Message from the Principal

St Anthony’s Parish and St Anthony’s School hold the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as central and fundamental responsibilities of the Church. St Anthony’s is fully compliant with all policies in relation to Child Safety. These documents ensure compliance with the Victorian Government Child Safety Standards which took effect on 1 January 2017 and reflect our Parishes’ ongoing commitment to ensuring that all children are safe, happy and empowered.

Blessings for a Happy and Heartfelt Christmas

Dear families, carers and friends,

I very proudly share with you our brand new promotional video which has been in the making for some time now. We were very lucky to have the talented Andy Drewitt who did all of our beautiful photos for our website and promotional material to create this story of who we are.

I am not sure where the time went but this is the last newsletter for 2019! I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you do to contribute to our wonderful school and wider community. Without the support of families, many experiences that are planned for the children wouldn’t be possible! Thank you.

To the amazing staff who go above and beyond, thank you! You are a credit to yourselves and the school.

To our students, for their tremendous growth in learning and life skills. We are so proud of you all.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank Fr. Brian and Fr. Martin for their support of me, the staff and the school. Their faith and friendship is highly appreciated.

I would like to take this opportunity to say well done, thank you and goodbye and good luck to Marnie Newbound and Sue Brown and thank them again for their tremendous contributions to our school and community. I'd also like to wish Kirsty Platon and her family much love as they await the birth of their second child. We look forward to welcoming Kirsty back in 2021.

To our Year 6 students, the class of 2019. I wish you all every success as you begin the next exciting chapter in your education. I am always so proud of our Year 6’s as they prepare to leave us because I can see their eagerness and readiness to grow beyond their little school – with confidence and happiness.

I would like to thank these young people for their commitment to their school in so many ways, for the great respect they have always shown to me and for their enthusiasm for learning. It has been very memorable spending the last year alongside them as they prepare for secondary school.

We warmly invite the community to celebrate with us tomorrow at the Christmas Fete and from 5pm-6pm for Carols on the oval. Afterwards there will be Mass celebrated in the Church at 6.30pm.

We also warmly invite you to our Year 6 Graduation Mass next Thursday night December 12th at 6pm in the Church. We invite everyone to join us and celebrate with us and stay for a light supper afterwards.

To all our families whose association with St. Anthony’s ends this year, and who are moving on to greener pastures and new suburbs, I wish you all the very best.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe, holy and merry Christmas, and a wonderful New Year and to thank you for your support of me in my role as principal of St Anthony’s in my second year. I am very grateful for everything that I have learned and every new relationship and moment that has grounded me in this place.

Go gently and as always, if you have any feedback, questions or ideas we’d love to hear about them.

God Bless,

Patrika Rowley