happy holiday and we will see you all back at school on Wednesday 26 April (after the teacher only day and Anzac Day).
In this issue of our SFDS News...
Impacts of Childhood Trauma
Te Reo Me Ōna Tikanga Māori
Year 7&8 Camp
Holy Week
Hui for Whānau of ākonga Māori
Talanoa Night
Car parking
Year 5/6 Players needed
Ngā mihi nui
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
31 March 2023
31 March 2023
Kia ora e te whānau,
****New Parish Newsletter ****
Ngā mihi nui
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
22 March 2023
22 March 2023
Kia ora e te whānau,
As we move into the cooler months, we are experiencing some of the sicknesses that often pop up during the change in seasons. We have also had staff members contracting Covid for the second time. Please look after yourselves, and keep an eye out for sneezes, coughs and headaches. Please keep your child(ren) home if they are not well. Thank you.
Hero Access for Grandparents
We have recently been asked by a grandparent to provide access to Hero. At the moment, Hero is only being used for admin and communication. However, later this year all student reporting will be shared through Hero also. You may wish to give your family members access to your child’s Hero account so that they can celebrate their learning, and receive school notices, etc. We can do this for you on request. Please contact the office: office@sfds.school.nz.
In this issue of our SFDS News
Understanding how maths is taught - is this really a new idea, or a return to how our grandparents learned?
New awards presented at school hui
Information on School photos!
Miniball and Basketball Sign up information
Munch Eco Shop
Ngā mihi nui
Mary-Angela Tombs
principal@sfds.school.nz
Page updated
Report abuse