St Teresa's School Newsletter

We’re now well into Term 2, and it’s been great to see students engaged in their learning and school life, even as the windy weather settles in.

Last week we acknowledged Catholic Schools Day—a chance to reflect on the shared purpose of Catholic education across Aotearoa. We appreciated the opportunity to come together with other parish schools for Mass and activities that strengthened our connections.

Pentecost is this weekend, marking the end of the Easter season and a moment to reflect on the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As a school, we continue to encourage the values of service, kindness, and courage in our everyday actions.

Finally, a reminder that school is closed tomorrow—Friday 6th June—for our Ministry of Education Curriculum Day. Our staff will be joining other local schools to explore and unpack the new Mathematics curriculum together.

Ngā mihi,
Lindsey Dailly
Tumuaki

Monday 9th June

Tākitimu Technology

Pentecost Liturgy

Tuesday 10th June

Wairarapa Cross Country

Board Meeting

Wednesday 11th June

Kuranui Open Day - Year 8s

Thursday 12th June

Cross Country postponement day

Friday 13th May

Wairarapa Assembly 9am

Monday 16th June

Tākitimu Technology

Thursday 19th June

Matariki Disco Juniors 4pm - 5pm Seniors 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Kuranui Open Evening 7pm

Friday 20th June

School Closed - Matariki

Kia ora parents and caregivers,

I'm delighted to let you know that St Teresa’s School photographs are now available to view and order online. Please use the link below to access the gallery and locate your child’s album:

🔗 View Photos

Password: Your child's surname (with a capital first letter). If you’d prefer a more secure password, feel free to email me and I can update it right away. If you have trouble accessing the gallery, I’m happy to assist.

Photo Options and Pricing:

🖼️ Individual / Studio / Sibling Prints:

• 5x7 inches – $14

• 6x8 inches – $20

• 8x10 inches – $28

👫 Class Group Photo Prints:

• Standard (11x5 inches) – $18

• Large (14x6 inches) – $30

💻 Digital Files (emailed to you):

• Individuals / Studio / Sibling – $13 each or 3 for $38

• Class Digital Group – $18

How to Order:

1. Open your child’s album and click on one of their photos.

2. Click "Buy Photo".

3. Use the "Packages" tab for the $38 digital package or the "Items" tab to select individual items (including class photo prints).

Payment Details:
Please transfer your payment to:

Account Name: Lisa Preston
Account Number: 02-0500-0971452-001
Reference: Your child’s name + St Teresas

⚠️ Note: Some banks may not verify the account name due to recent security changes, but as long as the number is correct, your payment will go through. Credit card payments are not available at this time. Cash payments (correct change only) can be dropped off at the school office.

Order Deadline for Printed Photos:
🗓️ Wednesday, 11 June 2025

📧 Lisa Preston – smile@lisaprestonphotography.co.nz

Last week, our Tākitimu students had the opportunity to attend the National Young Leaders Day (NYLD) at St James Theatre in Wellington. NYLD is Aotearoa’s largest leadership event for primary and intermediate students, aiming to inspire and empower young leaders through engaging talks and activities. (nyldnz.org, nyldnz.org)

The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers who shared their personal journeys and insights on leadership:

• Cam Calkoen: A professional speaker and adventurer who, despite being born with cerebral palsy, has achieved remarkable feats like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. He emphasized the power of dreaming big and turning challenges into opportunities. (nyldnz.org)

• Elisa Harley: At just 18, Elisa is the CEO of Enivo Pots, a company producing biodegradable plant pots. She discussed innovation and sustainability, encouraging students to pursue their ideas passionately. (nyldnz.org)

• Jase Te Patu: An international keynote speaker and wellbeing advocate, Jase shared practical tools rooted in mātauranga Māori to help students navigate challenges and lead with empathy. (nyldnz.org)

Our students returned inspired, with new perspectives on leadership and a renewed commitment to making positive contributions within our school and the wider community.

Welcome to Maddie Rout, our new Hub Club supervisor! Our fabulous support staff will join Maddie to bring you all the usual fun in our safe and caring environment.

BOOKINGS JULY 2025

• Monday 30th June 2025 - Friday 11th July 2025

• 8.30 am to 3.30 pm

• $40 per day (full days only)

• Open to all children in Years 1-8

• Places are limited to 20 children per session

• OSCAR accredited

Bookings are open until 3pm Friday 27th June 2025 and all payments must be made before the start of the programme. Your booking will only be confirmed once payment is received.

For more information about the OSCAR subsidy CLICK HERE

On Tuesday 20 May, a group of senior students attended the South Wairarapa Netball tournament. This year we were excited to take four teams. The teams all played well and showed the famous St Teresa's kindness both on and off the court. A huge thank you to our amazing helpers on the day; Cheryl, Koran, Leah, Whaea Mills and Louise. These events would not be possible without your support.

As winter sets in, it's important to ensure our school remains a healthy environment for everyone. Health New Zealand advises that children should stay home if they are unwell, particularly if they exhibit symptoms such as:

• Fever

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Persistent coughing

• Unusual tiredness or irritability(thesun.co.uk)

These symptoms can indicate contagious illnesses, and keeping children at home helps prevent the spread to others.

If you're uncertain about whether your child should attend school, consult your GP or call Healthline at 0800 611 116 for advice.(info.health.nz)

For more detailed information, please refer to Health New Zealand's guidance for parents:
👉 Is your child well enough to go to school?

Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy school environment during the winter months.

Change and loss are a natural part of life, but they can be challenging for children to navigate. Seasons for Growth is a small-group programme designed to help young people understand and respond well to experiences of change, loss, and grief.

This programme is suitable for children who have faced changes such as family separation, the loss of a loved one or pet, moving to a new home, friendship changes, or other significant life events. Through discussions, activities, and peer support, children will develop emotional resilience, coping skills, and a sense of belonging.

Lindsey, our principal, will be running Seasons for Growth in Term 3. If you feel this programme would benefit your child, please contact principal@teresas.school.nz to enrol.

School Board Elections are taking place in Term 3, and we warmly encourage members of our school community to consider standing for election. Being part of the Board is a meaningful way to contribute to the governance and future direction of our school. We are looking for people who reflect the diversity and values of our community and are passionate about supporting our tamariki to thrive.

If you’re curious about what’s involved, you are very welcome to attend our next Board meeting on Tuesday 10th June at 6pm to get a feel for how the meetings run and the kinds of discussions we have. If you're interested in standing or would like to nominate yourself, please get in touch with Zoe in the office for more information. We’d love to see some new faces stepping forward!

Email: office@teresas.school.nz
Website: https://www.teresas.school.nz/
Location: St Teresa's School Bell Street, Featherston, New Zealand
Phone: 06 308 9064
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/St-Teresas-Featherston/100057033717170/