This week, we celebrate two wonderful students, Princess and Cat, who received their First Holy Communion on Sunday. Congratulations to both of you on this important step in your faith journey! If any parents are interested in having their child participate in next year’s baptism or sacramental programs, please reach out to me by email.
We had a fabulous retreat for our Year 6 and 7 students last week, filled with team-building activities and meaningful moments, setting the foundation for them to step into their roles as our 2025 intermediate leaders. It was a time of growth, reflection, and lots of fun!
A huge congratulations to our athletes who represented our school so well at the recent Cluster Athletics, and good luck to those heading to the South Wairarapa Athletics event on Monday—we’ll all be cheering for you!
Next week, we’re excited to welcome Harold and the Life Education Bus to St Teresa’s, where students will have the chance to learn more about health and wellbeing in a unique, interactive way.
I’d also like to extend a big thank you to our community for your patience with the ongoing school renovations and additional roadworks on Bell Street. Your understanding and support have been greatly appreciated as we work towards enhancing our school facilities.
Lastly, a reminder that student places for 2025 are filling up fast! If you have friends, family or siblings interested in enrolling, please encourage them to get in touch as soon as possible. We are currently operating a non-preference waiting list.
Ngā mihi nui
Lindsey
We’re committed to ensuring every student feels valued, comfortable, and supported as they transition into the new year. Starting on Thursday, November 28th, students will begin a gentle transition to their 2025 classes. Each week, they’ll spend an afternoon in their new classroom, getting to know their teacher and classmates through fun, low-demand activities that focus on building relationships. At St Teresa's, we value a supported transition, recognising that it helps students feel less anxious, more confident and connected.
As a small school, we’re fortunate that our teachers know all students well, allowing us to support each child in ways that reflect their unique needs and personality. If your child has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), you’ll have an opportunity to meet with their new teacher to discuss goals and begin building a positive relationship with your whānau.
In 2025, you may notice a slight shift in the organisation of year groups. This change is due to the varying sizes of our student cohorts. We’re also excited to introduce Waiorongomai as a Reception class, where students will begin their school journey and gradually join Wairarapa as they’re ready.
Adding to the excitement, we’re thrilled to announce that the current library block will be transformed over the summer into two beautiful new junior rooms, connected by a versatile maker space! This means some of our existing classrooms will be on the move during the summer break, making way for these fantastic new learning areas. We’re looking forward to seeing the wonderful new spaces in 2025 and all the opportunities they’ll create for our students.
We need your voice! Please take just 5 minutes to complete our Health Survey.
Every two years, we seek input from our school community to ensure our Health and Physical Education programmes align with your expectations and needs. This survey is an important Ministry of Education requirement, and your feedback directly shapes the way we teach these vital topics.
The survey covers seven key areas of learning: mental health, sexuality education (focused on pubertal change for Years 7 and 8), food and nutrition, body care and physical safety, physical activity, sport studies, and outdoor education.
Your responses are invaluable to us, so please take a moment to share your thoughts.
Thank you for helping us create the best learning experience for our students.
Friends of St Teresa's
***ORDERS CLOSE ON TUESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER***
We are excited to announce our latest fundraising initiative – a Wine Fundraiser to support our school community! For each case of wine purchased, $40.00 will be donated to the Friends of St Teresa’s Association to assist with general fundraising efforts that benefit our students and school programs.
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some great wine while also contributing to the continued success of St Teresa’s School. Whether you’re stocking up for the holiday season or sharing a gift with friends, your support will make a meaningful difference.
**How to participate:**
1. Place your order for some bottles of wine. Paper copies in bags!
2. Email the order sheet to the Fosta team or hand it in at the office.
3. Share with your friends and family - even on social media!
We truly appreciate your generosity and support in helping us continue to provide enriching experiences for our students.
For more details or to place an order, please get in touch with fosta@teresas.school.nz
As the weather heats up please make sure your child has a water bottle, sun hat and sunscreen.
Students who are not wearing a pōtae (hat) will need to stay in the shade during outdoor learning, PE and at break times. Help your tamariki to fully participate in learning and play by providing a sun hat.
Ngā mihi
We’re thrilled to welcome four new children to our Transition to School programme! They’ve been settling in wonderfully, enthusiastically participating in all our activities. It’s a joy to have them as part of our school whānau and we can't wait for them to join Waiorongomai in 2025!
If you have friends or whānau who are considering enrolling their 4 year old at St T's, let them know about our Transition to School programme. They are very welcome to join us every Thursday afternoon.
Another fantastically fun stay was had by all!
Due to ongoing building works at the school, our Holiday Hub Club will not be running over the summer break this year. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to your holiday plans and appreciate your understanding. We’re excited to welcome all students back to an improved school environment once the work is completed. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore alternative holiday activity options available in the community. Thank you for your continued support.
Netball Feedback
Greytown, Featherston, Martinborough & Tuhirangi Netball Clubs are seeking feedback on the 2024 netball season run on a Saturday at Kuranui College.
Even if your child does not currently play netball or has only played in the Masterton competition this season, we would really appreciate you taking a couple minutes to fill out this survey anyway to help us with the future of Netball in the South Wairarapa.
Contact Us
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/