" Every child matters. Every moment counts!"

Dear Families

We have finally reached the last few days of 2025. We have so much to be proud of and celebrate. Families and staff have worked together to achieve success and see our children thrive with confidence and charisma. The year concludes with many accomplishments and profound achievements so we should all be grateful for being part of this beautiful school community.

This newsletter is quite a full one and I ask that you take the time to read through the information as we close the 2025 year.

YEAR 6 LEADERS 2026

Congratulations to our current Year Five students who will be taking on the following Year 6 leadership roles and responsibilities in 2026:

School Captains: Chiara and Esha

Sports Captains: Xavier Sports Captain - Samantha

Nagel Sports Captain - Minana

Padua Sports Captain - Nathan

Sienna Sports Captain - Lucas

Social Justice Leaders Lily E and Lily H

STEM Leaders Joshua and Mokki

Arts Leaders Vivienne and Teresa

The children will be handed their leadership roles during the Lantern Ceremony next Tuesday at a special ceremony after Mass. The children then will be blessed and receive their badges at the Opening Mass celebration at the start of the year.

CLASS OF 2025

Congratulation to the Year Six students on their graduation from Primary School.

They have upheld the values of St Anthony’s School with great dignity and have shown great collegiality during their years at our school. They have embraced their learning with confidence and enjoyed all the opportunities they have been given. Most importantly, they have been respectful with each other, the staff and the other students. On behalf of the school community I wish them continued success as they start their secondary schooling.

Good luck and keep our school values close to your hearts:

Emery, Primrose, Dion, Tymofii, Tanya, Austin, Avana, Flora,

Andy, Charlie, Isabella, Grace, Audrey.

FAMILIES WE FAREWELL

A sincere thank you to the families who we farewell this year.

The Year 6 Families:

As their last child leaves our school we thank the following families for being a significant group and for their dedication and commitment to our school community. It is usually at this point in the newsletter where I would single out particular families for their continued and effortless support of our school, however I could not single anyone out of this group. You have all made such an impact to our community that I need to especially mention you all. You will be sadly missed but we wish you and your families all the very best from this day forward.

Eugene Chieng and Geri Koh Chieng,

Dan Clohesy & Ali Abud,

Anastasia & Serhiy Dovhan,

Himabindu & Rajesh Durgam,

Michael & Tina Goudie,

Mihyun & Hankil Kim,

Xia & Wei Li,

Nikki & Konrad Marshall,

Henry & Gabrielle Siegrist,

Kathleen & Bradley Van Der Kaay

May you take with you fond memories over the many years that you have been part of our school. The staff have walked alongside your child as they have grown into the wonderful person they have become.

Thank you all again for your expertise, time and constant support over the years and remember you are always welcome back !

FAREWELL

We also farewell David, his parents Francis and Haneulnari and his little sister Lucy.

I hope you settle into your new school setting with ease and that the happy memories and friendships of our school remain with you for many years to come.

END OF YEAR MASS OF THANKSGIVING AND THE LANTERN CEREMONY

All families are invited to join the students who will gather together in the Church for the Final Mass of the Year on Tuesday 16th December at 9.15am.

The tradition of Passing of the Light from the 2025 Year 6 Leaders to 2026 Year 6 Leaders will follow the Mass and it is hoped that all the Year 5 and 6 parents are part of this celebration.

GUARD OF HONOUR

The Year 6 students, other leaving students and staff will be farewelled with a Guard of Honor at 1.30pm on Tuesday 16th December. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the farewell at the exit nearest to the Pavilion.

CAROLS NIGHT

What a sensational night with a great vibe amongst our families. The children sang with all their hearts and the parents enjoyed the time together. A special "Thank you!" to Naobh and Kate for their commitment to the work they have carried out for the last two years, and to the fantastic PFA Committee who organised the BBQ and the enormous Christmas Raffle. Your efforts have been well over and above and greatly appreciated.

ASSESSMENT DAYS 2026 AND SEMESTER TWO REPORTS

Please see the special pages in this newsletter.

SPECIAL AWARDS

STEVE DIMOPOULOS (MP) COMMUNITY BUILDING AWARD

We were thrilled to have The Hon Steve Dimopoulos present the award to Charlie Marshall at our assembly today. Charlie received this award for his continued commitment to supporting the children in our school. He has embedded being a Buddy and role model to our Prep children with great esteem. He, without questioning, is always ready to lend a hand or support a child in need. Charlie is someone who lives out our School Values of Respect, Inclusion and Empathy in all that he does. Congratulations Charlie!

2025 HOTHAM COMMUNITY SPIRIT & LEADERSHIP AWARD:

The Hon Clare O'Neil MP, Federal Member for Hotham

Tymofii received the special award which he truly deserves. "Tymofii showed incredible courage, patience and strength during his illness. Your bravery shines bright and inspires everyone around you. Your warm smile lights up the hearts of those around you. We wish you the very best for your future."

Mini Working Bee

Many hands make light work. We couldn't have carried the moving of both the items for the skip and the humongous mound of mulch without the support of the following families: Serafin, Pfleger, Mallari, Rodger, Morel, Kelly, Novikova and Babenko. Your help was God sent! Thank you!

FINALLY

As we reach the end of another school year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our school community for your support, energy and commitment throughout my time at this beautiful school.

As we prepare for a well-deserved break, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, reconnect and enjoy the holiday season.

I wish you all a peaceful Christmas and great start to the New Year and pray that 2026 brings hope, good health and happiness in all that we take part in. I thank you for allowing me the privilege to work with your children and nurturing them in a year of learning that has made them into open minded and curious people.

Sincerely yours,

Margaret Carlei

Principal

“May the Blessings of Christmas be with you,

May the Christ Child light your way,

May God’s holy angels guide you,

And keep you safe each day.”

Mission Statement