From the Principal

 

High Expectations, Inclusivity, Students with a Voice, Excellence for All!

Welcome to the 2020 school year!  It was wonderful to see the excited faces of students and parents returning to school last week.  The welcoming faces as they walked through the gates was a reassurance that all was back to normal and routines were once again back in place.  As I walked around the school and into the classrooms, it appeared that everyone was settled, and the children were all on task with their work.  It was most pleasing to see everyone happy to be here. 

I would like to especially welcome all the new families starting their first year at St Anthony’s School.  I hope you and your children have a successful time with us and that you become part of this warm and welcoming community which embraces diversity. 

To all our students who are continuing on their educational journey with us, I wish you every success and hope you achieve great things in 2020. There will be many exciting events happening throughout the year which will highlight the wonderful work that takes place in our school. 

I also welcome the new staff who have joined our school team: Ms Jemima Burkinshaw Year 1 & 2, Ms Linzi Canavan Years 3 & 4, Ms Melanie Norton Years 5 & 6 and Mrs Tracey Birthisel and Mrs Luisa Henderson - Learning Support Officers- LSO.

Congratulations to the fifteen Prep students who have settled into their classroom routine with ease and comfort.  Thank you to their parents and carers who made them feel reassured that they were ready for school and to their teachers Mrs Marina Russo and Mrs Marie Georgiadis who ensured that they were all engaged and happy on their first days with us. Their journey has started smoothly and they are ready to take on the work ahead with confidence.

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Our newsletter is published fortnightly.  It is an expectation that everyone, families, students and teachers read it, as a great deal of thought and effort goes into providing detailed information which is imperative to your child’s school life.  We are very proud of its bright and informative format that provides easy access and links to all school information such as the calendar and website.  Remember this is your link to curriculum, special events, parents and friends (PFA), children’s news and highlights and community news.

BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR AND COMMISSIONING MASS

All families are invited to join students and staff to celebrate the first mass for the year at 10.00am on Friday 7th February.   At the end of the Mass the Year 6 Student Leaders and the SRC representatives will receive their badges and all children who will be making their First Reconciliation or First Eucharist will be acknowledged.  The invitation is for all parents to come and be part of the mass.

SCHOOL STARTING TIMES

A reminder that the best time for children to arrive at school is after 8.40am in preparation for the doors to open at 8.40am.  Children who arrive prior to this are asked to use the OSHC program that is available each day.  Children should not be on school grounds unsupervised.  If you require your child to be dropped off early on occasion they must attend the front office, where they can be supervised by a teacher.  This is not the responsibility of the Administrative staff and it is not in their duty of care responsibilities.

CURRICULUM DAYS, PUPIL FREE DAYS

This term we will have two consecutive Curriculum days on Thursday 5 March and Friday 6 March.  This will allow the staff to spend time together in professional learning with a focus on staff formation and developing collegiality.   The two days have  been tagged onto the Labour Day long weekend.  OSHC will be available for any parents who require the service during this time.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

As routines becomes the norm, this is a gentle reminder that it is an expectation that all children wear the School uniform in the correct manner.  The summer uniform is to be worn every day except when your child’s class has Sport.   

Only school approved jewelry is to be worn e.g. students are to wear small studs or sleepers if their ears are pierced. 

Hair must be neat and tidy and, if shoulder length or longer, must be tied up so that it is out of the face whilst still ensuring students can wear their sun hat easily.  Navy or black elastics or ribbons are school approved.

Children are not permitted to wear fake tattoos, hair colour or nail polish while at school.  

Should your child not be in the correct uniform, they will either be asked to remove the item or have it removed for them. 

School hats must be worn whenever outside for classes or for play.  NO HAT NO PLAY!

SAFETY AT SCHOOL CROSSING THE ROAD

The safety of our students is paramount not only at school but also on their way to and from school.   The traffic along Grange and Neerim Roads has increased, especially at the start and the end of school hours.  I ask that you use the pedestrian crossing at the intersection where it is safer than trying to dash across the road through the cars as they drive along either roads.  Please speak to your children about crossing safely at the lights.

MEET AND GREET

Thank you to the parents and carers who came on Tuesday to meet their child’s classroom teachers for the opportunity to share details about their child.  If you were unable to do so, please feel free to organise another time with those teachers.

PICNIC ON THE GREEN NIGHT

All families are invited to come and join in on the first major event for the Parents and Friends Association (PFA) with the Picnic on the Green (turfed area in the playground) on Friday 14th February, starting at 6.00pm.  This provides a great opportunity to meet with new and existing families and share a meal together. 

Sausages and drinks will be sold on the evening or you can BYO dinner and (soft) drinks.

SCHOOL FEES

School fee invoices have been distributed this week.  A reminder that first instalments are due by 6th March.  If you have any questions regarding the payment of fees, please speak to either Kathy or Liz in the Office.

Yours faithfully

Margaret Carlei

Principal

We have had time to rest,

And now we are full of energy.

We have had time to think,

And now we are full of ideas.

We have had time to stop,

And now it’s time to get going.

Be with us God we pray.  Amen