Assistant Principal's  Message

Wellbeing: 

When my children were little they used to remind me that to love.....is to see. 

They need to feel noticed.

Not just when they do something big or impressive, but in the quiet, ordinary moments too.

During story time, I often paused and say things like, “I love spending time with you.”

I used to remind them, “You’re a great learner” or “You have a superpower for figuring things out.”

It’s nothing fancy. Just words. But they matter.

This week’s parenting guide has more simple, meaningful phrases like that—things you can say throughout the day to help your child feel safe, seen, and deeply loved. 

The Plant-astic Presentation

Years 2-6 Student presentations and open afternoon

Students in Years K-6 will choose a Plant to research that integrates Reading, Writing, Geography, History, Science and Languages in a fun way. Each student will choose a plant to study and research for the next 8 weeks. They will be responsible for understanding the geography of the land, the climate, the plant features, and some fun facts...etc...that make it unique.

During Term 2, Week 9, each student will present their plant in any form they choose (e-books/ song/ poem/ booth board/ video/ story/ drama play/ dress up/ slide presentation/ drawing/ sculpture/ artwork/ build a model/ cardboard presentation/growing of plant/ diorama) to the rest of their class.

On Monday, 30th June - Week 10 @ 2:15 pm, we will have an open afternoon for parents and carers to visit and see what great talent and academic abilities we have at St Anthony's School in Years 2-6.

LINK: The Plant-astic Presentation

International Competitions & Assessments for Schools (ICAS)

ICAS is a series of competition assessments, set at a challenging level, which focuses on problem solving skills. Students who sit ICAS are asked to demonstrate a deeper, integrated, and thorough level of learning. The assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment.

ICAS assessments can serve as a valuable tool for parents to gain insights into their child's academic performance, make informed decisions about their education, and support their learning journey effectively.

The exams are available to students in Years 2 to 6. The test will be administered BEFORE SCHOOL at 7:45 am in the Year 2 classroom and will be supervised by Mrs Iorfino.

The following table shows the exams and the dates on which the exams are held. The cost per test is indicated below.

In 2025 students have the opportunity to participate in the following subjects:

Please note: ICAS assessments have a strict testing window and if a student is absent on the designated day of testing, it may not be possible for them to complete the test.

If you would like your child to participate in any of the subjects listed above, please visit the online Parent Payment System to make a direct payment. The Parent Payment System is a simple and secure online payment service specifically for parents to purchase ICAS Assessments. Please note, we cannot facilitate refunds or make alterations as all money is paid directly to ICAS Assessments. 

Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition. Every student will receive a printed certificate and an online result report. Top performers will be eligible for medals.

IMPORTANT:  Please enter your child’s name accurately into the System as this is how it will appear on their ICAS certificate.

2025 Staff Development Days (Pupil-Free Days)

Each year, Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) provides time for Staff Development Days (SDD) which provides professional learning time for all staff. With the introduction of the new English and Mathematics Syllabus' in 2023 (K-2) and 2024 (Years 3-6) and the implementation of other syllabi within the next two years, SCS has provided the following days in 2025. 

Blessings,

Marie Iorfino

Assistant Principal