From the Principal 

" Every child matters. Every moment counts!"

Dear Families

What a week we've had at our school.  Starting with First Eucharist on Sunday, following on with Twilight School and Book Week events.  I ask that you take the time to read through the newsletter this week as we celebrate the wonderful opportunities that are offered to our students.

First Eucharist

Congratulations to the Year 4 students who received the Eucharist for the first time last Sunday at the Parish Mass.  Thank you to Bishop Emeritus Tomlinson, Fr Leenus and Rev Deacon John, who made the mass reverent and special for the children and to the families who attended.  We are always fortunate that the Parish Choir and Band play during the mass, giving the celebration a special sense of importance.  

Thank you to our children’s teachers, Ms Norton, Mrs DiCamillo and Mr O’Mahoney, for their dedication and commitment to nurturing the faith of our children and for making this mass special in their spiritual journey. 

To our Year 4 children, may God continue to bless you in your commitment to living God's faith and may His presence be with you always.

Congratulations to Anna, Max, Jackie, Christelle and Joseph. May this special day remain deep in your hearts. 

Twilight School - Curriculum on Parade

What a fantastic opportunity to show the teaching and learning that takes place in our school.  The children were excited having a different routine on the day and were eager to show the families all the wonderful activities that they take place in on a daily basis.  Thank you to the families that came into the classrooms to see the teaching programs that we have on board. 

Book Week Celebrations

What a fantastic time the staff, family members and in particular the students have had over the last few weeks. There were two author visits, competitions for all to enter and finishing off with our wonderful Book Week Parade.   The enthusiasm in all the events was so high and exciting. The feedback from our special visitors was a credit to our children with author Damian Callinan making comment on "how welcoming, inventive and up for anything" our students were with him.  His final comment was, " Keep doing what you're doing St Anthony's Staff. Great School." 

All the activities were made possible due to Mr Tim O'Mahoney's coordination of events making sure that the children would enjoy their days together in the activities.

And of course, we need to acknowledge, Mrs Kathy Sansalone who goes above our expectation in ensuring that the library not only looks inviting to be in but is up to date with the latest picture books, non fiction books and novels.

Thank you to everyone who took part in any of the activities and please look for the page entitled "Book Week 2025!" in this newsletter for all the photos.

Baby News

Our prayers and thought are with the two new additions to our following families:

Eadaoin Lorigan:  At last beautiful Rosie has joined her dad, brother and sister to bring joy to the family.  Both Eadaoin and baby are doing well and we can't wait for them to visit our school.

Pinto Family: Welcome to Philip and Joseph to the family, brothers for George in Year One. Busy Mum, boys and dad are all doing well.

Glen Eira Library - My Brother Jack Competition 2025

I am so pleased and proud to announce that two of our students were short listed and won awards in the My Brother Jack Competition for 2025.  Congratulations to all those who submitted entries with a special congratulations to Minana and Felicia for winning. 

Senior Primary Poetry Award went to Minana for her piece entitled "Different", and Junior Primary Short Story Award went to Felicia for her piece entitled "I need a drink!".

Congratulations again to both students.

Parent survey

Thank you to the families who took part in the recent survey. Your responses were shared with the Leadership Team who  who accordingly. The feedback was positive and rewarding in that staff felt that their efforts in delivering a high quality curriculum was definitely  appreciated.  The most common theme was the culture of the school that was apparent in the comments.  As always we also like to see where recommendations are made so that the school can enact on them for further improvement.

Please see a snippet of the results.

Would you recommend St Anthony's School to other families? Why or why not?

13. What three words best describe the school?

Community & Support

•Most frequently used descriptors

•Strong emphasis on belonging and emotional safety

•Inclusive, Supportive, Welcoming, Caring, Friendly, Understanding, Inviting.

Nurturing & Personalised

•Nurturing, Personal, Small, Warm

•Highlights the individual attention and close-knit environment.

Faith-Based Values

•Faith-based, Catholic, Values-driven

•Reinforces the school’s Catholic identity and spiritual foundation.

High-Quality Learning

•High Curriculum, Teaching, Exceptional, Goal-Oriented

•Points to strong academic standards and commitment to excellence.

Inspirational & Disciplined

•Inspiring, Passionate, Disciplined

•Reflects the school’s leadership and aspirational culture.

14. Are there any areas you feel the school could improve?

15. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with the school?

Overall Sentiment:

• Overwhelmingly positive responses

• Strong expressions of satisfaction, gratitude, and community 

Key Themes:

• Warm and welcoming community

• Strong leadership and dedicated staff

• Supportive and caring environment

• Positive academic and developmental growth

• Active parent engagement

Supportive Quotes:

"We’ve loved this school since the first day we walked through the door.”

“Teachers who really care and want the best for the kids.”

“The school is so caring and child-focused and go above and beyond.”

“Each of my children were supported every step of their journey.”

Sunhats  - UV rating 

The UV rating this week has been around 3 to 5 which is in the moderate range.    In Victoria, UV levels typically reach 3 or higher daily from mid-August to the end of April. The recommendation from SunSmart Victoria is that children and staff protect themselves when outdoors.  We will therefore begin to wear the school sunhats from Monday 1 September.  Obviously when the weather is inclement the teachers will decide if there is the need to wear a hat outside.  It is expected that every child has their school hat as it is part of the uniform.

Yours sincerely

Margaret Carlei

Principal