Newsletter Term 2 Week 1, 2.5.2025

Principal's News

Dear Jesus

As we begin a new term, we give you our school. We give you all the teachers and staff who work here, we give you all the children who learn and play here as part of our parish school family. We pray our school will be place of growing, adventure and creativity. May it be a place where we love to learn and where we learn to love, a place where everyone is respected and valued, a place where the risen Christ is visible through everything that we do.

We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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.

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.

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.

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 7^th 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
• Wednesday 14th May- Year 2 Tropical Fruit World Excursion
• 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
• Thursday 22nd May - 3-6 Mass 9am
  

Week 5, Term 2, 2025-Reconciliation Week

• Monday 26th May - 2:15pm School Assembly
• Monday 26th May- 5:30pm Parent Community Group Meeting
• Monday 26th May- National Sorry Day
• Thursday 29th May - K-2 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

• Thursday 5^th June - Griffith University Stem Challenge
• Thursday 5th June - 3-6 Mass 9am
• Friday 6^th June - Wildfire
• Friday 6^th June - AFL Gala Day
• Sunday 8th June- Pentecost Sunday

Week 7, Term 2, 2025

• Monday 9th June - Public Holiday
• Tuesday 10^th June - Pupil Free Day
• Thursday 12th June - K-2 Mass 9am
• Friday 13th June- St Anthony's Feast Day

Week 8, Term 2, 2025

• Monday 16th June - 2:15pm School Assembly
• Monday 16^th June - Class Public Speaking Competition begins
• Thursday 19th June - 3-6 Mass 9am
• Friday 20^th June - NAIDOC Celebrations

Week 9, Term 2, 2025

1. Tuesday 24th June - Athletics Carnival 
2. Thursday 26th June - K-2 Mass 9am
3.  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 Narrators Night
• Thursday 4th  July - 3-6 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

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.

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.

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.

ANZAC DAY

Thank you to students, staff and families who supported our school at the local ANZAC Day march. We certainly turned out in good numbers and it is always special to come together as a school community to support those who have served our country. Even though the weather was not on our side, I was incredibly proud of all our children for the way in which they represented themselves and our school. 

They sacrificed their tomorrow, so that we can live our today! 

Next weekend we celebrate and give thanks for all the women who gave us life. 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.

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

Our children will be busy making special gifts and cards at school as a sign of their love and appreciation for everything that you do for them. These cards and gifts will replace the traditional gifts that have previously been purchased from the stall.

Canteen- Due to Mother's Day Breakfast, there will be no canteen on Friday 9th May. Canteen will be open on Thursday 8th May instead.

MISSION NEWS

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.

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.

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. 

COMMUNITY 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