Assistant Principal's  Message

National Walk Safely to School Day - 16 May

Now in its 26th year, National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual event when all Primary School children will be encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. It is a Community Event seeking to promote Road Safety, Health, Public Transport and the Environment. 

It is important for children and young people to be active every day. Physical activity has many social, emotional, physical and mental health benefits. Walking to school is a great way to incorporate physical activity into a daily routine to support healthy development. Regular physical activity, especially walking, can improve self-esteem and confidence, help concentration, and improve overall fitness. Encouraging kids to be active each day establishes good habits that can stay with them throughout their lives. Stop. Look. Listen. Think when crossing the road. Role modelling safe behaviour and regular conversations about road safety are so important. 

OBJECTIVES

• BETTER HEALTH 
• CLEANER AIR 
• REDUCED CAR-DEPENDENCY
• IMPROVED ROAD SAFETY 
• INCREASED USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Until they're ten, children must always hold an adult's hand when crossing the road.

The Plant-astic Presentation

Years K-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!

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

Acting Principal