Principal's Message

It is wonderful to be back at St Anthony’s after spending 10 weeks at St Christopher’s Holsworthy. It was a valuable and rewarding experience and I learned a great deal during my time there. Thank you to our parents, staff and students for the warm welcome on my return. I would also like to extend my thanks to Mrs Marie Iorfino for her leadership during my absence and to Mrs Leanna Langlands and Ms Giselle Stinson for their support in ensuring the continued smooth running of the school. 

It was a joy to see our students return last week with their beautiful smiles and enthusiasm for learning. Term 4 is always a busy and exciting term, with many special events and celebrations taking place. Please take a moment to review the Dates to Remember section of the newsletter and add these important dates to your calendar so you can join us for the activities planned.

This week and next, we are delighted to welcome our new Kindergarten families to orientation and to meet our future Kindergarten students for 2027. It is always exciting to see the next generation of learners beginning their journey with us. Among these young children are future teachers, doctors, lawyers, scientists, mathematicians, artists, musicians, creative thinkers, philosophers and perhaps even professionals whose careers have not yet been imagined.

Our Kindergarten students of 2027 will graduate from St Anthony’s in 2033 and complete Year 12 in 2039. We look forward to partnering with their families as they begin this exciting educational journey and become part of our St Anthony’s family.

October is the Month of Mary 

The month of October each year is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. It was instituted to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary in gratitude for the protection that she gives the Church in answer to the praying of the Rosary.

We keep the Hull family in our prayers following the passing of Margaret Hull, beloved grandmother of Aidan and Alessia.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

As a school community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Hull family at this difficult time and pray that they find comfort and strength in the love and support of family, friends and faith.

Staff Development Day: Supporting Gifted Learners Through the Newman Program

At our Staff Development Day last Monday, teachers participated in professional learning focused on the Newman Selective Gifted Education Program, a unique initiative of Sydney Catholic Schools designed to support gifted learners through a holistic approach to education.

The session explored how giftedness can be expressed in a variety of ways, including intellectual, creative, social, emotional and physical domains. Staff developed a deeper understanding of how to identify and nurture gifted students while ensuring their academic, social, emotional and spiritual needs are met. The Newman Program is distinctive because it focuses on the development of the whole child. Rather than relying solely on academic test results, it recognises that giftedness can be demonstrated in many different ways and seeks to ensure all gifted students have opportunities to realise their full potential. This professional learning reinforces our commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive and challenging learning opportunities for all students and ensuring that every child is supported to grow, achieve and thrive.

I extend my thanks to Marie Iorfino and Leanna Langlands for their expertise and leadership in planning and facilitating this professional learning day. Their efforts provided staff with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of how we can continue to support and challenge our gifted learners as we prepare for our transition to a Newman School in 2027.

Children's Week 2026

From 24 October to 1 November, we celebrate Children's Week 2026, a special time to recognise and celebrate the rights, talents, achievements and contributions of children across Australia. This year's national theme is based on Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child:

"Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion."

This important message reminds us to value and respect the rich diversity within our school community and to ensure every child feels a sense of belonging, identity and pride in who they are. Children's Week reminds us that every child has the right to learn, play, be heard and thrive. It encourages us to reflect on our shared responsibility to nurture, support and empower young people as they grow into confident, compassionate and capable members of society.

At St Anthony's, we are privileged to witness the unique gifts of our students each day. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, through the arts, leadership opportunities or acts of kindness towards others, our students continually inspire us with their creativity, curiosity and generosity of spirit.

At the heart of Children's Week is Universal Children's Day, which reminds us of the importance of upholding the dignity and rights of all children, particularly those who may face disadvantage or barriers to opportunity. Together, we can help ensure every child feels safe, valued, respected and loved.

We thank our parents, carers and staff for the vital role they play in supporting our children and helping them flourish. By working together, we continue to create a community where every child can reach their full potential and experience the joy of childhood.

Term 2 PTS Conferences and Term 4 Meetings

It is an expectation that all Sydney Catholic Schools provide one mandatory parent/teacher meeting time during the year. This is always held at the end of Term 2. Parents and Carers are always welcome to make an appointment to see their child’s teacher at any point of the year. You do not need to wait until the end of Term 2 or Term 4 to meet with your child’s teacher. 

In regards to Term 4 Parent/Teacher Meetings, these are not mandatory and are simply an ‘optional meeting’ that you may choose to arrange with your child’s teacher. If required, I really encourage you to organise a meeting with your child’s teacher/s during the year rather than waiting until the end of the year. There will not be formal parent/teacher meeting times at the end of Term 4.

Year 6 Religious Education Test

All Year 6 students from Sydney Catholic Schools sat the Religious Education Test last week (Wednesday 14 October). Congratulations to our Year 6 students who worked hard to prepare for the test. 

Lost property

Please ensure that you label your child’s uniform, including jumpers, hats, etc. It makes it challenging to locate the owner of items if they have not been labelled with your child’s name. If you have purchased second-hand uniforms, please change the name on the clothing to your child’s name. I appreciate your assistance with this as it helps to reduce the number of unclaimed items. Lost items are stored in a basket in the school uniform shop.

World Teachers' Day 2026

On Friday 30 October, we join schools across Australia in celebrating World Teachers' Day and recognising the extraordinary contribution teachers make to the lives of children every day. At St Anthony's, we are blessed to have dedicated teachers who inspire curiosity, nurture confidence, encourage creativity and help each child reach their potential. Their commitment extends far beyond the classroom, supporting students academically, socially and spiritually as they grow.

This year's theme, "Shine a Light", encourages us to recognise and celebrate the moments when teachers have made a difference in our lives. We invite our families and students to take a moment to thank a teacher who has inspired, supported or encouraged them along the way. 

On behalf of our school community, I extend my sincere thanks to all our teachers for the passion, dedication and care they bring to their work each day. We are grateful for the difference they make in the lives of our students and families.

To our teachers:

Thank you for your patience when days are difficult.

Thank you for your creativity when resources are limited.

Thank you for your care, encouragement and belief in every child.

Thank you for the difference you make that may never fully be seen.

Walk with Christ

You are warmly invited to join the annual Walk with Christ Eucharistic Procession on Sunday 22 November 2026, the Feast of Christ the King.

This special event is a public witness of faith and an opportunity for Catholics across Sydney to come together in prayer and worship as we journey with the Blessed Sacrament through the city streets.

Event Details

• Festival: 1:00pm, Martin Place

• Procession Begins: 2:30pm

• Starting Point: Corner of Martin Place and Pitt Street

Families are encouraged to attend this inspiring celebration as we unite with thousands of Catholics from across the Archdiocese in proclaiming our faith and devotion to Christ.

To help prepare spiritually for this event, the resource Walking with Christ: A Companion for Eucharistic Renewal is available on the Eucharist28 website: https://www.eucharist28.org/parishes/walking-with-christ-companion

We hope many of our families can join this meaningful celebration of faith and community.

Week 1 Assembly - Congratulations to the award recipients!

ST ANTHONY'S CLOVELLY - ENROLLING NOW

We are accepting enrolments for Kindergarten 2027.  If you know of families wishing to enrol at St Anthony's Clovelly or you have a sibling you would like to enrol please visit our school website:https://staclovelly.syd.catholic.edu.au/enrolment/enrol-now