Newsletter Term 4 Week 9 (8.12.23)

Message from

Dear Parents

Well we have almost made it to the end of a big school year with just one week remaining. We have much to celebrate. Students have worked hard to do their best in their learning and to engage in many different kinds of opportunities. We have been involved in writing competitions, verse speaking, choirs, band, public speaking, so many different sports, liturgies and Sacramental programs, podcasting, Tournament of Minds, science fair, Book Week activities, not forgetting the successful disco and the inaugural fun run. Whew! Nobody could say we don’t try to embrace all kinds of participation in a variety of ways.

At this time of the year I would like to acknowledge you, our parents, who have entrusted your children’s school education to us and for the many ways you support our school. A special mention to the few who lead our Parent Forum body and for the great work they do to engage others in the life of the school through community building activities. I think the disco night was a true example of this – to see so many helping out, joining in, giving the children some fun and just the general happy vibe of the occasion. Thank you so much to all of you.

As you are all aware we are living in a very difficult time where budgets are stressed with the cost of living so high. Some of our families are doing it extra tough at this time. If you are struggling to put food on the table or know someone who is please let us know as we have so many in our community who would love to help out here. If you are able, please be generous in providing some goodies for needy families so we can shed some extra light on them this Christmas. We would appreciate some items to do up some Christmas hampers for those in need – festive foods for the season. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

In light of the difficult times we live in it pains me to have to announce that our school fees will need to be raised a little for next year. All schools in the Diocese will be doing this. The information is provided elsewhere in this newsletter. I must point out though that no child will be denied a Catholic education if families are unable to pay the fees. We always work with individual families to assist in this area.

Next Tuesday morning all students will spend time meeting with their next year’s teachers. This is always a great morning for everyone and hopefully allays any fears about next year. Teachers for next year are: Year 6 – Ms Maddie Sleba & Ms Holly Lees; Year 5 – Mrs Courtney Midson and Ms Angie Burnheim (new); Year 4 – Mrs Genevieve Hincksman & Mrs Sharon Holmes & Mr Paul Monahan; Year 3 – Mrs Karen Brown & Mr Sam Judd & Ms Olivia Thompson; Year 2 Mrs Misty Campbell & Mrs Kate Wallis; Year 1 - Ms Rachel Lewis & Mrs Kirstie Hawkins & Mr Nick Rochester; Kindergarten – Mr Ryan Ambrose & Ms Emily Payne & Mrs Julie O’Grady. Learning Support Officers will also be assigned to classes. We are endeavouring to keep our student/teacher ratios low in order to meet the needs of all in each cohort. This ensures better outcomes for all our students. Our ratios are better than most other schools in the area. The model we have created ensures opportunities for small group targeted focus in literacy and numeracy. We are proud of the way we are meeting the learning needs of all our students.

As principal of this school I would like to praise all the staff we have in our school who all work collaboratively to ensure the best for all our children. From our dedicated office staff, our teachers and support staff and the ancillary staff. Everybody has a part to play in building the St Anthony’s community and making it a joyful place to work in. We are indeed blessed to have so many dedicated people in our team. Thank you all.

Next Thursday is dedicated to our Year 6 as they finish their time here at St Anthony’s and head off to different schools for high school. Mass will be at 9.00am in the church to which all parents in our school are invited. Morning tea for Year 6 and their families will be hosted in the hall following Mass. A special assembly focusing on Year 6 will take part at 1.00pm in the COLA. Parents of Year 6 are invited to be present for this. The Tunnel will follow the assembly.

Friday 15^th is the final day of school. We will begin with the Nativity in the COLA commencing at 8.45am. After the Nativity and students who need to change have done so, we will have our final assembly for Years 1 -5 with certificates and awards being presented. Parents are encouraged to come along for our final morning.

Reports will be available at the end of today. If you need to discuss any aspect of these please make an appointment to speak with your child’s teachers next week.

The community Christmas Carols are being held in the Rowan Robinson Park next Tuesday evening. Many of our students are involved in this event. We thank them for this.

Enjoy the holidays. Encourage your children to continue to read daily. School resumes for students in Years 1 -  6 on Wednesday 31^st January. (Kindergarten commence on Wednesday 7^th February). Friday 2^nd February is the Swimming Carnival for years 3 – 6.

May your lives be enriched by the blessings of the Christ-child this Christmas. May the universal message of peace and goodwill and tidings of joy become the Christmas present – and presence – that lasts all year.

God bless all our families

Lynne

Important Dates & School Information

Term 4 2023

Thursday 14th December - Year 6 Graduation Mass 9 am (whole school)

Friday, 15th December - 8.40am The Nativity Assembly & Awards years 1 to 6

Friday, 15th December - Last day of school for students

Term 1 2024

Tuesday, 30th January - Teachers return to School - no school 

Wednesday, 31st January - First day of Term 1 for Students 1- 6

Friday, 2nd February - Primary Swimming Carnival 

Wednesday, 7th February - First day of school for  Kindergarten

Child Protection Policy can be found on our School Website under Information/School Policies: St Anthony's Primary School Website or in the following link: https://www.kngplism.catholic.edu.au/policies

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

St Anthony’s is asking all families to donate items to ensure struggling families in our community

have a happy Christmas with presents and treats for their kids to celebrate.

We are asking for donations of the following Christmas items:

• Shortbread
• Chips
• Nuts
• Long life custard
• Long life milk
• Chocolate
• Puddings (packaged, not fresh)
• Fruitcake (packaged, not fresh)
• Fruit mince pies (packaged, not fresh)
• Biscuits (sweet & savoury)
• Bon bons
• Toys and gifts for needy families (please ensure these are new) - collect a star from the Christmas tree in the foyer. Please DO NOT wrap gifts but attach the star and place under the tree.

Thank you for your anticipated generosity in a year that has been financially difficult for so many. Everyone committing to small acts can make a big difference.

Something to think and pray about

‘The Spirit of the Lord shall rest on him’ Isaiah 11:1–10

Things do not always work out the way we picture them. As Christians, we interpret this within the providence of God and seek to follow where we believe Christ leads. I would add to that a belief that where we take steps that are found later to have been clearly wrong, our Lord can and does call us from there into a new place. Such is his love for us that, no matter what, it never fails. Somehow, Life with Christ demonstrates this; redirection, when it comes, though we may think of it like the recalibration of a sat-nav, is more akin to a friend walking with us, sometimes gently guiding and occasionally bringing us up sharply to see our error.

Excerpted from Journeying to the Light: Daily Readings through Advent and Christmas by John Mann (p.9)

https://sacredspace.com/

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

School Fees 2024

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANNING

The safety of our students, families and staff is our highest priority. In order to best ensure this, the St Anthony’s leadership and staff, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, plan for a number of possible incidents, emergencies or natural disasters that could take place at school or during the school term. The events of recent years have reinforced how important this planning is and we all have a role to play when it comes to emergency management, including families.

Our students participate in various safety drills and staff participate through training and safety drills. We’d like to share with you the role of parents and families in emergency management.

School Lockdown

A number of the situations we plan for include a school lockdown as one of the immediate safety actions to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We understand that some may understand the word ‘lockdown’ to mean there is an immediate safety risk to all students. It is important to understand that when a school initiates a lockdown this may not be the case.

Depending on the situation, the purpose of a school lockdown will differ. A school lockdown may be a preparation step for an evacuation, or a school lockdown may allow emergency services access to an area of the school without having to navigate past students. Regardless of the purpose of a school lockdown, no one can be admitted to the school grounds other than emergency services.

Should we initiate a school lockdown, parents and families will be informed via text message and Compass notification. We will also inform parents and families as soon as the school lockdown has been lifted or if there are any actions required of parents and families. It is important that you do not attempt to attend the school during a school lockdown. We understand that you may be concerned however attending the school may also add risk to a possible emergency situation, block emergency services or impede an evacuation.

Natural Disaster

In the event of a natural disaster, such as flood or bushfire, the school leadership, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, will determine if it is safe for the school to open. If there is a probability the school may have to close part way through the day, the school will not open for that day as it is extremely difficult to evacuate a school site and ensure all students are able to go directly home safely.

In a bush fire or flood event it is important that parents and families have a plan to get your child/ren home from school, or into your care, at short notice. Please be aware that school buses may not be running and the school can not allow your child/ren to go home to an empty house or home with another parent without your permission.

Family Preparedness

How can you help us prepare for emergency situations? Please ensure that:

• You have downloaded the Compass and have allowed notifications.
• Any changes to your contact details or custodial arrangements have been updated with the school.
• You have a bush fire/flood plan in place that all members of your family understand.
• In the event of a school lockdown or evacuation, directions in the parent notifications are

It is always our hope that these measures will never be needed but it is also our responsibility to ensure our school community is prepared and informed should the need arise. We thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.

Lynne Pull and Nigel McIntyre, Work Health and Safety Manager, Catholic Schools Office

Sports News 2024 Primary Swimming Carnival

The 2024 Primary Swimming Carnival will be held on FRIDAY 2nd February
@ KINGSCLIFF POOL

●    The Carnival will commence at 9am and conclude by 2pm.

●    We will be walking to the pool, departing school at 8.45am.

●    For those students who have signed up for the competitive 100 IM, this event will begin at 8:30am (starting with the 12/13 Year Age group) at the Kingscliff pool. If your child nominates for the 100m IM they will be required to arrive no later than 8:15am for marshalling. Transport to the pool for this event will be the responsibility of parents. More information will be provided for those competitive swimmers who sign up for this event.

●    All students must have HATS and drink bottles. Shirts are to be worn at all times when students are not swimming. Students may wear their house colours (no singlets). Sunblock will be supplied and students will be reminded to re-apply regularly. 

●    All students are expected to swim freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. Students can choose 25m for house points or 50m competitive. All other events are non-compulsory and students can nominate to enter.

●    If you are collecting your child from the pool, please see the recording desk. Parents MAY NOT collect other people’s children without prior written permission.

●    STUDENTS MAY ORDER THEIR LUNCH FROM THE SCHOOL CANTEEN AND THESE WILL THEN BE DELIVERED TO THE POOL (NO DRINKS). STUDENTS MAY PURCHASE ITEMS FROM THE POOL CANTEEN. (NO HOT DRINKS WILL BE SOLD TO STUDENTS). WE RECOMMEND THAT STUDENTS BRING THEIR OWN WATER FOR THE DAY.

●    Parents are welcome to attend the carnival. 
There will be a roped off spectator area for parents. No students will be allowed in this area and no parents will be permitted in the student area. Please abide by this request.

●    Both parents and students are asked NOT to attend the carnival if they are feeling unwell or are displaying flu-like symptoms. 

●    Thank you in advance for your cooperation in regards to keeping the area clear around the pool, especially the starting blocks and finish line. This is a school event run by school staff.

Successful students will be notified by note to attend the Tweed Zone Carnival at Murwillumbah on Monday 19th February.

The Diocesan carnival is in Kempsey on Friday 1st March. 

Fiona Croker 
Sports Coordinator

2024 Primary Swimming Carnival Reminders

The St Anthony’s 2024 Primary Swimming Carnival (Years 3-6) will be held next year on Friday 2nd February, Week 1.

*The following is important information for competitive swimmers in Years 2-5 who will be turning 8 or older in 2024.

• If your child/children are interested in submitting a time for consideration in the 200m Individual Medley event for 2024, for the Tweed Zone Swimming Carnival they will need to provide a certified time to Mrs Croker by Week 1, Term 1, 2024.
• The top 8 times for each age group from the Tweed Zone will be invited to compete in this event at the Tweed Zone Swimming Carnival on Monday 19th February in Murwillumbah.

Please email your certified time, name and DOB to sapkings@lism.catholic.edu.au

*Nomination sign up sheets for the following Primary Swimming Events are now located outside the staffroom on the Sports Notice Board. Competent and competitive swimmers who are able to complete the following are invited to put their name down for the following (please note these events are not compulsory):

• 100m Open Freestyle (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Years students compete in 1 race)
• 50m Butterfly (race is run as a junior race 8, 9, 10 Years, an 11 Years race and a Senior race, 12 and 13 Years)
• 100m IM (race is run as junior 8, 9, 10 Years and senior 11, 12, 13 Years, includes 1 lap of each stroke)

Students must have their name down by Tuesday 12th December.

*PLEASE NOTE: If your child would like to nominate to swim in the 100m IM competitive race at the Primary swimming carnival next year, this will take place at 8:30am at the Kingscliff swimming pool. Transport to the pool will be the responsibility of parents and swimmers will need to arrive no later than 8:15am for marshalling.

Fiona Croker

Sports Coordinator

$20 Boss Market Day - Monday 11th December

Year 6 Market Day - Monday 11th December

Many of our Year 6 students have been taking part in the $20 Boss Entrepreneurial Program this term. The program gives students $20 of funding to create, launch and operate their own business venture over the course of a school term. All profits made by the students will be donated to the charity of their choice.

To showcase the businesses created by our students, a Market Day will be held on Monday 11th December. The Market Day will be open to families and students of St Anthony’s before school from 8:15am in the canteen area. Classes will also visit throughout the morning. Children may bring cash along with them if they would like to purchase from the stalls. Items on sale will include tote bags, cupcakes, chocolates, popcorn, slices and cookies. Prices range from $1 to $7. 

We would love to see families and students there to celebrate our future entrepreneurs and support their business ventures!

MISC ITEMS

Parish Information and News

Parish Priest: Fr Paul McDonald

Finance Manager: Paul Crouch

Parish Secretary: Marty Darragh

Pastoral Assistant: Catherine Holliday

Phone: 0266741368

Email: parkings@bigpond.com

Website: http://stanthonysparishkingslciff.org

WEEKEND MASS TIMES
VIGIL: KINGSCLIFF 6:00pm
SUNDAY:POTTSVILLE 7:30am
KINGSCLIFF 9:00am

WEEKDAY MASS TIMES
TUESDAY: POTTSVILLE 9:15am
WEDNESDAY: KINGSCLIFF 8:00am
THURSDAY: KINGSCLIFF 9:00am
FRIDAY: KINGSCLIFF 8:00am

RECONCILIATION TIMES

SATURDAY: KINGSCLIFF 5:00-5:30pm
SUNDAY: POTTSVILLE 7:00—7:25am

Current Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 9am-3pm

PARISH NEWSLETTER LINK: http://stanthonysparishkingscliff.org/news-events/

St Anthony's Parish - Care Group

Many parents may have noticed from the Parish Bulletin, that the Parish has a Care Group which, among other things seeks to provide meals to any parishoners in need.

This could include times of family sickness, new mums struggling to provide for the family in the early days of returning home, and many other circumstances of genuine need.

Please be aware that the Care Group is very willing to help out if any families find themselves in need of this service.

Contact: Parish Office: 0266 741 284 or Maree Moore 0439 174 116