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.
Remote and Online Learning takes time, refining and adjusting
Dear parents and guardians, I recently found the piece of writing below on a social media platform and a lot of it resonated with me. Although we all desperately seek to go back to normal, there are a few things I think we might like to keep from the lessons of isolation.
'For weeks I’ve heard people saying “I can’t wait for things to be back to normal.” I remember saying it a few times myself. But as I’ve thought about our current situation I’ve realised how much I don’t want things to go back to the way they were. Here are a few of my thoughts...
1. I hope the next time a friend grabs me and pulls me in for a hug, I actually take the time to appreciate the gift of their embrace.
2. I hope that I don't have the need to only want to earn more money. Life is about being healthy and happy.
3. I hope that the next time I’m sitting in a crowded restaurant I take the time to look around at the smiling faces, loud voices and be thankful for the gift of community.
4. I hope that when I am at the grocery store, that I take a moment to be thankful for the necessities of life and for the amazing people who work so hard to keep us supplied.
5. I hope that I never again take for granted the ability to hop in the car and visit a friend, go to the shops, to a movie, etc.
So, truth is, I don’t want things to return to the way they once were. I hope we take the lessons and challenges of the past few weeks and create a new normal. My goal is to be more thankful, love harder, and truly appreciate all the blessings each day that were so easily overlooked just a mere few weeks ago. If someone tells you they love you, take it to heart! #bekind'
These are such hearty words to coincide with the spirit of Anzac day last Saturday. Prime Minister Scott Morrison asked all Australians to pay their respects this Anzac Day despite interruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Morrison drew on the words of his wartime predecessor John Curtin as he said,
'Here in Canberra, on this day, 75 years ago and the midst of war, our then Prime Minister John Curtin, called for every citizen to give equal measure of devotion, what our servicemen and women give every day,' he said.
'He reminded Australia that the original Anzac's handed on a torch, clenched and carried high, and that is passed on to every generation of Australians.
'This Anzac Day, it's been passed to us. And so together, with faith in each other, and guided by the lives and examples of those who've gone before, we grasp that torch and we raise it high again lighting up the Anzac dawn. Lest we forget.'
So as we forge forward though the continued challenges of isolation, let us not forget the triumphs, the great depth of learning we have all been privy to, the kindness and support that we have all seen on a daily basis, the love of a community who want the best for each other. This is certainly true of the Anzac spirit. So, lets' keep passing it on.
Thank you for your understanding, support and words of encouragement over the past weeks. We are here for you if you need anything at all. Have a wonderful weekend. As always go gently and if you have any feedback or ideas we always want to hear them.
God Bless,
Patrika Rowley
PRINCIPAL