In Faith we will show..... Respect, Empathy, Inclusion, Excellence!
Dear Families
Vision for Instruction
Lighting their path
"Teachers are artisans who shape the next generation". Pope Francis.
Yesterday, I participated in the launch of the new Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) position statement which aims to become ‘the benchmark for excellence in teaching and learning, through a coherently integrated, academically competitive and distinctively Catholic educational offering’ (MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World).
The Flourishing Learners position statement, Vision for Instruction, is a key document underpinning the MACS 2030 strategic plan. Vision for Instruction has been crafted to communicate MACS’ preferred system-wide approach to achieving teaching and learning excellence. It is firmly grounded in the evidence of how students learn most effectively and efficiently, offering explicit guidance for MACS schools on instructional best practice.
What was pleasing from my perspective is that our school has already embarked on some of the main criteria. The main points outlined were that explicit instruction has a specific effect on positive outcomes for the children. We use the Science of Learning and Cognitive Theory, which was endorsed by Professor Dylan William of the University of London. Jennifer Buckinham, Director on Strategy at the literacy company MultiLit, also worked with MACS to enhance the programs in schools. Our school has been involved in the MultiLit / InitiaLit Program for the last three and a half years. So this is a positive for our school to know that we have been working in a method that MACS is now promoting. The new initiative also looks at Mathematics and how teaching explicitly and formal assessment will enhance the delivery of the curriculum.
The Deputy Premier, The Hon Ben Carroll, Minister for Education, endorsed the evidence based practices that MACS schools were about to embark on as a whole system.
All in all, the delivery of the new initiative Vision for Instruction, will put Catholic schools at the forefront of the education revolution.
Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to all who participated in the Holt District Swimming Competition. You represented St Anthony's showing all of our school values and we are proud of each and every one of you. Congratulations to Andy who will go on to represent our school in the Beachside Swimming Competition.
The results from the day:
9/10yo Girls' Freestyle : 10th Lily H, 11th Chiara
11yo Boys' Freestyle : 7th Dion, 9th Austin
11yo Girls' Freestyle : 4th Primrose, 10th Isabella
12/13yo Boys' Freestyle : 10th Julian, 12th Lion
12/13yo Girls' Freestyle : 8th Poppy, 13th Sienna
11yo Boys' Backstroke : 2nd Andy
11yo Girls' Backstroke : 4th Maeve, 11th Audrey
12/13yo Boys' Backstroke : 7th Julian
9/10yo Girls' Breaststroke : 9th Lily H
11yo Girls' Breaststroke : 7th Primrose, 8th Maeve
12/13yo Boys' Breaststroke : 5th Lion
12/13yo Girls' Breaststroke : 6th Poppy, 12th Sienna
11yo Girls Freestyle Relay : 5th St Anthony’s
12/13yo Boys' Freestyle Relay : 4th St Anthony’s
12/13yo Girls' Freestyle Relay : 7th St Anthony’s
New Family Welcome
Bienvenida - Welcome
We welcome Angel to Year 4 and his family to our St Anthony's community. We hope that you have a memorable time with us, our students and the community.
Uniform Reminder
A reminder of the following guidelines from our Uniform Policy:
- NO nail polish
- Shoulder length hair must be tied back and off the face of all students
- Earrings - only gold, silver or our school colour blue - studs or sleepers
- Jewelry - only watches (not electronic)
Curriculum Day
The first of our Curriculum days will be held on Friday 8 March. The staff will be involved in professional learning with a focus on Education in Faith. The opportunity is to extend their own personal development and enrich their responsibility and understanding of the Catholic Social Teachings and the Religious Education Scope and Sequence.
Recording and Photos
I wish to bring to everyone's attention that the recording and taking of photos at any school event in not allowed due to the Privacy Act. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Fees & Levies 2024
Families are reminded that the first instalment of their fees & levies (one third of the total due) should be paid by Friday, 1st March 2024.
The fees may also be paid by regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments. Please contact the office to organise this.
Families who hold a valid concession card may be eligible for concessional school fees. Please contact the office for more information.
Sunday 25 February - Working Bee
Don't forget the Working Bee this Sunday -- the mulch has arrived!
Yours sincerely
Margaret Carlei
Principal
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
Psalm 51: 10