Assistant Principal's News
STA BYODD Program Years 3, 2026
Year 3 students are invited to participate in our school’s BYODD (Bring Your Own Designated Device) program. This program allows students to bring a designated device to school for educational purposes in 2026. Sydney Catholic Schools has directed us to support a single type of device to ensure our staff can provide consistent and effective support. At St Anthony's, the designated device is a Chromebook. A letter will be sent home this week with further information.
NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook
The “NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook” is a comprehensive and free resource to assist parents and carers on a range of topics essential to child safety.
This new digital edition (link below) includes important content updates from: NSW Rural Fire Service (NEW fire danger ratings), NSW Health (Water & Pool Safety), Transport NSW (School Bus Safety).
Please click on the cover below to view the digital handbook:
Here are additional links where the digital handbook can be viewed:
NSW Police Legacy – https://www.policelegacynsw.org.au/resources/
Child Safety Hub website – http://nsw.childsafetyhub.com.au/handbook/
Practicum Student
We would like to welcome Miss Dominique Evans, who is completing her second-year practicum at Notre Dame University. Her placement is in Kindergarten, and she will be teaching at St Anthony's for Term 4.
Junior & Senior Student Programs
- 14–16 January 2026: Junior Program (Years 3–6)
- 20–22 January 2026: Senior Program (Years 7–10)
Student Programs website; it is your one-stop hub for information.
Registrations opening 29 September 2025
Families can:
- Explore 2026 workshops (Years 3–10)
- Apply for Equity & Rural Scholarships
- Access the General Registration link from 29 September
- Check academic entry criteria and eligibility
- View key dates, program details, and FAQs
Visit the Student Programs Website here
Wellbeing: How to help your kids feel comfortable telling you anything
The other day, I noticed a student looking a little down, so I asked her, “What’s up?” She just shrugged and said, “Nothing, I’m fine.”
This reminded me how often kids feel more comfortable talking while they’re doing something else rather than in a direct face-to-face conversation like building lego together or when 1:1 in the car together.
It’s in those quiet, no-pressure moments—like taking a walk, folding laundry together, or simply hanging out without gadgets and distractions—that kids start to share.
Kids don’t always want a serious heart-to-heart, and honestly, they don’t need one most of the time. Just knowing they can talk if and when they’re ready takes the pressure off. That’s when the real stuff starts to come out.
Check out this week's parenting guide to learn more about how to create these opportunities.
Blessings,
Marie Iorfino
Assistant Principal