Families, Faith and Fun
We had a fantastic night last week at Families, Faith and Fun. We had around 45 families attend, which was fantastic. We intend to do more of these events in the future. Thanks to Leanne Robbins, our Diocesan Family Assembly representative, and to all who attended and made for a fun and special night.
Families, Faith and Fun
Project Compassion
Thank you to the students who have brought back their donations for Caritas through Project Compassion. Could you please return these at the start of Term 2 so we can send our donations to Caritas Australia. Thank you for your support of this worthy cause.
Passion Play
Thank you to our St Anthony's families and parishioners who joined in our Passion Play this afternoon and A HUGE thank you to the wonderful children who volunteered. This involved so much commitment and hard work- lunch time rehearsals, learning lines and sign language! A special mention to the dancers who choreographed the final dance and Mrs Jayne Smith who helped us learn AUSLAN for our final song. Another special thank you to Miss Rachel Lewis who was a huge support and organiser throughout.
Our Passion Play celebrated the highest season on the Church’s calendar. You are invited to observe this important liturgical season through the following services at St Anthony's Church:
Palm Sunday- This Weekend: Jesus’ Triumphant entry into Jerusalem
Holy Thursday- April 17- Jesus’ Last Supper and the Washing of the Disciple’s Feet
Good Friday- April 18- The Passion and death of Jesus
Easter- April 19 & 20- The Celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection
Passion Play
Sacrament of Reconciliation
On Wednesday a large number of our students received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was a beautiful evening and we were blessed to have seven priests to guide our children and their families through this special Sacrament. The children are looking forward to receiving their First Communion next Term.
Voluntary Assisted Dying a Catholic Response
Everyone is welcome to learn about the recently introduced Voluntary Assisted Dying in NSW
and the Catholic response. The session will cover three things, Catholic commitment to quality
end of life care, an outline of the NSW law and, some global perspectives on assisted dying.
The presenter is Rev. Dr. Anthony Gooley, who is a deacon in Ballina parish and a theologian.
He has worked for a time in the Catholic health sector and taught theological ethics. The
session will be held at St Anthony’s Parish, in the meeting room (beside the church),
commencing at 10.00am and concluding at 12.00pm Please register with the parish office
parkings@bigpond.com to help us plan for hospitality.
Compass App Attendance Display – Important Update
Please be advised that Compass has recently made an unannounced change to the Parent App. The App now displays a student’s whole and partial absences instead of their attendance percentage.
These absence figures may include days that are not classified as actual absences, such as class cancellations, flexible timetable arrangements, and certain school-based activities. As such, the attendance numbers in the App may not reflect your child’s true attendance record.
We want to reassure you that:
This data does not impact your child’s official attendance rate.
It will not appear on your child’s academic reports.
We are working closely with the DLCS and Compass to resolve this issue and either correct or remove the inaccurate data from the App.
Thank you for your understanding.
Diocesan Rugby League Trials
Diocesan Rugby League Trials were held on Thursday 10th April in Grafton.
Well done to the following students who took part in these trials:
Ky O’Grady, Nixon Bowra, Nixon Moase and Louie Fallon.
Congratulations and good luck to Ky O’Grady and Nixon Moase of Year 6 who were selected in the U/12’s team. They will also travel to Bathurst early next Term for the Polding team trials.
Diocesan Girls Soccer Trials
Congratulations and good luck to Jacinta Reynolds of Year 5 who recently attended the Diocesan Girls Soccer trials in Grafton. After an impressive performance, she was selected to represent the Lismore Diocese and she will travel to Bathurst early next Term to the Polding trials.
AFL Polding Trials
Well done to Orlando Caine who travelled to Newcastle last week to represent the Lismore Diocese for AFL.
From all reports, the manager of this team was very impressed with the participation and effort displayed from all the players, commenting that it was a very competitive and strong trial.
Congratulations to Orlando who was selected in the Polding team as a result of his performance at these trials. He will attend the NSW state championships later this year, good luck Orlando!
Cross Country
St Anthony’s Cross Country
What a beautiful, sunny morning we had on Monday for our annual school Cross Country.
All the students turned up with amazing attitudes and smiles. Well done to the students who attended and participated to the best of their abilities. School spirit was high and it was really heartwarming to see the students cheer on everyone as well as their house teammates.
Congratulations to the following students who came first in their age group and were awarded medals for Cross Country Age Champions of 2025:
5 Years: 6 Years Girls - Este Groot
Girls - Luna Reilly 6 Years Boys - Bodhi Treadaway
7 Years Girls: Gigi Barnes
7 Years Boys: Angus Smith
8 Years: 9 Years:
Girls - Emmy Fluerty Girls - Lila Flaherty
Boys - Sonny Wilson Boys - Finley Smith
10 Years: 11 Years:
Girls - Amelia Popov Girls - Gemma Rogers
Boys - Harrison Morley Boys - Darcy Elliott
12 Years:
Girls - Cate Thierjung
Boys - Nixon Bowra
The top 6 place getters for the following age groups will be invited to attend the Tweed Zone Cross Country in Murwillumbah on Thursday 8th May:
8/9 Years, 10 Years, 11 Years and 12 Years boys and girls. Students and parents/guardians have been notified through compass.
If your child has been invited to the Zone Cross Country but they are unable to attend, please contact the school office ASAP so replacements can be found.
Congratulations to McKillop house who were awarded the annual House shield for the overall winners of the day.
Thank You to all the parents who attended to cheer all the students on.
Finally thanks to all the teachers for your collective effort towards the planning, setting up running, supervision and packing up of the carnival.
Flying Start
We have certainly had a productive term, we began with so many new preschoolers who have had to navigate a new environment, new teachers, new routines, and new peers. All the children have absolutely thrived since starting with us 10 weeks ago. We pride ourselves on being able to make all children feel welcome and ensure that we support and nurture them through their preschool years.
Of course, we couldn’t do this without our strong connection to the school and our daily interactions. We have shared time in the library and the playgrounds where we get the opportunity to play with the kindergarten children as well as get to know the teachers. These opportunities are a great way to learn skills, extend our relationships with others and follow school rules.
We can’t wait for Term 2 where we will be concentrating on gross motor skills and again utilising the soccer field, adventure playground and cola to assist us with this. We will continue with our visits to the school and look forward to spending even more time with the kindergarten children and teachers.
Loving, Learning and Growing
What an amazing time we've had at our school during the term and in particular, the last few weeks. I am incredibly grateful to be part of such an amazing school community.
As Term 1 comes to a end, we reflect upon and celebrate all the wonderful achievements, opportunities and experiences that happen in our school. Everything we do is for our students and this term has been filled with many memorable moments. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our amazing staff, supportive parents, and, of course, our incredible students for making this term such a success.
I am extremely proud of our staff and the dedication and love they show to our children. We are continually challenging ourselves to be better and to do whatever it takes for our children to know that they are loved ,that they belong and for them to experience success. We don’t always get everything right but we will always keep focusing on ways to improve and be the best we can for our children.
I wish you all a happy, safe and Holy holiday and I look forward to next term which promises to be exciting and rich in new and challenging learning, growing in friendship and loving like Jesus has shown us.
From the School Calendar
Week 1, Term 2, 2025
- Monday 28th April - Pupil Free Day
- Tuesday 29th April- Students commence Term 2
- Thursday 1st May - K-2 Mass 9am
- Saturday 3rd May - Federal Election- St Anthony's School Hall is a voting centre
Week 2, Term 2, 2025
- Monday 5th- Wednesday 7th May - Year 5 Camp Goodenough
- Thursday 8th May - 3-6 Mass 9am
- Friday 9th May, 7:30am - Mother’s Day Breakfast: 8:45am Liturgy led by Kindergarten
- 2026 Kindergarten Interviews continue
Week 3, Term 2, 2025
- Monday 12th May - 2:15pm School Assembly
- Thursday 15th May - K-2 Mass 9am
- 2026 Kindergarten Interviews continue
- Sunday 11th May - Mother's Day
Week 4, Term 2, 2025
- Sunday 18th May - 9am First Communion Commitment Mass
- Thursday 22nd May - K-2 Mass 9am
Week 5, Term 2, 2025
- Monday 26th May - 2:15pm School Assembly
- Thursday 29th May - 3-6 Mass 9am
- Friday 30th May - Year 6 attending Glow at Mt St Pat's Murwillumbah
- Saturday 31st May - First Communion Masses begin
Week 6, Term 2, 2025
- Thursday 5th June - Griffith University Stem Challenge
- Thursday 5th June - K-2 Mass 9am
- Friday 6th June - Wildfire
- Friday 6th June - AFL Gala Day
Week 7, Term 2, 2025
- Monday 9th June - Public Holiday
- Tuesday 10th June - Pupil Free Day
- Thursday 12th June - 3-6 Mass 9am
Week 8, Term 2, 2025
- Monday 16th June - 2:15pm School Assembly
- Monday 16th June - Class Public Speaking Competition begins
- Thursday 19th June - K-2 Mass 9am
- Friday 20th June - NAIDOC Celebrations
Week 9, Term 2, 2025
- Tuesday 24th June - Athletics Carnival
- Thursday 26th June - 3-6 Mass 9am
- Friday 27th June -Thursday 3rd July Murwillumbah Eisteddfod- School Choirs
Week 10, Term 2, 2025
- Monday 31st June - 2:15pm School Assembly
- Wednesday 2nd July - 5:30pm Narrators Night
- Thursday 4th July - K-2 Mass 9am
- Friday 5th July - Rewards Day- Last day of Term 2
Term 3 and 4 Dates
- Book Week-Friday 22nd August Book Character Parade and Book Fair in the hall(tbc)
- Friday 5th September Confirmation
- Father’s Day- Monday 8th September 3-4:30pm
- Grandparent’s Day- Friday 31st October
- Year 6 Graduation Mass 10am Friday 12th December (tbc)
- Monday 15th Year 6 Big Day Out
- Christmas Nativity 16th December, 2pm
- Wednesday 17th December-Final Day of 2025 School Year
ANZAC DAY
St Anthony's has a proud history of supporting ANZAC Day commemorations in our local area. To this end, we have once again been invited to attend and support our local march. Local RSL Sub-Branches are always delighted to see school students supporting the march and honouring the traditions and sacrifices of those who have served our country in all armed conflicts.
As ANZAC day occurs during the school holidays, it is anticipated that some families may be away but if your child is here, then it would be wonderful to see them march as part of our school community.
Students are welcome to wear the medals of relatives but these must be worn on the correct side of the chest (right side) in keeping with ANZAC Day protocol. Students attending need to wear their full school uniform including hats. It is also a good idea to apply sunscreen before the march.
Once the march concludes, students are welcome and encouraged to stay for the service. All students must be picked up directly from the staff attending and supervising the march to ensure student safety.
The details for each march are listed below:
- Friday 25th April 2025
- Mass 9am- Everyone is invited and welcome
- Meeting Time: 10:15am
- Location: Kingscliff Bowling Club (opposite the Fire Station)
- Full school uniform including hat and drink bottle
They gave their tomorrow, so that we can live our today!
Lest We Forget.
Year 6
Year 6 students have delved into various texts detailing the Wave Hill Walk-Off under the leadership of Vincent Lingiari. In their written summaries, they have reflected on the context and perspectives of the authors. To deepen their understanding, the students put on their ‘Critical Thinking’ hats as they listened and analysed the lyrics to the song “From Little Things Big Things Grow” by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody. We look forward to reading their personal interpretations of this iconic Australian song.
Year 5
Year 5 students have been diving into the world of science fiction, crafting thrilling stories filled with adventure and suspense! Using their Learning Wall, they’ve been “bumping up” their writing—reviewing their work with co-constructed success criteria, powerful vocabulary, and examples of great writing. With these tools, they’re fine-tuning their stories to create gripping sci-fi adventures. Ask your young author about the futuristic worlds and epic twists in their latest masterpiece!
Year 4
Year 4 students are becoming master storytellers! Using their Bump It Up Wall, they are carefully proofreading and making final refinements to their narratives before publishing. With the help of success criteria, examples of great writing, and thoughtful editing, they are ensuring their stories are the best they can be. Ask your child about the exciting tale they’ve been crafting—what twists and turns have they added?
Year 3
Our Year 3 students have gained a deeper understanding of the textual concepts of genre and perspective and context through an analysis of the texts Iceberg and Earth’s Incredible Oceans. Building on this knowledge, along with their science research, they created digital texts to inform an audience. Throughout the process, they also acquired valuable keyboard and formatting skills! Ask your child what they discovered about The Great Barrier Reef!
Year 2
Our Year 2 students have been actively exploring how authors use different sentence structures to captivate readers. After examining various writing techniques, they began experimenting with simple, compound, and complex sentences to expand on their own ideas in written texts.Throughout the process students move from whole class learning to small guided groups onto working independently receiving feedback along the way. "Encourage your child to share their experiences; how have they been sprinkling different types of sentences into their writing?
Year 1
Our Year 1 students have been busy becoming expert researchers and authors! Using technology, they explored fascinating facts about animals they wanted to learn more about. With key words from their research, they carefully crafted informative texts, proofread their work, and incorporated feedback. Finally, they brought their writing to life by publishing their very own pieces on Google Docs. Ask your child which amazing animal they discovered!
