Family Educator News
Introducing Our New Outreach Initiative: St Anthony's Hearts of Hope.
Grief touches every life. For families keeping vigil at the bedside of a dying loved one, the days and nights can feel long, lonely, and exhausting. We know this personally. When my mother was dying, we sat by her side for three weeks. During that time, someone gifted us a bundle of small, knitted hearts made by volunteers. Their kindness moved us deeply. Each of my siblings now keeps one of those hearts as a reminder of Mum — and of the love of strangers who cared.
That simple act of compassion inspired our new outreach initiative, St Anthony’s Hearts of Hope. These handmade felt hearts may be small, but they carry a powerful message:
"You are seen. You are loved. We are praying for you."
Every Friday morning from 9–10 am, we’ll gather in the Library to sew and package these hearts with a message of prayer and support, then deliver them to local hospital palliative care units.
We welcome parents, carers, grandparents, and siblings — no sewing experience needed, just a willing heart.
📍 Where: St Anthony’s Library🕘 When: Friday mornings👪 Who: All welcome
We launch during National Palliative Care Week on Friday, May 23rd. No need to register — pop in for a few minutes or stay the hour. Every heart matters.
Playgroup is Back in Term 2!
St Anthony's Playgroup will return on Monday mornings in our school library beginning on the 1st week of term 2 at 9 am - 10.30 am (Monday 28th April). Parents, friends and carers with siblings are welcome! We look forward to seeing you!
Parent & Grandparent Excursion Opportunity
Parents and Grandparents are invited to join Sydney Catholic Schools for an excursion to the home, museum and chapel of Australia's next Saint Eileen O'Connor in Coogee! The day will include a coastal walk, a presentation about Eileen O'Connor, a tour of her home and time for prayer and reflection at her tomb inside the chapel. Guests can meet me at St Brigid's Church in Coogee at 9.30 am. Lunch is included and the cost is $10pp. I hope you can join me for this special experience. Places are limited so book early!
Women's Network Night! You're Invited!
Our annual Mother's Network Night is coming up on Tuesday 13 May!
This year we will be making some beautiful creations with clay and enjoy a fun night to mingle, connect and get creative!
Tickets are $20pp and will include materials and light refreshments! Again, places are limited so please book early! I hope you can join us.
First Holy Communion Mosaic Cross-Making Pics and Tips for Cleaning Your Cross!
Thank you to the parents who joined us to create a beautiful mosaic cross for your child's First Holy Communion. To make sure you can get the grout from the tiles and clean the final result and for any stubborn grout on the tiles, you can mix equal parts water and white vinegar, dampen a cloth or sponge with the solution, and gently rub. Rinse with plain water afterwards being careful not to soak the cross in water. Finally, polish with a clean dry cloth for final shine.
Wishing You a Blessed Easter
As we rejoice in the hope of the Risen Christ, may this Easter season fill your hearts and homes with peace, love, and renewal. We pray that your family experiences the joy of the Resurrection in a real and personal way — in moments of laughter, quiet reflection, and togetherness. May God’s light guide your steps, His grace cover your days, and His love hold you close through every season.
Stay safe, take care of one another, and may the blessings of Easter remain with you always.
Laura Neeson,
Family Educator