From the Principal
We would like to acknowledge the original custodians of this land
and waterways and pay our respects to the Elders past and
present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions,
the culture and hopes of Indigenous Australia.
Dear Families
We have finally reached the last few days of 2024. There has been so much achieved this year that staff, students and families should take the time to celebrate and to give thanks that the end is near. This newsletter is quite a full one and I ask that you take the time to read through the information as we close the 2024 year.
YEAR 6 LEADERS 2025
Congratulations to our current Year Five students who will be taking on the following Year 6 leadership roles and responsibilities in 2025:
Year 6 Leaders 2025
School Captains - Dion and Audrey
Xavier Sports Captains - Andy and Austin
Nagel Sports Captains - Charlie and Flora
Padua Sports Captains - Emery and Primrose
Sienna Sports Captains - Grace and Isabella
Social Justice Leaders - Avana, Tanya and Tym
The children will be handed their leadership roles during the Lantern Ceremony next Tuesday at a special ceremony after Mass. The children then will be blessed and receive their badges at the Opening Mass celebration at the start of the year.
CLASS OF 2024
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Year Six students on their graduation from Primary School. They have demonstrated great collegiality and held steadfast the values of St Anthony’s School during their time at our school. They have quietly embraced their learning with confidence and enjoyed all the opportunities they have been given. Most importantly, they have been respectful with each other, the staff and the other students. I wish them continued success as they start their secondary schooling.
Good luck and keep our school values close to your hearts:
Miguel, Mila, Nav, Julian, Sienna, Neorah, Maeve, Arlen, Anakin, Polina, Evelyn, Amelie, Ilana, Poppy, Patrycia, Veronika, Lion and Lilia.
FAMILIES WE FAREWELL
A sincere thank you to the families who we farewell this year.
The Year 6 Families:
As their last child leaves our school we thank them all for choosing St Anthony's School for their child's education and their dedication and commitment to our school community:
Bautista, Brahmbhatt, De Stefanis, John, Kibblewhite, Laing, Lumsden, Mokra, Pallier-Charles, Prokopets, Skiba Gala, Smith, Wissmann and Yamada - Harrison.
May you take with you fond memories over the many years that you have been part of St Anthony's School. The staff have walked alongside you as your child has grown into the wonderful person that they have become.
Some have been members of the St Anthony's Family for many years and have given continued support, time, commitment and expertise to our school.
In particular a special Thank you to:
Matt and Nat Lumsden who over their years have served as PFA Co President, General members of PFA, Class Liaisons and SAC PFA Representative.
Rosaline Natale who also served as PFA Co-President, General member of PFA and Class Liaison, and Mauro De Stefanis who was always by her side.
LEAVING STUDENTS
I would like to acknowledge the students from other year levels who are leaving our school: Yarra, Misha, Angel, and Luke.
I hope that the happy memories and friendships of our school remain with you for many years to come. I hope you settle into your new schools with ease.
We thank their families for the contribution to our school and wish them all the very best in the years to come: the He family, Mekheal family, and Pinzon Carrero family.
END OF YEAR MASS OF THANKSGIVING AND THE LANTERN CEREMONY
All families are invited to join the students who will gather together in the Church for the Final Mass of the Year on Tuesday 17th December at 9.15am.
The tradition of Passing of the Light from the 2024 Year 6 Leaders to 2025 Year 6 Leaders will follow the Mass and it is hoped that all the Year 5 and 6 parents are part of this celebration.
GUARD OF HONOUR
The Year 6 students, other leaving students and staff will be farewelled with a Guard of Honor at 1.30pm on Tuesday 17th December. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the farewell at the exit nearest to the Pavilion.
ASSESSMENT DAYS 2025 AND SEMESTER TWO REPORTS
Please see the special pages in this newsletter. Please note that OSHC will be available for both these days.
STEPHEN DIMOPOULOS (MP) COMMUNITY BUILDING AWARD
Congratulations to Nav in Year 6 who was the recipient of the award for demonstrating his commitment to promoting our school in all the Chess Tournaments in which he participated. He proudly spoke about our school on one of the local community radio stations. Well done Nav!
RSL BENTLEIGH
The President and Committee of the Bentleigh RSL appreciate the support from our school community. We managed to raise $210.00 for the Poppy Appeal by selling badges. We received a lovely thankyou on behalf of the RSL for our support. Well done to all who participated.
FINALLY
I wish you all a peaceful Christmas and great start to the New Year and pray that 2025 brings hope, good health and happiness in all that we take part in. I thank you for allowing the staff the privilege to work with your children and nurturing them in a year of learning that has made them into open minded and curious people.
Sincerely yours,
Margaret Carlei
Principal
May the Blessings of Christmas be with you,
May the Christ Child light your way,
May God’s holy angels guide you,
And keep you safe each day.
