Assistant Principal's  Message

Public Speaking Competition by Luke

I prepared my speech by editing all the mistakes, using gestures and expression while practicing with my parents/myself, reading the rubric, drafting my speech before writing the hard copy, timing myself whilst reading to my parents/myself, researching my topic, preparing a neat setout for my palm cards and memorising my speech a thousand times. Yr 5

What Year 5 noticed?

We noticed in our classmates speeches that they used eye contact, expression and enthusiasm in their voices, hand gestures and interaction with the audience. There were many supportive classmates that were congratulating the speakers and making good audience members. In the speeches they included interesting facts, amazing and strong vocabulary and rhetorical questions.

The Public Speaking competition hosted this morning was both nerve racking and exciting. When planning my speech I focused on keeping my speech engaging and making sure I memorise it. I was confident in practising my speech but when it came to presenting I felt a bit nervous. Overall, I felt this competition was really exciting, I had lots of fun writing my speech and getting to share my perspective with the class. Having participated in this competition I feel that I have gained more confidence and gotten better at my public speaking skills and find public speaking more enjoyable. In summary, this competition was fun in many ways and gave all students a chance to participate in a topic they are passionate about and from my observation many students have gained confidence. By Kiana

When I participated in the St Anthony’s in-house competition, I felt very nervous and felt that there was a lot of pressure on me. After I presented I felt relieved and felt a bit calmer and happier that I finished and participated. It was very fun and a great experience, I would do it again and hope everyone had fun. By Penny

It was very nervous to participate in the St Anthony’s public speaking competition, I was nervous because I had never participated in any public speaking competitions before. I had a great time and I am happy that I presented to the class. By Elsa

I was confident about my speech, but presenting my speech was a completely different story, as I was nervous and felt that I had a lot of pressure on me. After presenting my speech, I felt better about myself than before I presented. By Anna

This public speaking competition, I focused on eye contact and emphasism to engage with the listener. I had fun practising and writing the speech. I was very confident so I found it very easy to present as I really enjoyed talking about something that I believe in and that I can really share my opinion with. I enjoyed watching my fellow classmates present and try their best. I felt amazing after, I had a big sigh after the speech because it felt good to not worry about the speech anymore. I thought we didn't have much time to say the speech as we could've written and said so much more. Overall this competition was enjoyable. Luke

Wellbeing: Is your child afraid of mistakes? 😨

Ever had one of those oops moments in parenting?

Like the time I messed up the soccer schedule.

We showed up halfway through practice, and my son was NOT happy.

I felt that wave of frustration rise up... but I took a breath and said:

“Oh man, I got the time wrong. My mistake. I am sorry.”

Not ideal—but it reminded him that even parents make mistakes too.

And we don’t have to freak out, hide, or pretend they didn’t.

When we model that it’s okay to mess up, our kids stop feeling like they have to get everything right.

They stop shutting down when something goes wrong.

And they try again.

The My OOPSpace Journal is an activity your child can use to explore mistakes, practice self-compassion, and build a true growth mindset—without all the pressure to be perfect.

It’s fun. It’s thoughtful. And it really helps.

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

Assistant Principal