" Every child matters. Every moment counts!"

Dear Families

This is the second last newsletter for this year. Thank you for taking the time to read the pages that follow.

SAC 2026

Last week the SAC AGM was held online. We welcomed Liz Serafin who is the new member to the group. Nicole Seddon will remain Chairperson and Oksana Ilker will continue as Secretary. All other members will remain and we are grateful that they will continue with their responsibilities and advice giving. Thank you!

PFA

The PFA AGM was held on Tuesday and the 2026 committee members continue as follows:

Elena Kelly will continue as Secretary, Iskra Petrova as Treasurer and all the remaining members will continue the amazing work that has been carried out over the year.

The President position was unable to be formalised. This is an important position that can be shared as has been done over the last number of years. The committee members support each other and the events that are held but formally the position is needed. On behalf of the committee I ask that if anyone would like to share this role please let one of the committee members know. A special meeting will be held at the start of the school year to complete the committee.

Carols Night on The Green Friday 5 December.

The night will begin with a BYO Picnic dinner starting at 6.00pm. The PFA will have a Sausage Sizzle, soft drinks and Snow Cones for sale. All children need to be seated by 6.20pm so that Carols can start at 6.30pm. Please bring along any family members and friends to singalong with the children dressed in Christmas colours.

Travelling Cribs

Fr Pat once again invites our families to have a personal experience at home celebrating the true meaning of Christmas in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The cribs are available to take home for two nights with special prayers and stories that can be shared within the family. Please let the office staff know and they will add you to the roster.

Mental Health in Primary Schools

Mental Health in Primary Schools, or MHiPS, is a partnership between the Centre for Community Child Health at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne.

Children’s mental health is fundamental to their development and learning. Good mental health means having a positive sense of wellbeing, coping with challenges and being able to realise individual potential.

Developed by pediatricians, educators, psychologists, researchers, and teachers, the Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) initiative upskills experienced teachers to become Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders and aims to increase the capacity of Victorian primary schools to support the mental health of their students. We have been fortunate to receive funds to have the initiative as part of our wellbeing program starting 2026 for two years. Melanie Norton will take on this leadership role and support the school.

The role of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWL) is to build the capability of the whole school with regard to mental health and wellbeing, provide support to staff to better identify and support students with mental health needs, establish clear pathways for referral for students requiring assessment and intervention, and monitor and evaluate student progress. The role was specifically established as a coordination function to support educators in the classroom and to provide a crucial link to resources external to the school.

School structure for 2026

I would like present to you the school structure for next year:

Acting Principal - Ru Lameijn
Deputy Principal - Loretto Campbell
Prep - Sarah O'Hara & Linda Di Camillo (Mon)
Year One & Two - Melanie Norton
Year Three & Four - Tim O'Mahoney + Marie Georgiadis (Thurs & Fri)
Year Five & Six - Marie Casey + Linda Di Camillo (Fri)
Specialists:
- LOTE Italian - Linda Di Camillo
- DigiTech - Loretto Campbell
- PE - John Mitchell
- Art - Lisa Douglas
Positions of Leadership:
- Mental Health in Primary Schools Leader - Melanie Norton
- Curriculum and Education in Faith - Tim O'Mahoney
- Student Diversity - Belinda Hesse
Administration Officer - Tracey Birthisel
Learning Support Officers: Liz Martello, Jo Kirkham, Luisa Henderson, Carla Whitfield, Vesna Simic

Acting Principal's Welcome

On Tuesday a special assembly was held to introduce and welcome Mr Ru Lameijn into our school as Acting Principal for 2026. He is looking forward to beginning his principalship at St Anthony's School as he sensed the warm embrace from everyone.

Library: Library books are now due to be returned to the library. There will be no further borrowing this year. Please assist your child in locating any overdue books.

Thank you

I cannot find enough words to thank everyone for how special my retirement event meant to me. I was surprised by the grandness of it all. The colourful setting and the delicious food only enhanced the atmosphere during the evening. The beautiful gift of the pearl earrings will be worn with so many happy memories of our boutique school. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of my journey.

Yours sincerely

Margaret Carlei

Principal

Advent Prayer Week 1.

"Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us slow down,

listen to your voice, and focus on what's really important.

We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts

to celebrate your birth on Christmas.

Amen.

Fees & Levies 2026