Newsletter Term 1 Week 3 (16.2.24)

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents

This morning we were treated to some outstanding speeches delivered by Year 6 students who are putting themselves forward for School Captain. What a credit to our school and to their families these young people are! I really was impressed with the calibre of the speeches and the demeanour of these 17 students’ presentations. Today students from Years 3 – 6 and staff have been voting for school captains and sports house captains as well as the other areas. Leaders will be announced next week. Students will receive their badges at our whole school Mass on Thursday at 9.00am. Parents are warmly welcomed to join us on this occasion.

Congratulations to those students who qualified to represent our school at the zone swimming carnival to be held in Murwillumbah on Monday. I am sure they will give it their all. Students are reminded to be on time for the bus on Monday.

Thank you to those parents who sent along a batch of pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, or who donated some spreads for the pancakes. I think everyone had their fill! The day ran quite smoothly without us having to do the cooking this year so we are very appreciative of the support we received.

Ash Wednesday commences the season of Lent. During Lent we are reminded to turn back to God through prayer and fasting and to consider those less fortunate than ourselves. On Ash Wednesday we all receive the ashes on our foreheads which is a reminder of our immortality and hopefully inspires us to be better people. Lent lasts for 40 days and leads to the great feast of Easter. All students in years 2, 3 and 4 have received a Project Compassion box are encouraged to raise funds and bring their boxes back to school before the end of Term. Students in Kindergarten, year 1, 5 and 6 are encouraged to contribute to the large Project Compassion boxes on their class prayer tables, at the canteen or in the office for those in need.  At school we will continually encourage students to show the Spirit of Jesus in the way they interact with others. I will include a special FAST we might consider during this Lenten season in this newsletter.

Our Leadership Team has completed our Annual Plan for the year setting out our goals and some of the specific things we intend to focus on. You will find these goals included in the newsletter. We shared this with parents at the first Parent Forum meeting held during the week. The next Parent Forum meeting will be held on Tuesday 12^th March at 5.00pm. We hope to have a guest speaker at this meeting.

We will be conducting Learning Partnership Conferences during Weeks 5 & 6 of this term. You will receive a Compass invite shortly. Parents will meet with their child and his/her teachers. During this session individual goals will be set for the student where they will talk about their strengths and areas they could be working on or improving in. Teachers and parents will assist students with this. There will be some time for parents to speak with teachers only in these time-slots. Research is showing us that students need to be more involved in determining their learning goals, hence why we have gone down this path.

A gentle reminder that if you need assistance with strapping your child into their car-seats of an afternoon to please come a little later so that we can keep the traffic flowing. Thank you for not using the church carpark for drop-offs and pick-ups.

Please remind your children to be kind and caring towards others and to include others in their play. If your child is experiencing any difficulties with their peers at play time, please let the teachers know so that they can keep an eye on things.

You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him.

Lynne

Pope Francis special Lenten fast

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

Fast from worries and have trust in God.

Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.

Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

Important Dates & School Information

Term 1 2024

Monday, 19th February - Zone Swimming Carnival

Thursday, 22nd February - Leadership Whole School Mass - 9 am

Friday, 23rd February - AFL Trials Grafton

Friday, 1st March - Dio Swimming Carnival

Wednesday, 6th March - DIO WST Hockey

Friday, 8th March - Dio WST Netball, Soccer, Rugby League

Friday, 8th March - Tweed Choir Day

Sunday, 10th March - Commitment MASS Reconciliation

Tuesday, 12 March - Parent Forum Meeting 5-6 pm

Wednesday, 20  March - Sacrament of Reconciliation 6pm

Monday, 1 April - Easter Monday - no school

Tuesday 2nd April 2024 - Pupil Free Day/ Staff Professional Learning Day

Friday, 5th April - Cross Country

Monday 8th April to Friday, 12th April - Catholic Schools Week

Tuesday, 9th April - Family Forum Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Wednesday, 10th  April - Whole School Mass Catholic Schools Week

Wednesday, 10th April to Friday, 12th April - Year 5 camp

Thursday, 11th April to Friday, 12th April - PSSA Swimming

Monday, 15th April - Friday, 26th April - Term 1 School holidays

Monday, 29th April - Pupil Free Day

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

The Language of Feelings

In praying the examen, we reflect on these various feelings. Consolation and desolation are not rarefied spiritual states: they are feelings and moods that we experience all the time. We often push them out of our awareness as we go about the business of our day. In the examen we look at them carefully. Where has God been in our day? We find him in those times when we have felt happy, joyous, and at peace. We also find him in times of anxiety and sadness, because we need God at those times.

What we do and how we think are of great consequence. But first we ask how we feel. There, “in the depths of our affectivity,” we find the Holy Spirit powerfully moving us.

Excerpted from A Simple Life-Changing Prayer by Jim Manney (pp. 43-44)

We Remember At This Time…

As we start this Lenten season, we embrace our various traditions, like perhaps focusing on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in whatever way we can. We take time to remember and pray for those who cannot practice their faith publicly. Those who are persecuted for following the Gospel and who long for the religious freedoms that perhaps we begrudgingly take for granted. Lord, we thank you for all the gifts you have given us. Amen.

https://sacredspace.com/

Message from Assistant Principal - Gemma Ballatine - Mission

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Yesterday Compass communication went out for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is for any child Baptised Catholic in Year 4 or above.

There will be a family Workshop on the night of Tuesday, February 27 at 6pm in the St Anthony's School Hall. You also have the option of attending the night at St Ambrose Pottsville on Monday the 26th at 6pm in the Year 4 Classrooms.

Please note that attendance is COMPULSORY. If you are unable to attend either night, you will need to contact the school.

There is a Commitment Mass for the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the weekend of March 9/ 10. You can attend any of the Masses in the Parish of St Anthony's over the weekend.

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation will be on the evening of Tuesday, March 19 at 6pm at St Anthony's Church.

If you require further information, please contact Gemma Ballantine via the Office.

Lenten Prayer Group

Today we had a number of students and staff attend our first Lenten Prayer Group. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to pray together, despite the rain and accompanying busyness of puddles, umbrellas and the Yr 6 Leadership Speeches. This week’s theme is ‘Wilderness’. In Mark’s Gospel this Sunday (Mk 1:12-15) we hear about Jesus going into the wilderness to pray and connect with God. We were asked to ponder the following in the week ahead:

1. Do you find Lent a time of greater encounter with God than other times of year?  Why/why not? 
2. What are the greatest distractions in your life that draw you away from God and the things of God? 
3. Where have you experienced God’s compassion through “angels” that ministered to you in hard times?

All St Anthony’s staff, families and Stage 3 students are invited to join our Lenten Prayer Group, which is held every Friday in the School Library from 8:20- 8:40am.

Leadership Mass this Thursday

This Thursday, February 22, we will have a whole school Mass and induct the 2024 School Leaders. All families are very welcome to attend at 9am in the St Anthony’s Church. The Year 6 students gave some very polished and well-delivered speeches this morning and it will be difficult for staff and students to choose only one girl and boy, with so many quality applicants. Furthermore, these students lead beautifully every day, regardless of whether a teacher is looking. We are so proud of our Year 6 students and we know that they will lead our students beautifully, whether they are voted in as school captain or not.

Project Compassion 2024

Sports News

Polding Basketball Trials

Congratulations to Harper Gallagher of Year 6 who represented the Lismore Diocese at the Polding basketball trials in Coffs Harbour on Friday 9th February. 

Well done for being a fantastic representative for St Anthony’s against some tough opposition. 

AFL

NAB AFL Auskick is back at our club! Registrations are open and we can't wait to see you at Kingscliff Dolphins JAFC Auskick!

 Starting Thursday 7th March at Merv Edwards Field, Kingscliff for 8 weeks! Only $90 and you get an amazing benefits pack. 

Click here to register and become a Dolphins Auskicker! Registration Link - https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/d3b799

Important Community Notice: Proposed Bottle Shop Application Across from School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are reaching out to inform you about a matter that directly impacts our school community and the wellbeing of our children. It has come to our attention that an application has been submitted for the establishment of a bottle shop directly across from our school on Pearl Street. Our bus bay regularly has vehicles illegally parked, making Pearl Street very hazardous for buses in the afternoons.

As you are aware, the proximity of alcohol outlets to educational institutions can raise concerns regarding the safety and welfare of our students. While we respect the rights of business owners to operate within legal parameters, we also have a responsibility to voice our concerns and advocate for the best interests of our school community.

In response to this proposed development, we are asking parents and guardians to register their objections. A QR code has been installed in the shopfront, which allows you to easily scan and submit your objection to the proposal. Your participation in this process is vital in demonstrating the strength of community sentiment, ensuring that our concerns are heard by the relevant authorities. Alternatively, use the link https://www.bsv.com.au/our-firm/cis-survey/ 

We encourage you to take a moment to scan the QR code and register your objection, if you share our concerns about the potential impact of the proposed bottle shop on the safety and wellbeing of our children. Your involvement can make a significant difference in shaping the outcome of this application and safeguarding the interests of our school community.

Please rest assured that we will continue to monitor this situation closely and keep you informed of any developments. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your ongoing support in maintaining a safe and conducive environment for our students to thrive.

COVID

There are cases of COVID in the school- both students and staff. Please keep your child home if they are sick and showing flu symptons. Please remind your children to wash their hands frequently.

Invitation to “Safe on Social” Parent presentation

Invitation to “Safe on Social” Parent presentation- Monday 4 March 6:15pm at St Joseph's College Banora Point

Dear Parents/carers,

I hope this finds you well.

Monday 4 March, Safe on Social will be coming to present a parent presentation at Joseph's College Banora Point. This evening has been opened up to parents of our school as well. The evening starts at 6:15 pm NSW Times at St Josephs's College in their COLA, the evening will consist of a parent presentation and a Q&A session. 

Some information about the evening:

If you are concerned about your children’s safety on social media and looking for the answers but not sure where to turn, this session delivers real-life case studies and strategies to help parents support their children.

Topics in the evening session for parents are not limited too, but cover the following:

• Online safety and using social media with awareness.
• What you signed up for – we explain terms and conditions of use and what they mean.
• Keeping your personal information private.
• Sexting and image-based abuse and the law. (Age-appropriate).
• Online stranger danger and what grooming might look like and what to do.
• Cyber-bullying, online harassment, and how to report it.
• Known scams, hoaxes, deepfake, fake news, and misinformation.
• Group Chats and strategies to manage them better.
• Identity theft.
• Legal responsibilities.
• Privacy settings.
• Online gaming safety.
• Strategies to build resilience
• Posting and sharing photos and the law.
• Respectful online relationships and consent.
• How to create a positive digital footprint.

The presenter will also cover the most popular social media apps and trends what they are, how they work, security, and privacy tips for safe use as we know “don’t” doesn’t work.

If you would like to attend the evening, we ask you to complete the simple RSVP via this link. 

Please note due to content this is an 18+ only session for parents and as a result children under this age are unable to attend. 

Any questions regarding the parent presentations please feel free to contact Mathew Lynch at St Joseph's College Banora Point. 

Kind regards

Nutrition & Physical Activity

Child Safeguarding Commitment

Misc items

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: 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/

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