Newsletter Term 4 Week 9 (09.12.22)

From the Principal

Dear Parents

With only one week until the end of the school year I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents for all their support throughout the year. We continued having COVID restrictions hanging over us at the start of the year and then we were hit with the floods. We have all done well to come through this difficult time. There are still some building works to be completed around the toilets in the hall but at least the other rooms which were impacted with water and mould are functional again. The children showed a lot of resilience during the time the playground was unusable and we were unable to use the hall, library and music room. One big bright thing to happen was the new playground being completed. What a hit it has been and well worth the wait!

Thank you to those parents who have volunteered in the canteen, in classrooms, in the library, for Book Fair, for functions, special occasions and sports days. Thank you to the loyal Parent Forum group who have worked to provide some great community building opportunities for the whole school community. After two years of being unable to hold such events, it is so good to be heading back in the right direction. I am sure the Parent Forum will be planning some great things for 2023.

I would also like to acknowledge the dedication of the staff at St Anthony’s who go above and beyond for the good of the children in both their education and wellbeing. It really is a joy to work alongside such a committed team. The holidays will be welcome for them to refresh and renew for the next year.

Parents will be notified next week when the button is pressed for the release of the school reports for second semester. Even though it is the last week of term parents are still welcome to make an appointment with their child’s teachers if they wish to have anything clarified.

On Tuesday morning students moved to their classrooms for next year and spent time with their next year’s teachers. From all reports it was a great morning and exciting for many – especially those who go upstairs for the first time! 

Year 6 have a big week next week with their “Big Day Out” on Monday and their Mass and farewell on Thursday.

I am sure the students from Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 enjoyed their morning at the pool for their carnival. I heard it was a bit chilly!

Please remember that everyone is welcome to come on Thursday for the various events. The timetable for the day is elsewhere in this newsletter.

Mrs Sue Falcke will be moving to St Ambrose Pottsville fulltime next year. Sue has been a valued member of our Leadership Team for quite a few years and we will miss her. We thank Sue for the tireless work she has done for our school as Leader of School Evangelisation and Catechesis and we wish her all the best.

Thank you for the wonderful donations our families have provided for those doing it hard this Christmas. I thank you on behalf of St Vincent de Paul for your generosity. If you are wondering if there is anything in particular you could give, I know that teenage boys is a category that is difficult to fill.  Each classroom has a basket for any further donations of Christmas foods. Wednesday is the last day for donations.

As this is likely to be the final newsletter for this year I would like to wish everyone a joy-filled Christmas time and a restful and relaxing holiday break away from the demands of school. School resumes for students in Years 1 – 6 on Monday 30^th January 2023. (Kindergarten will start a week later on Monday 6^th February).

May the Christ Child in his shining innocence and love, bless us all in readiness for another year of good work and God’s work. Amen

Best wishes

Lynne

Important Dates & School Information

Term 4 2022

Thursday, 15th December - Whole School MASS, Family Picnic, Nativity & Awards

Thursday, 15th December - Whole School MASS- Yr 6 Graduation MASS 

Thursday, 15th December - Last day of school

Term 1 2023
Monday, 30th January - First Day of Term 1 2023 Years 1-6

Friday, 3rd February - Swimming Carnvial (Yrs 3-6)

Monday, 6th February - First Day of Term1 2023 - Kindergarten

TERM DATES 2023 - pupil free days etc to be advised

Term 1: Friday, 27 January to Thursday, 6 April

Term 2: Monday, 24 April to Friday, 30 June

Term 3: Monday, 17 July to Friday, 22 September

Term4: Monday, 9 October to Tuesday 19 December

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/school-policies/

Parish News

St Anthony's Parish

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 4:00-4:30pm
SUNDAY: POTTSVILLE 7:00—7:25am

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

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

ST ANTHONY’S SCHOOL - TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY 15 TH DECEMBER 2022

9.00am                Whole school Mass in the church.
                                All parents are invited to come to this.

After Mass         Presentation to St Vincent de Paul
                               Presentation of Year 6 certificates

10.15am               Morning Tea for Year 6 and their parents in the hall
11.00am               LUNCH
                                Parents may join their children for a picnic lunch(bring picnic rug and chair)

 12.00pm            THE NATIVITY                                                                                                                                                                               In COLA. Whole school involved. Parents welcome.

12.30pm              RECESS
1.00pm                ASSEMBLY in COLA.
                               SRC presentations
                               Academic Certificates
                               Class book awards
                               Principal’s Speech and Farewell to Year 6

2.30pm               The TUNNEL
2.55pm               School’s Out!

RE NEWS

3d Sunday of Advent - In this Gospel reading, Matthew 11:2-11
Jesus sends a message of Good News to John the Baptist 

In this third week of Advent, we light the pink candle as we pause and reflect on the first half of the Advent season, as well as look ahead to the last weeks. The joy that we have and will experience during this season magnifies as we continue to prepare for the coming of Christ, who is full of joy.

Lord, help me to see the wonder in your creation, 
to find joy amidst the trials. For in you I can 
rejoice and be glad. No matter what the world brings, 
I can find joy in you. Help me to celebrate with joy 
and gladness this Christmas, for in you all things 
are made new. 
Amen

2022 St Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Final day of giving is this Wednesday, 14th December. Please return your food and gifts and place under our donation tree and in the baskets provided in the office or via the classroom.

Please do not wrap your gift. Possible gift ideas might include gift vouchers, games, puzzles, school supplies etc. 

We are also collecting non-perishable Christmassy foods to give to Vinnies also for those in need and to make Christmas a bit brighter for them.

Your generosity would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for bringing a smile to a child's face this Christmas.

Year 6 Leaders

School Disco

Thank you to all our volunteers who assisted with the disco.  The kids had a great time and we appreciate your help.  Special thanks to the Miss Mika team (Darren & Leon) for the delicious burgers.

2023 Primary Swimming Carnival Fri 3rd Feb@ KINGSCLIFF POOLS

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

We will be walking to the pool, commencing at 8.40am.

All students will need 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. 

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 DRINKS 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. 
Both parents and students are asked not to attend the carnival if they are feeling unwell or are displaying symptoms common with covid. 

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in regards to keeping the area clear around the pool, especially the starting blocks and finish line. 

Successful students will be notified by note to attend the Tweed Zone Carnival at Murwillumbah on Tuesday 14th February.
The diocesan carnival is in Kempsey on Friday 3rd March. 

Fiona Croker 
Sports Coordinator

Sport News

2023 Primary Swimming Carnival Reminders

The St Anthony’s 2023 Primary Swimming Carnival (Years 3-6) will be held next year on Friday 3rd February.

*The following is important information for competitive swimmers in Years 2-5 who will be turning 8 or older in 2023.

If your child/children are interested in submitting a time for consideration in the 200m Individual Medley event for 2023, for the Tweed Zone Swimming Carnival they will need to provide a certified time to Mrs Croker by Week 1, Term 1, 2023.
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 the 14th 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 swimmers 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 in traditional age groups)
• 100m IM (race is run as junior 8, 9, 10 Years and senior 11, 12, 13 Years, includes 1 lap of each stroke)

Please have your name down by the end of term.

Fiona Croker

Sports Coordinator

Bus Pass Information -preparation for Term 1 2023

Please be advised of this important notification in preparation for Term 1 2023.

Who should apply / reapply?: All students transitioning from Primary School to High School / Year 6 to Year 7. Students with a 2022 bus pass who need to update or change any of their details.Students without a bus pass wishing to travel on a bus.
Who doesn’t need to apply / reapply?: Students who currently have a bus pass for 2022 which do not fall into the above categories. Students without a bus pass not wishing to travel on the bus. Please visit the below links for more information on applying for a School Bus Pass.

https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibility-concessions/school-student-travel

https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibility-concessions/child-student-concessions