Welcome to Term 2!

We have certainly hit the ground running in Term 2! No time has been wasted to engage all students in their learning and it has been pleasing to see how all classes have quickly settled into the school routines and engaged in the programs of learning. Already one can hear the busy hum emerging from every classroom, preparing the way for a very productive term. All parents will receive a curriculum note from the classroom teacher through Compass outlining what the students will be taught this term.

Looking ahead, there are so many ways that you can get involved and truly experience the sense of belonging in our school. I look forward to connecting with you throughout the term.

Pope Francis Tribute

It’s almost as if he waited.

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday. The timing felt too tender to be coincidence—like he held on just long enough to hear the Alleluia one last time. To witness the Church rejoice in the Resurrection before quietly letting go. As if he needed to see the stone rolled away before stepping into the promise he had spent his life proclaiming.

He carried so much. The wounds of a divided Church. The ache of the poor and the forgotten. The weight of hope—for a world more merciful, more human, more like Christ. He walked with a limp, both in body and in spirit, but never without grace. He wasn’t perfect. But he was present. And he kept showing up.

And he was different.

He chose the simple path when grandeur was expected. He rode the bus. Paid his own hotel bill. Lived in a guesthouse instead of the papal palace. His first act as Pope was to bow and ask for our prayers. From the beginning, he showed us that true authority kneels. That greatness can look like humility.

He disrupted systems and comforted outcasts. He spoke boldly on justice, embraced the disabled, welcomed migrants, washed the feet of prisoners. He didn’t just talk about mercy—he embodied it. He made the Church feel like a place where the last could be first, and the forgotten, finally seen.

He taught us that holiness isn’t perfection—it’s presence. That the Gospel is clearest when it sounds like compassion. That faith, at its best, looks like love with skin on.

And now, just after Easter, he’s gone.

But maybe that was his final homily. Not delivered from a pulpit, but through the quiet timing of his death—a soft Amen to a life spent preaching hope.

It brings to mind these words:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

And he did. He fought—not with anger, but with mercy. He ran—not to be praised, but to make space for others. And he kept the faith—not flawlessly, but fiercely.

So yes, we grieve. But we also remember.

We remember how he made us believe again—in a Church that walks with the wounded, in a Gospel wide enough for the doubting, in a God whose love meets us right where we are.

He reminded me that faith isn’t something we hold onto for ourselves.

It’s something we hand off—with open hands and open hearts.

Pope Francis has finished his race.

And what he leaves behind isn’t just a memory—

It’s the echo of a life poured out.

The kind of life that makes you want to live differently.

More gently.

More boldly.

More like him.

More like Christ.

He waited for Easter—because he believed in the promise.

And now, that promise is his.

Light has found him.

And Love has brought him home.

Anonymous

ANZAC Day Liturgy

On Monday 28 April at St Anthony's we remembered the spirit of ANZAC with its courage, mateship and sacrifice. We are reminded of this past history of war, and we pray, in the future, that all people will work to make peace in our world. It is a day set aside each year to solemnly remember those who went to war to fight for their country's freedom. ANZAC Day is also a time to pray for peace and an end to all wars and fighting in the world.

Ode of Remembrance

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

May the spirit of ANZAC Day give us strength to strive

for peace in our world.

Mother’s Day

Honouring Mother's Day: Celebrating Love, Legacy, and Remembrance

As we approach Mother's Day on Sunday, let our hearts be warm and grateful for the incredible women/special people who have graced our lives with their love, wisdom, and strength. This special day serves as a poignant reminder of mothers, grandmothers, and all maternal figures' and their profound impact on shaping who we are and the world around us.

For many of us, Mother's Day is a time of joyous celebration, an opportunity to express our deepest appreciation for the unwavering support and unconditional love that our mothers have bestowed upon us. It's a day filled with laughter, hugs, and heartfelt gestures as we strive to make our mums feel cherished and adored.

Mother's Day is a time to honour our mothers, both those who are with us today and those whose presence we carry in our hearts. We remember their laughter, warmth, and the countless ways they touched our lives with their love and wisdom. Though they may no longer walk beside us, their legacy endures in the memories we hold dear and the values they instilled within us.

We extend our deepest gratitude and love to all the mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures — past, present, and future. May your Mother's Day be filled with joy, appreciation, and the warmth of cherished memories.

In the Catholic tradition, May is a special month dedicated to Mary. It is a time when believers unite to honour her through prayers (the rosary), devotions, and acts of love and service. As we pay tribute to Mary during this sacred month, let us reflect on the qualities that make her a beacon of light in our lives. Her unconditional love for her son Jesus and her unwavering trust in God's plan reminds us of the power of faith and the importance of surrendering ourselves to divine will.

May this month be a time of deep reflection and renewal as we honour Mary, the Mother of Jesus and spiritual mother to us all. Let us strive to emulate her virtues of love, humility, and compassion in our own lives, and may her guiding light illuminate our path towards a world filled with grace and peace.

With heartfelt blessings, I wish you all a very Happy Mother’s Day.

We look forward to seeing you for breakfast on Friday 9 May at 8am, followed by Mass at 9am.

Let us Pray:

God bless all mothers, grandmothers and those who are like mothers to us.

She carried you in her arms when you were a child.

She held your hand as you learned to walk.

She holds your hand when times are tough. She wipes away your tears,

eases your fears, takes pride in your achievements

and loves you unconditionally.

Amen

Semester 1 Reports & Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences

The Semester 1 reports will be electronically distributed to parents/carers via Compass on Friday 20 June 2024. Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences will be held between Monday 23 June and Wednesday 25 June.

Term 2 School Uniform

On Monday of Week 3, students will be transitioning to the winter school uniform. The school uniform of St Anthony's is unique and clearly identifies which school the students attend. The school uniform gives the students a sense of belonging to the St Anthony's community. I ask that you take the time each morning to ensure that your child is wearing the correct uniform and accessories.

Marjorie O'Neill Visit

We thank Dr Marjorie O'Neill for sharing her wisdom on the art of public speaking last week! Your insights on confidence, clarity and connection are truly invaluable. Stage 3 are feeling inspired and ready to take to the stage for the public speaking competition!

Tell Them From Me (TTFM)

In the coming weeks we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.

We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Anthony's. The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Election BBQ & Cake Stall

We are delighted to express our sincere gratitude to all the parents and friends who generously gave their time and effort to make the Election BBQ on Saturday, May 3rd, a resounding success. Your enthusiasm and dedication in selling sausages and cakes were truly remarkable and contributed significantly to the wonderful atmosphere of the day.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Sean Sheridan for his exceptional coordination and leadership in the event. His efforts ensured everything ran smoothly and everyone had a fantastic time.

Once again, thank you to everyone involved. Your support and commitment to our school community are greatly appreciated.

SYDNEY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PRIMARY CROSS COUNTRY 2025

On Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, Sydney Motorsport Park (SMP) was buzzing with excitement as over 2,000 primary students gathered to compete in the SCS Cross Country Championships. This event brought together young athletes from various catholic schools, all eager to showcase their endurance and running skills.

Among the participants were the dedicated students from St Anthony's, who put forth a tremendous effort in every race. A special mention goes to Morgan King, who delivered an outstanding performance by securing 2nd place in the highly competitive 12/13 boys race. 🥈

Congratulations to Morgan and all the students from St Anthony's who participated in the event. Your determination and sportsmanship are truly inspiring. Keep striving for excellence, and continue to make your school proud! A heartfelt thank you goes to Miss Claffey for her unwavering support and for organising the trials that led to this memorable day.

We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Scarlett and Luke for their outstanding achievement in the Mathematics Numerical Acumen competition. Both students have demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication, earning them well-deserved awards for their participation.

Yours in Partnership

Anna Novak

Principal

Athletics Carnival Update

2025 Athletics Carnival Information Note -