What's happening in 2025!

Leaving Staff 

As we navigate through another academic year, we find ourselves amidst exciting changes and growth. This special edition newsletter serves as a comprehensive update on the happenings at St Anthony's, highlighting both farewells to our esteemed departing staff and warm welcomes to those joining our school community. 

While goodbyes are never easy, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the contributions and dedication of the following individuals who will leave our community at the end of 2024:

Ms Millicent Gordon 

We take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to Miss Millie Gordon for her outstanding contributions over the past 4 years at St Anthony's. Her dedication and efforts have left an indelible mark and we are truly grateful for the positive impact she has had on our community.

As the Year 2 teacher, Miss Gordon has displayed exceptional skills in guiding and shaping the young minds under her care. Her commitment to academic excellence and her ability to create a supportive and nurturing learning atmosphere have been commendable. The impact she has had on her students will undoubtedly resonate with them for years to come.

Miss Gordon has been an integral part of our school community, and her passion for teaching and her ability to inspire her students have made a lasting impression on everyone she has worked with. Her innovative teaching methods and her dedication to her students' growth and development have set a high standard for all of us.

Next year, Miss Gordon will be embarking on a new journey as she studies Speech Therapy at the University of Sydney. While we will miss her presence in the classroom, we are excited for her as she takes on this new challenge. We wish her the very best in her studies and future endeavours, and we look forward to seeing Millie around for casual work in 2025.

Mr Harry Toole 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr Harry Toole for his exceptional work as the Kindergarten teacher at St Anthony's. Under his dedicated guidance, our youngest students have flourished, gaining a strong foundation in their early education. Mr Toole's commitment to fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment has been truly remarkable, and his efforts have set our students on a path to success.

Harry has been an integral part of the St Anthony's community, and his positive influence will be remembered by students, parents, and colleagues alike. His passion for teaching and his ability to connect with his students have made a lasting impact on everyone he has worked with.

Next year, Mr Toole will be embarking on a new journey as he pursues a degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Sydney. We wish Harry all the best in his studies and future endeavours, and we look forward to seeing him continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Miss Alexandra Green 

As we bid farewell to Miss Green, we reflect on the significant impact she has had on the Year 4 students of St Anthony's. Her dedication and passion for education have not gone unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for all she has done.

Miss Green has been an inspiring and devoted teacher, always going above and beyond to ensure her students receive the best education possible. The positive influence she has had on her students will be remembered for years to come.

Miss Green will be moving on to pursue new opportunities, and while we will miss her greatly, we wish her every success in her future endeavours. 

We are pleased to share that Miss Green will still be part of the St Anthony's community on a casual basis, and we look forward to seeing her around the school. Her presence will undoubtedly continue to enrich our community.

Miss Michelle Beyers 

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Miss Beyers for her dedicated service as the Year 5 teacher at St Anthony's this year. Her commitment to her students and her passion for teaching have made a significant impact on our school community.

Miss Beyers has been an exceptional educator, inspiring her students with her innovative teaching methods and her unwavering support. Her ability to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment has helped her students thrive academically and personally. The positive influence she has had on her students will be remembered for years to come.

As Miss Beyers embarks on a new chapter in her life, traveling to the USA to live, we wish her continued success and fulfilment in all her future endeavours. While we will miss her presence at St Anthony's, we are excited for the opportunities that await her and confident that she will continue to make a difference wherever she goes.

We extend our best wishes to these departing staff members and express our gratitude for their invaluable contributions to our school community. May the road ahead be filled with new adventures and accomplishments.

Welcome to... 

As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to extend a warm welcome to a group of new staff members who will be joining our St Anthony's family. Each brings unique talents, experiences, and a passion for education, enhancing the diverse tapestry of our school community.

We are pleased to introduce the following individuals:

Miss Giselle Stinson: Hi St Anthony's Clovelly Community. My name is Giselle Stinson and I have taught at St Mary’s Erskineville and have been a classroom teacher at McAuley Rose Bay for the past 7 years. I love teaching English and I have a passion for arts and crafts. 

During my time at McAuley, I have been a part of the English committee and have enjoyed incorporating a wide range of picture books into my lessons. I strive to make learning both fun and meaningful for all my students and focus on creating a positive and dynamic classroom where every student feels valued and motivated to succeed.

On the weekend I love going to the ballet, playing tennis and shopping!  I looking forward to starting at St Anthony’s in 2025!  

Miss Hannah Williamson: Hi, I'm Miss Williamson! I am so excited to be  joining the St Anthony's community next year and getting to know everyone. I love creating a welcoming classroom environment and helping students grow both academically and personally. I strive to create engaging learning opportunities that challenge my students to think critically, explore new ideas, and reach their full potential. 

I graduated from the University of Notre Dame, Sydney and I have experience teaching Year 5, Year 1 and Kindergarten. Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading books, going to the beach, spending time with my family and friends and playing with my groodle, Jasper. 

Mr Peter O'Malley: Hello everyone, My name is Peter O'Malley and I am delighted to be joining St. Anthony's Catholic Primary School next year. Originally from Ireland, I have spent the past five years teaching in Catholic schools in both Ireland and Australia, most recently at St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary in Coogee. I am passionate about creating a positive and engaging learning environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and excited about their learning.

Outside of teaching, I am a big sports fan and I like to stay active. I absolutely love living here in Australia, although I’m still struggling to say “soccer” instead of “football”—but I’m working on it! 

I am excited to get to know the students and their families and look forward to a wonderful year ahead.

See you next year,

Peter O'Malley 

Miss Sandy Mekhael: My name is Sandy Mekhael and I am really excited to be the Year 4 teacher in 2025! Having taught at St Anthony’s as a casual teacher, I am really looking forward to deepening my connections with the students and families in the year ahead. I moved from Auckland, New Zealand two years ago and am loving life in Sydney! I have been a teacher for almost 10 years and have always been passionate about teaching maths, however this year I have particularly enjoyed teaching literacy and watching my students progress and build their confidence in this area. Outside of school, I love spending time at the beach, camping and travelling with friends. I also enjoy being active by going to the gym, boxing, yoga and going on hikes.

Ms Andrea Spindel: Andrea Spindel is a passionate Spanish teacher with 9 years of experience in language education. Committed to fostering a love for the Spanish language and its rich cultural heritage, Señorita Andrea brings enthusiasm and expertise to the classroom. At St Anthony's, Señorita Andrea will dedicate herself to creating a vibrant community of Spanish speakers and promoting cultural appreciation through dynamic and engaging learning experiences.

These new additions to our staff are eager to contribute to the growth and success of our school. Their passion for education aligns with our commitment to providing a nurturing and inspiring learning environment for our students.

We look forward to the positive energy and fresh perspectives they will bring to our community. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to these new members of the St. Anthony's family. We are confident that their presence will further enrich the educational experience for our students.

Promotions Afternoon - Meet the 2025 teacher 

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a Promotions Afternoon on Thursday 12 December. This special event is for children in Kindergarten through Year 5. During the afternoon, students will have the opportunity to meet their new teachers for the upcoming school year. This is a wonderful way for students to get to know their teachers before the school holidays begin, helping to ease any anxieties and build excitement for the new school year.

2025 Staffing 

Instructional Specialist

We are excited to introduce Mrs Leanna Langlands as the Instructional Specialist at St Anthony's for 2025. This role is designed to enhance teaching and learning across our school. The Instructional Specialist will lead school-wide initiatives, support teachers in delivering a high-quality curriculum, and ensure excellent student outcomes.

The role includes a mix of classroom teaching and working with colleagues to model best practices, improve learning outcomes, and drive instructional change. Key responsibilities include leading improvement initiatives, analysing data to inform teaching strategies, and developing professional learning for staff.

The Instructional Specialist will also support the implementation of 'SCS Excellence in Action' across Sydney Catholic Schools, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement. We look forward to the positive impact this role will have on our school community.

GENE Program (Gifted Education Naturally Embedded) 

Looking ahead to 2025, Mrs Marie Iorfino will continue to take on the role of GENE facilitator. With her passion for education and commitment to student success Mrs Iorfino will continue to nurture the talents and abilities of our learners, within the classroom setting. 

The GENE program is more than just an educational initiative; it is a commitment to providing a learning environment that recognises and celebrates the unique strengths of each student. Through this program, we aim to foster a love for learning, critical thinking, and creativity among our gifted students, empowering them to reach new heights of academic excellence.

Literacy Intervention 

We are excited to share information about the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Tier 2 Foundational Phonics Program (FPP), a key initiative designed to support our students' literacy development. This program is crucial for students who need extra help in early reading. Here’s how it works:

• Targeted Skill Development: The FPP focuses on essential literacy skills that some students may find challenging, helping to fill critical learning gaps.

• Accelerated Progress: Through more frequent and intensive instruction, the program helps students catch up to their grade-level expectations more quickly.

• Curriculum Alignment: The FPP is fully aligned with the K-6 NSW English Syllabus, ensuring consistency with what is taught in the classroom.

• Evidence-Based Approach: The program uses proven methods and a step-by-step sequence to teach reading skills, including regular practice to reinforce learning.

• Responsive Instruction: Ongoing assessments help tailor the instruction to each student's needs, ensuring they receive the right support at the right time.

• Tiered Support: The FPP provides targeted Tier 2 instruction that complements the general classroom teaching, offering additional support where needed.

We are pleased to announce that Ms Honey Hartley will be implementing this program in 2025 in Years 1 and 2. Please note that Reading Recovery will no longer be part of our school's literacy intervention strategy.

Diverse Learning 

The role of Mrs Honey Hartley as the Diverse Learning Teacher at St Anthony’s Primary School is essential in supporting our students with diverse learning needs. We believe we can ensure that every student receives the personalised attention they need to thrive. This is achieved through a range of inclusive and personalised approaches which encompass all facets of a student’s development – pastoral, spiritual, intellectual, physical, cultural, and social. 

For students with diverse needs, there is comprehensive planning to address the unique needs of each student, helping them to reach their full potential. Planning incorporates student and parent/carer input and features well-structured frameworks for the setting of goals and the implementation of reasonable adjustments. Collaborative planning extends to the monitoring and reviewing of the adjustments. 

Central to these approaches are collaborative, supportive and engaging educational environments, where every student is welcomed and empowered to thrive and reach his or her full potential. Such environments not only facilitate academic growth, but also uphold the inherent dignity of each student.

Physical Education 

Miss Brid Claffey will continue be our school Sports Teacher in 2025. Miss Claffey brings a wealth of experience and passion for physical education, and we are confident that she will make a positive impact on our students' well-being.

On Mondays, Miss Claffey will be responsible for teaching K-6 sport lessons. This dedicated day will provide our students with a consistent and engaging physical education experience, enhancing their overall development and fostering a love for an active lifestyle. Physical education will be on Mondays and Fridays in 2024. 

In addition to her role in the classroom, Miss Claffey will play a vital role in the organisation and facilitation of school sporting events and carnivals. 

Yours in Partnership

Anna Novak