Important announcements
'In partnership with the wider community, our students strive for excellence and acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes that ensure lifelong learning and empower them to contribute to the global community.'
Online learners of the week
It was fantastic to be able to get in my car last week and today and hand deliver some online learner of the week certificates to some special people even though some weren't home! Mr Gow was also on the road. Look out this Friday because it could be you!
Our onsite learners here at school had a very special Pizza lunch day on Friday to celebrate all of their learning successes through the week. We need to keep spirits high and we will do whatever it takes.
Mrs Rowley and Mr Gow
Deepest Sympathy
We keep James Gow and his family in our hearts and in our prayers this week. James had to say goodbye to his Grandfather last Sunday and with such restrictions on funerals it is such a difficult time.
We also send much love to Ashlee Doyle and her family. Ashlee's grandmother passed away on Friday 24th April and again, we keep Ashlee in our thoughts and prayers.
We had to say a very sad goodbye in the holidays to our beautiful Bill Cooney. Bill has been coming into school for so many years to assist with copying and administration assistance voluntarily for staff and just being a gentlemanly presence in our office for so long. Bill always came in every morning at 8.00am ready to work. We already miss him and we send his family much love on the loss of a magnificent human being. Bill would do anything for anyone. We are grateful for people like Bill who selflessly give themselves to others. We look forward to creating an end of year award in honour of Bill.
Parent email contacts - URGENT
As we continue to isolate and school is delivered online, our normal way of sending mail home to you has been disrupted. It would be appreciated if parents could send an email to the office (office@sanoblepark.catholic.edu.au) advising of your best contact email so that we can continue to send mail home to you electronically.
Thank you.
Fee relief
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I write to you today to reassure families impacted financially by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that we want to assist you in every way possible to continue your child’s enrolment at St Anthony’s. As many in our school community grapple with unprecedented changes to finances, emotional wellbeing and physical health, we have taken a clear position on enrolments.
No parent or guardian who wishes their child to receive a Catholic education at St Anthony’s will be denied the opportunity to do so because of financial circumstances. If you have concerns about your financial situation, please contact Patrika via the school office so that we can explore confidential financial support arrangements to enable your child’s ongoing education at our school.
To facilitate your planning, we will respond to applications as promptly as possible given our own constraints during this time. Please do not panic if we do not make immediate contact with you. We will listen to your concerns and treat all inquiries with the upmost importance. We are absolutely committed to working with our families as we get through these challenging times.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely
Patrika Rowley
Celebrating the success of a past student
Ho wonderful it is to hear news of our graduated St Anthony's students especially when their work makes it to the National Gallery of Victoria. Congratulations to Nicholas Burgos, one of our ex students, was selected to have his VCE artwork showcased at the NGV as part of the Top Arts exhibition. His artwork is of his sister Jasmine who is still here in 5/6 Stavridis. He has a full write up on the NGV site.
https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/top-arts-2020/
Update on SIM card and cellular modem provision
The CECV is continuing to work with providers on the provision of SIM cards and/or cellular modems to enable students without internet access at home to learn remotely.
SIM cards are available but don’t operate without an accompanying dongle. No one is able to get hold of dongles in a short timeframe as the demand has been so high. The Government sector in exactly same position so we imagine it could be some time . As soon as there is a solution CEM will inform us.
The Church renovations have begun
So much has happened already in and around our Church. We will keep you updated and you can find regular updates on the St Anthony's Parish Facebook page. An update on new drop off and pick up procedures will be communication to all families before school returns as the renovations will affect the front car park. Child safety will be our first priority.
Before and after School Care has moved
Please be advised that before and after school care has moved to the Community Hub within the school from this week, week 3, Monday April 27th. This is due to the Church renovations. You can enter the school only via the St Anthony's Playgroup gate. Please see Asanka for further details of phpone the office.
Waste free lunches are still a priority for students attending onsite during COVID-19
St Anthony’s wishes to remind families that we are committed to being a nude food school. We are working with the council to ensure waste free lunches are just part of a normal day. We encourage you to please leave all plastic wrapped items at home or empty the contents of plastic wrapped items into a container.
Every day counts - School Attendance during Covid-19
Please remember that the roll is marked daily and attendance for home is a requirement. Please remember it is important that you make contact with teachers to access learning during the week. We must see you accessing learning . Every effort has been made by the school to ensure that you can be in constant contact with the school and teachers.
Each day of school missed makes a difference,
with the effect on learning accumulating over time. From an early age, if children are taught that they need to 'show up' for school and make a
commitment, this positive mentality aids academic and career success and brings benefits in adulthood.
TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR POTENTIAL NO CHILD SHOULD MISS MORE THAN 2-3 DAYS OF SCHOOL PER TERM.
If your child is going to be absent from school, please call the school office on 95460044 by 9.00am. Alternatively, you can email the school to notify of your child’s absence at office@sanoblepark.catholic.edu.au, or log the absence via the link on the website.
If we do not receive notification of an absence by 9.30am we are required under regulations to message you at home or work to follow up the absence. Please notify the school of all absences. Please note that prolonged absences without notification will be followed up. Many days absent from school does impact on student learning and programs designed to support students.
Kids Helpline during COVID-19
Kids Helpline - Anytime Any reason
The Kids Helpline has an online help domain now. Children who are not comfortable to call the 1800 number can go to the website (see the link above) and enter the age appropriate link to get mental health and wellbeing support.