Parents & Friends' (PFA)

'So here we are. Another school year is over. It has been a pleasure leading the PFA in 2023 and to be a part of such a willing and enthusiastic group. We have seen the warm way families have embraced the events held throughout the year and helped with a bit of fundraising along the way. The rewards of which have been enjoyed by both the students at school and the family community.

School spirit and Events Organisers

The way each class took the lead on organising their delegated event and the resulting attendances clearly demonstrated the wonderful school spirit at St Anthony’s. A huge thanks to all our class liaisons and their helpers. We trust seeing the enjoyment their efforts yielded was rewarding for those teams. Many hands have made lighter work for the PFA committee this year and allowed us to do so much more. 

Thanks also to Troy and Scott for the Dad’s day outs, and to Nat Mendes and Jane Magree for organising the Mum’s day out. Thank you to Luci Sinclair for managing the cake roster and to all the families who baked and decorated the unbelievable cakes. They brought so much fun to the student’s Fridays all year and will ensure some new books for the school's library.

It is only with the support of the parents and families who volunteer that we are able to enjoy the many events that bring us all together. On behalf of everyone at St Anthony's, thank you.

Other Acknowledgements

In addition to volunteers, we have many others to thank for the success of the events this year. 

We would like to thank the business owners within St Anthony’s school community who have shown such generous support this year - The Bank (Goudie family), Hahn Hairdressing, Bashful Designs (Elena Kelly’s lovely jewelry),  Atsuko Yamada Nutrition. 

We must also acknowledge the wonderful support from local businesses including: Baker’s Delight Carnegie, Grill’d Carnegie, VPS Supermarket, Frenchylicius Catering, Life Hub Gym, Feel Good Pilates, Woofers World, Melbourne Dog Trainers and  Pizza Religion. We are also grateful to Woodards And Ray White Realters for donating the advertising boards for events.

If you’ve enjoyed delicious sausages at Picnic on the Green and the Christmas Carols  then say a big thanks also to the Siegrist family for the generous sausage donations.

We hope the school community is able to support the businesses who have supported us. Shop local!

The PFA committee would also like to acknowledge the support of Margaret, Kathy and Liz and the teaching staff who have attended events after hours and kept us organised. Thank you.

We would like to include mention of  our fellow PFA committee and general members - Wes, Fiona, Scott, Troy, Monika, Rajesh, Anna- Marie, Jane, Luci, Kate and Marie Casey. This year we say farewell to some long standing members and families who have made such a huge contribution to the PFA and the school - thank you for your generosity, time and skill.

Summary of Events:

Together we have organised 17 events this year! Amazing! These include:

• Welcome Picnic on the Green
• Mother’s day stall and breakfast
• Mums and Dads' Days out
• Bunnings Fundraiser BBQ
• Easter raffle and hot cross buns
• Father’s Day stall and breakfast 
• The Art Show catering
• Family Night Bush Dance
• Snow cone days
• Weekly cake raffle
• Referendum bbq and cake stall Fundraiser
• Christmas raffle
• Christmas Carols BBQ
• Working bees 

Financial support:

The result of all the activities, we are pleased to say, is that the PFA has portioned $11,000.00 to the school which funded:

• 10 edison robot systems and kits for STEM learning
• 6 new iPads for the junior school
• Art supplies to enhance the art exhibition
• Decodable readers

PFA also funded:

• Snow cone machine
• PFA eskies
• Art Show catering
• Treats for the kids during the year
• Mother’s Day & Father’s day breakfasts and coffee van

The Future Committee

Congratulations to the incoming 2024 committee - Naobh Deka & Kate Buick (Co-Presidents), Fiona Flynn (Secretary) and Wes Folkard (Treasurer) plus all the returning and new General Members. Your willingness to continue the PFA’s contribution to our school community is hugely appreciated. If you haven’t already, feel free to become a General Member at any time or just attend a meeting or two.

Thank you to all who helped the PFA and the school. Wishing you a safe and fabulous Christmas and holiday period.

Rosaline Natale and Matt Lumsden

PFA Co-Presidents