From the Principal 

Dear Families 

We have finally reached the last week of 2023.  There has been so much achieved this year that staff, students and families should take the time to celebrate and to give thanks that the end is near. This newsletter is quite a full one and I ask that you take the time to read through the information as we close the 2023 year.

YEAR 6 LEADERS 2024

Congratulations to our current Year 5 students who will be taking on the following leadership roles and responsibilities in our school in 2024:

School Captains:   Poppy and Julian

Sports Captains:   

Miguel and Sienna - Siena (Blue) 

Evelyn and Lion - Padua (Red) 

Arlen and Mila  - Xavier (Green)

Anakin and Maeve - Nagle (Yellow)   

Wellbeing: 

Amelie, Patrycia, Veronika, Ilana       

STEAM:

Lilia, Neorah, Nav     

The children will be handed their new responsibilities during the Lantern Ceremony on Friday. The children will be blessed and receive their badges at the Opening Mass celebration at the start of the year.

Class of 2023

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Year 6 students on their graduating from Primary School.   They have demonstrated great collegiality and held steadfast the values of St Anthony’s School. They have been reliable, opinionated and have enjoyed all the challenges they have had to face, but most importantly they have been respectful with each other, the staff and the other students. I wish them continued success as they start their Secondary schooling.

Good luck and keep our values close to your hearts: 

Jadeen, Joshua, Neev, Etienne, Sophia, Alyx, Rocco, Hamilton, Banjo, Jordan, Fiona, Rachel, Samuel, Seraphina, Artem, Bianka, Aiden, Yiani.

FAMILIES WE FAREWELL

A sincere thank you to the families who we farewell this year.  

The Year 6 Families: Some have been members of the St Anthony's Family for many, many years and have given continued support, time, commitment and expertise to our school. 

As their last child leaves our school we thank them all for choosing St Anthony's School for their child's education and their dedication and commitment to our school community:

Bogaoan - Zhao, Cush,  D'Souza, Ronald, Serhiienko, Stevens, Tsakirakis

In parricular a special Thank you: 

Karen Massier and Troy Fryar who over their years have served as SAC Chairperson, PFA Co President, General members of PFA, Class Liaisons and who inaugurated many new initiatives.

 Jane Magree and Julian Fevola who undertook many responsibilities such as Fair committee, PFA Co- President  and class liaison.

You leave behind a legacy for others to follow and we are grateful for these.

The following families are also leaving our school community  and moving to new schools.  We thank them for their contribution to our school and wish them all the very best in the years to come:

The Evans-Smith family, Dywer family, Close family, Jeans family,  Nguyen family, Madan family.

May they take with them many fond memories of our school, the friendships made and know that our doors are always open to them.

LEAVING STUDENTS 

I would like to acknowledge the students from other year levels who are leaving our school:

 Max, Isaac, Eddie, Jemima, Charlie D, Lachie, Leo and Maya.

I hope that the memories and happy experiences of our school stay with you for many years to come and thank you for you contributions, in your own special ways, to the life of the school.   I hope you settle into your new learning environments swiftly and with ease.  

LEAVING STAFF

We wish you well Mr Simon Addicoat as you start your early retirement and hope that you have continued success in your new adventures. Ms Shanlan Moore and Ms Jacinta Bates, you were only with us for a short time but the work that you carried out at our school will be remembered. You are all part of St Anthony's School's story.

END OF YEAR  MASS OF THANKSGIVING AND THE LANTERN CEREMONY

All families are invited to join the students who will gather together in the Church for the Final Mass of the Year on  Friday 15th December at 9.15am.

The tradition of Passing of the Light from the 2023 Year 6 Leaders to 2024 Year 6 Leaders will follow the Mass and it is hoped that all the Year 5 and 6 parents are part of this celebration.

GUARD OF HONOUR

The Year 6 and leaving students and staff will be farewelled with a Guard of Honor at 1.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the farewell at the exit nearest to the Pavilion.

Stephen Dimopoulos MP Community Building Award

Congratulations to Rocco in Year 6 who was the recipient of the award for demonstrating the many ways that he always looked out for other children and supported them when they were in need or when they would come to him for companionship.

Glen Eira Council: Active schools - Go for Gold

Congratulations to Rachel McGann who won the award at our school and was presented with a Fitbit Ace at our last assembly.  Well done Rachel on your fantastic efforts.

SAC 2024

Congratulations to Nicole Seddon who is the new Chairperson for next year.  Many thanks to Dan Clohesy who always had the school vision at the forefront of all our meetings.  All other SAC members have accepted to remain on board for another year.

I wish you all a peaceful Christmas and pray that 2024 brings hope, good health and happiness in all that we take part in. I thank you for entrusting the staff to work with your children in a year of learning that has made them into open minded and curious people.

Sincerely yours                                                        May the Blessings of Christmas be with you,

May the Christ Child light your way,

May God’s holy angels guide you,

And keep you safe each day.

Margaret Carlei

Principal