Assistant Principal's News

Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT)- Term 4

During weeks 2 and 3, Year 2 to Year 6 students at STA will be participating in the Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in Reading Comprehension and Mathematics.

PAT tests are designed to assess each student’s current capability against the appropriate standard for their age and is a valuable source of information on each student’s development. 

Teachers use the PAT data in Maths and English and as moderation to ensure that our classroom assessment of each student is accurate. Teachers also use the results to track each student’s development from year to year. This information is another useful tool for identifying students requiring extra support or extension in their studies. The PAT testing process has been explained to all of the students, and has not be seen as a stressful assessment. Rather students have been encouraged to view the tests as a way for teachers to learn more about their capabilities and then design learning programs that will help them improve. 

Parent/Carer Carline Pickup Information

1. Parents must clearly display the family surname on the front seat passenger visor. 
2. Ensure you are parked correctly in alignment with the footpath. 
3. Children enter their car through the kerb side door only and are not to access the boot to put in bags.

1. Teachers put the children in the cars in the afternoon.
2. Parents/Carers are not to get out of their car.
3. During 8.00 – 9.30am and 2.30 – 4.00pm this is a NO PARKING area. Only a 2 minute limit. We ask that you drop your child/ren off and leave as soon as they are out of the car. Drivers are asked to move on once they have completed their pickup.
4. Traffic should flow freely. Drivers are asked to move to the front of the line and the children are to get into the first three cars for pickup, and then the car moves on. 
5. If no spots are available you will need to drive around the block until a spot becomes vacant. 
6. No parking in the church driveway, no parking in Everlearn Preschool driveway.

Student supervision before school

Supervision commences for all students at 8.30am. Students should not arrive before this time as teachers are not on duty and are engaged in preparing for the day. If you need your child to attend prior to 8.30am you may enrol them in SCECS Before and After School care to ensure they are supervised.

• 8.55am School commences

• 11am Recess

• 11.30am Classes resume

• 1.30pm Lunch 

• 2.10pm Classes resume

• 3.10pm School concludes

Students are supervised until 3.30pm. If an emergency arises or you are detained, please phone the school so appropriate arrangements can be made.

PBL: Positive Behaviours for Learning Rewards

At St Anthony’s we have 3 key expectations. 

This is a common language we have between staff and children. 

• Be Safe
• Be Respectful

• Be Responsible

   

PBL Stamp Rewards System

• Students are given ONE stamp and ONE token at a time. 
• Every class has tokens and collection tubes for the three house colours (blue, green, red) Three house colours: Nagle, MacKillop and Padua
• Once a week the colour captains collect the tokens and add them to the large tube in the foyer at the Office area
• One Principals award each week at assembly = 1 token  

     Junior & Senior Student Programs

• 14–16 January 2026: Junior Program (Years 3–6)
• 20–22 January 2026: Senior Program (Years 7–10)

Student Programs website; it is your one-stop hub for information. 

Registrations opening 29 September 2025

Families can: 

• Explore 2026 workshops (Years 3–10) 
• Apply for Equity & Rural Scholarships 
• Access the General Registration link from 29 September 
• Check academic entry criteria and eligibility 
• View key dates, program details, and FAQs  

Visit the Student Programs Website here 

Wellbeing: ​Words that Heal, not Hurt

The other day, a student came running to me after tripping on the playground, holding up a scratched arm.

My first instinct was to say, “You’re okay, it’s just a scratch...” — but I paused.

Because I don’t want to dismiss his feelings, but I also don’t want to inflate something that truly isn’t a big deal.

So instead, I said, “That looks like it stings. That must’ve been surprising when you fell.”

He nodded, took a deep breath and a bandaid, he was off playing again.

That moment reminded me: when our kids are upset, they don’t always need us to fix it — or downplay it — or dramatise it.

They just need us to notice what happened and make space for what they felt.

Next time your child gets hurt or overwhelmed, try this small shift:

Instead of saying, “You’re fine,” say, “I hear you, buddy. Did it hurt, or did it mostly surprise you?”

It’s a simple way to help your child feel seen and supported — while still giving them space to bounce back with confidence.

This week’s parenting guide offers even more ways to respond when your child is upset — with calm, connection, and trust.

Blessings,

Marie Iorfino

Assistant Principal