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This week marks the beginning of Advent. In amongst the busyness of life and particularly in the lead up to Christmas with so much going on, sometimes the meaning of why we are here can be forgotten. The special focus of Advent is a time for us to let the Holy Spirit open our eyes to the presence of Jesus ‘coming’ and being within the context of our own lives. The period of Advent and Christmas is a time for us to pray and consider deeply how Christ is present in Word, Sacrament and Community
An enormous thanks to Josh McGrath and our staff, Selina Walker and our parent community for a magnificent colour run, thank you! What a wonderful afternoon of colour, laughter, joy and happiness from all who were a part of the activities. Thank you all for volunteering your time and for being such active participants in the colour and ensuring you enjoyed the coloured hair, clothes, shoes, eyes, mouth and ears- just as much as our children did!
The Mango drive was a huge success. Thank you to all for your purchases of Mangoes. From the money raised, we have used this to go towards purchasing the Multi-goal football posts for our oval and look forward to seeing them installed in the very near future.
Kinder orientation last Wednesday was a huge success. My thanks to all involved, particularly our P&F and current families who welcomed our 2023 Kindergarten students and families so warmly and beautifully. There was an overwhelmingly positive response from our families that attended. Thank you all.
Next Wednesday we have the opening of our new school building. The opening ceremony will include a welcome to country and smoking ceremony, followed by a liturgy. It will begin at 10.00am in the sensory garden (weather permitting) and conclude by 11.00am. David Smith MP and a member of CE representing Our Director will be attending. Father Tony will be leading the liturgy on behalf of the Archbishop. Our distinguished guests will then join us for morning tea in the staffroom.
PRAYERS: Sadly, Darren Millier, father of Jack Joseph Miller in Year 6, suddenly passed away on Sunday. We pray for Jack Joseph, his brother Matthew, sister April and their Mum Trish, in their devastating loss. We have offered the condolences of our school community to the family together with any support or help we are able to provide.
When we lose a loved one, we experience anguish and grief. We are heartbroken at the loss of someone so dear to us. Death can affect not just ourselves, but also our immediate family and others around us.Your child can be affected in a range of ways when they hear about the death of someone they know, or don’t know. We encourage you to take this opportunity to check with your child to see how they are feeling and ask if they are struggling. Please know as a staff, we will continue to check in with our students, particularly in the days and weeks ahead. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the many in the St Anthony’s community that have already expressed their condolences and provided support to the family.
Dear Lord
Give Darren eternal peace, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace.
Amen
Congratulations: to Mrs Vanessa Phipps, her husband Leighton and children Molly and Eloise on the birth of beautiful Mitchell John Phipps. Our STA family are very happy for you all.
STAFFING and CLASSES for 2023: Class lists are now finalised. Please note that no late request for change of classes will be accepted. As outlined in previous newsletters this is a very considered process. Please be assured that a great deal of time goes into balancing classes, taking into account the social, academic and behavioural needs of each child. I am conscious of interest groupings, friends and the needs of all. If your child is leaving St Anthony’s at the end of 2023 (except Year 6) please remember to notify the office.
Confirmation of Staffing will be distributed in Week 10 Newsletter. ‘Step Up’ day is on Thursday, 15th December from 12pm to 1pm. It is anticipated all students will have an opportunity to meet their 2023 classroom teacher on that afternoon. A letter from your child’s 2023 teacher will be sent home with your child that afternoon.
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SCHOOL HATS: Must be worn. A reminder for our students of the importance of wearing a hat when playing outdoors during the Summer elements. I ask for your support in ensuring that the students have their school hat with name labelled very clearly and that students are aware that playing during break times without a hat is not permitted. There is a supervised and designated area for students to sit during first and second break, if a student is not wearing a hat. Thank you.
LOST PROPERTY: There is a large amount of lost property. While we endeavour to return all named items to students it is their responsibility to check for their missing things. Any lost property without names will be sent to the clothing pool on Friday of Week 9.
School Disco: This Friday is our school disco. The theme is favourite sports team. ELC - Year 2: 5:30-6:30pm. Year 3 - 6: 6:45pm-7:45pm.
Week 8, 9 & 10 Reminders:
Monday 28th Nov |
Mackillop Musical performance - Hall 12 noon (1hr) |
Tuesday 29th Nov |
Year 1 and 2 - Dental health incursion at 12pm in Block 1 |
Wednesday 30th Nov |
Year 5 Excursion to Arboretum Whole Day Year 6 & Kinder Teddy Bear’s Picnic 12 - 1 |
Thursday 1st Dec |
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Friday 2nd Dec |
Journey with Jesus Retreat Day - Year 5 School Disco |
Monday 5th Dec |
Year 5 Leadership 2023 speeches in Year 5 block. (middle session)
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Tuesday 6th Dec |
Parent Teacher Interviews
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Wednesday 7th Dec |
Parent Teacher Interviews Year 6 Mackillop Orientation Day Opening of new building. (CGP) 10.00 am. Musicorp concert 2:30-3pm |
Thursday 8th Dec |
Parent Teacher Interviews Year 5 day out excursion to Tuggeranong Movies and 10 Pin Bowling all day |
Friday 9th Dec |
Kinder Nativity Prayer Celebration (School Celebration at 9.30am) (Parents Celebration at 12pm) |
Monday 12th Dec |
10:00am Year 6 Graduation Mass- Year 6 Graduation - Southern Cross Club Woden 6pm Kinder Excursion - Bowling 11.45-2pm |
Tuesday 13th Dec |
Year 6 Big Splash Reports go home |
Wednesday 14th Dec |
Leadership Handover Ceremony 12pm
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Thursday 15th Dec |
Thanksgiving Liturgy - 10am - WHOLE SCHOOL Step Up Day 2023- 12.00-1.00pm END OF TERM 4, 2022 |
Friday 16th Dec |
PUPIL FREE DAY |