Message from the Principal

Hello families and friends of St Anthony's,

We've had two very busy weeks at St Anthony's. Over the two weeks we have seen children celebrate first Reconciliation, our new Prep students for 2022 visit twice and student preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation on their Retreat Day. We've also premiered Moana, our very first remote learning production!

Moana

What a year to attempt a production! However, the fantastic students and staff of St Anthony’s have managed once again to jump all hurdles, manage all restrictions and numerous COVID lockdowns to end up being able to create a performance that brought us together even during the times we were separated. A huge thank you to our Director and Perforning Arts Teacher Ms Victoria, Miss Warrener our IT guru and our wonderful cast. Thank you also to Sid Samuel who assisted us by taking our cast photos.

This performance is certainly a unique one that has been created during unique times! If you haven't already, please take time to view our website, cast photos and Moana movie.

https://sites.google.com/sanoblepark.catholic.edu.au/sas-production/home

Reconciliation

Congratulations to the students who celebrated their first Reconciliation last weekend. It was a beautiful celebration and we were lucky to have both Fr Brian and Fr Martin there to celebrate with us. Thank you to all families who supported their child during their preparation for the sacrament and a big thank you to Miss Webb for all of her work behind the scences and for her organisation.

Parents at School and Face Masks

As restrictions have been eased a little we are able to have parents enter the school yard for drop off and pick up. Given the current case numbers in our local area we continue to request that all parents wear a face mask whilst at school. If you need to enter the office please ensure that you check in using our QR code. Parents are still unable to enter the school buildings and classrooms at this stage.

Step Into Prep

Yesterday we had a Step Into Prep day for our 2022 preps. It was so lovely to see so many smiling faces ready to start their learning journey at St Anthony's School

On Thursday 7 December we have our Going Up Day for all students to go to their new class and meet their teacher for 2022.

Health Care Cards

Thank you to families who have shared their Health Care Cards with the office. A reminder that in 2022 families with Health Care Cards can continue to receive a discount rate on their school fees. We ask that you bring in your card to the office this term and set up a direct debit with us. 

Staffing News for 2022

We farewell Ashlee Doyle who is moving to Queensland with her family. Ashlee started at St Anthony’s in 2014. Ashlee worked as a classroom teacher in Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 and has held the position of Strategic Pedagogical Education Leader. Ashlee has displayed fantastic commitment to the St Anthony’s community. Ashlee had a huge role in setting up Student Voice initiatives at St Anthony’s, which gave our students greater agency in decision making in the school. We will miss Ashlee’s drive, passion, organisational skills, and enthusiasm for her role. All the best Ashlee! 

We farewell Emily Prato who has secured a position at St Joseph's in Mernda, which is closer to her home. Emily Prato started as a graduate teacher in 2018. Emily’s passion for Physical Education is contagious and the students love her engaging lessons. You may have seen Emily’s incredible online lessons during remote learning! Emily previously organised a Year 3-6 sports carnival which showed her passion and commitment to our school community. All the best Emily! 

We farewell Ruth Abbey who started at St Anthony’s in 1999. She has cared and nurtured for generations of St Anthony’s students and some of their parents too! Ruth is the most patient teacher, with the biggest heart. Ruth is retiring and has plans to travel and see family overseas. Ruth has mainly taught in Prep to Year 2, however on many afternoons after you would often find students who Ruth has taught in previous years visiting her classroom. She has been a part of so many things at St Anthony’s, she’s been on the RE team, the social committee, a mentor for staff,  staff and students will miss Ruth’s guidance, care and love for education. We wish her safe travels and a happy retirement!

We farewell Alison Gracie who started at St Anthony’s in 2016, who is moving to Regional Victoria. Alison has taught Prep, Year 1/2 and Year 3/4 during her time at St Anthony’s. Alison also held the position of Strategic Pedagogical Education Leader. We will miss Alison’s incredible passion and care for all of her students. Alison is a great communicator with the parents community and always puts the students first. The staff at St Anthony’s will miss Alison’s great sense of humour and storytelling. All the best Alison! 

We farewell Laraine Rodriquez who has worked 50 years in Catholic Education. 

Laraine has made the decision to take Long Service Leave in 2022 and then to retire at the end of her leave. Laraine started at St Anthony’s in 2009 and has assisted many students with their language development. Her commitment and passion for the students she has had in her care and their learning, is endless.  The staff and students will miss Laraine’s excellent hands-on activities and passion for the Melbourne Football Club. We hope that Laraine enjoys her leave and her retirement! We wish her all the best! 

We farewell Emily Prince who has secured a position at Trinity in Narre Warren, which is closer to her home. Emily completed some of her pre-service teacher practicum at St Anthony’s and then started as a graduate teacher here in 2017. She has taught Prep during her time at St Anthony’s and will make a move into Year 1 at Trinity. The staff at St Anthony’s will miss Emily’s kind nature, passion for Social Emotional Learning and the visits from Lucy, her beautiful dog. All the best Emily! 

Next year we are excited to welcome some new staff to St Anthony’s.

We welcome Hester Ang, Hester is well known to the students and staff of St Anthony’s as she has worked here throughout 2021 covering staff leave and completing casual relief teaching as well. Hester came to teaching after completing an engineering degree and brings a wealth of knowledge to St Anthony’s.

Suzanne Hennequin joins the staff of St Anthony’s, Suzanne has recently completed her Masters of Education, has experience teaching overseas in the UK and throughout the second part of 2021 has been working as a casual relief teacher. 

We know that both Hester and Suzanne will bring patience and joy to the students of St Anthony’s. We look forward to welcoming Hester and Suzanne to our community and look forward to working with them in 2022.

Kind regards,

Erin Nagel

prinicipal@sanoblepark.catholic.edu.au

9546 0044