From the Principal

Dear St Anthony's Families,

As we are nearly at the middle of the Term, we take some time to reflect on what this year has already brought and the exciting time ahead. 

Loving God,

You are the beginning and the end, and you walk with us through every season of our lives.

We thank you for our Year 6 students, who are nearing the end of their time at St Anthony’s.

As they enjoy these final weeks together, help them to treasure the friendships and memories they have made. Bless them as they prepare for new places and new challenges.

We welcome our new Prep students and their families, who are beginning their journey with us. Bless them with courage, curiosity and kindness as they learn and make new friends.

Help us to trust that every ending holds a promise and every beginning is a gift.

Through the intercession of St Anthony, our patron, guide us in all we do.

We ask this in the name of Jesus,

Amen.

World Teachers Day

Today we celebrate World Teachers' Day and the dedicated staff who teach, guide and care for our students every day. Our teachers give so much beyond the classroom and their commitment to each child’s learning and wellbeing is something we are very grateful for. Thank you to our PFA, especially Iskra and Linda for the wonderful morning tea for the staff yesterday. It was a beautiful surprise and very much appreciated.

Melbourne Cup Weekend No School Monday & Tuesday

Please remember that on Monday 2 November and Tuesday 3 November there is NO school. Students return on Wednesday 4 November. 

Crossing

Nicole (President of the SAC) and I met with Jacob Mystakidis from the department of Transport and Planning last week. 

Mr Mystakidis promised us some upgrades to the Grange / Neerim rds intersection: 

1. A further delayed start for motorists when the pedestrian lights are activated. This reduces the likelihood of car crossing in front of pedestrians. 
2. The delayed (were due in April) electronic '40' signs along Neerim Rd are coming but when, is still up in the air. They will include our intersection.  
3. A red turning arrow might be added to the lights (currently only yellow and green)
4. We are requesting a 'kiss and go zone' (1 minute drop off zone) outside our school gate on Neerim Rd during no stopping hours.

Please always hold your child’s hand and model safe behaviour near the school and when crossing the road. 

2027 Preps Transition Days

We are looking forward to welcoming our 2027 Prep students to St Anthony’s for their 3 transition days on 10, 19 and 24 November. These sessions help children become familiar with their classroom, meet their teachers and make new friends before starting school. Parents and carers are invited to some parent sessions and social gatherings. If you know a family who has not yet enrolled and might be interested, please encourage them to contact the office for a tour and a conversation.

Allergies and Anaphylaxis

The safety of every child is our priority. St Anthony’s is an anaphylaxis aware school, and we ask all families to help by being mindful of the food they send to school.  

If your child has a diagnosed allergy, please make sure the school has an up-to-date Allergy or Anaphylaxis Action Plan signed by your doctor and in-date medication such as an EpiPen. Please contact the office if your child’s needs have changed or you have any questions.

Italian Day

What a wonderful Italian Day we had! Students and staff enjoyed a day full of language, culture and food, and the community spirit was a joy to see. A huge thank you to Dolce House Gelato, at 225 Tucker Road, McKinnon for the delicious gelato that made the day so special. Thank you also to our Italian teacher, Signora Di Camillo, our staff and the parent helpers who made the day possible. Grazie mille! Find the photos here

Focus on Learning: Reading Instruction 

Learning to read is one of the most important things we teach at St Anthony’s. Our approach is based on the evidence of how children learn best, with explicit and systematic teaching of phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. 

UFLI is an explicit and systematic program that teaches students the foundational skills necessary for proficient reading. It follows a carefully developed scope and sequence designed to ensure that students systematically acquire each skill needed and learn to apply each skill with automaticity and confidence.

School Fees

A friendly reminder that the school fees for 2026 are now due. If you haven't made an arrangement with the school, please come and do so. We are here to help. 

2027 Fees will come out soon. 

In partnership,

Ru