Newsletter Term 3 Week 3 (4.8.23)

From the Principal

Dear Parents

Congratulations to all those students who received certificates at this morning’s assembly for Outstanding Academic Achievement for Semester 1. We are extremely proud of the way they have striven to be the best learners they can be and reached the top in one or more Key Learning Areas. We encourage all of our students to do their best and to persevere and not give up in all their endeavours. But when someone has done a really outstanding job we want to say Well Done!

Today everyone is wearing the green and gold colours – the Australian sporting colours. We wanted to acknowledge the Australian Women’s Soccer Team, the Matildas, who thrilled us during the week with the great game they played against Canada. Our sports co-ordinator, Mrs Croker, has been organising new soccer/hockey shirts for our girls’ teams. The gold coin donations from today will help to offset the cost of these shirts. We are grateful to the Parent Forum who agreed to pay half the cost of the shirts at the meeting this week. Thank you all!

This week we began our learning Partnership Conferences, with students sharing their learning with parents and teachers and discussing their goals moving forward. We have had some great feedback about the process and encourage anyone who has not yet booked in for their conference to do so as soon as possible. We do believe that children’s education is enhanced when parents and teachers work together with the child at the centre so they feel empowered to continue improving towards realising their potential. Parental involvement in these conferences motivates students to excel and take their learning seriously as well as helping to develop a positive attitude towards learning. If parents still feel the need to meet privately with their children’s teachers, then by all means book in another appointment at a mutually convenient time.

Next week we are holding our annual Book Fair in the library. Many thanks to Mrs Plunkett and her team of helpers for decorating the library so beautifully. I am sure students will have a wish list for purchases from the fair during the week!

The Rugby League Gala Day will be held on Tuesday. Please ensure you are aware of the requirements if your child is involved. There are four teams involving 55 students.

On Wednesday it is the Netball Gala Day. 90 students in Years 3 – 6 are involved. Thank you to all the staff and parents assisting with these days which ensures our students get lots of great sporting opportunities.

We have 40 students attending the Byron Bay Writers Festival on Wednesday next week also. We hope they enjoy meeting lots of interesting authors and are inspired to continue their great writing.

Good luck to the eight students representing St Anthony’s at the Tweed Catholic Schools Public Speaking Competition next Thursday. We are proud of you all!

This Sunday 6^th August is a Parish/School Mass. Every family is invited to come along. We are particularly asking Year 6 students to join their Kindergarten buddies at this Mass. It will be a great community building opportunity. Please enjoy morning tea after Mass. Kindergarten are encouraging everyone to spend some time after this having a play on the school playground and staying for a picnic lunch if the weather is fine. Please try to join with us this Sunday.

Tuesday is the feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s first and only canonised saint. Mary’s vision was to provide education for underprivileged children. She began her work in a disused stable in the tiny town of Penola in South Australia. Other women then came to join her and from there Australia’s first religious order The Sisters of Saint Joseph was formed. Mary and her Sisters were committed to serving the poor. They went to where there was a need all over Australia and beyond. Mary was a strong female leader in the 1800s in Australia. She stood firm on what she believed. One thing she believed was that every child had the right to a quality education and thanks to her dedication and determination, this is a right in our country today. We have much to be grateful for from St Mary MacKillop.

Never see a need without doing something about it. (St Mary of the Cross MacKillop)2

God bless

Lynne

Important Dates & School Information

Term 3 2023

Monday, 7.8 to Friday,  11.8th - Book Fair

Tuesday, 8th August - Rugby League Gala Day

Wednesday, 9th August - Netball Gala Day

Wednesday, 9th August - Byron Bay Writers Festival

Thursday, 10th August - Tweed Catholic Schools Public Speaking - Finals

Tuesday, 15th August - Feast of the Assumption - MASS @ 9 am

Wednesday, 16th August - Author Visit - Hakea Hustler 

Monday, 21st August - Book Parade

Wednesday, 23rd August - Tweed Catholic Schools Year 6 MASS @ St Anthony's

Thursday, 24th August - Book Week speaker and workshop

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

SOMETHING TO THINK AND PRAY ABOUT THIS WEEK

#GRATITUDE

Every night I try to think of three things in the day that has passed that I can give thanks for. Sometimes it requires a bit of a struggle because something may have happened in that day that has obscured any sense of gratitude. However, and to be honest,  there are always at least three things to give gratitude for: The little bit of wisdom that ‘gratitude is often the shortest-lived emotion’ has forced me to dwell on those things I give thanks for. When I think of the things in my day that I can say ‘thank you’ for, rather than swallow them quickly, I savour them and dwell on them.

Excerpted from Dipping Into Life by Alan Hilliard (p.36)

https://sacredspace.com/

Sports News

Tweed Zone Athletics Carnival 2023
The Tweed Zone Athletics Carnival was held on Friday 28th July. 
Well done to the St Anthony’s Athletics team who competed to an extremely high level on the day coming away with the champion school trophy. 

Congratulations to the following students:
-    Harper Gallagher 11 Years Boy Age Champion
-    Frankie Fogg Junior Girl Multi-Class Age Champion
-    Eden Usher Junior Girl Multi-Class Runner Up 
-    Andy De Beer Junior Boys Multi-Class Age Champion
-    The Senior Boys came first in the 100m Relay (Harper Gallagher, Kaynan Behs, Derayne Kelly and Cruz Gordon).
-    Junior Girls came first in the 100m Relay (Cate Thierjung, Kahlani Gordon, Eden Tate and Leah Hegedus)

Many other students achieved places at the carnival in their events. These students have nominated to progress to the Diocesan Carnival representing the Tweed Zone, good luck to the following:

Frankie Fogg, Harrison Morley, Andrew De Beer, Callum Kelly, Eden Usher, Kahlani Gordon, Floyd Morley, Ky O’Grady, Cate Thierjung, Eden Tate, Kaynan Behs, Harper Gallagher, Lola Forrest, Derayne Kelly, Madeleine Preston, Luke Thierjung, Leah Hegedus, Cruz Gordon, Violet Habraska, Addison Halcoop, Jack Keast, Rusty Killick, Alice Little, Eva Richards, Laynie Tate and Alex Todan. 

Thank You to Mr Sam Judd who went to the carnival as the St Anthony’s manager to ensure the students didn’t miss any of their events, your time is greatly appreciated. 

AFL Regional Finals

Well done to our St Anthony’s AFL team who travelled to Carrara on Friday 21st July to compete in the AFLQ StreetSmarts Regional Finals.

The team played well in their round games but didn’t secure enough wins to progress into the semi finals.

Congratulations to the following students who represented the school with outstanding effort and sportsmanship:

Jack Rogers, Bohdi Barton, Remy Elliott, Max Caspersz, Xavier Caine, Joel Andrews, Beau Kingston, Alex Todan, William Ozolins, Kai Prickett, Mason McAuliffe, Tyler Pierce, Harper Gallagher, Dash Campbell, Trey Maynard, Archie Plunkett, Ziggy Morgan, Orlando Cainer, Nixon Bowra (water carrier/helper).

Thank You to Mr Glenn Elliot and Mr Ben Rogers who took time out to travel to Carrara and coach the boys, your knowledge and support has been greatly appreciated. Thanks to all the parents and helpers who volunteered as Goal Umpires and Water Carriers, your help is much appreciated.

Thanks also to Mr Judd who went to the regional finals to manage and supervise the team.

Floyd Morley and the World Dwarf Games
Congratulations to our Super Star Sports All Rounder, Floyd Morley. He is currently overseas in Germany competing at the World Dwarf Games.We have had some updates on his teams progress:

Floyd’s basketball team made it to the Gold Medal match which went into penalty shoot outs due to the score being equal at full time. Floyd was the last member of his team to shoot the last goal which meant they won the game and the Gold Medal! Year 4 were able to watch the video of their classmate achieving this amazing result. It was so exciting for everyone involved. 
Floyd’s soccer team also achieved some impressive results finishing 3rd overall with Floyd receiving a Bronze Medal for this event. Floyd also scored 3 goals for his team during the soccer matches. 

Well done Floyd! Everyone from St Anthony’s is very proud of your achievements so far.

Support a Champion: Finn Carroll-Cinque

We are thrilled that Finn Carroll-Cinque has been selected in the NSW Primary School State Sports Association Swimming team to compete at the National Swimming Championships in August. To assist Finn and his family with the costs entailed in this significant representation please consider pruchasing a raffle ticket for $5 for a chance to win.

1st Prize: Apple iPad Pro, 2nd Prize: $500 Rebel Voucher, 3rd Prize: Fitbit Versa 2, 4th Prize: JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker, 5th Prize: JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker --(Drawn: Monday 19 December) - Tickets available at the front office.

Scholastic Book Fair

READ - GROW - INSPIRE HELPERS NEEDED

Our Annual Scholastic Book Fair occurs this term. August 7th to August 11th.

We are asking for Parent/s to run this event.

CAN YOU HELP??

Monday, 7th August to Friday, 11th August  from 8.30 am to 9.15 am

Monday, 7th August to Friday, 11th August from 2.45 pm to 3.30pm 

If you would like to do this could you please let the school office as soon as possible.

The school number is 0266 741 368.

Book Parade

Book Parade- Monday 21st August- Come dressed as your favourite book character

National Science Week

We will be holding a science fair to celebrate National Science Week in week 5. The Science fair will be held on Thursday 17th August. This is an optional activity for students. If students wish to participate, they may work in groups or individually and prepare a display, experiment, presentation or poster showing a scientific idea. The theme for this year is innovation powering future industries. Projects do not have to fit the theme, however judges will look favourably on those projects that do fit the theme. Students must nominate what they are doing and return their nomination form to Mrs Hawkins by 4th August. All students who have elected to participate should have brought home a note. If you think your child may like to participate and they did not collect a note, please ask them to contact Mrs Hawkins in year 1. The note contains all the important information relating to the Science Fair.

Learning Partnership Conferences

St Anthony’s Learning and Teaching goal is for students to be assessment capable learners; gain clarity in their learning and develop assessment capabilities to maximise their learning potential.

This year, through an Inquiry approach we are changing the structure of our parent/ teacher meetings. Instead of the regular approach we are implementing Learning Partnership Conferences.

The conferences will be held during weeks 3 & 4 of term three.

These meetings will be designed as student led conferences in collaboration with parents and teachers.

Students will prepare for their conferences (with teacher support) by selecting and sharing evidence of their learning and learning goals.

During the conference parents and teachers will be invited to clarify goals and reflect on ways to support the students' learning journey.

Research suggests that a student-led approach encourages students to think critically about their own learning and to seek feedback.  It also provides a sense of ownership leading to assessment capabilities to maximise their learning potential.

In addition, the Learning Partnership Conferences also foster a collaborative relationship between parents, teachers and students, ensuring that all parties are involved in the process of learning and supporting the student's growth.

We believe that this approach to parent/teacher meetings will not only engage students more deeply in their learning but also support their development as assessment capable learners, thus enhancing their overall educational experience.

We will seek feedback from parents, students and teachers leading up to and following the conferences to gain insights and find ways to further enhance this approach as we continually strive to improve student outcomes.

Social Media: Are They Old Enough?

Social Media: Are They Old Enough?

While the internet offers incredible opportunities for children to access information and connect with others, it's important for parents to teach them how to navigate online environments safely. Without proper supervision and understanding of concepts like privacy, children may face negative experiences that can impact their well-being.

Wait Till 13

One common question that arises is when your child should have a social media account.

Most social media platforms, including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook, require users to be at least 13 years old to register. Following these guidelines, we recommend that no primary-aged child should have their own social media account. As a school community, we kindly request that you protect your child by allowing them to access social media only under your account and supervision.

After they are 13, take into account your child’s:

• Maturity
• Resilience
• Understanding of the impacts of social media.

Saying No

Safeguarding your child's confidence and self-worth during their primary school years is crucial, and social media can have negative consequences on your child’s developing identity. We encourage you not to let the online environment distort this important phase of their development. Stay strong and resist the pressure to introduce your child to social media when they are too young.

Together, let's empower our children to explore the digital world safely while preserving their well-being and fostering a positive sense of self.

Learn about the latest games, apps and social media use for children in The esafety Guide.

2023 Non-Government Schools Census

Seasons for Growth

Dear Parent/Caregiver
The ‘Seasons for Growth’ program offers children who have experienced grief, loss or change in their lives the opportunity to talk to other children, of similar age, in a small group about their similar experiences.
‘Seasons’ was initially launched over 20 years ago and there is evidence indicating the program makes a very positive contribution to the social and emotional wellbeing of thousands of children and young people in Australia and overseas.
With the framework ‘Seasons’ provides, children are encouraged to focus on what they can do to make these changes or losses easier to live with. Each group operates with a trained adult companion, during school hours, on a weekly basis for about ten weeks.
St Anthony’s is very pleased to be able to offer this program again in our school and will commence in week 5.  If you feel your child would benefit from ‘Seasons’ please complete the attached return slip.
Yours sincerely
Lynne Pull
Principal
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ------------
Seasons for Growth
I/we give permission for my child  _______________________ to participate in the      ‘Seasons’ Program
Signed    ……………………………………………………………. Date …………………………..

DOES attendance matter?

MISC ITEMS

Hea

Nutrional Snippets

Have you seen our Nutrition Snippets? 

Nutrition Snippets are bite-sized nutrition tips, facts and recipes designed to be used within newsletters. 

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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 5:00pm
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/

RICA - Rite of Chrisitan Initiation of Adults

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