St Teresa's School Newsletter

As we begin Term 2, we do so with a deep sense of reflection and respect. This past week, we were saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis, a shepherd of compassion, justice, and faith. We remember his life of service and prayerfully reflect on his legacy.

Today we take a moment to honour the brave men and women who served and sacrificed in war for the freedoms we enjoy today. ANZAC Day reminds us of the enduring power of peace, courage, and unity. We offer a prayer for all those affected by war, both past and present, and ask God to guide us as people of peace, compassion, and justice.

Thank you to the students who represented our school so beautifully at the Featherston ANZAC Day service. You showed such dignity and respect, and we are incredibly proud of the way you carried our St Teresa’s values into the community.

We are so excited to be launching into a brand new term filled with energy, learning, and creativity! One of our key projects this term is He Māra, where we will begin expanding our St Teresa’s Garden area. Each class will take on the responsibility of developing part of our māra, guided by our Enviro Schools kaupapa. This is a wonderful opportunity for our tamariki to connect with nature, learn through action, and help create a special, sustainable space for everyone to enjoy.

Later in the term, we’ll be diving into preparations for our school production: What’s The Crime, Mr Wolf? This promises to be a fun, musical mystery and a great chance for all students to shine on stage.

Another exciting milestone is the reopening of our newly renovated junior classrooms! These beautiful new spaces are ready to welcome our youngest learners, and we warmly invite parents and whānau to pop in, explore, and celebrate this transformation with us.

Featherston Booktown is a beloved event in our community, and we’ll be joining in the fun with a special Book Character Dress-Up Day! Start thinking about your favourite book characters—we can’t wait to see the creativity come to life!

Here’s to a joyful, purposeful, and connected Term 2. Let’s journey together in faith, learning, and love.

Ngā mihi nui,
Lindsey Dailly, Tumuaki

Monday 28th April

Term 2 Starts

Tuesday 29th April

Photo Day

Wednesday 30th April

Cross Country Training Starts

Thursday 1st May

Mihi Whakatau

Friday 2nd May

Assembly Tākitimu 9am

Monday 5th May

New Zealand Sign Language Week

Tuesday 6th May

Board Meeting 6pm

Wednesday 7th May

Basketball Starts

Friday 9th May

Book Character Dress-Up Day

Booktown Opening Night Kapa Haka

Saturday 10th May

St Teresa's Booktown Market

Sunday 11th May

Mother's Day

Booktown

Say Cheese!

Term 2 is shaping up to be full of fantastic fundraising opportunities! Each class will be taking part in the Booktown Marketplace, raising funds for exciting class trips and valuable classroom resources. FOSTA will be supporting teachers and students with their class stalls, helping to make this event a success for everyone.

We’ll also be bringing the fun to the Matariki Disco, with a Snack Shack, face painting, and temporary tattoos for our tamariki to enjoy.

Our biggest focus this term is gearing up for the Spring Gala — a major highlight on our school calendar, and we’re already buzzing with ideas and excitement!

If you’d like to join the FOSTA team or lend a hand at any of our upcoming events, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at fosta@teresas.school.nz.

As we prepare for our Spring Gala, we’re looking for donations of plastic pots for our plant stall. If you have any spare pots at home, big or small, we’d love to put them to good use!

Please drop them off at the school office at your convenience.

If you have green fingers and would like to donate plants for our Gala please let us know fosta@teresas.school.nz

Thank you for your support! 🌱🌸

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 2. If you feel this programme would benefit your child, please contact principal@teresas.school.nz to enrol.

Students may join us from 8am in the quad for our complimentary breakfast club. Please note this is not a general drop off time. Students attending breakfast club must stay in the Hub or Quad. Classrooms are closed to students and whānau until 8.30am to allow our staff time to prepare for the day. If you wish to meet with your child's teacher please text or email them to make an appointment.

If you would like your child to take part in this year’s Sacramental Programme, please email: principal@teresas.school.nz

This special programme is open to students in Years 4–8 who have been baptised in the Catholic Church and are ready to continue their faith journey through the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion.

Sessions will begin in the first week of Term 2.

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/