Welcome to the last week of a busy and action-packed Term 3!

Dear Parents & Carers, It really is hard to believe we are in the last week of Term 3! Spring is definitely in the air this week with the glorious weather we have been having over the last few weeks. Let’s hope that continues throughout our two weeks holidays!

We have had so many wonderful events and learning opportunities throughout this term -Playgroup, Father’s Day Liturgy & Breakfast Tea, Mona the Therapy Dog Visits, Maths Challenge Day, Faith & Family e-magazine, Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day, ICAS: English & Mathematics, National Science Week, Feast of the Assumption Mass, Bullying No Way, Science Fun Day, Book Week & Parade, Write a book in a day competition, Inter school Debating, Year 5 & 6 Camp to Canberra, The Addams Family Musical - Years 5 & 6 @ Brigidine Randwick, R U OK Day, Stage 2 & 3 Oztag Gala Day & European Handball, Olympic Fun Day, SCS Athletics Conference, Winter Sleepout, Class Masses, NRL, Netball, Soccer coaching clinics, Christmas Story Art Sessions, John Burland Visit, Healthy Harold, Know Waste Incursion, UN International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, St Anne’s & St Joachims Grandparents Day Mass, Morning Tea & Celebration, Debating, Feast of the Assumption, P & F Olympic Trivia Night, Dad's Movie Night, Stage 1 Excursion, Year 3 Ranger Jamie Excursion, K- 2 Athletics Championships, Day of the Distinguished and the Elections BBQ and cake stall.

We wish everyone in our school community an enjoyable and safe school holiday break and I thank our wonderful teachers for their ongoing dedication and commitment to the children at St Anthony's. We look forward to seeing you on Monday 14 October to start Term 4.

Trans-Tasman Principals Conference

Last week I had the privilege of attending the Trans-Tasman Principals Conference in New Zealand with Principal colleagues from Sydney Catholic Schools. I would like to share the highlights from the conference, which took place in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. This prestigious event, organised by the NZ Principals’ Federation and the Australian Primary Principals’ Association, brought together educational leaders. The theme for the conference was, TOGETHER Leading Learning.

The te reo Māori phrase accompanying the conference title, Tau Mai! Tau Tahi!, underscored the cultural significance of hosting this event in Ōtautahi, the name for Christchurch. The conference delivered an inspiring programme with many opportunities for learning, networking, and making meaningful connections.

One of the standout speakers at the conference was Gilbert Enoka. He is a renowned mental skills coach with a 23-year tenure with the All Blacks, where he contributed to their back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories and other successes. He has also worked with top teams like the Canterbury Crusaders, Silver Ferns, and Black Caps, and is currently consulting with Chelsea Football Club. Gilbert emphasised the importance of leading with compassion, honesty, initiative, and trustworthiness, and fostering a love of learning and curiosity.

Iain Taylor was another inspiring speaker who has been teaching for 37 years, with 34 years as a leader. He is a published author on intentional school transformation and turnaround. He shared his experience of innovative, flexible learning programmes, and how property, the physical environment, the energy and the environment of a school, can contribute to more effective student engagement, happiness, learning and achievement.

Another notable speaker at the conference was Sophie Renton, a social researcher and generational expert who brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to her presentation. She discussed factors disrupting the future of education, the importance of leading thriving intergenerational teams, and the development of leaders. Sophie emphasised that understanding the context in which leaders operate today is crucial for mapping the path forward.

I have come back feeling motivated and inspired, ready to support our students’ education with fresh perspectives for the future.

Kia haumaruto noho - Keep safe

Kia atawhai - Be kind

Day of the Distinguished

On Monday 23 September, our Year 2 to Year 6 students participated in the Day of the Distinguished showcase.

The Day of the Distinguished is a major inquiry project premised on the assumption of using heroes as role models. Our students researched a distinguished person, which required them to work autonomously, learn advanced research skills and practise role modelling. The pedagogical aims of the project centre on the research strategies taught and higher order thinking skills in selecting, analysing and synthesising research materials.

Some of our ‘distinguished’ included Amelia Earhart, Albert Einstein, Sir David Attenborough, Ed Sheeran, Dolly Parton, Peter Bol, Taylor Swift, Michael Jordan, David Beckham, Anthony Albanese, Lionel Messi, Simone Biles, Olivia Rodrigo, Jess Fox, Chris Martin, Rembrandt, Rafael Nadal, Peta Trimis, Margot Robbie, Catherine the Great, Elvis Presley, Ryan Gosling, Ariane Titmus, Billie Eilish, Dr Fiona Wood, Jane Goodall, Stevie Payne, Erling Haaland, Jesse Owens, Katy Perry, Marshmello, Edith Cowan, Cristiano Ronaldo, George Quigley, Marie Curie, Usain Bolt, Walt Disney, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Don Bradman, Nadia Comaneci, Evonne Goolagong, Mbappe and Cathy Freeman.

We are immensely proud of your amazing achievements. Well done!

Week 8 & 9 Assembly - Congratulations to the award recipients!

Yours in Partnership

Anna Novak

Principal

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