St Anthony's Primary School Kingscliff eNewsletter

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High Expectations

As we finish Week 2 of Term 2, it is fitting to congratulate our students on their focus on learning, the way they are looking after each other, their responsibility to make good choices and the positive attitude they are demonstrating towards working with their teachers each day.

As a school, it is so rewarding to receive emails, talk to prospective families or receive letters or phone calls from people both inside and outside of our school community acknowledging how well behaved, polite and respectful our students are here at St Anthony's. It is a credit to our students, their families, our staff and our school.

Animals In Schools

For the safety and wellbeing of all our students and staff, I kindly ask that pets not be brought onto school grounds during drop off, pick up times, or any school events, unless they are a guide dog or therapy dog. While I understand that many families consider their pets part of the family, animals at school can cause allergic reactions, fear, or unexpected behaviours that may lead to safety concerns.

I thank you in advance for helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. If you have any questions or need assistance with this, please feel free to reach out through the school office or send me an email at michael.piccoli@lism.catholic.edu.au

Parent Community Group

I would like to personally invite you to attend our Parent Community Group meeting on Monday 26th May. The meeting will be held in the school and will commence at 5:30pm in our staffroom. The Parent Community Group is one way of supporting school initiatives, being part of school decisions and developing a stronger sense of community. I thank you in advance for everything you do to support your child’s education and I look forward to seeing you on the 26th May if you can make it. Please find the draft agenda below.

School Learning and Wellbeing Data.
Parent Learning Opportunities.
School Events
Update on initial Feedback from our first meeting.

Mother's Day

As the smell of coffee and bacon and eggs filled the school, it was beautiful to see so many of the special women in our lives enjoying time with their children and catching up with friends.

Mother’s Day is an opportunity for us to remember and honour our mothers for their love, kindness, selflessness and generosity. As we celebrate these women, we pray together as a faith community and acknowledge this gift that God has given to us.

Catholics around the world have a long-standing tradition of honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, during the month of May. As believers, we also receive Mary as our mother. She is our advocate, our helper, our mediator and our intercessor. Let’s honour and look to Mary, the first and most perfect disciple, through this month and always.

We thank all of or mothers, grandmothers, mother figures and special women in our lives who were able you to join us for our breakfast, photos and liturgy . We pray that all our mothers will have a wonderful day on Sunday and find time to enjoy family and friends and even a little time for yourselves doing something that brings you joy.

On behalf of our St Anthony's community, we hope that you all have a wonderful Mother's Day.

Classroom Upgrades

During the holidays we had a number of classroom receive a face lift. Our Kindergarten, Year 4 and Year 6 classrooms were all repainted and look fantastic. Our Year 1 classroom had the old carpet ripped out, the concrete professionally sealed and new carpet laid. During the course of the year, the whole school will be completed.

First Communion

On Tuesday 6th May, 5pm, we will have the Family Workshops for students receiving the Sacrament of First Communion. Please ensure you have registered via Compass and let the school know if you want First Communion for your child, but haven’t been sent a COmpass Message.

All students preparing for First Communion will need to attend the Commitment Mass next weekend, May 11 at the 9am Mass. We also have a number of St Anthony’s students receiving Baptism at this Mass, so it will be a great opportunity for us all to gather as a faith community.

Project Compassion

We have finished our fundraising project for Caritas through Project Compassion. Thank you to all of the families who supported this important cause. Special shout out to Josie and Mahli in Year 3 who both raised over $20 for Caritas!

Could you please return your project Compassion boxes as soon as possible so we can send our donations to Caritas Australia.

Woodwork

During Term 1, I gave Mr Monahan and the woodwork crew a challenge to restore an old school desk. To the amazement of the students, Mr Monahan shared a school tale of actually using one of these desks when he was at school.

They did an amazing job and it looks absolutely beautiful. It will now be used as a feature in our school office.

Term 2-Extra Curricular Activities

Next week we will kick off our Term 2 extra curricular activities for our students. Providing opportunities for our students to engage in new experiences or activities that interest them is an important aspect of school and I am very grateful to all staff who willingly give up their lunch or recess time to ensure our children have these opportunities.

School Socks

Our current St Anthony's Sports Socks ($16.95) from Lowes will be phased out as your child out grows or out wears their current socks.

Lowes have advised that their supplier will no longer be making these and we will replace them with standard White Sports Socks ($6.95) or White Team Low Cut Sports Socks ($5.95).

If you have any questions or concerns regarding sports socks, please contact the School Office and we will happily assist.

Pope Francis

It was with great sorrow that we joined the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. We unite in prayer with our families, our Parish, our Diocese, and with Catholics and Christians all over the world as we remember and give thanks for the life of Pope Francis.

Pope Francis was a wonderful servant to the Church, a pastor to the people and of the people. His deep compassion, his simplicity, and his unwavering commitment to those on the margins have inspired us all. He has been a beacon of hope and humility in a complex world, and a remarkable role model for us all.

Pope Francis has challenged us to live the Gospel through love, mercy, and justice, and his legacy will continue to shape the hearts and minds of many for years to come.

We pray for the Church, for all clergy, and for lay members during this time of mourning. May Pope Francis now rest always in the loving embrace of God, whom he served so faithfully.

Heavenly Father,
You entrusted the care of Your Church on earth to Pope Francis,
and now You have called him to Yourself.
We entrust his soul to Your boundless mercy.
For his lifelong service, we thank You.
For his care for the poor and marginalized, we thank You.
For his witness to simplicity, we thank You.

Grant him the vision of Your Eternal Essence,
into which we all long to be drawn.

Father Most Holy,
Protect Your Church in this time of transition.
Guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty.
Grant them Wisdom and Courage,
Hope and Charity,
and the Faith they need to discern Your Holy Will.

Amen.

Attendance Matters

Each day’s learning builds on what has been learnt before.

Regular school attendance is crucial for several reasons, and the cumulative nature of learning is one of them. Here are some important points:

Sequential Learning. Subjects are structured in a sequential manner, where concepts and skills build upon each other. Each lesson introduces new material that relies on the foundation established in previous lessons. Consistent attendance ensures that students don't miss key building blocks in their education.
Practice and Reinforcement. Learning is not just about exposure to information but also about practice and reinforcement. Regular attendance allows students to engage in activities, discussions, and assignments that reinforce what they've learned, contributing to retention and understanding.
Social and Collaborative Learning. Beyond individual learning, school is also a place for social and collaborative learning. Regular attendance allows students to participate in group activities, discussions, and projects, fostering social skills and teamwork.
Building a Growth Mindset. Consistent attendance fosters a growth mindset, where students develop the belief that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset is essential for tackling challenges and embracing a lifelong learning attitude.

School attendance is not just about being physically present; it's about actively participating in the learning process, building a foundation of knowledge and skills, and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Each day of school offers a valuable opportunity for growth and development, making regular attendance a key factor in a student's educational journey.

From the School Calendar

Week 3, Term 2, 2025

Monday 12th May - 2:15pm School Assembly Yr 4
Thursday 15th May - K-2 Mass 9am
2026 Kindergarten Interviews continue
Sunday 11th May - Mother's Day

Week 4, Term 2, 2025

Sunday 18^th May - 9am First Communion Commitment Mass
Tuesday 20th May - Dio Cross Country
Thursday 22nd May - K-2 Mass 9am
Friday 23rd May - Year 6 School Leaders GRIP Day

Week 5, Term 2, 2025

Monday 26th May - 2:15pm School Assembly
Monday 26th May - First Communion Retreat Day
Wednesday 28th May - Kindergarten Excursion to Fleay's Wildlife Park
Thursday 29th May - 3-6 Mass 9am
Friday 30th May - Year 6 attending Glow at Mt St Pat's Murwillumbah
Saturday 31^st May - First Communion Masses begin

Week 6, Term 2, 2025

Wednesday 4th June- Shannon Kitchener Visit K-2
Thursday 5^th June - Griffith University Stem Challenge
Thursday 5th June - K-2 Mass 9am
Friday 6^th June - Wildfire
Friday 6^th June - AFL Gala Day

Week 7, Term 2, 2025

Monday 9th June - Public Holiday
Tuesday 10^th June - Pupil Free Day-Staff Spirituality Day
Thursday 12th June - 3-6 Mass 9am
Friday 13th June - St Anthony's Feast Day 9am Whole School Mass

Week 8, Term 2, 2025

Monday 16th June - 2:15pm School Assembly
Monday 16^th June - Class Public Speaking Competition begins
Thursday 19th June - K-2 Mass 9am
Friday 20^th June - NAIDOC Celebrations

Week 9, Term 2, 2025

Monday 23rd June- STEM Excursion to St Finbarr's (Yr 5 STEM Team)
Tuesday 24th June - Athletics Carnival
Wednesday 25th June - Year 5 Excursion to the Planetarium
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 2^nd July - 5:30pm Orators 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 5^th 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

COMMUNITY NEWS

FLYING START

Term 2 has started with a bang!!! Many of our preschoolers enjoyed vacation care over the holidays and mixed with our friends from primary school to extend on friendships and make new ones. We love that we can give these opportunities to all children in our care.

This term we are having a big focus on gross motor skills. These are being delivered each afternoon where we move out to the soccer field and learn all about both large and small group games. These games all involve throwing, catching, running, and following instructions to ensure that everyone gets to participate and learn games that they might not have ever played. We are already witnessing some great skills and more importantly great teamwork and working together. We are also spending our Friday afternoons with the kindergarten class to do sport and how lucky are we that we get to see old friends and spend time both in and outside the classrooms getting active.

Lastly, we have our Mother’s Day morning tea on today so we would like to thank all our mothers, Grandmothers, Aunties and all who take on this very important role in our children’s lives. We hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day on Sunday.

MISSION NEWS

Pope Francis once shared the story of his unexpected call to the priesthood and later, to the papacy. These were not paths he sought out, but roads that unfolded before him as part of God’s divine mission. He came to understand, as we all must, that God doesn’t call the equipped - God equips those who answer the call, even when it feels uncertain or overwhelming.

In the silence, Jesus waits. He knocks gently at the door of our hearts. The Holy Spirit doesn’t shout over the noise of life but speaks in quiet whispers, urging us toward something deeper, something greater. But how do we recognise that voice? What does it mean to be called?

So often, we expect God’s voice to arrive with drama, a booming word, a sudden revelation, a late-night phone call that changes everything. Yet, as the saints have shown us, God rarely speaks through spectacle. God’s voice is found in the stillness, in the sacred pauses of our lives, where something stirs quietly in our spirit. It’s there in the calm, the discomfort, and the ordinary that we begin to hear God.

And still we struggle to listen. Why?

G.K. Chesterton once wrote, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried.” He recognised that the Christian life isn’t always easy. It asks something of us, courage in small things, faith in unseen outcomes, obedience without full understanding. But in its simplicity lies its power to transform.

When we say yes to God’s call, however it comes, we open ourselves to the strength of the Spirit. We begin to live our vocation. And in doing so, we help others encounter Christ.

In the end, we don’t need to be world-changers, heroes, or podium speakers. We are called, simply, to listen. To be faithful to the whisper. To follow “The Call” with integrity, even when no one is watching. That is where transformation happens. That is how we make the most profound difference.

And now, in this moment in the life of the Church, we welcome a new Pope! Another humble servant stepping into the shoes of the fisherman. Popes come and go, but Jesus remains the same: the unchanging cornerstone, the Good Shepherd who leads His flock through every season.

We pray that this new Holy Father may be strengthened to serve with wisdom, compassion, and courage. May he, like Peter before him, say yes, not because the path is easy, but because Christ has called him. Just as Pope Francis once shared how his call came quietly and unexpectedly, we remember that the call to serve is rarely glamorous and often comes when we feel least ready. But we know this truth: God equips those who answer, and blesses those who serve His Church with an open heart.

Let us ask the Lord to bless Pope Leo XIV , guide him with the fire of the Holy Spirit, and to help him lead us in faith, hope, and love.

(The Soul, May 2025)

Principal's News

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: KINGSCLIFF4:00-5:30pm
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

Loving, Learning and Growing

It was beautiful to see so many smiles, give high fives, hear the laughter and witness the joy on our children's faces as they returned to school on Tuesday morning. After catching up with friends, sharing our holiday fun, seeing what our freshly painted classrooms and new carpet looked like, we were straight back to working hard.

We trust that you are all very excited to have your children back at school!

I would like to thank our staff, students and families for the way we all finished the first term. In Week 11, celebrating what it means to be a part of our Parish Community here at St Anthony's and also Catholic Education as a whole. It was an incredible week to finish the term and a reminder of the hard work and dedication that leads to our school being such a success for our children.

We have enjoyed an extremely positive start to the term with classes settled and students focused on their learning and supporting each other. I have been so impressed with the level of focus and the learning behaviours witnessed in our classrooms during our first week back. We are all set for another big term of loving, growing and learning and official reporting on student progress will be in Week 10 with Report Cards being sent home.

I would like to thank all parents for the support you give me as principal, and for all the support you give your children, our staff and the school. It is only through working together that we will continue to see our children grow and flourish here at St Anthony's.

We will continue to lead by example as we grow together, learn together and love like Jesus taught us. Having high expectations for learning, faith and wellbeing will continue to be our focus and as we strive to be better each day for our children.